After some time alone in her room, Aerum stepped outside, the cool breeze brushing against her skin.
She saw Xenos standing nearby, observing his disciples—Misaki, Maximo, Kori, and Valdir—who were immersed in their cultivation.
The atmosphere was serene yet charged with energy, the kind only a master and his students could create.
Aerum approached Xenos, her footsteps light yet purposeful. He noticed her immediately, his sharp gaze softening.
"Thanks," she said simply, her voice carrying more emotion than the word itself.
Xenos smiled faintly, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. "My disciples will finish their cultivation in about five minutes. After that, we begin physical training."
Aerum nodded, her resolve unwavering.
When the disciples finished their cultivation, they stood and gathered in a line before Xenos. His commanding presence grew more profound as he addressed them.
"Physical training is a demanding process," Xenos began, his tone firm yet instructional. "Many give up, dismissing it as unnecessary. But they're wrong."
He paced slowly before the group, his words measured and deliberate.
"The physical body is the foundation of everything—your Qi cultivation, your soul cultivation, and most importantly, your body cultivation. There are four key factors to understand: functional strength, endurance, balance and coordination, and flexibility and mobility."
He stopped and turned to face them, his voice resonating with conviction.
"First, functional strength. This is not about looking strong; it's about being strong—strong enough to deliver powerful punches, swift kicks, and execute grappling techniques with precision. This is the strength that counts in combat."
"Second, endurance. Strength alone won't save you in a prolonged fight. You need stamina to outpace and outlast your opponent. Conditioning drills will strengthen your heart and lungs, allowing you to fight when exhaustion would cripple others."
"Third, balance and coordination. Combat requires stability and fluidity. Training stances like the horse stance or mastering footwork ensures you remain grounded. Balance also improves your daily life—making you less prone to mistakes, both in battle and beyond."
"Fourth, flexibility and mobility. Without these, your movements become stiff and predictable. Stretching and dynamic exercises will allow your body to adapt to any position, to dodge with grace or strike with precision."
Xenos's voice grew deeper, more commanding. "Finally, physical training makes your body resilient. Strengthened muscles, bones, and joints reduce the risk of injury. A well-trained body is a fortress—a weapon and a shield. It is your foundation."
He looked at each disciple, his eyes filled with intensity. "Understand this: your body's strength may one day be the difference between victory and defeat, survival and failure. Use it wisely."
He paused, letting his words sink in. Then, he asked, "Any questions?"
The disciples responded in unison, "No, Master!"
Xenos stood before his disciples, his sharp eyes scanning the group. He clapped his hands, signaling the start of their training.
"We'll begin with the most basic yet essential exercise—running," Xenos announced.
The disciples exchanged quick glances, but no one dared to question him.
"Running isn't just about speed," Xenos continued. "It builds endurance, strengthens your legs, and increases your cardiovascular capacity. You'll start with a simple lap around the training ground. But don't be fooled—this is only the beginning."
He pointed to a path that circled the vast training grounds, weaving through dense forests, steep inclines, and uneven terrain.
"You'll run five kilometers today. Maintain a steady pace, no sprinting, no walking. This is about consistency and pushing through fatigue. Now go!"
The disciples took off, their steps rhythmic as they disappeared into the trees. Aerum joined them, her resolve burning as she felt her muscles come alive.
When they returned, panting and drenched in sweat, Xenos wasted no time.
"Good," he said, his tone neutral, neither praising nor scolding. "Now we move to the horse stance."
He demonstrated, lowering his body into a deep squat with his thighs parallel to the ground and his arms extended forward.
"The horse stance strengthens your legs, core, and posture. It's the foundation of balance and endurance in combat. You will hold this position for ten minutes. No breaks."
The disciples groaned inwardly but assumed the stance. The burn in their thighs grew unbearable after a few minutes, but Xenos's sharp gaze kept them from faltering. Aerum gritted her teeth, sweat dripping down her face, as she focused on her breathing to endure the pain.
As the timer ran out, Xenos nodded. "Stand. Shake out your legs, but don't rest. We're only just beginning."
He paced before them, hands clasped behind his back. "Now, we'll move on to the four factors: functional strength, endurance, balance and coordination, and flexibility and mobility. These exercises will shape you into warriors, capable of facing any challenge."
"First, functional strength. You'll practice bodyweight exercises that mimic combat movements. Push-ups for upper body strength, planks for core stability, and explosive jumps to build power in your legs."
Xenos demonstrated each exercise with precision, his movements fluid yet powerful. "Push-ups—50. Plank hold—2 minutes. Jump squats—30. Begin!"
The disciples dove into the routine, their bodies straining but determined. Aerum felt her arms trembling during the planks, but she refused to stop.
"Next, endurance," Xenos said, his voice cutting through their fatigue. "Hill sprints and burpees. These will push your cardiovascular limits."
He pointed to a steep incline nearby. "Sprint to the top and jog back down. Repeat this five times. Then, 20 burpees—fast and clean. Go!"
The disciples groaned but obeyed, their lungs burning as they powered through the sprints. By the time they finished, their chests heaved, and sweat soaked their clothes.
"For balance and coordination," Xenos said, "we'll focus on stance training and dynamic footwork."
He led them through drills, practicing shifting between the horse stance, crane stance, and combat stances with precision. Then, they worked on footwork drills, moving quickly and lightly in zigzag patterns.
"Balance is not just about standing still," Xenos explained. "It's about maintaining control during movement."
"Finally, flexibility and mobility," Xenos said, gesturing for them to sit. "Stretching is not just for recovery; it's a crucial part of combat. Without it, your movements are restricted."
He guided them through a series of stretches, focusing on the hamstrings, hips, shoulders, and spine. Dynamic stretches like lunges and arm swings followed, loosening their muscles and increasing their range of motion.
By the time the training session ended, the disciples were exhausted, their bodies trembling from the strain. Xenos, however, showed no sign of fatigue.
"Well done," he said, his tone calm. "This is just the beginning. The path to true strength is long and arduous, but if you remain committed, you will surpass your limits."
"Head back to your rooms," he instructed. "There, you will find a container filled with hot water. I've mixed a blend of rare healing herbs into it. Soak in the water for an hour. These herbs will accelerate your recovery, heal any injuries sustained during training, and strengthen your body at a deeper level. Afterward, return here for the next phase of training."
The disciples—Valdir, Maximo, Kori, Misaki, and along with Elder Aerum—nodded silently, their fatigue evident but their resolve unshaken.
One by one, they made their way to their respective rooms, where the steaming herbal baths awaited them.
As Aerum stepped into the tub, the warmth of the water enveloped her sore muscles.
The scent of the herbs was both calming and invigorating, a mix of earthy and floral tones that seemed to seep into her very core.
She let herself sink into the water, feeling the soothing heat and healing essence of the herbs work their magic.
In their own rooms, the other disciples had similar experiences.
Valdir marveled at how the aches in his arms and legs seemed to dissolve.
Maximo could feel the stiffness in his shoulders ease, replaced by a newfound flexibility.
Kori and Misaki felt their energy return in waves, their spirits lifting as the water rejuvenated them.
Aerum, too, noticed a transformation. The scars and small cuts from the day's training faded as if erased.
Her body felt lighter, yet stronger, as though the herbs were not just healing her but enhancing her.
By the time an hour passed, the disciples emerged from their rooms, their faces refreshed and determined.
They gathered once more at the training field, standing before Xenos, who observed them with a knowing smile.
"Good," Xenos said, his voice calm but commanding. "You've experienced the first step of true recovery. Now, sit and cultivate for the next half hour. Focus on drawing in spiritual energy and refining it within your body."
The disciples obeyed, assuming meditative positions and closing their eyes to begin their cultivation.
As they entered a state of deep focus, they immediately noticed a difference.
The spiritual energy around them seemed to flow faster, more abundantly and they were able to refine their muscle and tendon more easily.
Aerum, in particular, felt her cultivation reach a new peak.
The energy coursed through her, solidifying her body and refining her strength to a precision she had never known before.
She could feel every fiber of her being in harmony, her power not just raw but controlled.
When the half hour concluded, the disciples opened their eyes, their faces reflecting a mixture of awe and disbelief.
Xenos's smile widened slightly. "Now you understand why physical cultivation is vital," he said.
The disciples nodded in unison, their respect for their master deepening.
Xenos's gaze turned sharp again as he continued. "Your next challenge awaits. It's time to face the Tower of Nightmare."
After receiving their master's instructions, Xenos's disciples moved ahead to face the Tower of Nightmare. This extraordinary tower had a multidimensional challenge system that allowed multiple challengers to face it simultaneously, each in their own unique trials.
Aerum stayed behind, watching the others disappear into the glowing entrance of the tower. A shadow of concern flickered across her face as she turned to Xenos.
"Do you think they'll be alright?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.
Xenos's expression remained calm and composed, his gaze steady. "Valdir, Misaki, and even Kori will handle it well. Kori's fear regarding her physical body breakout, which might challenge her, but I trust her resolve. As for Maximo…"
He paused briefly, then added, "He worries me the most, but I believe he will pull through. They've all endured the hellfire purification. For them, the first six floors will be far easier than for an ordinary person."
Aerum nodded, though her concern still lingered, evident in the crease of her brow.
Noticing her unease, Xenos offered her a small, reassuring smile. "You're still worried, aren't you?"
Aerum glanced down, then nodded slightly.
"Why don't you use some distraction, why not challenge the Tower of Battle?" Xenos suggested.
Aerum tilted her head, intrigued but hesitant. "Hmm… Tower of Battle?"
Xenos nodded. "It's a different kind of trial. One that tests strength and combat skills."
Aerum's nodded "Alright then. I will."
With that, she turned toward the Tower of Battle, her steps growing more confident with each stride.
As Aerum stepped into the Tower of Battle, an overwhelming sensation gripped her body.
She felt her strength diminish, her cultivation being sealed down to Tier 9: Skin Transformation Realm.
It was an unfamiliar yet strangely exhilarating experience. Just as she adjusted to the shift, a calm, resonant voice echoed through the vast space.
[The Tower of Battle has nine floors. Each floor represents a realm of martial cultivation.]
Aerum glanced around, taking in her surroundings.
The interior of the tower shimmered with a soft, ethereal glow, its walls alive with faint patterns of ancient battles.
[For the first floor, your cultivation will be sealed to Tier 9: Skin Transformation Realm.]
She clenched her fists, testing her reduced strength.
Her movements were deliberate, focused. The voice continued.
[Each floor contains ten challenges. All opponents are human, each highly skilled with different weapons.]
[Due to the variety of weapons, the environment will change for each battle, simulating real combat scenarios.]
[Before the challenge begins, select your weapon. Choose wisely, as your choice will remain constant for the floor.]
A shimmering panel materialised before her, displaying a variety of weapons—swords, spears, daggers, maces, and more.
Aerum's eyes scanned the display thoughtfully.
Her hand hovered over the options before she selected a blade that matched the length of her forearm.
Its sleek design promised precision, speed, and versatility in close combat.
"This will do," she said with confidence, gripping the hilt firmly as the weapon materialised in her hand.
She swung it experimentally, feeling its balance. It felt like an extension of her own arm—a perfect fit.
As she selected the weapon, the voice sounded again
[Will you start the challenge? Yes or No.]
Aerum took a deep breath, her lips curling into a determined smirk. "Yes," she said firmly, her voice unwavering.