Behind the kitchen, they found three stones of varying sizes. The largest was clearly meant for Li Hao, while the smallest—though still challenging for a four-year-old—was positioned for Li Hua. She approached her stone with careful consideration, remembering to make her movements match her apparent age and size.
Following their father's instructions, she bent her knees and wrapped her small arms around the stone. It was cool against her skin, rough texture pressing into her palms as she lifted with her legs, just as their father had demonstrated. The weight was significant but manageable—her spiritual training from the previous night had prepared her muscles well, though she was careful not to make it look too easy.
Li Wei grunted as he lifted his middle-sized stone, his face reddening with effort. Li Hao, true to his athletic nature, hoisted his stone with determined grace, leading their little procession around the kitchen building.