The crisp evening air wrapped around Hu Win and Jian as they stepped out of the restaurant. The streets of Huin were dimly lit by lanterns swaying gently in the breeze. Jian strode ahead confidently, hands in his pockets, while Hu Win followed close behind, eager for what was to come.
"So, how's this durability training going to work?" Hu Win asked, his excitement barely contained.
Jian glanced over his shoulder with a sly grin. "Simple. It's all about pushing your body beyond its limits. But don't get too excited yet. You'll hate me by the end of this."
Hu Win gulped but nodded. "I'm ready for it!"
"Good," Jian said as they reached an open area near the outskirts of the town. The space was surrounded by tall trees, their branches whispering secrets in the wind. Jian motioned for Hu Win to stop. "We'll start here."
Jian bent down and picked up a large, flat stone from the ground, handing it to Hu Win. "Hold this above your head and keep your arms straight."
Hu Win obeyed, gripping the stone tightly and lifting it overhead. "This doesn't seem so bad," he said confidently.
Jian smirked. "You'll feel it soon enough."
Seconds turned into minutes. The weight of the stone began to press down on Hu Win's shoulders, and his arms started to tremble. Sweat trickled down his forehead as he fought to keep his posture steady.
"How long do I have to do this?" Hu Win asked through gritted teeth.
"Until your body gives out," Jian replied casually, leaning against a tree. "And don't you dare let that stone touch the ground."
Hu Win groaned but forced himself to keep holding the stone. The burn in his muscles intensified, spreading from his arms to his back and legs. His breath grew heavier, and his vision blurred slightly from the effort.
"Good," Jian said, watching him closely. "Now, walk in a straight line. Slowly."
"Walk?!" Hu Win exclaimed, nearly dropping the stone.
Jian nodded. "If you want to build real durability, you need to challenge every part of your body at once. Now move."
Hu Win clenched his teeth and took his first shaky step forward. The stone wobbled above him, threatening to slip from his grasp, but he steadied it just in time. Each step was a battle against the growing fatigue in his legs and the searing pain in his arms.
"Keep your core tight," Jian instructed. "Don't let your back arch."
Hu Win adjusted his posture, focusing on keeping his movements controlled. With every step, the challenge grew more daunting, but he refused to give up.
After what felt like an eternity, Jian clapped his hands. "Stop."
Hu Win immediately dropped the stone, collapsing onto the ground. He gasped for air, his body trembling from the exertion.
"That's the warm-up," Jian said with a smirk.
"Warm-up?!" Hu Win panted, staring at him in disbelief.
Jian chuckled. "You've got potential, kid, but you're not even close to being durable yet. Get up."
Hu Win groaned but pushed himself to his feet. "What's next?"
Jian walked over to a nearby tree and grabbed a thick wooden staff. He handed it to Hu Win. "Hold this out in front of you with both hands. Arms straight. Now squat."
Hu Win did as he was told, his legs trembling as he lowered himself into a squat position. The staff felt deceptively light at first, but the strain on his thighs and core quickly became evident.
"Hold that position," Jian instructed, circling him like a predator assessing its prey. "Don't let your knees cave in. Keep your back straight."
The seconds dragged on, and Hu Win's legs began to shake violently. His muscles screamed for relief, but he gritted his teeth and stayed in position.
"Good," Jian said. "Now, while you're squatting, focus on your breathing. In through your nose, out through your mouth. Keep it steady."
Hu Win struggled to control his ragged breaths, but Jian's calm voice guided him. Slowly, his breathing became more rhythmic, though it did little to ease the burning in his legs.
"Alright, stand up," Jian finally said.
Hu Win straightened with a groan, his legs feeling like jelly. He barely had a moment to catch his breath before Jian spoke again.
"Now for the fun part," Jian said, gesturing to a pile of small stones nearby. "Pick up one of those and balance it on your head. Then start running."
"Running?" Hu Win asked incredulously.
Jian nodded. "And if the stone falls, you start over."
Hu Win sighed but grabbed a stone and carefully placed it on his head. He began to jog, his steps cautious as he tried to keep the stone steady. The uneven ground made the task even harder, and his focus wavered with each step.
"Faster," Jian called out.
"But it'll fall!" Hu Win protested.
"That's the point," Jian replied. "You're training your body and your mind. Learn to adapt."
Reluctantly, Hu Win picked up the pace, his heart pounding as he fought to keep the stone balanced. Sweat poured down his face, and his legs ached with every step, but he pushed forward.
The stone fell.
"Start over," Jian said without missing a beat.
Hu Win groaned but retrieved the stone and placed it back on his head. He started running again, determined not to let it fall this time.
The cycle repeated several times. Each time the stone fell, Hu Win's frustration grew, but Jian's calm yet firm encouragement kept him going. By the end of the session, Hu Win collapsed onto the ground, completely spent.
Jian stood over him, arms crossed. "Not bad for your first day. You've got a long way to go, but you're improving."
Hu Win managed a weak smile. "Thanks, I guess."
"Get some rest," Jian said, tossing him a water flask. "Tomorrow, we'll take it up a notch."
Hu Win groaned but couldn't help feeling a flicker of excitement. The road ahead was tough, but for the first time in his life, he felt like he was truly growing stronger.