Chapter 8 - Innate Superhuman Strength?
The next morning, Eren joined the third generation of the Rieager family at the martial training field. It had always been his dream to stand among them, watching them train with unrestrained passion. After his recovery and the discovery of his ability to circulate qi, his first desire was to practice martial arts. The second was to become a regular participant in the daily training sessions. Supervising them today was Marcus Rieager's fourth son, Ivan Rieager, the father of Eren's cousin, Lyle.
The Blue Lotus Style was divided into ten layers within three stages: Warrior, Wu Jian, and Wu Shuai. The Rieager family practiced three versions of the technique: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Martial training on this continent followed a hierarchy; anyone practicing martial arts was considered a Martial Servant. However, reaching the Warrior stage required three years of consistent training, making it the weakest foundational stage.
Despite only being at the lowest layer of the Warrior stage, Eren felt an immense sense of pride and excitement. Compared to others in the family, he was still the weakest, but his confidence soared.
"Congratulations, Eren! You're finally here," Lyle whispered with a smile.
Eren chuckled. It was his first time stepping onto the training field—a simple yet functional area paved with blue stones, raised a meter above the ground, and exposed to the harsh elements. Despite the wind and snow, training remained a priority.
While qi cultivation took place in private basements, the martial field was for practicing physical techniques, martial forms, and testing one's physical strength. The family forbade early training in martial forms for the younger generation, focusing instead on building inner qi to support advanced techniques later. Premature training in forms could lead to diminished strength in the long term.
The younger disciples, like Eren, practiced basic stretches, boxing drills, and coordination exercises to prepare their bodies. Only those who reached the sixth layer of the Warrior stage could begin learning advanced martial arts. Among the third generation, only Marcus's eldest grandson, Eric, and his cousin Lyle had achieved this milestone. They were admired not only for their talent but also for their ability to form protective lotus flowers during combat.
Eren observed Lyle attempting to lift a massive stone lock, its weight easily exceeding 200 jin. Though Lyle struggled slightly, he eventually succeeded, showcasing his strength. Watching this, Eren felt a spark of curiosity but decided against trying it.
"At eight years old, I'm not about to embarrass myself," he thought. In his previous life, even lifting 20 jin as a child was impressive.
Instead, he approached a smaller stone lock weighing 50 jin. Though his body was small, his newfound qi circulation had noticeably enhanced his strength. Gathering his resolve, Eren gripped the lock with both hands. He strained but managed to lift it—only to lose his balance and fall backward, much to the amusement of the others.
The laughter echoed across the field, but Eren remained unfazed. Beneath his calm demeanor, he felt elated. The lock's weight barely registered; he had only fallen because of his unsteady stance.
"What's so funny?" A commanding voice silenced the laughter.
Eren looked up to see Eric, a fourteen-year-old who was among the strongest in the third generation. Eric's sharp gaze swept over the crowd, and the children quickly quieted down.
Lyle rushed to Eren's side. "Are you okay? You don't have to push yourself so hard right away," he said, his concern genuine.
Eren smiled warmly. "Thanks, Lyle. I'm fine."
Eric approached, his tone encouraging. "If you're feeling alright, focus on running and stretching. Build your foundation first."
Eren nodded, appreciating Eric's kindness. Though Eric's strength was formidable, his demeanor toward Eren was respectful, earning Eren's gratitude.
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Among the group, there were sixteen children, but only one girl—Lyle's younger sister, Mia. At five years old, Mia was the family's treasured gem, adored by all, including Alina, who treated her like her own daughter.
"Eren-gege, be careful! If you get hurt, Auntie will be so sad!" Mia said, her large eyes brimming with concern.
Eren patted her head gently and nodded.
Encouraged by the earlier attempt, Eren decided to lift the 50-jin lock again. This time, he approached it with better preparation and confidence. Gripping the lock firmly, he lifted it with ease, surprising even himself.
Feeling bold, he moved on to heavier locks—80 jin, 100 jin, and eventually 180 jin. Each time, his strength seemed to grow, as if his body were recalling its past life's vigor.
Finally, he approached Lyle and the 200-jin lock. All eyes turned toward him. Even Eric watched with interest.
Eren gripped the massive lock, channeling his qi instinctively. To everyone's astonishment, he lifted it off the ground. Though his face showed effort, it was clear he wasn't struggling as much as expected.
The training field fell silent.
"You've got impressive strength, Eren!" Lyle said, clapping his cousin on the back. "I need the Blue Lotus Style to manage this, but you're doing it with raw physical power!"
Eren laughed softly. "This is my limit for now."
After finishing the day's training, the children dispersed. Lyle invited Eren to walk home together, but Eren declined, choosing to stay behind.
Once the field was empty, Eren's gaze fell on the largest stone lock—a massive 800-jin weight that only the strongest among the third generation could lift.
"I have to know my true strength," he thought, stepping toward it.