As the sun rose over the village, its warm light filled Lǐ Huàn's home with a golden glow. Today marked one month since he discovered the ancient book and began his training. With each passing day, he felt stronger, but he knew that true strength came from facing challenges.
Lǐ Huàn woke up early, his heart racing with excitement. He decided it was time to test his skills. He had heard about a river near the village where young fighters often sparred. Today, he would join them and see how far he had come.
After breakfast, Lǐ Huàn made his way to the riverbank. As he got closer, he saw several boys practicing their martial arts, laughing and shouting as they kicked and punched with speed and energy. Feeling a bit nervous, he remembered his promise to himself. Taking a deep breath, he walked forward.
"Hey! You're not one of us!" shouted a boy named Chén Li (陈力), the strongest fighter in the group. He was tall and muscular, and everyone respected him. "What are you doing here, weakling?"
Lǐ Huàn clenched his fists, feeling nervous. Instead of running away, he spoke up. "I want to train with you. I've been practicing martial arts!"
The other boys began to laugh. "Practicing? You'll just get hurt!" Chén Li stepped closer, looking down at Lǐ Huàn. "Why don't you run back home?"
But Lǐ Huàn's heart pounded with fear. "I won't give up. If I'm weak now, I will get stronger. I want to challenge you, Chén Li!"
Surprised by his boldness, Chén Li raised an eyebrow. "A challenge? Fine, I'll fight you. But don't cry when I beat you!"
The other boys gathered around, eager to watch. Lǐ Huàn felt a rush of adrenaline; this was his chance to prove himself.
The two boys stepped onto the sandy ground by the river. Lǐ Huàn took a stance he had learned from the cultivation book, focusing on his breathing. He remembered the Breathing of Qi and felt energy building within him.
"Ready… set… go!" shouted one of the boys.
Chén Li lunged forward, throwing a powerful punch. Lǐ Huàn barely had time to react, but he remembered to move smoothly. He dodged to the side and countered with a palm strike to Chén Li's shoulder.
"Not bad," Chén Li admitted, surprised. But he quickly regained his focus and attacked again, throwing a series of fast punches.
Lǐ Huàn's heart raced as he barely managed to dodge each strike. Feeling the pressure, he reminded himself: "When facing a stronger opponent, be agile and patient."
With newfound clarity, Lǐ Huàn moved precisely and gracefully, evading Chén Li's attacks while waiting for the right opportunity.
Suddenly, he saw an opening. Chén Li had overextended his arm after a punch. Lǐ Huàn quickly stepped in and delivered a swift kick to Chén Li's leg.
"Oof!" Chén Li stumbled, losing his balance. The crowd gasped. Seizing the moment, Lǐ Huàn followed up with a jab to Chén Li's chest.
Chén Li regained his balance, eyes wide in disbelief. Angry yet impressed, he retaliated with a powerful roundhouse kick. Lǐ Huàn dodged just in time, feeling the wind from Chén Li's foot pass closely by him.
As the fight continued, Lǐ Huàn's confidence grew. He was no longer just the weak kid; he was fighting back!
But fatigue began to set in. Lǐ Huàn realized he couldn't keep this pace much longer. Then, the Spirit's voice echoed in his mind: "Remember your breath. Use your Qi to strengthen your body."
Lǐ Huàn focused on his breathing, drawing on the energy he had cultivated. As he inhaled deeply, warmth spread through him, making him feel lighter and quicker.
"Let's finish this!" he shouted, channeling his energy. Lǐ Huàn leaped into the air, spinning with all his might and aiming a powerful kick at Chén Li's shoulder.
To his surprise, he connected! Chén Li stumbled back and fell into the soft riverbank, splashing water everywhere.
The crowd erupted in cheers, and Lǐ Huàn stood tall, breathing heavily but filled with pride.
Chén Li laughed as he got back on his feet. "Alright, you've got some skills. You're stronger than I thought, Lǐ Huàn. But don't get too cocky!"
Lǐ Huàn smiled. "Thank you! I just want to train harder and become even stronger someday."
The other boys gathered around him, impressed. "Let's train together!" one of them said. "You can show us that new kick!"
As the sun set behind the mountains, Lǐ Huàn felt a sense of belonging for the first time. He had faced a challenge and stood his ground. He had taken a significant step toward becoming the warrior he always dreamed of being.
With his new friends and unwavering determination, Lǐ Huàn's journey was just getting started. The world was vast, and many adventures lay ahead. But for now, he felt like he was already on the path to greatness.