Morning mist draped like a delicate veil across the valley. The sun had not yet crested the eastern ridge, its faint light filtering through the cloud layer, bathing the forest in a hazy golden radiance. LaUhta had remained seated cross-legged by the stream through the night without rest or slumber since Nuwa had imparted her wisdom of consciousness, fearing to miss even a moment of her precious teaching.


    A soft rustling came from the treetops, and LaUhta''s eyes opened instantly as he turned toward the sound. Nuwa''s crimson dress shone like a living flame in the morning mist, strikingly vivid. She moved with grace through the forest, her feet seeming never to touch the dew-laden grass, her steps light as those of a being from legend. Her amber eyes gleamed in the thin mist with both expectation and a barely perceptible caution, as if the black "One" within LaUhta was not merely a gift but perhaps harbored unknown peril.


    "Thou hast kept vigil here all night," Nuwa''s voice rang clear as a mountain spring, carrying both approval and a subtle concern not easily discerned. "Such resolve is rare even among the ''Tao Seedlings'' I have encountered."


    LaUhta rose respectfully, brushing dewdrops from his sleeves, and bowed slightly to Nuwa. "A teacher''s guidance is precious as gold; I dare not waste even a moment." His voice was calm, but his eyes sparkled with an unmistakable thirst for knowledge and hidden worry. He raised his hand, gazing at his palm as if seeing the invisible energies flowing within. "This black ''One'' grows stronger each day. I feel... as if my body contains an ungovernable flood, ready at any moment to breach its dam."


    Nuwa''s gaze fixed upon LaUhta like two beams of burning light. She paced slowly around him, her red skirts swaying with her elegant movements like dancing flames, leaving graceful afterimages in the morning light. Her brow furrowed slightly, her slender fingers rubbing together gently, as if sensing some invisible flow of energy.


    "This matter indeed cannot be taken lightly," Nuwa''s voice suddenly grew serious, the twin beauty marks at the corners of her eyes seeming to dance with her changing expression. "Thy feelings are not unfounded. The nature of the black ''One'' is rare even in the long history of the continent of Mu. If allowed to grow unchecked, the consequences are difficult to foresee."


    LaUhta''s heart sank, his fingers unconsciously tightening. Nuwa''s confirmation transformed his concerns into reality. The wind passed through the treetops, leaves rustling as if trembling at this potential crisis.


    "Since thou now understandest the role of consciousness, examine anew thy own condition," Nuwa''s voice carried an irresistible power, like thunder breaking in the depths of winter. "Try to sense the ''One'' within thy body using thy consciousness, and then—" her voice suddenly lowered, mysterious as a whisper, "attempt to cease its drawing in."


    LaUhta drew a deep breath of the fresh mountain air, slowly closing his eyes. He released the breath from his chest and abdomen gradually, like a mountain shedding its snow covering. His brow smoothed, his countenance grew peaceful, dispersing distracting thoughts and turning his full attention to the sensations within his body.


    The Ethereal Origin flowed like gentle streams from all directions into his body, transforming into the "One" under the guidance of his consciousness. He could clearly sense this process, as natural as perceiving his own breath. The sensation was both familiar and strange, both part of him yet seemingly separate. Those black particles within him pulsed like living things, sometimes gathering, sometimes dispersing, yet always bound by some unseen force within his flesh, unable to escape.


    LaUhta concentrated fully on trying to intervene in this process with his consciousness, attempting to block the influx of Ethereal Origin. With his attempt, the surrounding grass blades began to tremble slightly, and a barely perceptible energy rippled through the air. Nuwa''s red dress swayed without wind, and a flash of surprise crossed her amber eyes.


    His brow gradually furrowed, fine beads of sweat appearing on his forehead, his entire body tensing as if engaged in a silent, invisible struggle. Droplets fell from his hair, splashing on the rock beneath with tiny sounds.


    After a moment, LaUhta slowly opened his eyes, a glimmer of frustration and confusion passing through them. He shook his head gently, wiping away the sweat from his brow. His face was slightly flushed from the effort, like a climber struggling unsuccessfully against a sheer cliff face.


    "I cannot stop it," LaUhta''s voice was deep and calm, yet carried a barely detectable note of concern. "No matter how I try, I cannot block the inflow and transformation of the Ethereal Origin. Like the beating of the heart or the breathing of the lungs, this process seems to have become an instinct of my body, beyond the reach of conscious control."


    He looked up at Nuwa, his gaze holding both confusion and determination, an unyielding light shining from the depths of his dark eyes. "I can sense it, yet I cannot halt it. This differs from other ''Tao Seedlings,'' does it not?"


    Nuwa observed LaUhta''s furrowed brow and gently shook her head, her red hair dancing like flames in the morning light. Her crimson dress fluttered in the morning breeze, her amber eyes flashing with understanding and compassion. Deep within her eyes lurked a trace of barely discernible worry. Perhaps Torht had sent her to guide LaUhta precisely because he had perceived the abnormality of this black "One."


    "Perhaps our approach errs," Nuwa said softly, her voice clear and melodious as a stream. "Thou attemptst to completely cease the drawing in, which is like asking a fish to stop swimming in water, or a bird to cease flying in the sky—against their natural essence."


    She sat gracefully cross-legged before LaUhta, her red dress spreading upon the grass like a still lake. Morning light filtered through the swaying tree leaves, casting dappled shadows across her delicate features, adding a layer of mystery to her presence.


    "Let us try a different approach," Nuwa''s slender finger rose slowly, lightly touching LaUhta''s chest, wisdom sparkling in her amber eyes. "Rather than viewing the drawing of Ethereal Origin as a separate process, imagine it attached to thy body, integrated with thee as breathing and heartbeat are, as one."


    A look of doubt flickered in LaUhta''s eyes, but he respectfully maintained silence, not interrupting. He adjusted his posture slightly, focusing intently on her words, like a devoted seeker before a sage''s teaching.


    "Close thine eyes, feel the ''One'' within," Nuwa''s voice was gentle yet firm, like a breeze passing through a bamboo grove, carrying an irresistible force. "Do not resist it, but accept it, embrace it, let it become part of thee. Then, imagine thy body as a vessel, with both capacity and limitation."


    LaUhta closed his eyes as instructed, drawing a deep breath, feeling it circulate through his chest and abdomen. Following Nuwa''s guidance, he adjusted his thoughts, no longer trying to resist the influx of Ethereal Origin, but accepting it, feeling how it flowed and transformed within him, like accepting sunlight, air, and water.


    "Good, now imagine every part of thy body resonating with the Ethereal Origin," Nuwa continued guiding, her voice calm yet powerful, like the moon directing the ebb and flow of tides. "When Ethereal Origin enters thy body, it is no longer a stranger, but returning home. The ''One'' within thee and the Ethereal Origin outside reach balance, flowing in and out in measure, like rivers entering the sea, each the reflection of the other."


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    LaUhta''s breathing gradually became steady and deep, his chest rising and falling rhythmically. Under Nuwa''s patient instruction, he began to view the drawing of Ethereal Origin as a natural function of his body, no longer deliberately resisting but trying to understand and accept it, as he accepted his heartbeat and breath. Yet the black "One" within him seemed to have a deeper connection than mere drawing in—not simply a relationship of absorption, but like two aspects of the same blood-bound entity. This perception both alarmed him and gave him a strange sense of kinship.


    "Imagine the Ethereal Origin as a stream, and thy body as part of that stream," Nuwa''s voice deepened, rich with rhythm, like an ancient ballad. "Water does not resist flowing, yet it knows when to move swiftly, when to move slowly. Similarly, thou needst not cease drawing in, but only adjust its rhythm to align with the principles of heaven and earth."


    LaUhta listened quietly to Nuwa''s words, his whole being immersed in this new experience. His brow gradually creased, fine beads of sweat again appearing on his forehead. After several attempts, the "One" within still moved according to its own will, uncontrollably flowing in from all directions, transforming, accumulating. A sense of defeat shadowed him, but he refused to surrender easily.


    On his fourth attempt, LaUhta''s body suddenly trembled slightly, his fingertips twitching involuntarily. The surrounding grass and trees swayed gently, as if pushed by an invisible force. Tiny ripples appeared on the stream''s surface, as if invisible fingers had touched the water. A flash of alertness crossed Nuwa''s eyes, but she did not intervene, only observing LaUhta''s condition more intently.


    LaUhta sensed that the black "One" within him had undergone a subtle change, yet remained difficult to control. He drew a deep breath, striving to calm his thoughts, not allowing frustration to overwhelm him. Suddenly, a thought flashed in his mind like the first ray of dawn. He slowly opened his eyes, a new hope and understanding shining in his dark, bright orbs.


    "You mentioned water knowing when to flow swiftly or slowly," LaUhta''s voice was calm yet filled with determination, wisdom sparking in his eyes. "This reminds me of the mystery of breathing."


    Nuwa tilted her head slightly, curiosity and expectation flashing in her amber eyes, her red hair moving gently with the motion, like a vivid flame. "LaUhta, hast thou gained some insight?"


    LaUhta drew a deep breath, then released it slowly, his long fingers indicating this seemingly simple yet profoundly mysterious action. "Breathing happens naturally, yet can also be controlled by consciousness. If the drawing of the ''One'' could be linked with breathing—"


    He spoke no further, closing his eyes again, adjusting his breathing rhythm. LaUhta concentrated, focusing his attention on two things simultaneously: his even breathing and the flow of the ''One'' within him.


    When inhaling, he tried to guide his body to draw in Ethereal Origin; when exhaling, he attempted to pause this drawing. Initially, these two processes seemed entirely unrelated, each proceeding independently, like two parallel lines that would never intersect.


    LaUhta did not lose heart. He maintained his focus, breathing deeply again and again, attempting repeatedly to establish this subtle connection. Crystal beads of sweat rolled down from his forehead, along his cheeks, but his expression remained exceptionally calm, like a meditating practitioner transcending worldly concerns.


    In the silent forest, only the gentle murmur of the stream and LaUhta''s breathing intertwined, forming a mysterious harmony of nature. Nuwa stood aside, seemingly transformed into a statue, only the occasional gleam in her eyes showing she still closely observed this extraordinary ''Tao Seedling.''


    After numerous attempts, LaUhta''s brow remained furrowed, veins visible at his temples, revealing his inner struggle. The black "One" within him remained defiant, like a herd of untamed horses refusing to move according to his will. Each time he thought himself on the verge of success, that power slipped from his grasp like a playful child.


    Just as LaUhta nearly yielded to despair, a strange sensation suddenly arose from his chest and abdomen. It was an indescribable connection, as if some hidden switch had been activated. When he inhaled deeply, the Ethereal Origin began flowing in with his breath; and when he exhaled slowly, the rate of influx indeed slowed, though not completely stopping—still, it was a promising beginning.


    This sensation was both subtle and profound, like finding a key that opened a door to unknown realms. LaUhta could clearly feel the connection between his breathing and the "One," like two melodies intertwining and resonating within him. Those black particles seemed to respond to his breathing, like tides drawn by the moon, beginning to rise and fall gently with his breathing rhythm.


    Nuwa watched quietly, satisfaction gleaming in her amber eyes. She did not interrupt, merely sensing the subtle changes in the flow of Ethereal Origin around LaUhta. The corners of her delicate mouth turned upward slightly in a pleased and proud smile.


    When LaUhta opened his eyes, a drop of sweat rolled from his forehead and, upon touching the ground, flashed briefly with a black light, like ink dropping into clear water, vanishing in an instant. The black aura quickly dispersed, returning to invisibility, leaving only an ordinary water mark on the ground.


    A trace of surprise flashed in Nuwa''s eyes as she stared at where the water mark had disappeared, as if observing some mysterious phenomenon through an invisible barrier.


    "Thou hast mastered the basic method of breath guidance," Nuwa''s voice carried a note of joy, though the vigilance in her eyes had not diminished at all. "Just now, thy sweat contained the essence of the ''One,'' though quickly vanishing, it is evidence of progress. This is the first step, and also the most crucial. Controlling the ''One'' is like taming a wild horse, requiring gradual progress, not haste."


    Nuwa rose gracefully and continued: "We shall end here today. Thou hast found the correct path; the rest of the journey must be walked by thyself, like all rivers flowing east to the sea, all mountains facing one peak."


    LaUhta gently touched his forehead, recalling the strange sight of that droplet of sweat flashing with black light. He could feel a subtle change in the flow of the "One" within him; though still continuous, its rhythm had begun to be influenced by his breathing, like tides controlled by the moon''s gravity.


    "Where will you go?" LaUhta stood, brushing leaves from his sleeves, his voice carrying a hint of reluctance and expectation.


    "I must journey to the next settlement," Nuwa lifted her gaze toward the distant, undulating mountains, her red dress flowing in the morning breeze like a vibrant banner. Her gaze carried a sense of mission, as if she bore a burden unknown to others.


    She turned gracefully to face LaUhta, her amber eyes like two small suns, brilliantly illuminating the young man''s countenance. "On my return journey to the Heaven''s Path, I shall visit thee again to test thy progress."


    LaUhta nodded respectfully, straightening his back, carefully tucking the black pearl into his robe. His eyes held both reluctance to part and anticipation for the future.


    "Do not accompany me," Nuwa''s tone suddenly grew serious, her amber eyes looking directly at LaUhta, like two unfathomable pools. "Remember, thou must practice this method of breath guidance unceasingly, until it requires no conscious intervention, becoming natural as breathing, instinctive as heartbeat. Thy black ''One'' is extraordinary; if mastered, it will be supreme power; if uncontrolled, the consequences are beyond reckoning."


    "Only then wilt thou truly comprehend the way of control," Nuwa''s slender finger lightly touched LaUhta''s chest, her fingertip glowing faintly, as if containing some mysterious power. "Consciousness guides, the body remembers, ultimately reaching the state where the heart follows the will without thought, flowing like water and clouds, in harmony with heaven and earth."


    "When thou hast mastered breath control, I shall teach thee the method of releasing the ''One''," expectation and encouragement flashed in Nuwa''s eyes. She turned gracefully toward the forest path, her red dress like a splash of vivid dawn among the emerald woods, her skirts brushing the grass tips, stirring a gentle breeze, leaving a trail of fragrance.


    LaUhta watched Nuwa''s figure disappear into the depths of the forest, then looked down at his own hands. He stretched out his long fingers, feeling the flow of the "One" within, like tides under the moon, now with a subtle rhythm. He gently closed his fingers, making a fist, feeling the resonance between the black "One" within and his consciousness, like a gradually harmonizing melody.


    "Seven days," LaUhta murmured, "I shall use seven days to fully master this method of breath guidance."


    He sat cross-legged on the flat stone by the stream, adjusted his breathing, and began his long practice. The murmuring stream and gentle mountain breeze formed a perfect accompaniment to his cultivation. As his breathing deepened, he occasionally felt a black light shimmer at his fingertips, like ink diffusing in water, quickly fading—like two resonating tuning forks in the world, playing a mysterious melody only he could hear.


    LaUhta knew this journey had only just begun, with countless unknowns awaiting discovery. But in this moment, he had found the first key, opening the door to the "Path." The corners of his mouth turned upward slightly, revealing a determined smile.