The training that followed was the real test.
And a true living hell!
Luo Hongwu canceled Lin Fei's daytime combat and marksmanship training, replacing it with exercises designed specifically to strengthen his mental resolve.
In the mornings, he put Lin Fei through all kinds of brutal torture.
He soaked a whip in salt water. Every lash across Lin Fei's body tore his skin open, bringing excruciating pain.
He made him drink chili water. Lin Fei's mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines all burned as if they were on fire.
He hung Lin Fei upside down in the sun. Blood rushed to his head, making it hard to sleep. The sun scorched him, he became severely dehydrated, and his mind grew hazy.
He dug a hole and buried himself in the dirt, where he went hungry for seven days and seven nights.
It was the first time Lin Fei had ever realized just how painful and agonizing hunger could be.
Countless times, he wanted to beg for mercy. But whenever he thought of Peach Blossom's death, he gritted his teeth and held on.
"Lin Fei, just beg me to stop, and I'll let you go."
"You've done very well. There's no need to put yourself through any more pain."
"Give up. Just say the word, and I'll give you some water."
As he tortured Lin Fei, Luo Hongwu kept trying to tempt him with words.
If Lin Fei begged for mercy even once, he would fail the test of mental endurance.
In real special forces training, that would mean immediate disqualification.
Weakness often wasn't because the body couldn't withstand the pain. It was because the will had crumbled first.
After enduring torture again and again, Lin Fei even wondered whether Luo Hongwu really meant to kill him.
He never begged for mercy,