Within the mountain cavern, great drops of sweat formed upon LaUhta''s brow as his hands traced mysterious gestures in the air, striving to guide the surging "One" within him to concentrate at his fingertips. When at last a feeble wisp of black essence manifested between his fingers, it swiftly receded like the ebbing tide. The thirty-seventh attempt, the thirty-seventh failure.


    "Why can I not master this way?" LaUhta sighed deeply and sank down upon the cold stone floor. His voice carried the unmistakable weight of weariness, and the furrows upon his brow had deepened with each passing day. For many months, he had meditated in the depths of the cavern, practiced beside the murmuring stream, and gazed upon the star-strewn heavens in the night, attempting through various means to establish communion with the mysterious "One" within his body, yet progress remained elusive.


    The "One" within him grew ever stronger, yet remained untamed as a wild stallion, fierce and unbridled. He could effortlessly lift boulders that ordinary men could scarcely move, leap across wide mountain ravines in a single bound, and perceive the whisper of winds in distant forests, yet he could not guide the "One" to flow according to his will even by the smallest measure. This contradiction—possessing boundless power yet lacking control—slowly eroded his patience like a subtle poison.


    One evening, after yet another fruitless attempt, LaUhta sat wearily upon a smooth blue stone beside the stream, his gaze unfocused as he watched the water splash and dance. The autumn wind brought a chill to the air, while the remnants of sunset skipped across the water''s surface like countless fragments of scattered gold, a beauty that would steal one''s breath, yet it could not soothe the restlessness within his heart.


    "I shall rest this day," he sighed, deciding to set aside his fixation on the "One" and allow his spirit a brief respite.


    Suddenly, a flash of silver broke the water''s surface as several fish frolicked near the shore, their scales gleaming with enticing luster in the waning light. LaUhta''s gaze sharpened, his pupils contracted slightly, and his arm shot into the water with the swiftness of an arrow loosed from the string. In the blink of an eye, a plump carp struggled mightily in his grasp, its silver scales shimmering gloriously in the sunset.


    "Long have I gone without roasted fish; today presents a fine opportunity," LaUhta murmured to himself, his mood brightening somewhat.


    With practiced hands he prepared the fish, fetched suitable bamboo stems from a nearby grove, and fashioned a simple roasting frame. He placed the fish within a split bamboo tube along with salt grains from his pouch and wild herbs gathered from the mountains, securing it carefully with thin bamboo strips, then began to roast it over a gentle fire.


    "The heat is the key—too fierce and it burns, too weak and it remains raw," LaUhta focused intently on controlling the flames, ensuring the fish would roast evenly. Before long, the enticing aroma of roasting fish spread throughout the mountain clearing, carried by the wind into the distance. The surface of the bamboo tube had turned faintly golden, and the fragrance of the fish grew ever more alluring, enough to make one''s mouth water in anticipation.


    In this moment, he was no longer a struggling "Tao Seedling," but merely an ordinary man taking pleasure in the simple joys of life, attending with care to his cooking.


    A barely perceptible rustling of leaves came from the nearby forest, footfalls light as those of an elf. LaUhta raised his head sharply, greatly astonished—how had his extraordinarily keen senses, heightened since touching the "One," failed to detect this approach? It seemed impossible! He could hear the winds from leagues away, sense the slightest changes in the air currents, even foretell the coming of storms, yet he had received no warning of this newcomer.


    A splash of brilliant red, bright as flame, flickered among the trees, like a flower suddenly blooming in darkness.


    "The fragrance of this roasted fish is truly irresistible."


    The clear, melodious voice was like a mountain spring in the quiet forest, carrying a touch of liveliness and innocence. Nuwa emerged gracefully from the shadows of the trees, her vibrant red dress burning like fire in the twilight, creating a stark contrast with the natural surroundings. Her countenance, appearing no older than fourteen summers, looked especially radiant in the waning sunlight, her amber eyes sparkling with curiosity and joy. Upon her delicate oval face, skin white as the finest jade, two symmetrical moles beneath her eyes served as heaven''s subtle adornment, adding a measure of mystery and unique charm.


    Her steps were light, scarcely disturbing the grass and foliage beneath her feet, yet it seemed as though she wrote an invisible poem with every movement. Her long dress billowed in the wind as though alive, dancing like an active flame. Unlike LaUhta''s calm and reserved demeanor, Nuwa emanated a lively and elusive aura, as though she belonged not to this mortal realm but to some more mysterious dimension.


    "What now? Have you become so entranced in roasting fish that you failed to notice my arrival?" The maiden''s lips curved upward, her voice betraying playfulness and a hint of mischief, like a small fox that had captured its prey.


    Nuwa approached the fire with light steps, her amber eyes fixed upon the bamboo tube that emitted such tempting aromas, her gaze revealing undisguised desire. She crouched down, inhaled deeply, and her face took on an expression of delight.


    "The fragrance of this fish is truly exquisite. Fish roasted over bamboo fire preserves the essence of its freshness while imparting a delicate bamboo aroma. What seasonings have you used? I detect wild herbs—were they gathered from these mountains?"


    LaUhta finally recovered his composure and nodded slightly: "Merely some herbs gathered from the mountains and salt, common things." He studied the young woman who had appeared so suddenly, his expression showing both wariness and irrepressible curiosity. "Who are you, maiden? Why do you wander alone in these remote mountains? This wilderness sees few travelers, being far from the common paths."


    Nuwa elegantly arranged her wind-blown red dress, a mysterious smile playing at the corners of her mouth: "I am Nuwa of the Hyht tribe, dispatched by the Heaven''s Path to deliver tidings to the Lagu tribe." Her tone was light and confident, like a mountain bird in early morning, yet it carried undeniable authority and power. "Hearing that a new ''Tao Seedling'' had emerged among the Lagu people, I followed the essence and found my way here, though I did not expect to encounter such marvelous fish fragrance first."


    Her gaze lingered upon LaUhta for a moment, sharp as a sword: "You must be LaUhta, who has touched the ''One''? Your essence is extraordinary, the waves of the ''One'' within you flow like the tides—truly your reputation is not without merit."


    LaUhta''s heart surged like the tempestuous sea. The Heaven''s Path—that mysterious organization established by Torht, which oversaw the distribution of the mystical elixir and all matters great and small throughout the continent of Mu. If this red-dressed maiden was indeed an emissary of the Heaven''s Path, she must be a true "Tao." Behind her youthful appearance surely lay one who had mastered the "One," halted the advance of age, and attained eternal youth—a being of great power.


    The aroma of the roasting fish grew ever more enticing. LaUhta gently turned the bamboo tube, and amber fish oil dripped into the fire, producing a tempting sizzle.


    "It is a great honor to receive an emissary of the Heaven''s Path," LaUhta said with a slight bow, his tone respectful yet not subservient. "Beyond delivering tidings, does Lady Nuwa bring any guidance?"


    He paused briefly, struggling inwardly before deciding to reveal his concerns: "Though I touched the ''One'' many months ago, I remain unable to guide its flow as I wish. It is as though I hold a priceless treasure yet know not how to use it. Might Lady Nuwa have counsel to offer?"


    Nuwa smiled slightly: "Let us first partake of this delicious roasted fish, then speak of these matters at leisure." Her gaze returned to the bamboo tube, her eyes sparkling with undisguised anticipation. "It appears ready now, and the smell is truly enticing. Might I have the honor of tasting it?"


    LaUhta carefully removed the bamboo tube from the fire, and upon opening it, golden-crisp fish was revealed. He took a clean cloth from his belt, spread it upon the flat stone between them, and placed the roasted fish upon it. The skin was golden and crisp, yet the flesh remained tender and juicy, its aroma spreading in all directions.


    Nuwa eagerly took a small piece of fish and placed it in her mouth. As soon as it touched her tongue, her eyes brightened like stars: "Marvelous! Truly a mortal delight! Crisp outside and tender within, fragrant without being heavy, the bamboo and fish essences perfectly combined—truly extraordinary. Your culinary skill would put even the most renowned chefs of Mu to shame."


    LaUhta smiled faintly, the weight upon his brow seeming to lighten somewhat. He too tasted his creation and nodded with satisfaction, having achieved the perfect degree of heat.


    As Nuwa savored the fish, she thoughtfully observed LaUhta, her gaze keen and penetrating, as though she could perceive the flow and changes of the "One" within him.


    "Interesting, truly interesting," Nuwa suddenly spoke, her tone revealing surprise and genuine curiosity. "LaUhta, do you know what level the ''One'' within you has reached?"


    LaUhta looked at her quizzically, his brow furrowing slightly: "I know not what Lady Nuwa means."


    Nuwa elegantly wiped her slender fingers and smiled: "The ''One'' within you surpasses that of any ''Tao Seedling'' I have encountered, flowing like a mighty river, yet without banks to guide it." Her voice was like a bubbling mountain spring, clear and pleasing to the ear. "Typically, a ''Tao Seedling'' must first learn to transform the Ethereal Origin into the ''One,'' then gradually increase the amount within the body through years of accumulation, thus changing the physical form—like building a house, one must first lay a foundation, then raise the walls brick by brick."


    She tilted her head, her eyes glimmering with amusement: "Yet you seem to have never heard of restraint, allowing the ''One'' to fill your entire being, like a flood breaking through a dam, rushing forth unchecked."


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    She laughed softly: "Your situation is like one who receives a plot of fertile land yet has never learned to farm. Unable to perform even the simplest act of sowing seeds, yet expecting to reap a bountiful harvest to feed the entire tribe."


    LaUhta''s expression grew thoughtful, his brow slightly creased: "No wonder I cannot control the flow of the ''One''... it is because I have never truly understood its nature, yet sought to master it."


    Nuwa picked up a piece of golden-crisp fish and asked mischievously: "Tell me, how do you control the heat when roasting fish? Do you first build a fierce fire without care for consequence, or do you gradually adjust it to the perfect degree?"


    LaUhta suddenly understood, turning his gaze toward the still-burning fire, its flames gently swaying in the night wind, light and shadow shifting.


    "I see now," LaUhta nodded slowly, his voice deep and resolute. "It is like roasting fish—if the fire is too strong at the beginning, the outside burns while the inside remains raw, losing all flavor; if too weak, the flavors cannot penetrate, missing the true essence. Mastering the ''One'' is likewise not achieved in a single step but requires gradual progress, like watering a great tree—one must neither pour in a flood nor be miserly with drops." His eyes shone with new understanding and determination. "I believe I was too eager, trying to control the ''One'' without truly comprehending its nature, like one who would tame a horse without understanding its spirit, inviting only resistance."


    "Precisely so," Nuwa''s voice was clear as a morning stream, carrying satisfaction and approval. "Consciousness is the foundation for transforming the Ethereal Origin. Ordinary people cannot perceive the Ethereal Origin, naturally they cannot guide its transformation; but those who can become ''Tao'' are those whose consciousness can touch and guide this transformation."


    She elegantly extended her hand, her slender finger lightly touching LaUhta''s chest, like adding the final dot to a masterful painting. "Your insight touches the essence. Consciousness not only guides transformation but can also control the ''One''s'' direction and purpose. This is the key to mastery."


    Nuwa paced around LaUhta, her red dress dancing like flames. "Now that you understand the role of consciousness, examine anew your inner state," her voice carried undeniable authority. "Try to use your consciousness to sense the ''One'' within, then—" her voice suddenly lowered, mysterious as a whisper, "attempt to halt its absorption."


    LaUhta drew a deep breath of the fresh mountain air, slowly closing his eyes. He exhaled steadily from chest and abdomen, as one might shed a heavy mantle of snow, dispelling distracting thoughts to focus entirely on his inner awareness.


    The Ethereal Origin flowed like a gentle stream from every direction into his body, transforming into the "One" under the guidance of his consciousness. He could perceive this process as clearly as his own breathing, both alien and familiar. He concentrated wholly on attempting to influence this process with his consciousness, like a hunter tracking the faintest spoor.


    As his attempt continued, the grass blades around him began to tremble slightly, and the air grew charged with a barely perceptible energy. Nuwa''s red dress stirred without wind, her amber eyes widening in surprise.


    LaUhta''s brow gradually furrowed, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, every muscle in his body tensing as if engaged in some invisible struggle. His fingers dug deep into the moss beneath him, his breathing growing labored, as though bearing an immense, unseen burden.


    After a time, LaUhta slowly opened his eyes, disappointment and confusion flashing across his face. "I cannot stop it," he said, his voice low yet steady, "No matter how I try, I cannot halt the flow of Ethereal Origin and its transformation. Like the heart''s beating or the lungs'' breathing, this process seems to have become my body''s instinct, beyond conscious control."


    He raised his eyes to meet Nuwa''s gaze, both bewilderment and determination mingling in his glance, like dark waters beneath ice. "I can sense it, yet cannot stay it. Is this different from other ''Tao Seedlings''?"


    Nuwa studied LaUhta''s troubled expression, her head moving in a slight negative gesture, red tresses catching the morning light like living flame. Her demeanor reflected neither disappointment nor impatience. She approached with graceful steps, her red dress tracing elegant patterns across the stone surface, like living fire upon cold earth.


    "Perhaps our approach errs," she said softly, her voice gentle as a stream over moss-covered stones, "Thou seekest to completely halt absorption, yet this would be like asking fish to cease swimming, birds to desist from flight—contrary to their nature."


    She seated herself gracefully before LaUhta, her red dress pooling around her like still water, the rising sun casting a golden nimbus around her silhouette, enhancing her otherworldly presence.


    "Close thine eyes, feel the ''One'' within thee," her voice flowed smooth and steady as a gentle river, "Resist it not, but accept it, embrace it, let it become part of thee. Then, imagine thy body as a vessel, having both capacity and limits."


    LaUhta obeyed, closing his eyes and drawing a deep breath. Following Nuwa''s guidance, he adjusted his mindset, no longer attempting to resist the influx of Ethereal Origin, but accepting it, feeling how it moved within him, transformed, like welcoming sunlight, air, and water.


    "Good, now imagine every part of thy body in harmony with the Ethereal Origin," Nuwa continued, her voice calm yet compelling, like the moon guiding tides, "When the Ethereal Origin enters thy body, it comes not as a stranger, but returns home. Let thy body''s ''One'' and the external Ethereal Origin find balance, balanced in flow, like rivers joining the sea, each part of the other."


    LaUhta''s breathing gradually slowed and deepened, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. Under Nuwa''s patient guidance, he began to view the absorption of Ethereal Origin as a natural bodily function, not resisting but trying to understand and accept it, as one might come to know the rhythm of one''s own heartbeat and breath. Yet the black "One" within him seemed to have an even deeper connection to his essence, not merely a process of absorption, but like two aspects of one being, blood-tied. This perception both startled and strangely comforted him.


    "Imagine the Ethereal Origin as a stream, and thy body as part of that stream," Nuwa''s voice grew rhythmic and mesmerizing, like an ancient melody carried on the wind, "Water resists not its flow, yet knows when to hasten and when to slow. Similarly, thou needst not cease absorption, only adjust its rhythm to align with the ways of heaven and earth."


    LaUhta listened in silence to Nuwa''s words, entirely immersed in this new experience. His brow gradually furrowed more deeply, sweat beading on his forehead once again. After several attempts, the "One" within him continued to flow according to its own will, refusing to follow the path he envisioned, like a school of willful fish darting in all directions, rejecting command. Frustration shadowed him like a cloud over mountain peaks, yet he refused to yield easily.


    LaUhta''s body suddenly trembled slightly, his fingertips twitching beyond his control. The surrounding grass and trees swayed gently, as if pushed by an invisible force. Ripples formed on the stream''s surface, as though touched by unseen fingers. Nuwa''s eyes flashed with alertness, yet she did not intervene, only observing LaUhta''s condition with heightened attention.


    LaUhta felt a subtle change in the black "One" within, yet it remained difficult to master. He drew another deep breath, striving to calm his spirit, refusing to let frustration overwhelm him. Suddenly, a realization dawned like the first light of dawn breaking through his mind. He slowly opened his eyes, dark orbs flashing with renewed hope and insight.


    "Thou spokest of water knowing when to hasten and when to slow," LaUhta''s voice was calm yet filled with determination, his eyes gleaming with the spark of wisdom, "This reminds me of the mystery of breath."


    Nuwa tilted her head slightly, amber eyes flashing with curiosity and expectation, red tresses shifting with the movement, like a living flame. "LaUhta, hast thou had some insight?"


    LaUhta drew a deep breath, then slowly released it, his long fingers gesturing to this seemingly simple yet profoundly meaningful action. "Breathing happens naturally, yet can also be controlled by consciousness. If I were to combine the absorption of ''One'' with breathing—"


    He spoke no further, closing his eyes again to adjust his breathing rhythm. LaUhta concentrated on two aspects simultaneously: his even breathing and the flow of "One" within his body.


    When inhaling, he attempted to guide his body to absorb the Ethereal Origin; when exhaling, he tried to pause this absorption. Initially, these two processes seemed entirely unrelated, proceeding independently, like two parallel streams that never converged.


    LaUhta did not grow discouraged. He maintained his focus, trying again and again to establish this subtle connection, breathing deeply time after time, attempting to forge this delicate link. Crystalline sweat rolled down his forehead, yet his expression remained extraordinarily calm, like a meditating sage beyond worldly concerns.


    In the silent forest, only the gentle gurgling of the stream and LaUhta''s measured breathing intertwined, forming a mystical melody of nature. Nuwa stood nearby, seemingly transformed into a statue, only the occasional flash in her eyes revealing her continued vigilant observation of this extraordinary "Tao Seedling."


    After many attempts, LaUhta''s brow remained deeply furrowed, blue veins visible at his temples, revealing his inner struggle. The black "One" within him remained willful and untamed, like a herd of wild horses refusing command, evading his control. Each time he believed himself close to success, that power would slip from his grasp like a mischievous child.


    Just as LaUhta neared surrender, a strange sensation suddenly arose from deep within his abdomen. It was an indescribable connection, as if some hidden switch had been activated. When he drew a deep breath, the Ethereal Origin began to flow in with his breath; and when he slowly exhaled, the flow indeed slowed, not ceasing completely, but marking a promising beginning.


    This sensation proved both subtle and profound, like finding a key to unlock a door into unknown realms. LaUhta could clearly perceive the connection between breath and "One," like two melodies interweaving to create harmony within him. Those black particles seemed to respond to his breathing, like tides pulled by the moon, beginning to ebb and flow with his breath''s rhythm.


    Nuwa observed silently, amber eyes gleaming with satisfaction. She made no sound to interrupt, only silently sensing the subtle changes in the flow of Ethereal Origin around LaUhta. A pleased, proud smile graced her delicate lips.


    "Thou hast begun to master breath guidance," her voice carried a hint of joy, though the wariness in her eyes remained undiminished, "Just now, thy sweat contained the essence of ''One,'' brief though its manifestation was, it marks progress. This is the first step, yet the most crucial. Controlling the ''One'' is like taming a spirited steed, requiring gradual progress, never haste."


    Nuwa rose gracefully, continuing: "For today, we shall conclude here. Thou hast found the correct path; the remainder of the journey thou must complete thyself, like the many rivers flowing east to the sea, all mountains facing one peak."


    LaUhta gently touched his forehead, he could sense that the flow of "One" within him had subtly changed, though still ceaseless, beginning to respond to his breath''s guidance, like tides yielding to the moon''s influence.


    "Where dost thou go?" LaUhta stood, brushing grass from his sleeves, his voice carrying a hint of reluctance and anticipation.


    "I must journey to Lagu," Nuwa gazed toward the distant mountains, her red dress billowing in the breeze like a vivid banner. Her eyes revealed a sense of mission, as one bearing an unknown burden.


    She turned gracefully to face LaUhta, amber eyes like twin small suns, brilliantly illuminating the young man''s features. "On the morrow, I shall return to continue thy instruction." Her eyes suddenly flashed with mischief as she added, "And when I do, remember to roast another fish."


    With that, she turned lightly away, her red dress like a splash of sunset soon vanishing into the depths of the forest. Only her laughter, like wind chimes in the mountains, lingered long in LaUhta''s ears.


    LaUhta stood by the stream, gazing in the direction of Nuwa''s departure, his heart filled with anticipation for future learning and curiosity about this mysterious maiden. He looked down at his palm, feeling the flow of "One" within, no longer as strange and uncontrollable as before.


    "Breath and the ''One,'' so simple, yet so profound," LaUhta whispered to himself, his eyes shining with new hope and resolve. The setting sun bathed his profile in golden light, illuminating the determined countenance of a young "Tao Seedling."


    He drew a deep breath, savoring the lingering aroma of roasted fish and the faint essence of the red dress that still hung in the air, his lips curving involuntarily into a smile. The path ahead might yet be long and filled with unknowns, but at least he had found his direction.