The Ripples Of Progress
The early morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and pine as Wang Shi resumed his training. His limbs ached from yesterday's exertion, but he welcomed the soreness. It was proof that he was moving forward, however slowly.
He positioned himself at the center of the stone platform, inhaling deeply as he settled into a stance. Bai Lu had left behind detailed instructions—not just on techniques but on how to feel the energy around him rather than force it.
Last night had been a breakthrough, but it was not enough.
He closed his eyes and slowed his breath, reaching for that faint pulse he had barely grasped before.
At first, nothing.
Then, a flicker. A sensation that was neither touch nor sound, yet unmistakably real. It was like standing at the edge of an unseen current, the energy flowing around him but not yet through him.
Wang Shi focused, adjusting his breathing to match the rhythm of the pulse.
Steady. Let it come to you.
Minutes passed, stretching into what felt like eternity. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he maintained his concentration. The longer he reached for it, the clearer it became—like the world itself was breathing alongside him.
Then, something shifted.
A rush of warmth coursed through his body, faint but undeniable. The spiritual energy did not explode into him like he had imagined, but rather, it wove through his limbs like a whisper.
His eyes snapped open.
The world felt different. The air around him was more alive, and for the first time, he sensed the presence of things he could not see before—the subtle fluctuations in the wind, the faint hum of power buried in the earth.
He had done it.
A slow smile crept onto his lips. It was only a small step, but it was progress.
Just as he was about to attempt drawing the energy inward, a sudden disturbance broke his focus.
The birds in the nearby trees scattered, their cries sharp against the silence of the morning.
Wang Shi's instincts flared. Something—or someone—was approaching.
He turned toward the treeline, scanning the shadows between the trees. His heart pounded, but he forced himself to remain still, recalling Bai Lu's advice.
Do not react without understanding. Let the situation unfold.
A moment later, a figure emerged from the forest. Cloaked, hooded, and moving with deliberate intent.
Wang Shi's breath caught.
Whoever this was, they were not here by accident.
The figure stopped a few paces away, their head tilting slightly—as if assessing him. Then, in a low, measured voice, they spoke:
"You are not as helpless as they believe."
Wang Shi tensed. "Who are you?"
The figure ignored the question, instead taking another step forward. "She has been shielding you. But she cannot protect you from what is coming."
A chill ran down Wang Shi's spine.
This person knew about Bai Lu.
And they knew about him.
His fingers twitched, instinctively wanting to reach for a weapon—except he had none. He had only just begun sensing energy, and Bai Lu had yet to teach him any techniques. If this turned into a fight, he was woefully unprepared.
The figure studied him for a long moment before speaking again.
"I will return when you are ready."
Then, without another word, they turned and disappeared back into the forest, their presence vanishing like mist in the wind.
Wang Shi remained frozen in place, his mind racing.
Who were they? How had they found him? And more importantly…
What did they mean by 'what is coming'?
He exhaled slowly, steadying himself. One thing was certain.
His training was no longer just about strength.
It was about survival.
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