The Devouring

James took a deep breath, steadying his nerves as he stepped deeper into the treasury. The scent of aged parchment and lingering energy filled the air, making the room feel alive with the whispers of countless techniques left behind by generations of warriors and cultivators.

He walked past rows of manuals, his fingers trailing over the bindings of ancient tomes, some of which pulsed faintly with residual Qi. There were scrolls detailing legendary sword arts, secretive movement techniques, and even tomes outlining forbidden cultivation methods. But none of them called out to him.

Then, his eyes landed on a single, unassuming scroll covered in a fine layer of dust. Unlike the others, it didn't glow or hum with energy. It seemed almost... forgotten. Something about it felt different, and without thinking, James reached out and picked it up.

The moment his fingers touched the scroll, it crumbled into shimmering particles of light, vanishing before he could react. A sudden, sharp pain shot through his mind, and his vision blurred. An overwhelming flood of foreign knowledge surged into his consciousness as symbols, techniques, concepts he had never seen before. His body trembled, and darkness swallowed him whole.

James didn't know how long he had been unconscious, but when his eyes snapped open, he found himself lying on the cold stone floor. Panic gripped him as he looked around the treasury was unchanged, but the heavy atmosphere reminded him that time was running out.

'How long was I out?'

Ignoring the lingering ache in his head, James scrambled to his feet. He had no time to dwell on what had just happened. If he left empty-handed, his one chance at choosing a technique would be wasted. His gaze darted around, and he rushed to the nearest shelf, snatching up a random fighting technique scroll without even reading its name.

Just as he secured the scroll, a deep voice echoed through the chamber.

"Time's up."

The treasury doors creaked open, revealing Elder Xu standing at the entrance. His aged eyes swept over James, unreadable as ever. "Have you made your selection?"

James swallowed hard, clutching the scroll tightly. "Yes." Elder Xu nodded.

As James followed the elder out of the treasury, he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something had changed within him. The vanished scroll... the knowledge forced into his mind... what had he just stumbled upon?

The silence in the treasury was broken only by James's quick breaths. His heart raced as he held the scroll tightly in his hands. He knew time was running out, and the pressure to make a choice weighed heavily on him.

He glanced around the room again.

The knowledge from the mysterious scroll still buzzed in his mind. The strange techniques, the symbols he couldn't understand everything felt chaotic, overwhelming. What was that scroll? What had it shown him?

As they exited the treasury, the midday sun greeted him with its warmth, but James barely noticed. His focus was on what came next.

The training grounds were lively as always, filled with the sounds of disciples practicing their arts. Some sparred, others meditated, but all were working toward mastery of their chosen techniques.

Standing near the stone pavilion were three familiar figures. Elder Ren, his stern but wise presence commanding respect, watched the disciples with sharp eyes. Mei, her long dark hair tied back neatly, her expression one of quiet curiosity. As Jiang's, arms were crossed as always, was leaning against a pillar, a bored look on his face.

James and Elder Xu said their goodbyes as James bowed to him than he approached the group. As soon as Elder Ren, Mei and Jiang spotted him coming towards them.

Mei quickly asked James with genuine curiosity "Did you find a technique that suits you?"

James nodded "Yes, I have."

Elder Ren gave James a steady look "Choosing a technique is a crucial step in your path, James. Show me what you've selected."

James took a deep breath, steadying himself. He unrolled the scroll in his hands, and for the first time, he read its title properly: Crimson Viper Fist.

Jiang raised an eyebrow "Crimson Viper Fist? Sounds aggressive."

Mei nodded thoughtfully "Vipers are precise and deadly. Is it a fast-striking fist technique?"

Elder Ren took the scroll from James's hands, studying it for a moment. His expression remained unreadable. "This technique emphasizes fluid, unpredictable strikes, swift and relentless, like a viper closing in on its prey. A solid choice, but not an easy one to master."

Elder Ren sighed, his expression turning more serious. "This technique requires perfect control," he said, his voice carrying a note of caution. "One mistake, and the user may overextend or leave themselves vulnerable." He exhaled, glancing at James with a thoughtful look. "The Crimson Viper Fist is not just dangerous to your opponent—it can just as easily harm you if misused. Reckless strikes, uncontrolled force… if you fail to master it, you may injure yourself as much as your enemy."

James felt a shiver run down his spine. The weight of Elder Ren's words settled in his chest. Could he really handle something this demanding? Then, Elder Ren handed the scroll back to him.

Before James could say anything, Mei stepped forward, tilting her head with an amused glint in her eyes. "Crimson Viper Fist, huh?" She tapped her chin, pretending to be deep in thought. "So... does that mean you'll be striking fast and leaving your opponents breathless?"

James gave her a look. "Something like that, I guess."

Mei smiled, stepping just a little closer. "Hmm. I don't know, James." Her voice was light, teasing. "You're usually so quiet and thoughtful. I never took you for the aggressive type." She playfully leaned in, lowering her voice. "Or do you have a hidden side I don't know about?"

James felt his face heat up slightly. He coughed, looking away. "It's just a technique, Mei. It's not that deep."

She giggled, clearly enjoying his reaction. "I don't know. A viper is dangerous, unpredictable… and striking at just the right moment?" She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, smiling "Maybe I should start watching you more closely."

James sighed, running a hand through his hair, trying to ignore the warmth creeping up his neck "Do you always have to be like this?"

Mei grinned "Only when it's fun."

Jiang, was silent the entire time as he looked at the exchange between the two.

As James just groaned.

Elder Ren, seemingly unbothered by the playful exchange, placed a firm hand on James's shoulder "Go now. Train and practice."

James took a deep breath and nodded. The doubts were still there, but so was his determination.

As James turned to leave, Mei called after him with a knowing smile. "Don't train too hard, James. I'd hate to see you worn out before we get to spar."

James didn't look back, but he could hear the amusement in her voice. He just hoped she didn't see the small smile he was fighting off as he walked away.