Finally, the day of training arrived. The village buzzed with nervous excitement. Everyone watched eagerly as the young generation, including Tao and his friends, gathered at the training grounds. Today was the beginning of something that would shape their future — a journey that would test their strength, courage, and spirit.
The villagers, though a little anxious, carried hope in their hearts. They whispered among themselves about how their children would grow stronger, how the four Deputy Leads of the families would train them, and how the foundations of survival, skill, and unity would be sharpened.
Tao stood among the group, his heart pounding with excitement and nerves, just like the others. He glanced at his friends, sharing small smiles and nods. Today, he wasn't a leader; he was a student, just like every other child in the village, ready to prove himself.
The group gathered in front of the Eastern Gate of the village, a simple wooden structure reinforced with rough iron bands. Its surface bore the marks of years of use, worn smooth by countless hands pushing it open and closed. A pair of short, unadorned stone pillars stood on either side, supporting small lanterns that swayed gently in the morning breeze. The gate was practical rather than impressive, a quiet guardian that had long kept the village safe. Beyond it lay the fields, forests, and unknown paths — the world outside that the children were about to step into.
Standing proudly among the young warriors were the four Deputy Leads, their presence commanding respect.
Tong Chen (Chen Family) stood to the left of the group, his tall frame straight and unyielding. His dark robes flowed in the morning wind, and his calm, piercing gaze swept over every child, silently judging their readiness.
Yan Zhi Lan (Yan Family) positioned herself slightly ahead of the eastern gate, her crimson robe bright against the wooden structure. She held herself with elegance, yet her sharp eyes missed nothing, observing the children with a mix of scrutiny and quiet encouragement.
Liang Shan (Liang Family) remained at the rear, broad shoulders squared, arms crossed. His presence alone radiated discipline, and the younger warriors instinctively straightened, as though his gaze could correct them without a word.
Xiao Ling (Xiao Family) stood to the right, her pale blue silks softly catching the morning light. Calm and serene, she watched the group with steady eyes, her posture dignified, as if silently reminding the children that wisdom and composure were as important as strength.
The group gathered in front of the Eastern Gate of the village, a modest wooden structure reinforced with rough iron bands. Its surface was worn smooth from years of use, showing the marks of countless hands that had pushed it open and closed. Two short, unadorned stone pillars stood on either side, supporting small lanterns that swayed gently in the morning breeze. There was no grandeur here, no carved dragons or flowing rivers — only the quiet strength of a village that had survived through humility, unity, and hard work. Beyond the gate lay the fields, forests, and the unknown paths of the world beyond — a place the children were about to step into.
The young warriors knelt in unison at the gate, heads bowed in deep respect as the four Deputy Leads approached. Their eyes were wide, hearts pounding, but every child understood the importance of this moment. With synchronized motions, they rose, hands brushing against the earth in silent acknowledgment of the village elders.
"Good morning, Deputy Tong Chen. Deputy Yan Zhi Lan. Deputy Liang Shan. Deputy Xiao Ling," the children chorused, voices trembling slightly but filled with reverence.
Each deputy gave a nod, some with faint smiles, acknowledging the respect without fanfare.
Once the greetings were complete, the young warriors straightened fully, returning to a normal posture, shoulders squared, eyes forward. Their excitement and nerves mingled, yet a sense of purpose settled over them like a quiet shield.
Tong Chen stepped forward first, his tall figure calm and commanding even in the morning light. "Children, today begins your journey," he said, voice low but steady. "Listen carefully. Strength alone is not enough. Discipline, patience, and awareness will carry you farther than raw power ever could."
Yan Zhi Lan, standing slightly ahead in her crimson robes, added, her tone sharp yet encouraging, "Do not fear mistakes. They will teach you more than success ever will. Watch, learn, and trust in yourselves and each other."
Liang Shan, broad-shouldered and stern, crossed his arms and spoke in a deep voice, "Endurance and control are key. Push your limits, but do not allow recklessness to guide your actions. Your body and mind must move as one."
Finally, Xiao Ling's calm voice floated over the group, serene yet firm. "Remember this — courage is not the absence of fear, but the will to act despite it. Every choice you make today shapes who you will become tomorrow. Stay mindful, and respect both your path and those who walk it with you."
The words of the deputies hung in the air like a light mist, settling over the children, filling them with a mixture of anticipation, determination, and solemn understanding. For a moment, all was still — the quiet village surrounding them, the gentle sway of the lanterns, the soft murmur of the morning breeze.
After giving their short pieces of advice, the four Deputy Leaders took a step back, allowing silence to settle among the young group. The soft rustle of the morning wind brushed across the training ground, carrying with it the scent of earth and wood.
Then, Deputy Tong Chen stepped forward, his boots pressing firmly into the ground. His calm yet powerful presence instantly drew everyone's attention.
"Today," he began, his deep voice steady and clear, "is the first day of your training."
He paused for a moment, letting the words sink in before continuing.
"This training will not be easy. It will be harsh, tiring, and painful. But remember—if you work hard, push beyond your limits, and refuse to give up, you will grow stronger." His gaze swept across each face in the group. "Every step of breaking your limit becomes the foundation of your strength. So from this day forward, focus on building that foundation. Strength that is not rooted deeply will crumble easily. We are here to help you forge yours—strong, unshakable, and true."
Tong Chen's words struck deep into the hearts of the young trainees. Even the wind seemed to quiet as his final sentence faded into the air.
Then, Deputy Yan Zhi Lan, the lady among the four, took a graceful step forward. Her crimson robe fluttered lightly as she faced the group with a calm but sharp gaze.
"So," she began, her tone soft yet filled with authority, "we have divided your training into three main parts — Body Training, Mind Training, and Senses Training."
She raised her hand slightly, as if outlining invisible steps in the air.
"Each part focuses on a different aspect of your growth. Body training will temper your strength and endurance. Mind training will sharpen your focus, discipline, and willpower. And senses training—" she paused with a faint smile "—will teach you awareness, balance, and the connection between you and the world around you."
Her voice grew firmer as she finished, "Each training will challenge you differently. Do not take any of them lightly, for all three are essential to becoming a true warrior."
After Yan Zhi Lan stepped back, a heavy silence hung for a moment — then Deputy Liang Shan moved forward.
The ground seemed to respond to his steps, a dull thud echoing with each stride. Broad-shouldered and tall, his shadow stretched across the group. His bare arms revealed a network of old scars and hardened muscle — marks of countless battles and harsh discipline. His gaze was sharp, and though his expression remained calm, a spark of aggression burned quietly behind his eyes.
When he spoke, his voice carried a deep, resonant strength that seemed to vibrate through the air.
"The Body Training," Liang Shan began, his tone commanding, "is the first and most important step. Your body is the foundation of all strength — the vessel that will carry your power. If your body is weak, then no matter how much energy or skill you gain, it will crumble under its own weight."
He crossed his arms and continued, his words slow but powerful.
"Think of your body as a weapon. You must temper it like iron in a forge — heated, beaten, and shaped until it becomes unbreakable. Every drop of sweat, every ache, every breath during training is the sound of that forging."
The young trainees listened in silence, their faces tightening with determination. Liang Shan's presence filled the training ground like a rising storm — strong, fierce, and impossible to ignore.
When he finished, he gave a curt nod and stepped back, the sound of his boots thudding against the ground as he returned to his place.
Then, Deputy Xiao Ling stepped forward.
In contrast to Liang Shan's intensity, she moved with a quiet grace, her long robe fluttering softly in the morning wind. Her eyes carried warmth, yet behind them lay sharp perception — as if she could see through thoughts themselves.
"The Mind Training," Xiao Ling began in a calm, melodic voice, "is about balance and clarity. A strong body is useless if the mind wavers. Fear, anger, doubt — these are enemies that can defeat you before a battle even begins."
She paused, allowing her words to sink in.
"You must learn to steady your thoughts, to see beyond distractions. Through meditation, patience, and focus, you will understand your own limits and how to break them — not with rage, but with will."
Some of the young ones lowered their eyes, realizing how little control they truly had over their emotions. Xiao Ling smiled faintly, as if already reading their thoughts, before stepping back gracefully.
Finally, Deputy Yan Zhi Lan returned to address the group once more. Her expression was serene, her tone carrying a subtle authority.
"The last part," she said, "is the Senses Training — where awareness and instinct will be tested. You will learn to trust what your eyes do not see and your ears do not hear. To feel the shift of air, the movement of energy, and the intent hidden behind silence."
She turned slightly, her robes catching the light.
"A warrior who only sees what is visible will fall to one who feels the unseen. This training will connect your body, mind, and spirit into one harmony — because true strength is not just in muscle, but in awareness."
And then, when the three deputies had finished, Deputy Tong Chen stepped forward.
Calm and steady, his presence felt different — not fiery like Liang Shan, nor graceful like Xiao Ling or Zhi Lan. His was the quiet strength of someone who had seen and endured much. His expression was composed, and his eyes carried a depth of understanding that spoke of both wisdom and experience.
He looked at the young group for a long moment before speaking.
"The three trainings you've heard about — Body, Mind, and Senses — will shape you," he said in his deep, even tone. "But there is something beyond all of them that binds these together. That is Discipline and Unity."
He clasped his hands behind his back as he continued.
"Strength alone will not make you warriors. Nor will knowledge or awareness. True strength comes from how you use what you learn — how you move as one, how you support each other, how you stay disciplined when no one is watching."
He took a slow step forward, his voice steady but firm.
"Your greatest weapon will not be your fists or blades. It will be your heart — the will to rise each time you fall, the courage to face what others cannot, and the loyalty to those who stand beside you. Without discipline, your power will scatter. Without unity, it will crumble."
He glanced at each of the other deputies, then at the group again.
"So, while they forge your body, shape your mind, and awaken your senses — I will forge your spirit. Together, we will test your limits, break them, and rebuild them stronger. But never forget… strength means nothing without purpose."
For a moment, silence reigned. The young trainees stood still, hearts pounding, their minds filled with both fear and fire.
Elder Tong Chen smiled faintly, his eyes glinting with wisdom and a trace of amusement.
"This is how your training process will go," he said calmly. "But as for Tao and YouTu's group — their punishment will be Iron Path Training."
He paused for a moment, letting the words hang heavy in the air.
"However, this punishment is not meant to harm, but to forge. It will be a part of your training — only far more demanding. The Iron Path Training is not something ordinary students experience. It is a trial that pushes one's body, will, and spirit beyond their limits. You will face harsh conditions, relentless endurance tests, and challenges that strip away weakness. Through this, your hearts will be tempered like steel, and your minds sharpened to the edge of focus. Only those who survive this path truly understand what it means to walk the way of a true warrior."
A quiet tension spread through the hall. Some students looked frightened, while others felt a spark of curiosity and determination ignite within them.
Tong Chen's tone deepened, calm yet commanding.
"The Iron Path Training cannot be completed within this short duration. For now, you will all undergo six months of foundation training. Once that time passes, if Tao and his group believe they are ready — they will come to us. Then, and only then, will we reveal where the Iron Path lies... and how to enter it."
He turned, his gaze sweeping across the other disciples.
"And if anyone else wishes to test their courage, they too may apply after some time. Those who are not part of Tao's group but still manage to complete the Iron Path will be rewarded — not just with honor, but with a special gift from our sect itself."
He smiled faintly, his voice lowering just enough to stir the air.
"Let that serve as motivation. The Iron Path does not punish — it transforms. Those who dare to step onto it... are the ones who rise above all."
Deputy Liang Shan stepped forward, his tall and broad figure casting a shadow across the group. His presence alone carried strength — the kind that came from years of battle and relentless training. His voice was deep, steady, and slightly aggressive, a reflection of his nature.
"From today onward," he said firmly, "for the next one month, all of you will undergo Body Training. So, get ready — this will not be easy."
A faint smirk appeared on his face, half-challenging, half-encouraging.
"You all are young and full of energy, so let's put that energy to proper use."
He gestured toward the open valley beyond the training ground.
"Each of you must run at least two full rounds around our village boundaries every morning. Our village may not be the biggest, but it stretches nearly fifty miles around — through forest trails, rocky hills, and flowing rivers. The path itself will train you. You'll need to run through thick woods where wild beasts roam, climb the steep mountain trails that will test your endurance, balance across fallen tree trunks while crossing streams, and swim across parts of the river to strengthen your lungs and limbs. This is the beginning of your journey to build a body that can bear the true weight of power."
Liang Shan's expression grew serious.
"Each day, your target will increase. Tomorrow, you will complete three rounds instead of two. Every two weeks, you'll add another round. This way, each new step will push you beyond your limit. Pain is your forge — and your body, the weapon being shaped."
He folded his arms, his tone softening only slightly.
"This method will toughen your muscles, bones, and stamina. For this month, you need not focus on mind or sense training — your only goal is to make your body strong enough to endure. Follow the special diet arranged for you — rich in energy herbs, wild vegetables, and stamina roots. They will help your body recover faster."
As Liang Shan finished, a murmur spread through the group. The younger trainees exchanged nervous glances — some excited, others already imagining the exhaustion. But among them, sparks of determination began to flicker.
The elders standing nearby nodded in approval. Elder Tong Chen's lips curved into a small smile. "A fine plan," he said softly. "Liang Shan's method may sound harsh, but it builds the kind of foundation no wind can shake."
Deputy Yan Zhi Lan added gently, "The young ones will suffer, yes — but through that suffering, they will grow. Their spirit must be as firm as their bones."
Among the young generation, Tao clenched his fists with quiet resolve, while YouTu and the others exchanged confident nods. The challenge ahead seemed impossible, yet the fire in their hearts refused to fade.
Deputy Liang Shan's words still echoed in the air when Elder Tong Chen took a few steps forward, his calm gaze sweeping across the group of youngsters. The golden light of morning fell gently over the training field, and a quiet determination could be felt among everyone present.
"Since this training is meant to build your foundation," Tong Chen said with a smile, "there is no need to wait until tomorrow. Your path begins today."
A small ripple of surprise ran through the youngsters, followed quickly by excitement. Tao's heart beat faster — part fear, part thrill. Around him, YouTu, Mei Lin, and the others straightened their backs, ready to prove themselves.
Elder Tong Chen continued, "The four Deputy Leaders will oversee your first round of training today. They will not interfere unless necessary — your task is to understand the path by walking it."
Liang Shan crossed his arms and gave a fierce grin. "Good. The sooner you start, the sooner you'll learn what real effort means."
Lady Yan Zhi Lan, with her gentle yet firm tone, added, "Remember — do not rush mindlessly. Endurance and rhythm are the keys to surviving long training. Pace your steps, control your breath, and listen to your body."
Deputy Wu Jian spoke next, his calm and composed nature evident. "And do not let competition cloud your focus. Your true opponent is yourself — your laziness, your limits, your fear."
Finally, Deputy Mei Rong — the quietest among them, her eyes sharp and steady — said softly, "Strength built without focus fades quickly. Strength built through patience lasts forever."
The group of youngsters knelt and greeted them once more with deep respect.
"Thank you, Elders!" their voices echoed together.
"Rise," Tong Chen said kindly. "Now — begin your first task."
The elders and deputies stepped aside, giving the group space. The morning air filled with the rustle of movement as Tao and the others began their first run around the village's boundary. The path led them through soft grassy plains, into cool forest shades, and across small streams that glistened under the sunlight. Birds fluttered overhead, and the scent of soil and wildflowers filled the breeze.
The villagers watched from a distance, some cheering softly, others silently praying for their children's success. The sound of footsteps and steady breathing soon filled the air, marking the true beginning of their journey.
As the group disappeared into the forest path, Elder Tong Chen looked toward the horizon and said quietly, "This generation… their hearts burn brighter than I expected."
Liang Shan chuckled, "Let's see if that fire survives a few days of running."
Yan Zhi Lan smiled faintly. "If it does, then our village may truly see a new dawn."
And so began the first day of training — not with weapons or power, but with sweat, struggle, and a promise:
To grow stronger, one step at a time.