(1) The Lonely Boy
In a mountain hollow beneath the blazing sun, a group of thirteen- and fourteen-year-old boys were practicing their boxing with vigorous, tiger-like force!
"Keep your qi full, your steps steady, your elbows vicious, and your fists precise!"
In front of the formation of boys, a middle-aged burly man dressed in wolf pelts was loudly instructing them:
"You are the Blood Guards who protect the tribe! If your cultivation is lacking and your battle prowess is weak, not only will you die—even your parents, wives, and children will die!"
"This Demon Bull Fist is the best for tempering sinew and bone. You must study and train diligently; there can be no slightest slackening!"
The middle-aged burly man's gaze swept over the boys one by one. Their bodies were already drenched in sweat, yet at this moment, they were all gritting their teeth and persevering.
Being able to become a tribe Blood Guard was the greatest pride and honor!
The middle-aged burly man was somewhat satisfied and said:
"Practice it ten more times! With your foundation, it will take a month of hard training before the Demon Bull Fist can begin to show results!"
After saying this, he turned and looked at a group of children watching from not far away, then shouted:
"This isn't a place for you to be. Get lost!"
The middle-aged burly man had seen countless battles and possessed tremendous authority. The moment he shouted, most of the children scattered in a panic.
But one of them still stood where he was.
He looked about twelve or thirteen years old. His body was frail and skinny as a rake. He could not even afford a single animal-hide garment, and was dressed in clothes made of tree bark.
He looked at the middle-aged burly man,