The sun slowly rose above the horizon shining long, golden rays across the training area. Bai Cheng stands at the edge of a clear space in the forest, and sweat already runs down his forehead. It's been many days since he was training, and the ache pulls at his muscles, but he does not give up. He can't. He promised himself so much more than this.
Mei Feng sat on a nearby rock, looking very confident. She smiled at his decidedly tired face. "You look really worn out, Bai Cheng," she joked. "And we haven't even begun the day. Sure you can handle this?
Bai Cheng looked at her angrily and spoke strongly. "I'm ready. Let's do this."
"Good attitude!" Gerald's loud voice boomed in as he strode into the open space; his big smile and easy-going nature were very different from Bai Cheng's serious but tired position on the step. "But before you begin today's shadow step drills, we need to have a word with you."
"Talk?" Bai Cheng frowned. "What's this now? Haven't I worked enough?"
Mei Feng guffaws openly, enjoying the dialogue. "Ah. This is going to be fantastic. Proceed, Gerald, break that little heart of his.
Gerald said nothing but reached out to place a hand on Bai Cheng's shoulder. "You're doing great with the shadow step training, kid. But here's the thing: when stealth doesn't work? And what if you are stuck? Or what if someone is quicker or better than you at avoiding?
Bai Cheng He knit his brows in confusion.. "I'll figure it out—"
No," Gerald said cutting him off, his voice clipped and much more serious than usual. "Just trying to solve it right away isn't enough. It would be best if you had a backup plan, something to trust when things get tough. That's why starting today you will be learning *Iron Bone Conditioning*".
What iron?" Bai Cheng blinked, confused.
"Iron Bone Conditioning," Gerald said again, stepping back and flexing his arms. "It's a method that will make your body very strong. Your bones and muscles will become powerful tools. You'll learn to take a hit without reacting and throw punches that can break the stone."
Bai Cheng raised an eyebrow. "Sounds. crazy."
"Good," Gerald smiled. "It is. And it's just what you need."
Mei Feng crossed her arms, her expression skeptical. "You're really going to make this kid endure that? He's already half-broken from shadow training."
He can handle it," Gerald said confidently. "He's got to. This isn't about soft-pedaling him. This is about getting him ready for the real world, where tough people will take advantage of all their power to screw him over if he is not prepared.".
Taking a deep breath, Bai Cheng nodded slowly. "Okay. What am I supposed to do?
Gerald smiled bigger. "That's the way to go. First, we begin with impact conditioning."
---
**Iron Bone Conditioning: baptism by Fire**
Gerald took Bai Cheng to a training ground full of strange sights: wooden posts covered in ropes, heavy sandbags, and big stones. "Your first assignment is easy," Gerald said, rising to select a rather thick wooden stick. "You will hit, punch, and kick these targets until your body grows stronger.".
Bai Cheng looked at him incredulously. "You want me to hit that rock? With my hands?
Gerald nodded. "Right. But don't worry, we'll start easy. By the end of this, you'll be able to break wood and stone without getting hurt."
Mei Feng looked up sideways and smiled in confusion: "He is going to cry, is he?
Bai Cheng gave her a bold look. "I'm not crying."
"You will," she said, sounding teasing. "But it will be fun so please go on."
Gerald threw to Bai Cheng a small bag of sand. "Alright, kid, the first step this to make your fists stronger. Start with a hundred punches on each hand.".
Bai Cheng stopped for a moment. He gripped the sack tightly and then bashed it into the post made of wood. Immediately, he felt a sharp stinging pain in the knuckles; he gritted his teeth shut, however, and continued.
"Good," Gerald said, nodding his head in approval. "Feel that pain?
That's weakness leaving your body. Keep at it."
---
Shadow Step Training: Silent Movement
By noon, Bai Cheng's arms were weak. Knuckles were sore, but a hint of pride appeared in his eyes. Mei Feng now got her turn from Gerald who had given him a short break.
"Fine, wimp," she said, beckoning him to come along behind her into the woods. "Let's see if you can hold your mouth shut for once, at least.".
Mai Cheng shrugged and followed her. Mei Feng led him to a patch of dry leaves and twigs on the forest floor. "Your job is easy," she said. "Walk from here to there"—she pointed to a tree a short distance away—"without making any noise.
Do you think you can do that?
Bai Cheng's face creased in concern as he stared straight down the lane. He stepped cautiously, clearing a rustling leaf with a loud crunch.
The one winced a lot. " Ow. My ears. Do you really mean to invite every cultivator around here?
Give me a break!" Bai Cheng said.
"None at all," she said with a sly smile. "Try again."
---
Breath Control and Shadow Following
When the sun set, Gerald returned to them. This time, he was in charge of Bai Cheng for another strenuous exercise: shadow following. Bai Cheng had to trail his way through the thick forest behind Gerald undetected and silent.
"You will fail," Mei Feng said quietly as Gerald disappeared into the trees.
"He is faster than you, stronger than you, and smarter than you. But good luck."
Bai Cheng glared at her then turned and vanished into the shadows. He steeled himself against all the exercises Gerald had shown him in terms of controlling one's breathing, breathe in then breathe out quietly.
The forest sounds were thick with rustling, chirping noises but Bai Cheng tuned them out in search of movement.
Suddenly, a rustle ahead caught his attention. He went closer, careful not to disturb the underbrush. His heart raced as he spotted Gerald's silhouette, but before he could react, Gerald disappeared.
Move faster, Gerald shouted from behind him.
Bai Cheng leaped and spun around. "How did you—?
"Lesson number one," Gerald said with a smile. "Never think your target is where you believe them to be." END ###
**Mei Feng's Revelation**
As the moon rose, the three friends reunited at the summit, but this time with Bai Cheng leaning back against a rock. Tiredness spread over his face. Gerald and Mei Feng stand close by, peering out to a horizon that seems to stretch endlessly into nothingness.
This kid." Mei Feng said softly, her voice betraying an unusually serious tone. "He is different.
Gerald nodded. "He's got heart. More than most.".
Mei Feng stared at him. "You see it right? He is just like. him."
Gerald looked unhappy, but he did not say anything. He wrapped his arms in a tight hug and kept his eyes firmly on Bai Cheng as he struggled to draw air. "He has a long way to go," Gerald said finally. "But one day, he will show you that you don't need power to be strong. You do not have to be special to succeed.
Mei Feng smiled faintly, but her eyes looked cavernously deep in thought. "Let's hope he lives long enough to show it.
--- The wind in the mountains blew hard as Bai Cheng, tired but determined, got back up, ready to face whatever came next.