Just early in the morning when others are still enjoying their sleep, a white-hair boy could be seen lying on the cold floor in sweat as he stared at thin air with a delighted smile.
If anyone was to see him right now in such a state, they would think and assume he had gone crazy for looking at nothing with such seriousness and deep smile.
[Congratulations! You have completed the daily quest for pushups {Completed 50/50}]
[Congratulations! You have completed plank {Completed 5/5}]
[Congratulations! You have complete jumps {Completed 50/50}]
Staring at the notification that just displayed, this was the result of him waking at early hours. The pain he passed through when he started the training wasn't longer as pressuring as before. His body was adapting to the changes more quickly than expected.
Liam slowly stood up from the ground. With the white towel around his neck, he wiped off the sweat welled up on his face before making his way over to the mirror in his room.
'Just days, and there are already a lot of changes in my body,' he looked at himself in the mirror.
His muscles, though not much, were visible, especially the six packs on his stomach.
Immediately putting on his black training outfit, he jogged out of the room.
The moment he stepped outside of the building, a blinding light hit his face.
"Who's there?" a voice shouted at him.
It was the patrolling guards. He realized it instantly but didn't bother to respond or clarify himself. Instead, he continued jogging, completely ignoring them.
"Hey! You there, stop right now or else—"
The guard's warning was abruptly cut short as his companion grabbed his arm and pulled him closer.
"Shhh… it's him," the second guard whispered urgently.
"Him? Who's him? What are you talking about?" the first guard asked, confused.
But before the second guard could explain, the realization hit him like a bolt of lightning. The memory of the 'him' from yesterday surged into his mind, and dread filled his heart.
"Damn it! I'm doomed," he muttered under his breath, panic taking hold.
Without wasting another second, he rushed forward to intercept Lian, sweat streaming down his face. He knew all too well what the two mistresses were capable of if they heard about this.
Thud!
Reaching Lian, the guard blocked his path and immediately dropped to his knees.
"Forgive me, young master!" he begged, his head bowed low. "This one has eyes but cannot see."
Liam halted, his gaze sharp and cold as he looked down at the kneeling guard. His usually calm expression shifted into something darker.
"Failed to see?" Liam's voice was low, almost a growl as his cold eyes bore into the trembling guard. "I doubt that."
He took a step closer. "You're not blind. No, you might be one of those who admire your mistress, am I right?"
The guard's head shot up slightly, panic etched across his face. "N-no, young Master! I would never—"
"You will never?" Liam mocked.
Right now, different thoughts raced through his mind. He wasn't going to let this guard off so easily. He could tell—the guard's fear wasn't directed at him but at the two women standing behind his authority.
"T-that's right!" his voice continuously breaking down.
"How do you like your hell?" Liam bent down and whispered softly into the guard's ear.
The guard trembled visibly, his face pale as a sheet, unable to muster a single word in response.
Liam leaned in closer, a smirk on his lips. This time, his voice dropped to an even softer whisper as he spoke some words into his ear before getting up.
Without sparing the guard another glance, he scoffed and resumed his jog, leaving the man kneeling on the cold ground, consumed by fear.
Minutes later, Liam reached the peak of the hill. To his surprise, someone was already there, standing silently with their back to him.
"You didn't disappoint me," the figure said, turning to face him.
"Instructor Qiao Mei," Liam greeted, bowing his head respectfully.
"Skip the honorifics," Qiao Mei replied with a faint smile. "Today, we'll focus more on discussion than actual training."
Liam listened attentively without interrupting, clearly interested in whatever she had to say.
"I will explain the basics of cultivation and how to build your inner strength to prepare you for the big day."
Qiao Mei paused and studied Liam's face. A small smile crept onto her lips but quickly faded. The fact that he had made it this far in such a short time was impressive.
"There are two main types of cultivation," she began, her tone calm and steady. "Martial cultivation and essence cultivation."
Liam nodded.
"Essence cultivation," she explained, "Is about gathering and controlling the energy of the world around you. To succeed, you need patience, focus, and a pure soul. Only those with strong spiritual roots can truly excel in it. It's not easy, Liam. People think it's all about gaining great powers, like controlling elements or summoning spirits, but the truth is, it's a long and difficult path."
She paused for a moment, letting her words sink in. Then her tone shifted slightly, becoming more intense.
"Martial cultivation is different. It's about training your body to be as strong as possible. It takes hard work, discipline, and incredible determination. You'll need to push yourself to your limits and beyond. It's about building strength, speed, and endurance that ordinary people can't imagine."
Liam's brows furrowed at her words which he already knew a long time ago.
"Each path has its strengths and weaknesses," Qiao Mei continued. "Essence cultivation gives you flexibility and unique abilities, but it demands a lot of patience and connection to the world. Martial cultivation gives you physical power, but you're limited by your body's capabilities."
She stepped closer. "But the most important thing, no matter which path you choose, is having a strong soul. Without it, you can't become a cultivator at all."
-[A new quest available]-
[Name: unlock (Essence| Martial Arts)]
[Description: awakening your inner strength]
[Time range: 74 hours countdown begins now]
[Reward: ??]
[Punishment: ??]