Li Wei's tenth birthday passed without much fuss—no cake, no fireworks, just the usual routine. But that was how he liked it. Ever since he was young, Li Wei had followed a strict regimen. From the moment he could walk, it seemed like he was already in training mode. He had always been good at focusing on small improvements rather than getting bogged down in the big picture. This mindset kept him from getting frustrated, even as he worked through the most difficult stages of the Tiger Boxing Manual.
While other kids ran around carefree, or rather didn't get to train as they were peasants, Li Wei was out in the yard, repeating his training poses, perfecting every detail. "I'm not in a rush," he'd often tell himself, "but every little bit adds up." He treated each day like a chance to get 1% better—not that he ever bothered with numbers, but the principle stuck. Whether it was mastering the eighth pose or learning to breathe just right during meditation, his progress was always steady.
By eleven, Li Wei's routine was as regular as the sunrise. He'd wake up before dawn, stretch, meditate, and then dive into the Tiger Boxing poses like they were second nature. "If I keep this up, eventually I'll be as strong as a tiger," he thought. But for now, he had the awkward grace of a cub—strong, but a little clumsy. Still, he pressed on, focusing on one thing at a time.
One day, while sparring with his friend Zhao Jun, Li Wei noticed his movements becoming more precise, more fluid. Zhao Jun noticed too, especially after one particularly quick jab to his ribs. "Ow! Okay, what's going on with you? You've been getting faster lately... What's your secret?" Zhao asked, rubbing his side.
Li Wei just shrugged. "No secret. Just practice. I've been doing the same routine every day."
Zhao laughed. "Well, it's definitely working. But seriously, don't you ever get bored? I mean, every day the same thing—punch, pose, punch, pose. Don't you want to try something... fun?"
Li Wei smirked. "This is fun. Besides, it's all about the small improvements. Today, a faster punch. Tomorrow, maybe I won't knock you over."
Zhao groaned. "Great, something to look forward to..."
By the time Li Wei turned twelve, his persistence had started paying off in bigger ways. His strength and speed were improving, his body adapting to the Tiger Boxing stances with greater ease. The ninth pose, "Leaping Tiger," no longer felt as impossible as it once did, though it still required precise control. Li Wei had realized early on that small progress, made consistently, could lead to significant results—like how a tiny trickle of water could carve through rock over time.
Zhao, of course, didn't share this level of patience. "Leaping Tiger? More like 'Falling Cub' with how many times I've seen you faceplant," he teased one afternoon after watching Li Wei's training session.
Li Wei, wiping sweat from his brow, replied dryly, "At least I'm falling forward. You're still stuck on 'Stumbling Goat.'"
"Ha! Stumbling Goat is a proud stance, thank you very much," Zhao said, puffing out his chest in mock dignity. "Besides, what's your hurry, anyway? You're already way ahead of the rest of us."
Li Wei smiled faintly. "It's not about being ahead. It's about getting a little better each day. Small gains, you know?"
Zhao just rolled his eyes. "Sure, sure. But if you start talking about some 'path to enlightenment,' I'm out."
At fourteen, the results of Li Wei's methodical training were becoming undeniable. He had officially reached the level of a third-rate warrior, a significant milestone for someone his age. While most third-rate warriors in the village were older, Li Wei's consistency and discipline had brought him to this level early. He wasn't at the peak of the third-rate level yet—his speed and strength weren't fully developed—but his form and technique were nearly flawless.
Zhao Jun, who had been sparring with him for years, couldn't help but marvel. "Okay, now you're just showing off. You went from 'clumsy cub' to 'full-blown tiger' in, what, a few years? How do you not get bored doing the same thing every day?"
Li Wei smirked, landing a quick, controlled punch on Zhao's shoulder. "The trick is not to think about it as the same thing. It's the small improvements that keep it interesting. Today, I'm a little faster. Tomorrow, I'll be even better."
Zhao groaned dramatically. "You and your tiny improvements. I can't even keep up with your yesterday, let alone tomorrow."
Li Wei's routine, however, was paying off in a much bigger way. At fifteen, he had finally mastered the Tiger Boxing Manual, earning his fifth star. But even as he stood there, drenched in sweat from another intense training session, he knew this wasn't the end of the road. He wasn't yet at the peak of his third-rate rank, but he wasn't in any hurry. His method had worked so far, and he trusted it would carry him to even greater heights.
Sitting on a hill, overlooking the village at sunset, Li Wei reflected on his journey. His muscles ached, but in that good way that told him he was getting stronger. His father joined him, sitting down beside him.
"You've come a long way, Wei. But you know, this isn't the end."
Li Wei nodded, his face calm. "I know. I'm not in a rush. My body still needs time."
His father smiled. "Exactly. You've built a strong foundation, but the rest will come in time. No need to hurry."
Li Wei smiled slightly, watching the sun dip below the horizon. He had never been in a rush, and that had made all the difference. With every tiny improvement, he knew his potential would eventually reach its peak. For now, he was content to keep building on what he had started, one small step at a time.
In the village, third-rate warriors were a rare sight; only Li Bo, Li Yun, and Li Wei's father held that distinction, with Li Wei's grandfather also having been a third-rate warrior in his youth. Unlike the privileged few, peasants lacked the opportunity to learn martial arts, leaving them defenseless against threats. With Li Wei now recognized as a third-rate warrior, he added significant strength to the Li family, becoming an important combat force in a lineage that valued martial prowess.
A peak third-rate warrior is characterized by impressive physical capabilities that set them apart from ordinary individuals. They possess a strength limit of 499 pounds, enabling them to lift and carry heavy loads effortlessly. Their speed is remarkable, capable of covering 100 meters in just 9 seconds, which makes them as quick as elite sprinters. In terms of dexterity, third-rate warriors exhibit agility that is 1.5 times greater than that of an average adult male, allowing them to execute rapid movements and evasive maneuvers during combat. Finally, their endurance is exceptional, with stamina that allows them to sustain prolonged physical exertion, being able to fight or train for extended periods without tiring, boasting five times the endurance of a normal person. Together, these attributes make third-rate warriors formidable opponents, capable of handling both offensive and defensive situations with efficiency and strength.