The sun had barely risen as Xu Zhan stood beside Li Wei outside the town, the scent of freshly tilled earth mixing with the cool morning air. The massive construction projects—hostels, fish farms, and livestock pens—were slowly coming to life, a testament to Li Wei's vision and leadership. Prisoners-turned-laborers, shackled with chains that limited their movement to a 100-meter radius, worked under the watchful eyes of guards and overseers.
Xu Zhan, tired from his morning training, approached Li Wei with a deep bow of gratitude. "Thank you, Li Wei, for everything. I don't know why you've gone out of your way to help me."
Li Wei, as practical as always, offered a small smile. "It's not charity, Xu Zhan. Consider it an investment in potential. You have the makings of something special."
Xu Zhan looked at him, slightly perplexed. "I've only reached 3 stars in my 3rd-rate technique, and I'm struggling to make any real progress. I haven't even started the Azure Dragon Body Forging Technique yet."
Li Wei nodded. "You're smart to focus on mastering your current technique first. The problem is that it's incredibly difficult to break through to low-level 3rd rate with a standard 3rd-rate technique. I know the struggle—when I was trying to break through to 2nd rate using a low-level 2nd-rate technique, it felt nearly impossible. "
Xu Zhan raised an eyebrow. "How did you manage it?"
"Talent and early training," Li Wei replied matter-of-factly. "But not everyone has that luxury. You're working hard, and that's what will set you apart. Just stay the course."
Li Wei provided more medicine to aid Xu Zhan's training, correcting his stances and helping him refine his movements. Xu Zhan's face was a mix of frustration and determination, but he pressed on. The road to mastery was long and arduous, and he had only just begun to understand that. He knew that 3rd rate techniques are much easier to train than 2nd rate techniques. Despite that it was difficult for him to master it.
Outside the town, the scene was one of organized chaos. The laborers, once feared bandits and criminals, were now chained to their work sites, each with one leg shackled to limit their movement. Li Wei had taken prisoners from the cells, realizing that it would be impossible to maintain control over so many without such restrictions. The shackles ensured that they could only move within a 100-meter radius, preventing escape while allowing them enough freedom to work.
The hostels, where the laborers were housed, had been completed. They were simple but sturdy, a place for the workers to rest at the end of their long days. Now, the focus had shifted to the fish farm—a project Li Wei had poured much thought into. Ten massive ponds, each measuring 200 meters by 200 meters, were being dug out by the laborers. The ponds would be used to cultivate fish and dispose of the town's edible waste in a sustainable cycle.
It was backbreaking work, and the laborers moved slowly, encumbered by their chains. Yet, under Li Wei's supervision, the project made steady progress. After months of digging, shaping, and preparing the ponds, the fish farm began to take form. The next step would be the cow and goat farms, set to follow after the ponds were completed.
A full year passed since the start of the massive infrastructure projects. The ponds now teemed with fish, and the cow and goat farms had been established on the outskirts of the town. The prisoners, still shackled, had grown accustomed to their new roles, working under strict supervision as they contributed to the town's prosperity. Li Wei, the mayor, and Ren Shiming had overseen every stage of the process, ensuring that the work was completed on time and without incident.
During this time, Xu Zhan had been training relentlessly. Despite the best efforts of Ren Shiming and Li Wei, his progress was frustratingly slow. After months of hard work and medicine, he had finally reached 5 stars in his 3rd-rate technique, but it was clear that his talent for martial arts was lacking.
Xu Zhan sat on a boulder, staring at his hands, frustration etched into his features. "No matter how hard I try, I feel like I'm not getting anywhere. I've been stuck at this level for so long. What if I don't have what it takes?"
Li Wei, leaning against a nearby tree, crossed his arms. "It's tough. Breaking through with low-level techniques is no joke. I struggled too, but with the right training and time, it happens. Not everyone is born with natural talent, but hard work can make up for a lot."
Xu Zhan glanced at him. "I feel like I'm always falling behind."
Li Wei smirked. "If reading web novels have taught me anything, it's that the ones who struggle the most at first end up being the strongest in the end. I still have faith in you, Xu Zhan. Keep pushing."
With renewed determination, Xu Zhan stood up, ready to continue his training. Though his talent might not be extraordinary, his persistence and dedication would carry him forward.