By the time Ho Lam Uyen, Khanh, and Le Vy returned to the Heavens Fracture Hall, dusk had already descended. The stone-paved path was slick with mist, lanterns glowing faintly with a warm amber hue, guiding them home after their long journey.
Unlike her usual stern demeanor, Ho Lam Uyen was uncharacteristically cheerful. In her hands was a bundle wrapped in banana leaves—rice balls filled with dried shredded pork. The grains were soft and sticky, clinging together, with the salty-sweet aroma of the pork teasing the air. Just the scent alone could stir hunger in anyone. She nibbled lightly, speaking with a bright smile:
"Khanh, from today onward you'll train under Vo Tinh Hai. Your body is far too weak—if you don't strengthen it, you'll only drag the others down. And you, Le Vy, I've asked La Diep to craft a special pair of lenses for you. With them, you'll be able to see the spiritual currents of gods and demons. But their making will take time, so for now, the two of you will train your bodies together."
Breaking off a piece of the rice ball, she offered it to Khanh, eyes glinting playfully.
"Eat. You'll need the strength if you want to survive ten laps around the cavern."
Khanh hesitated before taking it, the savory flavor spreading across his tongue. Somehow, the warmth of the food eased the heaviness in his chest after all that had happened.
The next day, training began in a cavern behind the Hall. Vo Tinh Hai was already waiting, a clay wine jug in one hand and two wooden swords—each weighing six catties—in the other. He dropped them with a thud, his half-lidded gaze still sharp despite the lazy look in his eyes.
"Take them," he said. "Swing until your arms can't move. Strength training is simple—bones harden through toil, not tricks."
He tipped the jug back for a long drink, the strong scent of wine filling the cavern. Wiping his mouth, he gave a low laugh:
"This wine is as good as any tonic. For me, at least. As for you two—sweat will be your only medicine."
Khanh gripped the sword with trembling arms, his swing clumsy and weak, sweat soaking through his clothes after only a handful of strikes. Le Vy fared better, her movements steady though her breath was labored.
Next came ten laps around the cavern. Vo Tinh Hai leaned back against a boulder, one leg propped up, sipping from his jug while shouting:
"Faster! If you still have breath to complain, you're not working hard enough!"
By the third lap, Khanh's face was flushed crimson, his lungs burning. His steps grew heavier with every stride, while Le Vy pressed ahead, maintaining her pace despite exhaustion.
Finally, Vo Tinh Hai led them to the waterfall. White water thundered down from the cliff above, pounding into the pool below with crushing force. Mist filled the air, chilling their skin.
"Sit beneath it," Vo Tinh Hai ordered, his voice rough from wine. "If you can endure, the torrent will wash away hesitation. If you cannot—leave. The path does not wait for the faint-hearted."
Le Vy stepped forward first, settling herself under the roaring cascade. Her body quivered from the sheer weight of the water, yet her eyes remained unwavering. Khanh followed, nearly collapsing at once, his chest screaming for air, every muscle burning. But when he faltered, he forced himself back upright, determination flickering in his gaze.
From a distance, Ho Lam Uyen watched them, finishing the last bite of her rice ball. Her smile was gentle, almost playful—but deep in her eyes lay a quiet expectation for both of them.