Chapter 13 : The Omen’s Lessons

Chapter 13: The Omen's Lessons

The first rays of dawn filtered through the dense forest canopy, casting golden streaks over Ling Huai's resting form. The cave she had claimed for shelter was cool and dim, a welcome refuge from the harsh wilderness. She stirred slightly, her body protesting after a night of relentless training, but she ignored the ache. There was no time for weakness.

She sat up, rubbing her eyes before stretching her sore limbs. A soft rustling sound alerted her to Bai Feng, the silver fox, curled beside her with his tail wrapped around himself like a ball of fur. The Omen, as usual, had perched himself atop a flat rock, watching her with unreadable violet eyes. His sleek black fur gleamed even in the dim cave light, his tail swaying lazily.

Ignoring their gazes, she stepped outside, inhaling the crisp dew morning air. The scent of damp earth, fresh leaves, and distant water reached her, stirring a deep unknowingly craving to cleanse herself. She had traveled far, fought hard, and trained even harder— of course her body ached for the cool embrace of flowing water.

Following the sound of cascading liquid, she moved through the dense trees until she found herself standing before a beautiful waterfall. It was hidden between thick clusters of rock, partially concealed by moss-covered stones and vines. Mist swirled in the air, and the water was crystalline and pure, pooled into a tranquil basin below. The sight alone made her sigh in relief.

Ling Huai shed her outer robe and stepped into the pool, at first, hissing at the cold that bit at her skin. She adjusted quickly, allowing the water to wash away the grime of travel and battle. Droplets clung to her dark hair, trailing down her back in rivulets as she submerged herself completely.

She emerged, tilting her face upward, letting the gentle spray from the falls kiss her skin. The moment of peace was rare, and she savored it, even as she knew it wouldn't last.

After cleansing herself, she set to work. She had survived another day, but that meant she had to prepare for another night. Food, firewood, and shelter maintenance were all necessities.

She moved swiftly through the underbrush, collecting dry wood. Her keen eyes scanned the area for useful plants, and soon she came across a familiar scent—pepper leaf. Its distinct, spicy aroma filled her senses as she plucked a few fresh leaves. Not far from it, she noticed a patch of salty soil, a natural mineral deposit she could use for seasoning. She dug out a small handful, storing it in a cloth pouch.

To complete her collection, she searched for wild sesame. A few drops of its extracted oil would enhance the flavor of her meal, and after some effort, she found the dark seeds hidden beneath a bush, ripe for use, she was indeed lucky today, she thought.

With her ingredients secured, she made her way back to camp, where Bai Feng and the Omen were waiting. The silver fox yawned, his sharp teeth glinting in the light, while the Omen merely flicked his tail and licked his paw.

"Are you done scavenging?" The Omen asked, his tone laced with amusement.

She ignored him and focused on preparing her meal. She had caught a fish earlier from a nearby stream when she was in the waterfall area and had set it aside. Now, with her gathered ingredients, she cleaned it thoroughly with some salty soil, rubbing the pepper leaves over its scales before sprinkling the salty soil. With careful hands, she dripped a few drops of sesame oil over the flesh, letting the natural flavors soak in.

After skewering the fish on a sharpened stick, she set it over the bonfire she had built last night. The scent of roasting meat filled the air, and even Bai Feng, normally composed, watched with interest.

As the fish cooked, she turned to her two beasts. "What now?" she asked.

The Omen tilted his head, his violet eyes gleaming with mischief. " Some delicious food finally, you are the best tamer" he said while licking his mouth. After some seconds he sighed and said "Grow stronger."

She raised an eyebrow. "That's obvious."

"So that the hunters don't kill you," he continued lazily, stretching his paws before leaping down from his rock. He met her gaze, his expression suddenly serious. "You lack proper techniques. I'll teach you something in exchange for five strands of qi."

She stiffened. "You're still leeching off me?"

The Omen smirked. "You're getting something valuable in return. It's a fair trade."

Ling Huai considered him for a long moment before exhaling. "What kind of technique?"

"A rare one," he mused, circling around her. "Ancient monarch skills."

Her pulse quickened. "Go on."

"The ability to communicate with beasts without forming a contract," he said smoothly. "And… if you're compatible, the ability to communicate with plants as well."

She froze.

He continued, his voice dripping with temptation. "That's not all. You'll also learn power-sharing—linking with multiple beasts simultaneously. It's nearly impossible for ordinary tamers, but not for you."

Ling Huai clenched her fists. Power-sharing. That meant amplifying the strength of her beasts while drawing from their abilities as well. A technique that could turn the tide in any battle.

"And martial arts?" she asked.

The Omen's smirk deepened. "A style based on serpents—fluid, unpredictable movements. A panther's strike—sharp, deadly, precise. You'll learn to fight like a beast itself."

She had already made her decision before he finished speaking. "Fine."

Bai Feng, who had been silent all this time, flicked his ears. "I'll train as well."

The Omen chuckled. "Of course, The fish is ready let's eat", he said.

They ate with satisfied smiles and then she prepared herself for her training.

Then, she threw herself into training.

Day and night, she cultivated, sharpening her techniques. She ventured deeper into the forest, finding a second cave near a hidden waterfall. There, she carved out her own space, reinforcing the shelter with branches and dried leaves. She had no luxury, only necessity.

The Omen drilled the techniques into her relentlessly. She practiced linking her qi with Bai Feng, then the Omen himself. At first, it was excruciating, like trying to grasp threads of lightning. But with time, she learned control. She could feel Bai Feng's agility pulsing through her limbs, the Omen's shadowy presence merging with her own.

She practiced martial forms, her movements fluid yet fierce. Her strikes mimicked a tiger's swiftness, her footwork as elusive as a serpent's coil. She honed her ability to speak with beasts, focusing her intent, willing herself to understand their unspoken words.

Every muscle ached, every breath burned like hell, but she did not stop. She would not stop.

And when she finally lay down one night, staring at the stars through the cracks in the cave's ceiling, she exhaled a slow, measured breath.

For the first time, she did not feel powerless.

She was changing.

And soon, the world would know it too.