Training Begins

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the river, signaling the start of a new day for Yue and the clan. As the commotion settled from the previous night's gathering, Yue made her way to the hull of the boat, where she found Chen engaged in conversation with the young Lan siblings, Meilin and Zheng.

Chester stood beside them, Meilin's determined gaze met his eyes. "We're ready to start, Chen," she declared, her voice filled with unwavering determination. "We want to be strong like you and protect our clan."

Zheng, on the other hand, looked slightly hesitant, his eyes darting between Meilin and Chen. "I... I want to be strong too," he admitted, his voice wavering with a mix of fear and determination.

"You both have the potential to become strong," he assured them. "But remember, strength comes in many forms, and protecting your loved ones is just as important."

Satisfied with what she heard she approached them "Good morning, everyone," Yue greeted them, Her voice, melodic like a bird's song.

Chen turned towards Yue, a welcoming smile on his face. "Good morning, Yue. I was just discussing something with Meilin and Zheng here." He motioned towards the siblings.

Curiosity piqued, Yue raised an eyebrow. "What is it that you need my help with?"

Chen's gaze shifted between Yue and the siblings. "Meilin and Zheng are eager to learn, and I thought it would be best if you guide them in their training. You have a deeper understanding of the proper way for cultivators to step into the path leading to the dao."

Yue hesitated for a moment, contemplating Chen's request. She understood the importance of laying a solid foundation and the significance of proper guidance. After a brief pause, she nodded. "Very well. I will help you both."

Chester interjected, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Count me in too. It's only fair that we all work together to better ourselves."

Yue couldn't help but smile at Chester's willingness to learn alongside them. "Of course, Chester. We will embark on this journey together."

With their agreement in place, Yue began the training session by explaining the importance of calming the breath. She emphasized the need for a calm mind and steady breathing to center oneself and connect with the flow of Qi. Demonstrating the technique herself, she guided Meilin and Zheng in finding their own rhythm.

During the breathing exercises, Meilin and Zheng struggled to stay focused. Their eyelids grew heavy, and their breathing slowed, almost lulling them into sleep. Yue chuckled softly, noticing their struggle. She gently nudged them back into awareness, reminding them of the importance of concentration

As the day progressed, Yue moved on to the horse stance, explaining how it formed the foundation of a properly trained body. She stressed the importance of building strength and stability through this fundamental exercise. Meilin and Zheng followed her instructions, their young bodies trembling with effort but determined to learn.

Fatigue began to set in. Meilin and Zheng's expressions turned weary as they struggled to maintain the horse stance for an extended period. Meilin's determined facade wavered, and she let out a frustrated sigh. "How long do we have to hold this position? I'm so tired."

Zheng, barely able to hide a yawn, chimed in. "I can't feel my legs anymore, Meilin. Are we done yet?"

Yue couldn't help but empathize with their exhaustion. She knew the challenges they faced, both physically and mentally. Seeing their determination even in the midst of weariness only deepened her respect for the young siblings.

Chester, though pretending to know the information, was a beginner himself. However, he masked his inexperience with a confident demeanor, joining in the exercises alongside the siblings. Yue couldn't help but notice the genuine effort he put into each movement, and her perception of him started to shift.

Midway through the day, they took a break for a lighthearted meal. The tension from the previous days seemed to dissipate as laughter filled the air. Yue observed Chester as he playfully interacted with Meilin and Zheng, his carefree spirit shining through. The sight warmed her heart, allowing her to see him in a new light.

As Yue saw the interactions between Chen and the siblings, her heart swelled with admiration and warmth. She saw Chen's patient guidance and the way he connected with Meilin and Zheng, finding joy in their playful moments. It was in those instances that Yue's reservations began to fade, and her attraction to Chen's genuine nature grew stronger.

During a short break before noon, Yue and Chen sat together, sipping on refreshments. Yue couldn't help but steal glances at Chen, her mind swirling with a mixture of emotions. Finally, she mustered the courage to speak, her voice slightly softer than usual.

"You have a way with the children," Yue remarked, a hint of admiration lacing her words. "They truly look up to you."

Chen's eyes crinkled with a smile. "Children have a way of reminding us of the innocence and purity in this world," he replied, his voice gentle. "They deserve a future where they can grow and thrive."

As they continued their conversation, Yue found herself drawn to Chen's charm, his genuine concern for the clan, and the way he effortlessly connected with those around him. It was becoming clearer to her that Chen was not only a capable warrior but also someone she could trust with the future of their clan.

After the meal, the training resumed with running exercises. Yue emphasized the importance of proper posture, balance, and control while running, guiding Meilin and Zheng through the motions. They practiced punches, focusing on technique and precision.

After the running and punching exercises, Meilin and Zheng exaggerated their exhaustion, collapsing dramatically on the ground. Meilin flopped onto her back, arms spread wide, while Zheng sprawled facedown, his limbs splayed in an exaggerated display of fatigue. They exchanged playful glances and giggled, finding solace in the shared struggle.

Amidst the training, the exhaustion, and the playful moments, a bond was forming

As the sun began its descent towards the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant hues, Yue called for the end of the training. She watched as the river sailed past them, its gentle currents mirroring her own thoughts. The sense of unity within the group brought a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.

At sunset, Yue was gazing towards the horizon, a newfound determination in her eyes. Tomorrow, they would make a temporary stop in a fishing village located at the end of the river, nestled in a lagoon formed in the bottom of the canyon.

As the day drew to a close, she couldn't help but feel a small surge of excitement for the path they were embarking on together. The journey to uncover the truth about Chen's family arts and the fate of their clan would be a challenging one, but with their newfound direction, Yue believed they had a chance to shape their own destiny.