A Guardian Spirit

Due to Asura's curiosity, he came near that simple wooden box nestled in a dark corner.

When he was near the box he heard a mysterious voice say "An outer person, interesting, although his cultivation talent is average if given enough time he can reach that level."

The asura was surprised to hear a voice because he did not see anyone else in the area where he was present. He moved his head left and right but did not see anyone so he asked "Who is speaking?"

"Can you hear me?" that mysterious voice asked.

"Of course, I can hear you so please come out" Asura replied politely.

"Just look down below and you can see me," the mysterious voice said.

Asura looked down but didn't see anyone "Is the sound coming from that wooden box?" he thought.

"Senior, Don't joke around I can't see you so please show yourself" Asura again said.

That mysterious voice said "You are really an idiot, I am talking to you from within the wooden box. "

Asura was surprised and asked, "Senior, you are really talking with me from that wooden box?"

The voice replied "Yes, I am the guardian spirit of this box. I only reveal myself to those worthy of the treasure within."

Asura asked curiously "What treasure lies within the box, senior?"

The voice answered "A sacred scroll containing a rare and powerful spiritual attack technique. But only those with righteous intentions can unlock it."

Asura quickly replied "I seek power, but to use it for good. Please, test me and let me try to open the box!"

The voice considered for a moment. Then it said "Very well, lay your hand on the lid and try to open it. We shall see if you prove worthy."

Asura laid his hand upon the wooden lid of the simple box. At first nothing happened, but then a current of spiritual energy surged up his arm.

The voice spoke again."You must prove the purity of your intentions. Open the box only if you seek the power within to help others, not for selfish gain."

Asura steeled his mind, focusing on his desire to use the technique for the greater good. He pulled firmly on the lid. To his surprise, it sprung open easily.

Inside lay an ancient scroll made of golden silk. Asura reached for it reverently. As his fingers made contact, the scroll unfurled by itself and spiritual script appeared on the pages.

Golden light spilled out, bathing Asura in its glow. Visions of a powerful spiritual attack technique filled his mind. Suddenly he understood how to summon and shape this sacred energy.

As the light faded, Asura knelt before the box. "Thank you for judging me worthy, noble spirit," he said humbly. "I swear I will only use this gift to help others."

A soft breeze stirred the leaves, though no wind was blowing. "I judged your intent, not your worth," the spirit's voice replied. "Now walk the true path to prove yourself worthy of the treasure you have gained."

Asura nodded solemnly. He picked up the scroll, now sealed once more. Though he had obtained a rare and deadly power, he had only taken the first step towards mastery.

He then asked, " Senior, what do you mean by an outer person when you first spoke?"

The guardian spirit's voice replied gently,"An outer person refers to one who has not yet embarked on their inner spiritual journey. They are focused outwardly on the physical world and pursuing power."

Asura asked thoughtfully,"But I do seek to use this power for good."

The spirit said,"That may be so, but true good comes from within. Power used selflessly, with wisdom and compassion, becomes a blessing. But power pursued for its own sake leads only to suffering."

Asura pondered these words. The spirit continued,"An inner person has realized their true nature and place in the universe. They act from a place of spiritual strength, not physical power."

Asura asked,"How does one become an inner person and walk this path of spiritual awakening?"

The spirit replied,"By looking within. By cultivating wisdom, compassion and service to others. And by letting go of selfish desires for power and attachment to form.

Asura said,"Though I initially sought the technique for power, speaking with you has opened my eyes to a higher purpose. Please, help me to become an inner person and rightly use this gift I have been granted."

The spirit's voice sounded pleased as it said, "Wisdom begins when we realize how little we know. Your journey has only just begun, but you have taken the first step on the path towards awakening."

When Asura left the guardian spirit murmured "When I first referred to him as an 'outsider', what I really meant was that he does not truly belong in this world. But I suspect that now is not the right time for him to discover that fact. He will eventually realize the truth once his dormant power begins to awaken. Although his current cultivation talent is merely average compared to where he originates, once his slumbering strength is unleashed in this mortal realm, he will be no different than a deity. I can only hope that he does not become a merciless warrior like those of his clan of origin."