Liu Bai's Training

At the first break of dawn, sunlight pierced through the thin mist, casting a warm light across the Liu family courtyard.

Dewdrops on the Blue Silver Grass leaves glimmered with minute rays of light, reflecting Liu Feng's focused face.

Liu Feng rose from the lush patch of Blue Silver Grass with a satisfied smile.

Ever since his Martial Soul Awakening, he had meditated and cultivated every day among this Blue Silver Grass he had planted himself.

After studying the habits of Blue Silver Grass, he changed his entire meditation period into separate sessions, greatly improving his cultivation efficiency.

It had now been two and a half years since his Martial Soul Awakening, and he had used segmented meditation for one year. Liu Feng had just turned eight, and his Soul Power Cultivation had reached Level 7.

Over the past two and a half years, Liu Feng's life had been filled with a strict training regimen. Under Grandpa's supervision, he ran long distances, studied, practiced fist techniques, spear technique, bow and arrow, meditation, dietary supplements, and medicinal supplements every day.

In the first year, Liu Feng's Soul Power rose by two levels.

After scientific observation, analysis, and adjustments to his cultivation methods, his Soul Power increased by another three levels over the following year and a half.

At first glance, his cultivation speed did not seem to have increased significantly, and Liu Feng had once felt disappointed by this.

But the gradual strengthening of his Soul Power could not lie. He understood that the increase might have been too small to notice in the short term.

"Xiao Feng, it's time to practice your fist techniques!" Grandpa's gentle yet urging voice came from behind him.

Liu Feng snapped out of his thoughts about observing the Blue Silver Grass, turned around, and smiled as he nodded to Grandpa.

In the courtyard, thick straw mats had already been laid out to prevent injuries during fist practice.

Liu Feng steadily walked to the center of the mat, took a deep breath, and slowly adjusted his breathing, allowing his body and mind to enter a relaxed yet focused state.

He first gently rotated his neck. After several crisp sounds, he loosened his shoulders, wrists, waist, knees, and ankles in order.

After warming up, Liu Feng assumed a standard starting stance, feet shoulder-width apart and hands clenched into fists before his chest.

Then, after taking a deep breath, he slowly threw his first punch.

At first, Liu Feng's movements were not fast, but they were steady and powerful.

Later, as he grew more proficient, the speed of his fist techniques increased. Liu Feng's body moved nimbly across the straw mat, advancing, dodging, and shifting.

Every punch he swung out carried the sound of wind, displaying the results of his year of systematic training.

Liu Feng clearly sensed that, over the past few years, systematic training had significantly improved his physique. His muscles had become firmer, his endurance had greatly increased, and his Soul Power had begun to blend perfectly with his bodily movements.

Amid the howling punch winds, Soul Power circulated inside his body in rhythm with his movements, infusing every punch with formidable strength.

"Good."

Watching Liu Feng's impressive performance, Grandpa walked to his side with a satisfied smile, lightly patted his shoulder, and said, "Your fist techniques now have proper form. Next, you need to learn how to better blend Soul Power into them."

Liu Feng stopped moving, breathing slightly heavily.

"The key to using Soul Power lies in the word 'skill.'"

Grandpa continued, "You must learn to release Soul Power at the right moment. Even ordinary punches and kicks become formidable when enhanced with Soul Power."

Liu Feng nodded seriously and listened to Grandpa's instruction with complete focus.

He knew that although Grandpa was merely a One-Ring Soul Master, his martial arts attainments were extremely high. Otherwise, he could not have built this family estate.

He had even raised Liu Feng's father, who possessed only Level 1 Innate Soul Power, to the level of a Level 29 Soul Grand Master. Before consuming Immortal Herbs, even Yu Xiaogang had been no better than that.

Grandpa's experience was truly a priceless treasure to Liu Feng.

Liu Bai assumed the starting stance and personally demonstrated.

His movements appeared slow, yet they possessed an indescribable charm. Every punch he threw carried a unique rhythm.

Liu Feng watched without blinking. He noticed that when Grandpa punched, his center of gravity sank slightly, allowing him to explosively unleash immense power in an instant.

This method of exerting force was both ingenious and efficient, deeply shocking Liu Feng.

"Did you see it? The key lies in the body's coordination and sense of rhythm."

Grandpa stopped and looked at Liu Feng. "You need to find that rhythm within your movements, then blend Soul Power into it."

Liu Feng gained a measure of understanding. He assumed the starting stance again and tried it, discovering that lowering his center of gravity while punching felt more natural and allowed his strength to erupt more fiercely. Though he was still far inferior to Grandpa, he had already sensed the mystery within it.

"Very good, Xiao Feng. You've already grasped part of it."

Seeing Liu Feng's progress, Grandpa wore a relieved smile. "Keep working hard, and you will grow stronger and stronger."

Warmth surged through Liu Feng's heart. He adjusted his breathing again and practiced his fist techniques with even greater focus. His movements became increasingly proficient, and his use of Soul Power grew more natural.

He practiced the fist techniques over and over. Whenever he grew tired, he rested briefly, drank a cup of tea to recover his strength, and then continued practicing.

"Xiao Feng, let's stop here for today."

Seeing that Liu Feng was somewhat fatigued, Grandpa called a halt to the practice. "Keep it up tomorrow."

Liu Feng stopped and turned to see Grandpa standing nearby with a soft towel in hand.

"Wipe off your sweat first."

Grandpa handed the towel to Liu Feng, his face full of kindness.

Liu Feng took the towel and carefully wiped away his sweat, feeling the warmth and care it carried.

"After training for so long, your body must be exhausted."

Grandpa gestured for Liu Feng to sit on the straw mat. "I'll give you a massage to help you relax."

Liu Feng obediently sat down, leaning forward with his hands resting on his knees.

Grandpa walked behind him, gently placed his hands on Liu Feng's shoulders, and began kneading them rhythmically.

Grandpa's technique was skilled and powerful. Every press and knead landed precisely on Liu Feng's aching muscles, bringing waves of relief.

"Your muscles remain tense while you practice fist techniques. If you do not relax them promptly, fatigue will accumulate easily, so relaxing after training is crucial."

Grandpa spoke as he massaged him.

Liu Feng closed his eyes and fully enjoyed the comfort brought by Grandpa's technique. As Grandpa kneaded him, the soreness in his body gradually disappeared, and his muscles slowly relaxed.

Grandpa's hands moved from his shoulders to his back, then to his waist, carefully massaging every area.

After the massage ended, Grandpa lightly patted Liu Feng's shoulder. "All right. How do you feel?"

Liu Feng stood up and moved his body, feeling much lighter all over. "Much better, Grandpa. My whole body feels light now."

"That's good."

Grandpa nodded, a relieved smile on his face. "Once your body is relaxed, your cultivation will be more effective."

Then, the white Soul Ring around Grandpa suddenly lit up, and a glowing Blue Silver Grass appeared in his hand.

"Xiao Feng, this is my First Soul Skill—Hidden Treasure."

"Eat it. It can quickly restore your physical strength and Soul Power, and it can nourish your body as well," Grandpa said in a low, gentle voice.

Liu Feng accepted the Blue Silver Grass and examined it curiously.

This Blue Silver Grass looked unusual, shaped much like ginseng. Its leaves were soft and gleamed with a warm and moist luster, while it gave off a faint bitter scent.

"Thank you, Grandpa." Liu Feng placed the Blue Silver Grass into his mouth and carefully chewed it.

The Blue Silver Grass tasted sweet upon entering his mouth, carrying a trace of coolness.

As he chewed, a warm current spread from his mouth throughout his body. Every cell seemed infused with vitality, and his exhaustion vanished instantly, replaced by boundless energy.

"How are you? Can you feel it?" Grandpa asked with concern.

Liu Feng nodded forcefully, his face full of delight. "I can feel it! The fatigue in my body disappeared all at once. I'm full of strength now!"

"This is the power of a Soul Master." A flash of pride passed through Grandpa's eyes.

"Though Blue Silver Grass is not favored by the outside world, its advantages are also obvious. Its life force, reproductive power, and adaptability are all strengths."

Grandpa said earnestly, "As long as we carefully uncover its potential, we will surely find it."

Liu Feng swallowed the Blue Silver Grass completely and felt a warm current slowly flowing inside his body as his physical strength and Soul Power rapidly recovered.

Even more wondrously, in depths beyond his perception, the Blue Silver Grass was quietly nourishing his body.

Every inch of his bones and every muscle was gently cared for. This unprecedented comfort and fullness gave Liu Feng an entirely new understanding of Blue Silver Grass's potential.

Liu Feng took a deep breath, feeling the abundant strength inside his body. His eyes were filled with determination. "Grandpa, I'm in especially good condition right now. I want to continue cultivating!"

"Good. Next, we'll begin physical training."

Grandpa slightly nodded, his gaze filled with expectation. "The body is the foundation of cultivation."

"For Soul Masters like us with ordinary Martial Souls, only a strong physique allows us to better unleash our Soul Power."

Grandpa turned and entered the warehouse. Before long, he steadily carried out a pair of small stone locks and neatly placed them in a corner of the courtyard.

The stone locks had rough surfaces, carved with mottled traces of time. One could tell at a glance that they had weathered many years.

"Today, we'll train with stone locks and the horse stance."

Grandpa spoke with unquestionable firmness in his voice. "Stone lock training can greatly strengthen your arm muscles, which will be very helpful for practicing fist techniques and controlling Soul Power."

"As for the horse stance, it is the foundation of martial arts. It can make your lower body as steady as a mountain and improve the strength of your legs and your body's stability."

"You were too young before to endure high-intensity training. Now that you have built a solid foundation, start with this pair of small stone locks. Once you are older and your bones have fully developed, you can challenge the larger pair your father uses."

Hearing this, Liu Feng quickly walked over to the stone locks, squatted down, and firmly gripped their handles with both hands.

The stone locks did not appear large, but their weight far exceeded his expectations.

He took a deep breath and suddenly exerted every ounce of his strength. Veins bulged on his arms, and after much effort, the stone locks slowly left the ground.

A relieved smile appeared on Grandpa's face, and he immediately added, "Now, try lifting the stone locks over your head."

Liu Feng did as instructed, his arms trembling as he slowly raised the stone locks until they were above his head.

At that moment, his arm muscles were taut, every shred of strength fully resisting the stone locks' gravity.

"Pay attention to your breathing. Exhale when exerting force, and inhale when relaxing.

"At the same time, you must keep your body balanced. Do not sway."

Grandpa patiently guided him from the side. His calm voice was like a Dinghai Shenzhen, steadily instilling Liu Feng with confidence.

Liu Feng worked hard to adjust his breathing and desperately maintained his balance, gritting his teeth and persevering.

Sweat continuously beaded on his forehead, ran down his cheeks, and in the end, he successfully lifted the stone locks fifty times.

"Rest for a while. Catch your breath before continuing."

Grandpa said with concern.

After a brief rest, Liu Feng threw himself into training once more.

Every time he raised the stone locks, his arms grew increasingly sore and swollen, as though he were challenging the limits of his body.

"Very good, Xiao Feng. You did exceptionally well!" Grandpa praised him with approval. "Stone lock training does not merely strengthen your arms; it also tempers your willpower."

"Remember, no matter what difficulty you encounter, you must grit your teeth and persevere to the end."

After the stone lock training, Grandpa had Liu Feng walk to the center of the courtyard and said, "Next, the horse stance."

"Spread your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees as though sitting in an invisible chair, keep your back straight, and do not hunch over. Maintain this posture."

Liu Feng assumed the horse stance as instructed. At first, he felt that he could handle it easily, but before long, his leg muscles began protesting, and waves of soreness struck him.

"Steady yourself. Lower your center of gravity and use the strength of your legs and waist to support your body."

"This horse stance may seem simple, but it is actually one of the best ways to train a person. Hold on. The longer you persist, the better the results."

Grandpa continuously encouraged him from the side.

Liu Feng took a deep breath and worked hard to adjust his condition, making himself more stable.

As time passed, sweat soaked through his clothes, and the soreness in his legs grew ever more intense. Yet he continued gritting his teeth, persisting, persisting...

From initially being able to hold on only briefly to gradually enduring for longer periods, every persistence was a challenge and transcendence of himself.