The Path Forward

Wang Shi stood at the edge of the training ground, his breathing steady despite the strain in his limbs. He had spent days refining his control over Breath of Flowing Qi, pushing himself to maintain its flow even in motion.

But it wasn't enough.

Bai Lu's absence left a strange void, yet he refused to let it slow him down. She had left him with a task, and he would complete it.

The wind stirred around him as he adjusted his stance. If he couldn't perfect his movement through normal practice, then he would have to force himself into a harsher trial.

He faced the lake.

Water was unpredictable, shifting with the slightest disturbance. If he could maintain his balance while moving across it, then he was truly integrating his cultivation into his body.

Taking a deep breath, he focused his energy, allowing it to circulate. Then, he stepped forward—onto the water.

For a moment, the surface held beneath him.

Then, he sank.

Cold water swallowed him, and he resurfaced with a sharp breath, frustrated but undeterred. He swam back to shore, exhaling slowly.

Again.

He focused, stepping forward once more. This time, he lasted longer—two steps before the energy wavered, and he fell again.

He repeated the process over and over, adjusting his control. Hours passed, the sun moving toward the horizon. His muscles burned, his mind wavered, but each attempt carried him farther.

By nightfall, he took six steps before sinking.

Not perfect. But progress.

As he sat on the shore, catching his breath, his gaze drifted toward the darkened forest. Bai Lu was still out there, facing something unknown.

He didn't know when she would return.

But when she did, he intended to stand before her not as someone waiting for guidance…

…but as someone who had carved his own path forward.

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