Early the next morning, as Yang Podi and Yang Ping'an were practicing spear techniques, Dugu Yan surprisingly joined them, leaving the two a bit speechless.
Seeing their surprised expressions, Dugu Yan felt a little proud. "What, you think only you two can train? I can't join in?"
Yang Podi shook his head and picked up his usual iron spear to start his training.
Recently, Yang Podi had finished practicing the basic spear techniques and was now preparing to learn more advanced styles. He planned to study techniques like the Overlord Spear, Yue Family Spear, and Yang Family Spear. Although he only knew a few basics of these in his past life, with a lot of time on his hands now, he could delve into them further.
Dugu Yan watched them practice, but as she had no experience with spears, she felt clueless and didn't know where to start. Finally, she couldn't help but interrupt, "Can you two stop for a moment? Stop practicing for now."
Yang Podi was puzzled, "Sister Yan, what's up? Morning is the best time for training, you know."
"Can you teach me how to practice spear techniques?"
"Sister Yan, you have a beast martial soul. Why would you need to learn spear techniques? It's unnecessary for you."
"But if you two are practicing with spears, what should I be practicing?"
Yang Podi thought about it. There wasn't much suitable for Dugu Yan's training, but then he remembered that in the original story, students at Shrek Academy would train by running with weights. This kind of training might not yield miraculous results, but it would be beneficial for a beast martial soul user.
As Dugu Yan's martial soul was a rare control type, improving her speed could be useful for avoiding attacks.
"Sister Yan, I have a training method for you. Take a weighted backpack and run around the training ground, or even around the entire clan's territory. It's quite effective."
Hearing this, Dugu Yan was puzzled. "Running with weights? Does that actually work? I've never heard of such training."
"Weighted running improves endurance. Especially after you get tired, a medicinal bath will enhance the effects of your training and meditation. Every afternoon, our clan runs with weights up the mountain. Why not join us?"
"Alright, I'll give it a try. But if it doesn't work, I'm coming after you! My poison is no joke."
Yang Podi and Yang Ping'an exchanged a look, both a bit exasperated. Despite her boasts, they doubted her poison was as strong as their clan's abilities.
Dugu Yan spent two hours in the morning running with a small weight on her back. Though it was light, she was still out of breath by the end. When the spear practice was done, she walked over to them, panting. "Are you guys sure this training is enough? It seems too simple."
Yang Ping'an just smiled and suggested, "Sister Yan, why don't you try lifting the spear my brother used this morning?"
Curious, Dugu Yan went over to the spear rack and tried to lift Yang Podi's training spear. She was startled by the weight. "This spear is so heavy! It must weigh at least 200 pounds. Did you really practice with this all morning?"
"Yes, Sister Yan, this spear is exactly 200 pounds, and I also had a 50-kilogram weight on me. My brother carries even more."
Dugu Yan was shocked. "How did you manage that? You're only eight!"
Yang Podi thought for a moment and replied, "Training, constant training, and absorbing spirit rings from strength-type spirit beasts."
Dugu Yan couldn't help but think to herself, Is he really eight? Can an eight-year-old really do this?
After practice, Yang Podi went to wash up, change clothes, and have breakfast. Afterward, Yang Podi, Yang Ping'an, and Dugu Yan attended classes at the clan's school. Yang Podi mostly read or meditated during class, not paying much attention. Meanwhile, Dugu Yan attracted a lot of attention from other kids around her age, making her feel a bit overwhelmed.
In the afternoon, after learning about medicinal herbs, they began their afternoon training, which included running, mountain climbing, swimming, and even frog jumping—all with weights. By the end, everyone was exhausted. Dugu Yan tried to keep up but ended up collapsing halfway through.
That evening, they were all so worn out that they had to be carried home. Afterward, each of them soaked in a medicinal bath, which had been prepared earlier by the clan.
After her bath, Dugu Yan felt much better, and at dinner, she noticed her body felt lighter and more agile. She enjoyed a hearty meal of spirit beast meat, vegetables, and soup. Later, as she began her meditation, she realized it was going much smoother than usual, which left her wondering what had made the difference.
Still curious, she put her questions aside and focused on her meditation.