The Hardening of the Spirit

Back in the secluded training grounds, Liang Jian's life had become a cycle of relentless drills, sparring sessions, and physical conditioning. Liang Xun's training methods were brutal, designed to break down any weaknesses and forge Jian into a warrior capable of leading the family.

Every day, Jian found himself pushed further than he ever thought possible. His uncle was a relentless taskmaster, never allowing him a moment's rest. Even when Jian thought he could go no further, Liang Xun would push him harder, forcing him to tap into reserves of strength and chi he hadn't known he possessed.

Sparring sessions became a daily ordeal, each one leaving Jian bruised and battered. Yet, with each passing day, he grew stronger, more resilient. His control over chi sharpened, and his understanding of its applications deepened. The training was grueling, but Jian began to see the results. His movements became faster, his strikes more precise, and his chi flowed with greater intensity.

Liang Xun observed these changes with a critical eye, offering only the occasional nod of approval. For him, there was no room for praise—only the constant push toward improvement. Jian learned to accept this, channeling his frustrations and doubts into his training. Slowly but surely, he was becoming the warrior his family needed him to be.