At that time, Thea didn't know that Malcolm's classroom was still recruiting students, and her father had told a big lie to justify her injury.
She walked steadily along the mountain trail. Her beautiful sister, with long black hair, had a remarkable talent for finding places. This one was even more remote than the previous forest, and it had taken her quite a while to get there. Fortunately, Xia had gotten up an hour early; otherwise, she would have been late.
Looking around, she took in the lush greenery and the distant sound of running water. The scenery was breathtaking, with towering mountains and crystal-clear rivers. Finding such a place near Star City—a dense industrial metropolis dominated by the Queen family's steel mills—must have taken considerable effort.
Compared to the small, dark forests of the old man, this place was much more pleasing to the eye. "I passed the entrance exam and entered a new classroom, right? Could this be the legendary transition from elementary school to high school?" she mused.
As her awareness sharpened, she soon noticed a woman standing not far away, her back turned toward her. Mrs. Shiva stood with her hands clasped behind her. Her waist-length black hair swayed in the wind like drifting clouds. For a moment, Thea—who was also a woman—found herself slightly entranced by the sight.
But she quickly snapped back to reality when Mrs. Shiva, with a peculiar accent, elegantly recited a Chinese poem:
"The sun sets over the mountains…"
With a startled step, Thea nearly misstepped and fell. In such a tranquil environment, she had expected something like, "Mist shrouds the willows by the lake." So why was she reciting a poem even elementary school students knew? That calm, refined aura—enhanced by her long, flowing hair—had completely lost its mystique!
Lowering her gaze, Thea replied in Chinese:
"The Yellow River flows into the sea."
"Oh, little Thea, I didn't expect you to speak Chinese! That's amazing!" Mrs. Shiva said, surprised. She suddenly looked like a wanderer who, after years away from home, had finally returned to familiar lands. Her expression softened immediately.
Thea resisted the urge to fire off a tongue twister and instead nodded solemnly. That meant they could stop with the small talk and officially start the training, right?
Mrs. Shiva, pleased with her attitude, thought, She is neither arrogant nor impatient, and she remains unfazed by praise or criticism. An interesting girl.
"Since you are now my student, we are fated to know each other. You already know my name, and you seem to have a good grasp of Chinese, which is excellent. I am Chinese, and my Chinese name is Sandra Wu-San. 'Shiva' is a title given to me by the Indians," she introduced herself calmly.
What she said stunned Thea. What kind of Chinese name is that?! Who was the irresponsible person who registered it? Call the authorities in your hometown! Your monthly bonus is canceled!
Deciding to ignore the so-called Chinese name, she resolved to call her "Ms. Shiva" from now on. It was catchy and easier to remember.
Unaware of Thea's internal complaints, Shiva continued in a composed tone:
"I saw your fight last night. I must admit, you are highly intelligent in combat, able to overcome stronger opponents despite your disadvantages. But that is still not enough. You haven't fully utilized your strengths. Do you know what they are?"
Half a year ago, Thea wouldn't have had an answer, but now she was aware of her unusual abilities.
"My perception? But I thought I gave it my all. Please teach me, Master."
"Very good. Being able to recognize your own strengths and weaknesses already places you ahead of 90% of people. I am increasingly impressed by you." She smiled, but the expression was cold and unreadable.
"Perception. Black Arrow must have mentioned it before. But I will reinforce it based on my own experience."
"Everyone possesses perception, but to varying degrees. In nature, animals can sense earthquakes and volcanic eruptions through instinct. Humans, however, have lived in chaos for so long that their perception has dulled over time. Only by returning to nature can we reclaim this gift."
Thea nodded. The old man had said something similar, though he had emphasized returning to oneself, whereas Shiva spoke of returning to nature. This, perhaps, was the fundamental difference between the two martial arts masters.
Different paths led to the same destination, and no one was entirely right or wrong. However, compared to the Ninja Master's philosophy of seeking breakthroughs through combat, Mrs. Shiva's words resonated more with her.
"Today's lesson won't involve practical skills. Instead, I want you to take the first step toward reconnecting with nature—truly feeling it. Stand by my side."
Thea obeyed. As soon as she positioned herself, she noticed how strong the wind was. Am I going to be blown away? I only weigh 50 kilos!
"Close your eyes and carefully listen to the wind," Shiva instructed, tying a cloth over her own eyes.
The sound of the wind? Losing her sight plunged Thea into disarray. It took her a moment to realize the training had already begun.
She listened intently.
"South wind, about level three, with gusts reaching level four. What else…? Some birds are singing, but I can't tell what species they are."
"Not bad! You truly have talent. I divide perception training into four stages.
"The first stage is listening to the wind. The second is identifying birdsong. Now we enter the third stage—distinguishing the chirping of insects. Sit down and remove your clothes."
"…What?!" Thea froze. Why would I need to take off my clothes? Is this some kind of sinister Kung Fu technique?!
"Stop hesitating. Hurry up," Shiva urged, unaware of her student's internal turmoil.
It doesn't matter—I'm a woman too, so… just do it! Thea thought as she hesitantly removed her coat, her hands trembling.
"Why are you so shy? You, a Westerner, are more conservative than Asians?" Shiva mused, finding it amusing.
"That's prejudiced! What's wrong with Westerners? This is just a personality trait!" Thea retorted, unable to hold back.
For the first time, a flicker of amusement crossed Shiva's normally stoic face.
"Fine, fine, it's a personality thing. But hey, did I ever tell you to take off your underwear?"
"…WHAT?!" Thea gaped.
"Why didn't you say that earlier?!" she snapped, hurriedly putting her clothes back on. This woman seems so serious, but she's completely shameless!
At that moment, Thea found herself missing her father's training in the forest. It had been dark and dreary there, but at least her mind had been at peace. Here, surrounded by birdsong and blooming flowers, it was far too easy to lose focus!
After that unexpected episode, the tension between them eased, giving way to a faint sense of camaraderie.
Shiva finally sat down on a tree stump and watched from a distance.
Now blindfolded, Thea felt the cold wind brushing directly against her skin. The initial rush of chaotic sensations gradually faded. Bit by bit, the sounds of nature became clearer once again.