[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-born-as-a-witch":3,"chapter-born-as-a-witch-born-as-a-witch-chapter-186":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Born as a Witch",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1702712,2172,"Chapter 186: Learning wisdom","born-as-a-witch-chapter-186",186,"\u003Cp>The pond lay hidden behind the temple, shielded by thick clusters of bamboo and reeds that whispered in the morning breeze. Mist rose in silvery tendrils, curling and dancing above the water like living spirits, catching the faint light that filtered through the overhanging trees. Lira stepped carefully onto the damp stones, feeling the cold touch of moss beneath her bare feet, and paused to inhale. The air was thick with the scent of earth and water, yet there was an almost sweet undercurrent, the trace of something older, wiser.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serelyth walked beside her in her human form, her white hair falling over her shoulders like a flowing waterfall, and her porcelain skin glimmering faintly in the diffused light. Her red eyes reflected the pond like twin rubies, patient, observant, and infinitely calm. Lira felt a rush of warmth at the dragon-lady’s presence, a tether to reality that made the lingering tension in her muscles ebb slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You first,\" Serelyth murmured, stepping aside. \"Let the water wash away the weight of the trials. I will watch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lira nodded and waded in. The cool water embraced her feet, sending a shiver up her spine that blossomed into a sense of relief. She bent down, cupping the water in her hands and splashing it over her face. The chill bit sharply at first, then spread as a gentle refreshment through her chest and shoulders. Every droplet seemed to carry away a fragment of fatigue, every ripple whispered a small promise of renewal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she leaned back, letting the water lap over her legs, Serelyth sat on a nearby stone, her gaze softening. She began to speak, her voice almost blending with the rustle of the reeds. \"You know, little flame, the first Spirit users were not like the ones you read about in stories. They were rare, powerful, and deeply misunderstood. Their gifts were unlike any other elemental power, flowing through them like an unseen river. And for that, they were feared.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lira looked up, curiosity lighting her tired features. \"Feared? But why? Spirit... it doesn’t seem dangerous in the way fire or storms are.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serelyth’s eyes darkened, reflecting the weight of history. \"Because Spirit is not merely force or control. It does not obey commands as fire or water might. It is life itself, flowing, weaving, seeing into the depths of one’s mind and soul. A Spirit user who is unready, or arrogant, or careless, becomes dangerous not to others—but to themselves. And others feared what they could not understand. They hunted those who wielded Spirit, accused them of meddling with life, of arrogance, of madness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lira let the cool water soak her arms, the mist curling around her like a veil. \"Were they... punished?\" she asked softly, her voice almost lost in the whispering reeds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Some were hunted. Some were shunned. Many fled to hidden places, learning in secret. Others... disappeared entirely, leaving only traces of their understanding behind.\" Serelyth’s gaze drifted to the far end of the pond, where the mist thinned over a cluster of flowering reeds. \"But those who endured... they left knowledge. Scrolls, instruments, chants, and elemental recipes. They left lessons for those who would come after, for the rare ones who could see beyond fear and superficial power.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lira sank deeper into the water, letting the coolness soothe the aches in her muscles and the heaviness in her chest. \"And... the Spirit itself?\" she asked. \"Was it always gentle?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serelyth’s lips curved faintly. \"Gentle? Yes, if approached with respect. Demanding, if approached with arrogance. Spirit is not a tool, little flame. It is a guide. It shows you truths you may not want to see. It binds all elements, all life, all thought. Fire burns, water flows, air lifts, earth grounds—but Spirit... Spirit weaves them together. It requires balance, clarity, patience. The first users often failed because they wanted to bend it, control it, use it as others might use fire or wind. But Spirit does not bend. It flows, waits, teaches.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lira dipped her head beneath the surface, letting the water wash over her hair. When she emerged, droplets sliding down her cheeks and nose, she felt lighter. The murmur of the pond around her, the rhythm of the wind through the reeds, even Serelyth’s calm presence—everything seemed to harmonize with the lessons she had just heard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Were they alone?\" Lira asked, curiosity piqued. \"The first users, did they work alone?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serelyth shook her head slowly. \"No. That is another reason they were misunderstood. Spirit users need companionship. Guidance. Even the strongest among them could not navigate the currents of life and Spirit alone. They formed bonds, taught those who could endure the trials, protected those who followed. But the world was unkind, and many who sought understanding were hunted or betrayed. Those who survived hid, leaving behind whispers, fragments, teachings. They hoped someone would come, someone worthy, someone like you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lira let the water ripple around her fingers as she pondered the story. \"So... Spirit isn’t about power. It’s about understanding, patience, guidance... connection.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serelyth’s eyes glimmered. \"Exactly. The power you wield will not mean much without clarity of mind and depth of heart. You are beginning to understand that, little flame. But these lessons are only the beginning. The Spirit’s tests are relentless. It will challenge your mind, your body, and your will. You must listen, observe, act—but above all, respect it. The first users learned that the hard way. And so will you, if you ignore the flow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lira leaned back in the pond, letting her arms float loosely, feeling the ripples cross her skin. The cool water mirrored her reflection, a reminder that she was here, alive, learning. \"I think I understand,\" she whispered, almost to herself. \"Not fully... but a little. And I know what I must do next.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serelyth’s lips twitched into a soft smile, her gaze watching Lira with a mixture of admiration and concern. \"Good. That understanding will serve you. But remember—Spirit is patient. It does not rush. It waits. It flows. And it will test you at every turn. You must meet it with respect and clarity. Do you feel ready for more?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lira’s chest rose and fell with measured breaths, the tension of the temple and the trials flowing out with each exhale. \"I... I think I am.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serelyth shifted closer, resting a hand on Lira’s shoulder. \"You are. And know this—though the first users were misunderstood, you are not alone. You carry their lessons, their whispers, their echoes. And you have me. You are learning to swim these waters, little flame, and soon, you will navigate currents that none before you could.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The water shimmered around them, droplets catching the light of the morning sun that had begun to pierce the mist. Lira let the stillness and calm of the pond seep into her, letting her mind absorb both Serelyth’s stories and the lessons of the temple. She realized, with a thrill that warmed her chest, that she was not just washing her body but cleansing her spirit, preparing it to meet challenges that lay ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hours passed—or was it only moments? Time seemed to bend in the serene embrace of the pond. Lira played in the water, letting it move around her, feeling its currents as though they carried whispers of the first Spirit users, fragments of knowledge encoded in the very nature of the liquid. Serelyth spoke occasionally, recounting small anecdotes:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There was one,\" Serelyth said softly, \"who could hear the trees speak, the rocks breathe, the rivers sing. He was feared, but patient. He lived alone for decades, teaching only those who could sit in silence beside him for days, weeks even. They were tested not by battle, but by stillness, by their ability to see beyond themselves.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lira tilted her head, imagining the image. \"And did they succeed?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Some did,\" Serelyth replied, \"and those who did... their knowledge became hidden in scrolls, gardens, and temples like this one. You are standing in the echo of their patience, Lira. And soon, you will face your own tests, designed to see if you can carry what they could not.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The afternoon sunlight filtered through the mist, turning droplets into tiny prisms, scattering rainbow light across the surface of the pond. Lira rose, shaking off water, droplets sparkling like stars. Serelyth mirrored her, standing with grace and strength. \"Come,\" Serelyth said, her voice firm but gentle. \"The pond has refreshed the body, but the mind is ready for more. Let us return to the temple. The Spirit’s lessons do not end at still waters. They wait in motion, in trials, and in challenges yet unseen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lira nodded, letting the warmth of the day and the stories of Spirit users settle in her heart. Together, they stepped from the pond, water dripping and glinting like liquid jewels along their arms and hair. The path back to the temple was lined with the quiet hum of nature, the soft rustle of reeds and bamboo, the occasional song of a distant bird, and the ever-present whispers of energy that seemed to pulse from the earth itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they entered the temple again, Lira felt the familiar hush of ancient stone and paper settle around her like a cloak. The air inside carried that same quiet charge, the rhythm of latent energy threading through the walls, the scrolls, the very floor beneath her feet. It was as though the building itself was alive, aware of her presence, anticipating her next steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serelyth followed closely, her red eyes sweeping the chamber, still alert despite the tranquil mood. \"Stay focused,\" she murmured, her voice low but firm. \"The Spirit’s trials do not end simply because the body rests.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lira nodded, shoulders squared, letting the echo of Serelyth’s words mingle with the lingering warmth of the pond. She walked toward the center of the temple where the monk awaited, sitting cross-legged with his head bowed, eyes closed. When he sensed her approach, he opened them slowly, and for a moment, his gaze pierced straight into her core.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You have returned,\" he said, voice calm yet layered with weight. \"The pond has cleansed the body and mind, but the Spirit seeks more than clarity. It seeks resilience, endurance, and understanding beyond the visible world.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lira stepped closer, feeling the energy within her pulse in harmony with the quiet hum of the temple. \"I... I am ready for more. I want to understand, to learn, to prepare myself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monk’s eyes softened, and he gestured to the empty space before him. \"Very well. Move. Let your body act on what your mind now comprehends. The Spirit tests not only thought, but reflex, intent, harmony. Begin again, little flame, but this time without hesitation. Let your senses guide your movements, not your fear.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking a deep breath, Lira centered herself. The lessons of the pond, of Serelyth’s stories, and of her own inner visions merged into a singular focus. She let the currents of her elements—the fire, the air, the water, the earth—flow freely, each pulse echoing into the next. Her feet shifted across the temple floor, drawing intricate patterns as her arms and hands moved in fluid arcs, slicing through imaginary currents, weaving and binding energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monk observed silently, his hands folded, eyes tracing her every motion. Occasionally, he murmured instructions, subtle adjustments: \"Faster. Flow with intent. Predict, do not force. Let the Spirit guide, not your impatience.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hours—or perhaps only minutes—passed in this rhythm. Lira felt sweat drip along her temples, muscles aching, yet there was no pain, only the sensation of awakening. She realized with clarity that every movement, every breath, every glance of her mind and body was now in conversation with the unseen currents that whispered through the temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, the monk rose, moving closer. \"You have begun to harmonize, but the next stage is within the unseen. You must close your eyes, but do not look inward this time. Look outward. The Spirit speaks in currents and pulses that cannot be felt through sight alone. Let it guide you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lira’s chest rose and fell as she obeyed, folding herself into meditation. Her breathing slowed, each inhalation and exhalation in perfect rhythm, syncing with the subtle vibrations of the temple. Around her, the stone walls seemed to dissolve, replaced by an infinite expanse of silvery currents, shimmering threads of energy stretching and weaving endlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shapes began to form, faint at first—illusions meant to confuse, to test her ability to perceive the truth. Shadows of failure, whispers of doubt, fragments of her fears—all pressed upon her senses. She remembered Serelyth’s warning: trust yourself, let go, let flow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drawing on the lessons of the first Spirit users, of her own elemental harmonies, Lira allowed the illusions to wash over her without resistance. She observed, acknowledged, and released them. They flickered and dissolved as quickly as they appeared, leaving clarity in their wake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then came the final vision: a vast expanse of light, fragmented but pulsing with life. It called to her, an invitation and a challenge all at once. She reached out, not with her hands, but with her mind, feeling the energy that vibrated through the threads of Spirit. The currents responded, converging around her, coiling and uncoiling, testing her patience, her focus, her endurance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stand firm,\" whispered a voice—not the monk’s, not Serelyth’s, but ancient, resonant, echoing through the currents themselves. \"Do not bend. Do not break. Align yourself with the flow, and the Spirit shall reveal what you seek.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lira drew herself up, letting the harmony of her elements surge and intertwine. Each pulse of fire, each lift of air, each flow of water, each grounding of earth merged into a singular resonance. The currents of Spirit acknowledged her, moving around her as if in silent applause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she opened her eyes, she was back in the temple. The monk watched her, the corners of his lips curving into a faint smile. \"You have begun to understand,\" he said. \"Not fully, but enough to move forward. Remember, little flame, Spirit is not a destination—it is a companion, a teacher, a current to flow with. Treat it with respect, and it will guide you further than you can imagine. Resist it, and it will teach you harshly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",2381,"2026-06-06T14:30:21.780Z",1,"novelbin.me","c1bc027d5dedb79ab2c2f31fb60671844834ecf2c63f6d75713baee6ddc3bbb6","born-as-a-witch-chapter-150","born-as-a-witch-chapter-149",479,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fborn-as-a-witch-cover.jpg"]