Jian stretched his arms lazily, his cold eyes surveying the dense forest surrounding them. The air was heavy with anticipation as Hu Win trailed behind, his steps quick and excited. The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the path.
"We're done talking," Jian announced abruptly, breaking the silence. His voice was calm but commanding. "It's time to train."
Hu Win's face lit up. "Finally! I've been waiting for this!"
Jian stopped and turned to look at him, his gaze sharp and piercing. "Don't get too excited. You're frail, Hu Win. A single punch from an average man could probably take you out."
Hu Win's excitement evaporated, replaced by a frown. "What? I'm not that weak!"
Jian smirked slightly, his expression unreadable. "You are. You lack durability, strength, and stamina. If we don't fix that first, everything else is pointless."
"Then let's fix it!" Hu Win snapped, crossing his arms.
"We will," Jian replied coolly. "But first, you need to understand your weaknesses. We're heading to the waterfall."
"The waterfall?" Hu Win asked, tilting his head. "Why there?"
"You'll find out soon enough."
As they walked, the forest thickened, and the trail became harder to navigate. Hu Win stumbled a few times, but Jian moved with practiced ease, as if the path was imprinted in his mind.
The sun set behind the horizon, plunging the forest into darkness. Hu Win shivered slightly, the cool night air wrapping around him. "Are we almost there?"
Jian didn't answer immediately. After a moment, he pointed ahead. "There."
Hu Win squinted and saw it: a roaring waterfall cascading down a jagged cliff. The sound of rushing water filled the air, loud and relentless. As they approached, the ground trembled faintly from the impact of the water crashing into the rocks below.
Hu Win's eyes widened in awe—and fear. The waterfall was far larger than he'd imagined. The force of the water hitting the rocks made it look like solid stone smashing into the ground.
Jian gestured toward the waterfall. "Sit on that rock beneath it."
Hu Win's jaw dropped. "Under that? Are you insane? That'll crush me!"
"Exactly," Jian replied, his voice flat. "But it won't—if you learn to endure."
Hu Win hesitated. Pride surged within him, and he marched forward, reaching out a hand toward the water. The moment his hand touched the stream, pain shot through him like lightning. He yelped, jerking his hand back and clutching it to his chest.
Jian watched, unimpressed. "Pathetic."
"It hurts!" Hu Win exclaimed, glaring at him.
"Of course it does," Jian said, crossing his arms. "But if you can't endure even this, you'll never survive in the real world."
Hu Win clenched his teeth. Despite the pain, he reached out again, his hand trembling as it broke through the rushing water. He held it there for seven agonizing seconds before yanking it back, his arm burning from the impact.
"Good," Jian said. "But that's not enough."
Hu Win collapsed onto the ground, panting. "Not enough? Are you serious?"
"Stop whining and try again," Jian said, his tone cold. "I'll be back in the morning."
"What?" Hu Win's eyes widened. "You're leaving me here?"
"Yes," Jian replied simply, turning and walking away.
Hu Win's heart sank. He glanced at the waterfall, dread pooling in his stomach. But determination flared within him. He wasn't going to give up—not now.
Jian didn't actually leave. He climbed a nearby tree and perched on a branch, his sharp eyes fixed on Hu Win. From his vantage point, he watched as Hu Win struggled.
Hu Win reached out again, this time pushing his forearm into the water. The pain was unbearable, but he clenched his teeth and held on for 23 seconds before collapsing back onto the rock.
Jian sighed. He couldn't help but admire Hu Win's persistence, but he knew the boy was going about it the wrong way. Dropping silently from the tree, Jian approached the waterfall.
"You're doing it wrong," Jian said, his voice cutting through the roar of the water.
Hu Win looked up, startled. "Jian? You're back already?"
"I never left," Jian admitted with a smirk.
"Then why didn't you help me earlier?" Hu Win demanded, frustration in his voice.
"Because you needed to realize this on your own," Jian replied. "Reaching out your hand like that will only prolong your pain."
"Then what should I do?" Hu Win asked, desperation creeping into his voice.
"Watch," Jian said.
He removed his robe and shirt, revealing a lean but muscular frame. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. A faint blue light began to emanate from his body, surrounding him like a glowing aura.
"This is called [Aura Pull]," Jian explained. "It allows you to draw your internal aura to the surface, creating a protective barrier. Aura is always inside you, protecting your vital organs. But with this technique, you can make it shield your skin as well."
Hu Win stared in awe. "How do I do that?"
"Control your chi first," Jian instructed. "Make your heartbeat slower. Calm your body and mind. Then focus on pulling your aura outward."
"I don't think I even have chi or aura," Hu Win said hesitantly.
"Everyone has it," Jian replied firmly. "Even newborns. Now try."
Hu Win closed his eyes, his brow furrowing in concentration. He tried to slow his heartbeat, but his frustration made it difficult.
"You're trying too hard," Jian said. "Relax."
Taking a deep breath, Hu Win tried again. This time, he cleared his mind, letting his body settle. Slowly, he felt a strange sensation, like warmth spreading through his chest. When he opened his eyes, his arm was glowing faintly with a light red aura.
Jian's eyes widened slightly. "A red aura… That's rare."
"Rare?" Hu Win asked, his excitement returning.
"Yes," Jian replied. "Now, test it."
Hu Win approached the waterfall again, his arm still glowing. He reached out, and to his amazement, the pain was gone. The water struck his hand, but the aura absorbed the impact. After 13 seconds, the aura faded, and the pain returned.
"You're getting there," Jian said. "Now, pull your aura over your entire body."
Hu Win nodded, closing his eyes once more. He focused on calming himself, letting his heartbeat slow until the outside world faded away. When he opened his eyes, his entire body was covered in the faint red glow.
Jian grinned. "Good. Sit under the waterfall and meditate. Stay there until morning."
Hu Win didn't reply, too focused on maintaining his aura. He sat beneath the rushing water, the red glow protecting him as he meditated.
Jian watched for a moment before turning away, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "Not bad, kid."