The early morning sky over the village at the foot of the distant mountains was tinged with gold, soft light spilling over the thatched roofs and winding dirt paths. Li Shen's feet crunched softly over the gravel as he walked briskly along the familiar path from the sect to his mother's home, his robes still dusty from the long journey.
Two days had passed since the humiliating spirit root ceremony at the Sea of Stars Sect. Two days since Zhao Feng's mocking laughter had echoed in the courtyard, and two days since Mei Lin's fleeting glance had revealed nothing of pity or concern.
Every step through the village felt heavier than the last. The usually comforting morning noises — chickens clucking, merchants setting up stalls, and the faint laughter of children — all seemed distant, almost mocking.
Rootless… worthless… a failure.
Li Shen clenched his fists, trying to swallow the bitter taste of humiliation. His Sea of Ocean had remained silent during the test. He had trained endlessly, studied techniques day and night, yet the orb had shown nothing.
And yet… the thought of his mother's gentle voice anchored him.
"Shen'er… you must live. You must become strong—not for them, but for yourself… and for me."
The thought gave him the tiniest ember of hope.
As he neared the small cottage where his mother lived, the scent of herbs and cooking reached him. Smoke rose in thin curls from the clay chimney, and the front gate creaked as it swung slightly in the wind. From inside, he could hear the soft hum of her voice, singing an old lullaby he had heard countless times as a child.
"Mother…" he whispered under his breath, quickening his steps.
When she emerged from the doorway, her eyes widened in relief. Her hands, roughened from tending the garden and grinding herbs, trembled as they reached out to him. "Shen'er! You've returned…"
Li Shen lowered his head, unable to meet her gaze. He had imagined returning home after the spirit root ceremony as a proud young disciple, full of accomplishments to share. Now, he felt nothing but shame.
"I… I failed, Mother," he finally admitted, voice shaking. "They said I have no spirit root… that I'm worthless…"
Her hands flew to her face, tears brimming in her eyes. "Shen'er… my son… oh… my heart…" She sank onto the small wooden bench outside the cottage, overcome with emotion.
Li Shen knelt beside her, unsure whether to comfort her or bow his head in guilt. The garden was quiet except for the soft rustling of leaves in the morning breeze.
"You must listen to me," his mother said, choking back tears. "You are not worthless. The world may turn its back on you, but I have not. I have never doubted you, and I will never doubt you. Do you understand?"
Li Shen nodded, his throat tight. "I… I understand, Mother…"
"Good." She cupped his face gently, her hands warm despite the early chill. "Strength is measured by your will, your perseverance, and your heart. You must live, Shen'er. Live not for the sect… live for yourself… and for me."
Her words ignited a spark within him, a faint pulse from deep within his Sea of Ocean stirring in response. It reminded him that his journey had not ended.
"I will rise again, Mother," he said firmly. "I will become strong. I will protect you, and no one will hurt us again."
Her sobs softened, and a gentle, almost imperceptible smile graced her lips. "That's my son… Shen'er. Never forget—you are never alone."
Li Shen took a deep breath, feeling the weight of despair lift slightly. The trials ahead would be harsh, but he now understood that his strength must be cultivated—not for glory, but to protect those he loved most.
The sun climbed higher, warming the small village but failing to chase away the chill that lingered in Li Shen's chest. After sharing a modest breakfast with his mother — rice, steamed buns, and some wild herbs she had harvested — he slipped quietly outside, careful not to draw the attention of the neighbors.
He walked to a secluded grove near the river that wound through the village. Tall bamboo swayed gently in the wind, and sunlight filtered through the dense leaves, scattering golden patterns on the ground. Here, away from prying eyes, he could think, plan, and perhaps begin to test the limits of his Sea of Ocean — the mysterious power the orb had failed to detect.
As he knelt on the soft grass, he closed his eyes, letting his mind drift inward. Memories of the ceremony, of Zhao Feng's laughter and the sneers of the other disciples, swirled through his consciousness like storm clouds. He clenched his fists, forcing the pain into resolve.
I am not worthless. I will not remain a failure.
A faint sensation brushed against the edges of his awareness — a soft vibration, like a heartbeat echoing through the air. Li Shen frowned, opening his eyes cautiously. There was nothing to be seen.
"Who's there?" he whispered, though no one answered.
Then, a voice, deep and resonant, filled his mind, though his lips did not move.
"Li Shen… do you feel the pulse within your Sea of Ocean?"
Li Shen froze. He knew this voice. He had heard it once before — in the quiet moments after the spirit root ceremony, when he had been at his lowest.
"I… I feel… something," he replied, trembling.
"Good. That pulse is the first stirrings of your true power. Your Sea of Ocean is not empty. It is sealed, layered, but within it lies a rare spirit root — one that can master all elements, summon creatures, and wield weapons beyond ordinary comprehension. You have the potential of an alchemist, a warrior, a mage, and a summoner combined."
Li Shen's heart thudded. "All of them? But the orb… it showed nothing."
"Your father sealed your spirit. Twenty layers of concealment, each hiding your true strength until you are ready. That seal can be unlocked step by step, but patience, training, and wisdom are required. Today, you begin your path to the first layer."
The bamboo rustled as if acknowledging the voice. Li Shen felt a warmth spreading through his chest, an unfamiliar energy twisting and turning inside him. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, yet it was unmistakably real.
He rose and paced the grove, hands clenched. The voice had given him hope, but hope alone could not forge strength. He needed to act.
Li Shen's mind worked quickly, recalling the techniques he had secretly observed during lessons at the sect:
Manipulation of elemental energy for mages
Sword and weapon techniques for warriors
Alchemy knowledge and refining herbs
Summoning minor spirit beasts
He realized that with each discipline, his progression would be slower if done superficially. He needed a methodical approach — one that allowed him to cultivate without drawing attention.
His first decision was simple: he would begin refining his elemental control and martial skills in secret, starting with fire and earth, the two elements compatible with his initial layer.
He would also secretly begin gathering herbs for basic elixirs and refining techniques. The village offered few materials, but the nearby forests and mountains promised rare herbs if he dared venture into them.
Before leaving the cottage, he returned to his mother. Her eyes held the same mixture of fear and hope from before.
"Shen'er… you must be careful. The world beyond the village is cruel," she said softly, her fingers brushing his cheek. "Do not let anyone harm you, my son."
"I will be careful, Mother. I promise. And I will return stronger — not just to protect myself, but to ensure you are never in danger again."
Her lips trembled as tears fell. "I will pray for you every day. Please… promise me you will not give up, no matter what trials await."
"I promise."
Even as he left, the warmth of her words and her gentle touch lingered, steeling his resolve.
That afternoon, Li Shen knelt in the grove again, concentrating on the faint pulse of his Sea of Ocean. He tried to expand it, letting energy flow into his hands, then outward into the grass and bamboo around him.
A subtle ripple spread through the grove — the bamboo swaying slightly, the ground vibrating ever so gently. He smiled, heart racing.
"Small progress… but progress," the dragon's voice said approvingly.
He began experimenting with elemental energy. Flames leapt from his palm, flickering but controlled. Earth rose in small ridges from the ground beneath him. He could feel the bond between himself and the elements growing, each pulse of energy more responsive than the last.
Hours passed unnoticed. By the time the sun began to dip toward the horizon, Li Shen was drenched in sweat, muscles aching, but his eyes burned with exhilaration. For the first time since the ceremony, he truly believed he was not worthless.
As he prepared to leave the grove, Li Shen paused. A glimmer of violet light shone briefly from within his Sea of Ocean — faint, almost like a heartbeat of potential waiting to be claimed.
The dragon's voice whispered, calm but commanding:
"This is only the beginning. One day, all shall see your true power. But first… unlock the first layer."
Li Shen clenched his fists, determination flashing across his face. He would survive. He would grow. And when the world turned its back on him, he would rise stronger than anyone could imagine.
The village at the foot of the mountains seemed small and quiet as he walked back toward his mother's cottage. Yet in that quiet, he knew the storm of challenges and adventures awaiting him at the Sea of Stars Sect was only beginning.