In the mountain cave, beads of sweat formed upon LaUhta's brow as his hands traced mystical patterns in the air, attempting to guide the surging "One" within him to concentrate at his fingertips. When the faintest wisp of black energy briefly appeared between his fingers, it swiftly dispersed like receding tide. His thirty-seventh attempt; his thirty-seventh failure.

  "Why can I not master this?" LaUhta sighed deeply, collapsing upon the cold stone floor, his voice betraying undisguised weariness, the furrows between his brows deepening with each passing day. For months he had meditated in the shadowed depths of the cave, practiced beside the murmuring stream, and gazed at the star-strewn night sky, attempting by various means to establish communion with the mysterious "One" within him, yet progress remained elusive.

  The "One" within grew ever stronger, yet it remained like an untamed stallion, willful and unbridled. He could effortlessly lift boulders that ordinary men could scarcely budge, leap across wide ravines in a single bound, and hear the whisper of winds miles distant in the forest, yet he could not guide the "One" to flow according to his will in the slightest measure. This contradiction of possessing boundless power yet lacking control acted as a slow poison, gradually eroding his patience.

  One evening, after another fruitless attempt, LaUhta sat wearily upon a smooth stone beside the stream, his gaze unfocused as he watched the dancing water spray. The autumn wind brought waves of coolness, while the setting sun's final rays skipped across the water's surface like countless fragments of gold upon a brocade, breathtakingly beautiful, yet unable to soothe the restlessness in his heart.

  "Let me rest for today," he sighed deeply, deciding to momentarily set aside his obsession with the "One" and allow his spirit brief respite.

  Suddenly, a silver flash broke the water's surface as several fish swam playfully near the shore, their scales gleaming enticingly in the sunset. LaUhta's gaze sharpened, his pupils contracting slightly as his arm shot into the water with arrow-like speed. In the blink of an eye, a plump carp struggled mightily in his grasp, its silver scales shimmering brilliantly in the sunset's glow.

  "It has been long since I enjoyed grilled fish; today seems a good opportunity," LaUhta murmured to himself, his mood brightening somewhat.

  With practiced motions he prepared the fish, fetched suitably sized bamboo from a nearby grove, and fashioned a simple grilling rack. He placed the fish along with salt crystals from his pouch and wild herbs gathered from the mountainside into a split bamboo tube, securing it with slender bamboo strips, then began to roast it over a slow fire.

  "The heat is crucial—too intense and it burns, too weak and it remains raw," LaUhta focused on controlling the fire's intensity, ensuring the fish roasted evenly. Before long, the enticing aroma of fish spread throughout the mountain clearing, carried by the wind toward distant places. The surface of the bamboo tube yellowed slightly, while the fish's fragrance grew increasingly rich, making one's mouth water in anticipation.

  In this moment, he was no longer a struggling "Tao Seedling," but merely an ordinary person cooking with care, enjoying one of life's simple pleasures.

  A barely audible rustle of leaves came from the nearby forest, footsteps as light as those of an fairy. LaUhta's head snapped up, his heart leaping in astonishment—with his senses heightened since touching the "One," how had he failed to detect someone approaching? This seemed impossible! He could hear the wind miles away, sense the slightest change in air currents, even anticipate the coming of storms, yet he had received no warning of this approach.

  A flame-bright splash of red had already appeared among the trees, like a flower suddenly blooming in darkness.

  "The aroma of this grilled fish is truly irresistible."

  The clear, melodious voice resembled a mountain spring, particularly distinct in the quiet forest, carrying a hint of liveliness and innocence. Nuwa emerged gracefully from the tree shadows, her bright red dress burning like flame in the evening light, creating a stark contrast with the natural surroundings. Her countenance, appearing no more than fourteen summers of age, looked especially radiant in the sunset's glow, amber eyes sparkling with curiosity and delight. Upon her exquisite oval face, fair as the finest ivory, two symmetrical beauty marks beneath her eyes served as heaven's subtle embellishment, adding mystery and unique charm.

  Her footsteps were light, barely disturbing the grass and undergrowth, yet it was as though she wrote an invisible poem in her silent passage. Her dress billowed in the wind, dancing as if alive, like an active flame. In stark contrast to LaUhta's steady, reserved manner, Nuwa exuded a lively, elusive quality, as though she belonged not to this dusty world but to some more mysterious realm.

  "How curious, so entranced by your grilling that you failed to notice my approach?" the young woman's lips curved upward, her voice playful with a hint of cunning, like a small fox that had captured its prey.

  Nuwa approached the fire with graceful steps, her amber eyes fixed upon the bamboo tube emanating its enticing aroma, her gaze betraying undisguised longing. She crouched down, inhaling deeply, her face expressing pure delight.

  "The fragrance of this fish is truly extraordinary. Fish roasted over bamboo fire retains both the essence of its freshness and a touch of the bamboo's elegant aroma. What seasonings have you used? I detect wild herbs—gathered from the mountainside, perhaps?"

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  LaUhta finally recovered his composure, inclining his head slightly: "Merely some mountain herbs and salt—common things." He studied the young woman who had appeared so suddenly, his expression showing both caution and irrepressible curiosity. "Who might you be, young lady? Why do you wander alone in these remote mountains? These woods are trackless, not often visited by ordinary travelers."

  Nuwa elegantly adjusted her wind-swept red dress, a mysterious smile playing upon her lips: "I am Nuwa of the Hyht tribe, sent by the Heaven's Path to bring tidings to the Lagu settlement." Her tone was light and confident, like a small bird in the mountain morning, yet carried unmistakable authority and power. "Hearing that a new 'Tao Seedling' had appeared in the Lagu settlement, I followed the essence and came seeking, only to find myself first drawn by such wonderful fish fragrance."

  Her gaze lingered momentarily upon LaUhta, sharp as a sword: "You must be LaUhta, who has touched the 'One'? Your essence is extraordinary, the fluctuations of the 'One' within you like tides—truly your reputation is deserved."

  LaUhta's heart surged like storm-tossed waves. The Heaven's Path—that mysterious organization established by Torht, which governed the distribution of the mystical elixir and oversaw all affairs throughout the continent of Mu. If this red-dressed young woman truly served as their emissary, she must certainly be a genuine "Tao." Behind her youthful appearance, she had surely mastered the "One," halted the advance of years, and attained eternal youth—a formidable power indeed.

  The grilled fish's aroma grew richer. LaUhta gently turned the bamboo tube, amber fish oil dripping into the fire with enticing sizzles.

  "To receive an emissary of the Heaven's Path is a great honor," LaUhta bowed slightly, his tone respectful yet not subservient. "Beyond delivering tidings, might Nuwa offer additional guidance?"

  He paused briefly, struggling inwardly before deciding to reveal his heart: "Though I touched the 'One' months ago, I still cannot guide its flow as I wish. It is like holding a supreme treasure yet not knowing how to use it. Might Nuwa have some instruction to offer?"

  Nuwa smiled slightly: "Let us first enjoy this delicious grilled fish, then speak in detail." Her gaze returned to the bamboo tube, her eyes sparkling with undisguised anticipation. "It appears ready, and smells truly tempting. Might I have the honor of tasting it?"

  LaUhta carefully removed the bamboo tube from the fire, revealing golden-brown, crispy fish upon opening. He took a clean cloth from his waist, spreading it on the flat stone between them, and placed the grilled fish upon it. The skin had roasted to a golden crispness, yet the flesh remained tender and juicy, its fragrance spreading in all directions.

  Nuwa eagerly took a small piece of fish and placed it in her mouth. Her eyes immediately brightened like stars: "Wonderful! Truly a mortal delicacy! Crisp outside yet tender within, fragrant without being greasy, the bamboo and fish perfectly harmonized—truly extraordinary. Your culinary skill might make even the most renowned chefs of Mu humble with shame."

  LaUhta smiled slightly, the heaviness between his brows seeming to lighten. He also tasted his creation, nodding with satisfaction; this time he had achieved the perfect balance of heat.

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

  "Interesting, truly interesting," Nuwa suddenly spoke, her tone carrying a note of 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: "What does Nuwa mean?"

  Nuwa elegantly wiped her slender fingers, smiling: "The 'One' within you exceeds that of any 'Tao Seedling' I have encountered, rushing like a mighty river, yet with no banks to contain it." Her voice rang like a mountain spring, clear and melodious. "Typically, a 'Tao Seedling' must first learn how to transform the Ethereal Origin into the 'One,' then gradually increase the total amount within their body through years of accumulation, thereby changing the physical form—like building a house, one must first lay the foundation, then raise the walls brick by brick."

  She tilted her head, her eyes sparkling with amusement: "Yet you appear to have never heard of moderation, allowing the 'One' to fill your entire body at once, like a flood breaking through a dam, rushing forth uncontrolled."

  She laughed lightly: "Your situation resembles one who receives fertile land yet has never learned to farm. Unable even to sow seeds properly, yet already dreaming of harvest bountiful enough to feed an entire settlement."

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

  Nuwa picked up a piece of golden, crispy fish, asking playfully: "Tell me, when grilling fish, do you first make the fire blaze uncontrollably, or adjust it gradually to the perfect intensity?"

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

  "I understand now," LaUhta nodded slowly, his voice deep and resolute. "Just as with grilling fish—if the fire starts too fierce, the outside burns while the inside remains raw, the flavor lost; if too weak, the flavor cannot penetrate to reach its true essence. Mastering the 'One' follows the same principle, not a matter to be rushed, but requiring gradual progress, like watering a great tree—neither pouring all at once, nor giving mere drops. I believe I was too eager, never truly understanding the nature of the 'One' before attempting to forcibly master it, like trying to ride a horse without understanding its nature, which can only invite resistance."

  "I must continue to Lagu," Nuwa lifted her gaze toward the distant, undulating mountains, her red dress flowing in the fading sunlight like a brilliant banner. "Tomorrow I shall return to continue guiding you." She suddenly added, a glint of mischief flashing in her eyes, "At that time, remember to grill another fish."

  "Certainly," LaUhta rose, brushing leaves from his sleeves, his voice carrying a touch of reluctance and anticipation.

  With that, she turned lightly, her red dress like a last ray of sunset, soon disappearing into the dense forest. Only her gentle laughter, like wind chimes in the mountains, lingered long in LaUhta's ears.

  LaUhta stood by the stream, gazing toward where Nuwa had vanished, his heart filled with both anticipation for future practice and curiosity about this mysterious young woman. He looked down at his palm, feeling the flow of the "One" within, no longer so alien and uncontrollable.

  "Breath and the 'One'—so simple, yet so profound," LaUhta murmured, his eyes sparkling with new hope and determination. The setting sun cast a golden light upon his profile, illuminating the resolute silhouette of a young "Tao Seedling."

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