Dragon's Legacy: The Flame Reborn (Season 1)

THE NEXT MORNING

"Wake up," Wu Mei nudged Liang Xuan, who had dozed off against a tree trunk.

“I’M AWAKE!” he said as he jumped up and saw his grandmother

"We have work to do." she said as she finished adding newly made arrows to her quiver

They had made a temporary camp the previous night. Liang Xuan looked around, taking in the beauty of the sunrise filtering through the canopy. But he noticed that his grandmother was already alert, bow in hand, dagger, neatly sharpened and perfectly polished, ready to start the day.

All of a sudden Wu Mei aimed her bow at Liang Xuan and fired the arrow, passing mere millimeters away from Liang Xuan’s head.

Liang Xuan dropped to the floor and turned around, as a loud thud was heard.

Once he did, he noticed a massive Caniksekseo (Picture a mix between a Boar and a Black Bear in one) fell lifeless about 10 feet away from their camp, the arrow sticking out, precisely from the center of his forehead.

Liang Xuan breathed in heavily, his skin paler.

"First lesson," Wu Mei began, "Never let your guard down, even when you're in awe of nature. Danger lurks when you least expect it." she said as she walked over to Caniksekseo and absorbed her with her beads.

Liang Xuan nodded, realizing this wasn't going to be a leisurely walk in the woods.

“Are these animals expensive?” asked Liang Xuan

“Caniksekseos… around here not so much, but in the big cities, their hide is worth at least 10 gold, not to mention their meat…” Wu Mei said

“Is it good?” asked Liang Xuan

“Is it good?! IT IS DELICIOUS! Especially when you BBQ it or add it to a nice hot pot… 5 star chefs are willing to pay anything for just an ounce of their meat… and then they turn it into the most delicious dishes you can think about!” Wu Mei said as she began to drool, only snapping out of it when she saw Liang Xuan grab a rock and throw it over her head.

Wu Mei quickly turned and saw another Caniksekseo holding it’s head, giving Wu Mei time to grab her dagger and cut the animal’s neck, killing it.

“Rule number 1,” Liang Xuan said

“Rule number 1,” Wu Mei said sheepishly

“Ok, what is next?” asked Liang Xuan getting full of excitement

“Hold your horses Liang Xuan,” Wu Mei said, claiming him down.

Liang Xuan could sense the depth of history and experience in his grandmother's eyes as they ventured deeper into the Phosphorus Woods. Wu Mei took a deep breath, the fragrant air seemingly bringing back memories.

"These woods," she began softly, her gaze fixed on the shimmering leaves, "are not like any other. You see the glow, don't you? The radiant plants and luminescent mosses? They are a sign of the vitality and magic that permeates this forest."

She knelt, touching the soil with reverence. "This ground holds the remnants of creatures and plants, ancient and young. It has seen epochs come and go. It's witnessed my childhood adventures and has watched over our ancestors."

Walking deeper, they passed enormous trees with trunks so wide they seemed unending. "These guardians," Wu Mei motioned, "have stood here for centuries. Their roots intertwine below, sharing stories and knowledge."

She plucked a vibrant, glowing flower. "The flora here is unique. Some plants can heal, some can harm, and some hold mysteries even I haven't unraveled. This…" she held the flower closer for Liang Xuan to see, "is a Starpetal. In the right hands, it can illuminate the darkest of nights or guide a lost soul home."

Releasing the flower, she continued, "But with all this wonder comes danger. Creatures that can beguile with their beauty or strike without warning reside here. You must always be alert."

“Just like what happened earlier,” said Liang Xuan

“Yes… but, Caniksekseos, are relatively tame, compared to other creatures that reside in these woods,” Wu Mei said as they continued walking

Liang Xuan gulped, trying to process the myriad of information. Wu Mei gently took his hand, leading him to a serene pond. "But most importantly," she whispered, her reflection merging with the glow of the water, "you must respect these woods. Take only what you need, tread lightly, and always give thanks. This forest is alive. It feels, it understands, and it remembers."

She tilted her head, listening to the soft whispers of the trees. "If you respect it, the woods will guide and protect you. But if you harm it, it will never forget."

Liang Xuan nodded, the weight of her words sinking in. He looked around with newfound reverence, promising himself to honor and cherish the Phosphorus Woods as his grandmother had taught him.

“Alright… let’s get to work… First things first… I have to teach you how to hunt,” Wu Mei said as she gave Liang Xuan a dagger.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting an orange-gold hue over the Phosphorus Woods. The serene ambiance of the forest was occasionally interrupted by distant bird calls and the rustling of unseen creatures. Wu Mei led Liang Xuan to a clearing where the soft light filtered through the canopy, revealing an area filled with tracks and signs of animal activity.

"Observe first, act later," Wu Mei began, her eyes scanning the surroundings. "To hunt is not just to chase and capture. It's to understand your prey, its habits, its fears. Only then can you approach without being detected."

Liang Xuan, eager to learn, listened intently. He watched as his grandmother crouched low, her fingers gently tracing a set of tracks on the ground. "See these? Deer tracks. Notice the depth and direction they're facing. It tells you the animal's size and its path."

She pointed towards a patch of disturbed leaves. "That's where it rested. Look for these signs. They tell a story."

She handed Liang Xuan a crafted bow, its body polished and string taut. "Your weapon is an extension of you. Care for it, and it'll never fail you." Her fingers delicately ran over the bowstring. "A good hunter is patient. Sometimes, you'll wait hours for the right moment. But when it comes, you must be swift and sure."

Taking a deep breath, Wu Mei drew the bowstring back, her eyes locked on a distant target. In one fluid motion, she released, the arrow piercing a tree trunk with a thud.

"Precision, not power, brings success. Aim for vital spots. A wounded animal can still escape, and it's our duty to ensure our prey doesn't suffer."

Liang Xuan practiced drawing the bow, trying to imitate his grandmother's graceful motion. After a few attempts, he managed a decent shot, the arrow embedding in a tree, albeit not as deeply.

Wu Mei smiled, "Not bad for your first time. Remember, it's not about strength, but technique."

They continued practicing, Wu Mei occasionally offering tips: "Keep your elbow aligned," "Focus on your breathing," "Listen to the world around you."

As dusk approached, Wu Mei signaled for a break. "Tomorrow, we'll try tracking and setting traps. Hunting is not just with a bow. The woods offer many tools if you know where to look."

Liang Xuan nodded, grateful for the day's lessons. The forest, once a place of mystery and danger, was slowly unveiling its secrets to him under his grandmother's guidance.

The night began to draw in, a chorus of crickets and frogs serenading the approaching darkness. The campfire crackled softly, painting the nearby trees with its dancing shadows. Wu Mei began to prepare a simple meal, while Liang Xuan sat deep in thought, trying to assimilate all the day's teachings.

"After dinner, we'll talk about traps," Wu Mei said, breaking the silence. "They're crucial for a hunter. Sometimes, direct confrontation isn’t the best approach."

Liang Xuan nodded, “I’ve always thought of hunting as being about the chase, but there’s so much more to it, isn't there?”

“Indeed,” Wu Mei replied, stirring the pot. “Many mistake the act of hunting with the thrill of the chase. True hunting is about balance and understanding. We take from the forest, but we must also give back, respect its rules.”

Liang Xuan, sitting by the fire and gobbling down his hot pot, looked up with a quizzical expression. "Grandmother, you've never mentioned it, but why don't you use magic to handle the more dangerous creatures? It would make things so much simpler, wouldn't it?"

Wu Mei paused, her face illuminated by the dancing flames. "Ah, magic. It's true that in this world, magic is a force that many cultivate and use to their advantage. But I... I never had the opportunity to cultivate it."

Liang Xuan blinked in surprise. "Really? But you're so knowledgeable and skilled."

She smiled wistfully, "Life doesn’t always give us every gift, my dear. When I was young, circumstances did not allow me the privilege to learn the arts of cultivation. Instead, I became one with nature and honed my skills in hunting and traditional martial arts."

"But surely, with magic, you'd have a better advantage over the animals, right?"

Wu Mei shook her head, her green hair shimmering in the firelight. "Magic, while powerful, doesn't necessarily make hunting easier. It might give you an edge in certain situations, but it's no replacement for understanding and respecting the creatures and the environment. True hunting requires patience, skill, and a deep connection with nature, and sometimes, just sometimes… a lot of luck,"

She leaned forward, her eyes intense. "Relying solely on magic can make one overconfident. In the wild, overconfidence can be fatal. It's essential to use all the tools at your disposal – intelligence, experience, physical skills, and yes, magic if you have it. But never think of magic as the only solution. The most potent tool you have is your mind… your creativity… or, as those fancy academies call it, your adaptability,"

Liang Xuan digested this information, watching the embers glow. "I never thought of it that way. Magic always seemed... invincible."

"Nothing is invincible," Wu Mei whispered, gazing into the distance. "Everything has its strengths and weaknesses. That's the balance of nature… of life itself,"

Liang Xuan nodded, a newfound respect for his grandmother's wisdom blossoming within him. The night deepened, and the lessons of the day settled in his heart, promising growth and understanding in the days to come.

After they ate, Wu Mei began outlining the basics of trap-making. She spoke of snares for smaller game, pitfall traps for larger animals, and how to use the environment to the hunter's advantage.

“You need to think like your prey,” she said, sketching out a basic snare on the ground with a stick. “Consider their habits, their paths, their needs. A well-placed trap is invisible, melding seamlessly with its surroundings.”

Liang Xuan tried his hand at setting a snare, under Wu Mei's watchful eye. After a few missteps, he managed to craft a decent one. "This is more complicated than I thought," he admitted, wiping sweat from his brow.

Wu Mei chuckled, “Hunting is both an art and a science. Tomorrow, we'll check your snares and see if you've made a catch. But for now, there's one last thing I want to teach you."

She motioned for Liang Xuan to follow her "In the wild, it's not just animals you must be wary of. Sometimes, you might encounter those with ill intentions. Being prepared is essential."

As dawn began to streak the sky with hues of pink and orange, Wu Mei led Liang Xuan to a small clearing. The soft, damp grass underfoot contrasted with the solidity of the aged trees that surrounded them. Birds sang in the canopy above, serenading the world awake.

"We'll start with the basics," Wu Mei began, standing at the center of the clearing. She beckoned Liang Xuan to stand opposite her. "First, a proper stance is crucial. Without a solid base, you'll easily be overpowered."

She moved into a stance reminiscent of a classic kung fu horse stance – feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and body weight centered. "This is your foundation. From here, you can move fluidly and strike powerfully."

Liang Xuan tried to mimic her, feeling slightly awkward, losing his balance and falling flat on his butt.

He got up and tried again, and fell, again… and again… and again… and again, until he got so frustrated he punched the ground.

Wu Mei noticed his discomfort. "Relax," she instructed. "Feel the earth beneath your feet. Draw strength from it… don’t rush… practice makes perfect… while at the same time, teaches you one of the most fundamental keys to life… it doesn't matter how many times you fall, you must keep getting up, again, and again, and again, because only when we make mistakes, can we adapt, learn, and correct,”

Once he was adequately grounded, Wu Mei moved on. "In Kersuohn, we prioritize efficiency. It's about neutralizing threats quickly. While kung fu emphasizes flowing movements and self-expression, Kersuohn is more direct."

She demonstrated a straight punch, her fist shooting out with impressive speed. "In kung fu, a punch is not just a punch. It's a combination of breath, intent, and energy." She threw a punch with a flowing motion, looking like water streaming down a mountain.

"In Kersuohn, however, the focus is on targeting vital points. The throat, eyes, groin..." Her punches and kicks became sharper, targeting these areas on an imaginary opponent.

Liang Xuan practiced, trying to incorporate the essence of both styles. They moved on to blocking and countering techniques. Wu Mei would swing a slow, deliberate punch, and Liang Xuan would block and counter, using techniques from both disciplines.

However, he would always find himself on the ground, gasping for air after getting punched.

“Again,” Wu Mei said as she ordered Liang Xuan to get up

“Yes, grandmother,” Liang Xuan said as he got up, over and over again.

As the sun climbed higher, they shifted to grappling techniques. Wu Mei emphasized the importance of leverage and balance. "Size and strength matter, but technique can level the playing field."

She demonstrated a Kersuohn move where she used her opponent's momentum against them, redirecting it to throw them off balance. Then she showed a kung fu lock, where she immobilized her opponent's joint with a flowing, circular movement.

Through it all, Wu Mei emphasized the philosophy behind each move. "In kung fu, we seek harmony and balance. In Kersuohn, the goal is survival. But in both, respect for your opponent is crucial. Never underestimate anyone, and never overestimate your abilities."

Sweat poured down Liang Xuan's brow as they wrapped up the session. His muscles ached, but he felt alive, empowered by the new knowledge.

Wu Mei smiled approvingly. "Remember, martial arts are not just about fighting. They're about understanding yourself, your strengths, and your weaknesses. They're a path to self-discovery."

Liang Xuan nodded, his heart full of gratitude. He realized that this journey with his grandmother was not just about hunting or survival. It was also a journey of self-discovery and growth.

The sun was now high in the sky, its rays filtering through the trees, dappling the ground with shadows. Wu Mei led Liang Xuan to a nearby stream, its waters bubbling with life and singing a gentle song as it flowed past them.

Wu Mei sat down on a large rock by the stream, gesturing for Liang Xuan to sit beside her. "You've done well today, but remember, learning martial arts is a lifelong journey. It's not just about the moves but understanding the philosophy and ethics behind them."

Liang Xuan, catching his breath, listened intently. The calming sounds of the forest, combined with the wisdom his grandmother was imparting, had a profound effect on him.

"Now," Wu Mei continued, "let’s focus on using your surroundings to your advantage." She picked up a smooth stone from the bank and tossed it into the water, creating ripples. "Just as this stone disturbs the calm water, you can use your environment to unbalance your opponent."

She pointed towards a tree with low-hanging branches. "Imagine being chased. You could use these branches to swing yourself up and escape, or to set a trap."

Liang Xuan’s eyes widened, imagining the scenarios.

Wu Mei continued, "Always be aware of your environment. Loose rocks can be weapons. A steep slope can be a means to escape. Even this stream can be a barrier between you and a potential threat."

Liang Xuan took a deep breath, absorbing everything. The lesson was not just about physical combat but strategy, quick thinking, and adaptability.

After a brief rest, they resumed their training. This time, Wu Mei set up scenarios where Liang Xuan had to utilize his environment. He learned to climb trees swiftly, use vines as makeshift ropes, and even how to camouflage himself using mud and leaves.

As the afternoon shadows grew long, they wrapped up their session. Wu Mei looked at Liang Xuan, pride evident in her eyes. "You've shown great potential today. But remember, the most potent weapon you have is your mind. Always think ahead, plan your moves, and most importantly, know when to fight and when to walk away."

Liang Xuan nodded, taking her words to heart. The day had been physically exhausting, but mentally exhilarating. He felt a deep connection with his roots, his ancestors, and most of all, with his grandmother.

They made their way back to the emporium, their footsteps synchronized, two generations walking side by side, bridging the past with the present. As they reached the outskirts of the Phosphorus Woods, Liang Xuan took one last look back, feeling a profound respect for nature and the lessons it had taught him that day.

As they continued their walk back to their campsite, the sounds of the forest morning began to settle around them. The melodic chirping of birds and distant calls of animals created a soothing backdrop to their conversation.

Wu Mei, sensing that the day's lessons had taken a toll on Liang Xuan's energy but not his thirst for knowledge, decided to impart some wisdom about the human threats that might lurk in the shadows.

"You must understand," she began, her voice a shade more somber than before, "while the Phosphorus Woods is rich with nature's wonders, it's also a magnet for those with ill intent. Not all dangers come in the form of wild animals."

Liang Xuan listened attentively, his youthful enthusiasm tempered by the seriousness of his grandmother's tone.

"Marauders and bandits often see the forest as an opportunity for easy pickings. Travelers, merchants, or even unsuspecting villagers can fall prey to them. They rarely have much cultivation or skill but make up for it in numbers and unpredictability."

She paused, allowing the weight of her words to sink in before continuing, "Then there are the battle-addicted practitioners. These individuals have tasted the thrill of combat and yearn for it, constantly seeking out challenges to test their skills. Some might see a young man like you as an exciting adversary, especially if they sense any potential or power."

Liang Xuan felt a shiver run down his spine. He had heard tales of such individuals from the old stories but never imagined he might encounter one.

"And of course," Wu Mei said, "there are the evil sects. These groups operate in the shadows, often with agendas that serve their own interests, be it power, wealth, or dark arts. While not all members of these sects are inherently evil, their objectives can clash with those of regular townsfolk, leading to conflicts."

The path ahead seemed darker, the trees more foreboding as she spoke. "Lastly, we can't forget about soldiers. In times of war or political unrest, the forest can become a hideout or a strategic point. These men might be disciplined, but they are still a danger, especially if they see you as an enemy or an obstacle."

Liang Xuan swallowed hard, remembering all he went through to reach the safety of his grandmother's home setting in. "But grandma, how can I possibly defend against all these threats?"

Wu Mei smiled gently, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You've already taken the first step by learning. Knowledge is power. The martial arts and survival skills I'm teaching you will give you a fighting chance. Remember, it's not always about defeating an opponent but surviving the encounter. Sometimes, evasion or diplomacy can be more effective than combat."

Liang Xuan nodded, realizing that every lesson, every piece of knowledge he gained, was a tool to help him navigate the complexities of life. The forest, with all its beauty and dangers, was a mirror of the world beyond, and he was determined to face it with courage and wisdom.

They found a quiet clearing, and Wu Mei began laying out various tools and items from her hunting bag on a large flat stone, arranging them meticulously.

"Alright," Wu Mei began, taking a deep breath, "to hunt efficiently, you must understand the nature and habits of each animal, categorizing them helps. So, let's classify them."

"Firstly, the easy prey," she began, holding up a small dart-like projectile. "These creatures are often smaller and less aggressive. Examples would be rabbits, squirrels, and pheasants. Their primary defense is speed and camouflage. For these, traps are the most effective. Quiet, no chasing, and energy conserving."

Liang Xuan nodded, recalling their trap-setting lesson.

"Next, we have moderate prey. These are larger and can pose a bit more of a challenge. Examples would be deer or wild boars. For these animals, stealth and patience are crucial. The key is to get close without alarming them. Using a bow or crossbow would be the best way to take them down."

Wu Mei showed Liang Xuan a compact crossbow and explained its mechanism. "A clean shot, preferably to the heart or neck, would ensure a swift and humane kill."

"The hard category includes predators," Wu Mei's tone grew grave. "Wolves, bears, and big cats like leopards. They have acute senses, strength, and agility. The risks are high, but so are the rewards. You'll need to be well-prepared, both in strategy and equipment. Traps, high vantage points, or even using certain scents to disguise or attract can be strategies. But remember, these creatures are at the top of their food chain for a reason."

Liang Xuan gulped, the thought of facing a bear was daunting. "And if they attack?"

Wu Mei looked him straight in the eyes. "You stand tall, make noise, and never, ever turn your back on them. But we'll get to defense strategies later."

Lastly, Wu Mei's expression darkened as she discussed the 'Avoid at all Costs' category. "Some creatures are simply not worth the risk, either because they're too dangerous or because they're sacred to the Phosphorus Woods. Prime examples would be the Phantom Serpent, a snake that has both venom and constriction abilities. Then there's the Silverhorn Elk, considered a guardian spirit of the woods. Not only is it formidable, but killing one would also bring bad luck upon the hunter. Respect the forest and its guardians."

Liang Xuan committed every word to memory, understanding the gravity of the lessons. The forest was both provider and protector, demanding respect and understanding from those who sought its bounty.

Wu Mei stood up, gathering her tools. "Tomorrow, we'll begin with moderate prey, putting to test everything you've learned so far."

Liang Xuan nodded, anticipation in his eyes.