"God is the ultimate transformation, embodying the profound essence of myriad things beyond tangible form."
"The ultimate transformation..."
"Transformation..."
"Ummm... ┐(?-`)┌ ...???"
In the clear and boundless consciousness domain, Kiana sat cross-legged on the ground, gazing up at the colossal divine sword descending from the sky. Her expression shifted from contemplative to solemn before finally settling into utter bewilderment—Kiana decided to give up trying to understand.
"Kiana, have you gained any insights?"
The immense divine sword, resembling a collapsing heaven, slowly dissipated in midair. Fu Hua's ethereal voice echoed through the surroundings shortly after.
With her arms crossed, Kiana looked up at the sky, her face scrunched in frustration. Hesitantly, she asked, "Fu Hua-sensei, could you maybe...try again?"
"Sigh..."
Following a gentle rustle of wind, silence enveloped the entire consciousness realm for quite some time.
Then, Fu Hua's voice once more reverberated all around.
"While not directly offensive, my ultimate technique, Void Sword Divinity, inevitably causes spiritual harm. The fact that you withstood it three times already exceeds my expectations, showcasing your extraordinary willpower. However, let us stop here; continuing further would only bring harm without benefit."
Fu Hua's voice gradually faded away.
As Kiana remained seated, feeling disoriented and unsteady, the world around her suddenly transformed.
When Kiana's thoughts cleared again, she found herself back on the vast training grounds. Across from her, Fu Hua calmly poured tea with an ethereal grace.
"Have some tea to help you relax."
"Thank you, Fu Hua-sensei."
Kiana gulped down the brew eagerly. Once finished, she suddenly smacked her forehead and vigorously shook her head.
Fu Hua set down the teapot and gently touched Kiana's forehead with delicate fingers, as fair as jade.
"Oof... Hmm? It's gone?"
Kiana blinked, feeling the mental sluggishness dissipate.
Smiling, Fu Hua shook her head.
"I only eased your discomfort slightly. Facing the Void Sword Divinity directly places immense strain on your mind. In any case, make sure to get plenty of rest tonight—go to bed early."
"No problem! I always go to sleep early!"
Kiana grinned, revealing a row of healthy, pearly-white teeth.
Indeed, her daily routine was typically quite healthy—for whenever it wasn't, certain unstoppable forces would intervene and steer her back on track. Over time, not just her schedule but most of Kiana's habits became remarkably wholesome.
Fu Hua nodded silently before asking, "So, no progress yet?"
"Uh, I'm not really sure what to make of it."
"Not surprising. Rather than being a specific technique, Divine Essence is more akin to a profound state of mind. It can only be attained through enlightenment, not brute force comprehension."
"You're making it sound even more mystical... Not that it wasn't already pretty mystic. And here I thought I had a good chance!" Kiana pouted and grumbled under her breath.
Fu Hua rested her forehead on her hand—was this girl planning to give up so quickly?
"So, are you going to keep trying tomorrow?"
"Of course!" Kiana replied firmly.
Her unwavering determination brought Fu Hua some comfort. Whether she could learn it or not was one thing, but Fu Hua disapproved entirely of half-hearted attempts with fleeting interest.
"In that case, go rest for now. Use this time to reflect deeply, and feel free to come find me if any questions arise."
"Gotcha! Gotta run, Teacher. Take care, bye!"
Kiana sprang up and dashed out of the training ground like a gust of wind.
The next day, at the same place, following the same routine.
After facing off against Taixuan's sword divinity three times, Kiana picked up her teacup with a hint of dejection and gulped it down.
"Ah... Fu Hua-sensei, is this technique really something humans can learn?"
"You're saying I'm not human?"
"Well, considering its power level, perhaps..."
Kiana nodded solemnly.
Fu Hua opened her mouth but found herself momentarily speechless.
"..."
After a brief silence, Fu Hua seemed to grasp why, despite being undeniably adorable, Zeke often ended up suspending this child by ropes.
"In any case, it took me thousands of years to attain this level of mastery. It's entirely normal to see no progress after just a couple of days. Learning the Divine Essence cannot be rushed, and you mustn't let impatience cloud your mind. If you become overly fixated on achieving quick results, you'll forever remain outside its realm, never truly comprehending it."
"All right, then we'll continue tomorrow."
"Agreed. Get plenty of rest tonight to recharge your energy."
"Yes! Goodbye, Fu Hua-sensei!"
Kiana stood up, energetically waving farewell.
Day seven.
After returning from the consciousness domain, Fu Hua brewed a cup of tea as usual and gently pushed it toward Kiana's hand.
Kiana reached out with both hands, trembling slightly as she lifted the teacup to take a sip. Then, her eyes vacant, she stared straight ahead.
"Did you gain any insights today?"
"Not yet..."
"Then we'll continue tomorrow. You may go now."
"Oh..."
Kiana slowly got up, stumbled unsteadily towards the door, even bumping her head on the frame... Before long, she started pounding on the doorway with fists and kicks, cursing under her breath while clutching her forehead before finally leaving the training ground.
Day fourteen.
As usual, Fu Hua brewed tea and pushed it across to Kiana, her expression calm and composed.
Kiana trembled...
The teacup trembled along with her...
Before she could even take a sip, all the tea had spilled out due to the shaking.
"You look awfully pale. Is your mind not keeping up after all? Maybe you should rest for a couple of days?"
"...No! We're continuing tomorrow!" Kiana slammed her teacup down on the table with a resolute declaration.
Then she flopped to one side, her little rear wiggling as she scooched toward the door like a caterpillar—she was just too exhausted to stand and walk properly!
Day twenty.
Fu Hua waited ten extra minutes before Kiana finally entered the training area—by rolling on the ground like a log tumbling over and over.
Quietly observing this spectacle, Fu Hua gently pressed her finger against the Book of Fuxi's tiny mouth to stifle its uncontrollable laughter.
Kiana eventually rolled close enough, clawed her way up onto the table, then collapsed face-first as if her upper body had no bones left. With a vacant expression devoid of life, she addressed Fu Hua:
"Te-acher, let's-get-started..." Kiana spoke slowly, her weak and weary tone reminiscent of a ghost drifting out from a coffin.
Fu Hua paused momentarily, then nodded.
As usual, they engaged in three sessions within the consciousness domain as the Void Sword Goddess. Upon returning to reality, Fu Hua found Kiana looking utterly drained, her spirit seemingly about to escape through parted lips.
"Give it a rest. There will be more opportunities later; you don't need to push yourself so hard..."
"Wait!"
Suddenly, Kiana grabbed Fu Hua's wrist, lifting her head. Amidst her pale little face, her large, glistening eyes shone exceptionally bright.
"Let's continue tomorrow!" Kiana declared with unwavering determination.
Fu Hua hesitated momentarily. "Did you perhaps have some realization?"
"I don't know! But please, let's keep going tomorrow!"
"Kiana, you..."
"Pleeeease, Fu Hua-sensei!"
Confronted by those bright, resolute eyes, Fu Hua couldn't help but feel her heart tremble. After a moment, she silently nodded in agreement.
Relieved, Kiana released Fu Hua's wrist and immediately grabbed the teapot, drinking directly from its spout to quench her thirst.
Half a minute later, Kiana returned to her dispirited state. She lay down on the floor, wearing an expression of utter despair, slowly rolling away like a dejected kitten.
Fu Hua considered helping her up but ultimately refrained. For some inexplicable reason, this sight of Kiana felt oddly endearing!
In that moment, Fu Hua resonated somewhat with Zeke—she too found herself wanting to nurture such a Kiana; why was it so delightfully captivating? It wasn't merely about witnessing Kiana's suffering; rather, despite enduring immense hardship, this girl displayed unwavering determination, relentlessly pursuing her goals without hesitation. Just observing this resilient Kiana seemed to instill others with a sense of strength.