Chapter 8)Hard days
// Accidentally released a draft, here is the edited version//
POV Longway
We arrived at a remote location, and as soon as my feet touched the snow-white snow, I felt a cold sensation spreading through my body. I managed to control my urge to vomit and composed myself, getting up on trembling legs to survey the surroundings. In addition to the snow-covered terrain, I noticed a small clearing where building materials and a couple of bags were placed.
"Well, child, it seems you've regained your composure. Now let me share the plan for this month," one of the old men spoke.
"For just a month? I thought you had a plan for four years," I responded.
"Hmm, if we followed a standard training plan for everyone, our elders wouldn't have to leave our cozy villages. Each child's training plan is adjusted after the first month, based on their progress. So I advise you not to relax," he explained.
I nodded, understanding the reasoning behind individualized training plans. It made sense that the elders who taught us would stay with us throughout the training, sharing their knowledge and the fundamental wisdom of our clan. However, my father had cautioned me not to rely too heavily on their assistance, as they were more like guides than constant companions.
"Could you please share the plan for this month?" I inquired.
"It's quite simple. Your tasks include building your own house, cultivating plants, especially ice rice for sustenance over the next three years, and initiating your physical training," the old man explained.
I nodded, familiar with the importance of growing ice rice in our clan. It was specially bred to thrive in the icy wastelands we inhabited. Apart from that, our options for sustenance were limited to spiritual beasts, which provided meat rather than ice. As for building a house, it seemed to be a means of fostering self-reliance. Physical training, on the other hand, would be relatively easy for me, as I had been practicing it since the age of four, and my father had remarked on my natural talent in that area.
"Wait, you mentioned three years. What about the remaining year?" I inquired, sensing that there was more to the plan.
The old men exchanged glances and smiled coldly, triggering an unpleasant premonition within me. I could feel my gut telling me that something was amiss. Remembering my mother's advice to trust my instincts, I smiled at the elders and spoke.
"Elders, I believe it's time to commence the training."
With a feigned smile, I tried to appear like a weak and inexperienced child. However, deep down, I knew that I had walked into a trap. My father's encouraging eyes and my mother's reluctant gaze flashed through my mind. I realized why she had been so reluctant to let me go. She loved me dearly, and now I understood the depths of her concern.
POV Old Man
Several months have passed, and the boy has surpassed our expectations. Despite the seal hindering his control over spiritual power, his talent, and hard work have enabled him to make remarkable progress in mastering control.
Furthermore, his physical strength has been rapidly increasing, and from my observations, it appears he will fully adapt to his newfound strength within a year. By the end of his training, he should be capable of reaching the level of Spirit Ancestor.
Truly worthy of being the Patriarch's child. However, further progress in enhancing his spirit power will prove much more challenging. Ordinary spirit masters simply accumulate spirit power, kill spirit beasts, and absorb their rings. This practice not only allows them to absorb the spirit power of the slain beast but also strengthens their bodies while slightly compressing their spirit power.
Our approach, however, aims to fully tap into human potential. We accumulate, purify, and compress spirit power entirely on our own. This method enables us to reach the 40th level of spirit power faster than ordinary practitioners, but further advancements become increasingly difficult. Beyond this level, we must develop abilities related to our spirit and deepen our understanding of the world while enhancing our mental prowess.
This path is more challenging than simply absorbing additional soul rings and advancing. Yet, due to our greater control over spiritual power and our ability to create our abilities, we possess a deeper familiarity with our powers and can refine them or unleash unexpected moves during battle. Additionally, upon reaching the rank of Titled Douluo, we find it easier to comprehend the laws of the world, and our cultivation speed remains unhindered at ranks 95 and 98.
Observing his divine spirit, it seems that comprehending the laws will come more naturally to him. However, his physical strength remains a critical factor, as without further improvement in his spirit power, his body will be unable to fully utilize his abilities.
We shall need to intensify his physical training and submit a request to the clan for specialized weighted clothing. With such a promising young generation, our clan's future prosperity is assured. As with the old ones, we will support him until he is ready.
POV Longway
Several months of grueling training have passed. I miss my mom and dad, yet I also feel a sense of fulfillment in being here. The old men have been harsh taskmasters, demanding constant improvement, but they have also imparted valuable knowledge. They have taught me how to best utilize spiritual power to enhance my strength and manipulate ice and snow with minimal energy expenditure.
They have explained that with improved control, I will be able to transform ice and snow into water and vice versa. This could prove useful for obtaining water or cooling substances when needed.
I eagerly anticipate returning home to share everything I have learned and to show my parents how far I've come.
As I concluded my training for the day, a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction washed over me. I had come a long way since I first arrived in this remote place. The old men had been relentless in pushing me to my limits, but their teachings had proven invaluable.
In the evenings, when I had a moment to myself, I would often gaze at the stars overhead. They seemed to hold a connection to my family, reminding me of the love and support waiting for me back home. I missed my parents dearly, and I couldn't wait to share all that I had learned with them.
One evening, as I sat by the crackling fire, my mind wandered to the upcoming tasks ahead. Building my own house had been a challenging endeavor, but with each passing day, it began to take shape. The sturdy walls and solid foundation represented not only my physical strength but also my determination to forge my path.
Cultivating plants, especially the precious ice rice, had become a labor of love. I carefully tended to the delicate sprouts, nurturing them with my spiritual power. I marveled at the resilience of life in these frozen lands, as the iced rice flourished despite the harsh conditions. It was a symbol of sustenance and self-sufficiency, a reminder that I could thrive even in the most unforgiving environments.
Physical training had become second nature to me. I had honed my body's strength and endurance, pushing beyond my limits with every session. The old men had recognized my progress, and they had mentioned that it wouldn't be long before I fully adapted to my newfound strength. It was a testament to my determination and their guidance.
But it wasn't just the physical aspect that had challenged me. The old men had taught me about various spiritual beasts, their strengths, and their weaknesses. They had shared stories of their encounters and battles, preparing me for what lay beyond our secluded training grounds. I felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension, knowing that one day I would face these formidable creatures.
As the days turned into weeks and then months, I felt myself growing not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. The training transformed me into a young man with newfound confidence and resilience. I had learned to trust in my abilities, to adapt to adversity, and to persevere in the face of challenges.
With renewed purpose, I stood up from the fireside and gazed at the starlit sky once more. My heart swelled with gratitude for the lessons I had received and the unwavering support of my family. I knew that when the time came, I would return to them as a transformed individual, ready to embrace my destiny and carry the legacy of our clan forward.
And so, with each passing day, I continued my training, pushing my limits, and growing stronger. The journey was far from over, but I was determined to make the most of every moment, knowing that the trials I faced would shape me into the person I was destined to become.