The early morning sun bathed Clearwater Hamlet in golden light as Lin Feng stood outside his hut, stretching his aching muscles. Xiao Hei rested on his shoulder, its body radiating a faint warmth, while Huo Yun prowled nearby, its fiery tail flickering like a torch.
Lin Feng gazed at his two companions, his determination renewed. "From now on, we're training every day. If we're going to survive in this world, we need to get stronger."
Xiao Hei chirped enthusiastically, and Huo Yun growled softly in agreement.
...
Lin Feng decided to start with physical endurance. Xiao Hei's evolution into the Crimson Armored Wyvern required it to withstand intense pressure, while Huo Yun needed agility and stamina to harness its fiery potential.
He led them to a nearby stream surrounded by uneven terrain. "Xiao Hei, you'll practice climbing these rocks," Lin Feng instructed, pointing at a cluster of sharp, jagged stones. "Focus on gripping and stabilizing your body. Huo Yun, you'll run laps around the stream. We need to build up your speed and stamina."
The training began.
Xiao Hei struggled at first, its small claws slipping on the rough surfaces. But with Lin Feng's encouragement, it gradually improved, finding secure footholds and climbing higher with each attempt.
Huo Yun sprinted around the stream, its fiery tail leaving faint scorch marks on the ground. The fox was naturally agile, but after several laps, its pace began to falter. Lin Feng handed it a Fireheart Bloom to replenish its energy.
"You're doing great, both of you," Lin Feng said, wiping sweat from his brow. "Keep pushing. You'll thank me later."
...
After a short rest, Lin Feng shifted their focus to combat training. He found a large open field near the forest's edge, perfect for sparring.
"Xiao Hei, practice your Ember Breath on that boulder," Lin Feng instructed, pointing at a large rock. "Focus on control and precision."
Xiao Hei opened its mouth and released a small jet of fire. The flames licked the boulder but barely left a mark.
"You need more focus," Lin Feng said. "Picture the flames as an extension of your will."
Xiao Hei hissed and tried again. This time, the fire was more concentrated, leaving a faint scorch mark on the boulder.
"Good. Now keep practicing."
Meanwhile, Lin Feng turned to Huo Yun. "You'll spar with me," he said, raising his makeshift wooden staff. "Come at me like you mean it."
Huo Yun growled, its fiery tail flaring. It lunged at Lin Feng, swiping with its claws. Lin Feng sidestepped and countered with a swing of his staff, forcing the fox to dodge.
"Faster, Huo Yun!" Lin Feng shouted. "You can do better than that!"
The sparring session continued, with Lin Feng focusing on teaching Huo Yun how to predict an opponent's movements and react quickly.
...
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Lin Feng brought Xiao Hei and Huo Yun together. "The two of you need to work as a team," he said. "Xiao Hei, you'll focus on ranged attacks with your Ember Breath. Huo Yun, you'll use your speed to flank the enemy and deliver close-range strikes."
He set up a crude training dummy made of sticks and straw. "Your goal is to destroy it without getting in each other's way."
Xiao Hei hissed in acknowledgment, and Huo Yun barked.
The duo launched their attack. Xiao Hei unleashed its Ember Breath, igniting the dummy's lower half, while Huo Yun darted around to strike from the side. Their movements were rough and uncoordinated at first, but Lin Feng's guidance helped them improve.
"Communicate! Don't just attack blindly!" Lin Feng shouted.
By the end of the exercise, the dummy was reduced to a smoldering heap. Xiao Hei and Huo Yun stood side by side, panting but proud.
"Not bad," Lin Feng said, grinning. "We'll work on the finer details later. For now, let's call it a day."
...
Back at the hut, Lin Feng prepared a simple meal of roasted roots and herbs for himself, while Xiao Hei and Huo Yun feasted on the Fireheart Blooms and small scraps of cooked meat.
As they rested, Lin Feng opened the translucent screen of his Eyes of Evolution to check their progress.
Xiao Hei
Evolution Progress (Crimson Armored Wyvern Path): 15%
Abilities Improved: Ember Breath (Enhanced Precision)
Huo Yun
Evolution Progress (Blazing Flame Fox Path): 10%
Abilities Improved: Quickstep (Enhanced Agility)
"Not bad for our first day," Lin Feng said, leaning back against the wall. "We've got a long way to go, but this is a good start."
Xiao Hei curled up on his lap, while Huo Yun lay at his feet, its fiery tail flickering gently. Lin Feng felt a deep sense of satisfaction. For the first time since arriving in this world, he felt like he was moving forward with purpose.
But he knew this was only the beginning.
Beyond Clearwater Hamlet lay a vast and dangerous world filled with beasts, rival tamers, and ancient secrets. If he wanted to climb to the top, he'd have to push himself—and his companions—harder than ever.
"Tomorrow, we aim higher," Lin Feng murmured, his eyes gleaming with determination. "One step at a time, we'll prove them all wrong."