The evening air was cool and crisp as Li Jian and Li Ming walked up the nearby mountain hill, the stars beginning to twinkle above. Li Jian had motioned to Li Ming after dinner; they'd left the warmth of the house and walked in comfortable silence for a while.
As the path grew steeper, Li Jian spoke. "Li Ming, you're doing well with _Fēng Xíng Bù_. The Wìn City _wǔguǎn_ test tomorrow... you ready?"
Li Ming nodded, eyes ahead. "I'll do my best, Father."
Li Jian smiled slightly. "I know you will. But... _Fēng Xíng Bù_'s advanced. You're not practicing any fighting arts. Why?"
Li Ming hesitated, looking down at his feet on the uneven path. "I... I wasn't sure which one to pick... and _Fēng Xíng Bù_ seemed... useful, Father."
Li Jian's eyes narrowed in the dim light. "Useful's good. But fighting arts protect you. _Fēng Xíng Bù_'s for agility... not defense. You want to be like... a martial practitioner who can't fight?"
Li Ming looked up, a mix of emotions on his face.
Li Jian stopped on a rock outcropping, turning to face him. "Li Ming, you've got talent. _Fēng Xíng Bù_'s hard, you're doing good... but add a fighting art. sword art maybe. You're good at swift movements."
Li Ming nodded slowly, eyes lighting up slightly.
Li Jian looked at Li Ming, a decision forming in his mind. "Li Ming, I'm gonna teach you a martial art. _Fēng Lí Qiáng_ (Gale Suguring Spear Art)."
Li Ming's eyes widened. "_Fēng Lí Qiáng_? Father, that's... intermediate difficulty!"
Li Jian nodded. "It pairs well with _Fēng Xíng Bù_. Gives astonishing strength if combined. You've got the footwork."
Li Ming looked amazed.
Li Jian smiled slightly. "And... I'll give you Eternal Spring Water. Two bowls. Drink 'em. Boosts learning rate."
Li Ming's face lit up. "Father...
Li Jian nodded. "Tonight. We'll start _Fēng Lí Qiáng_ basics now. On this hill."
Li Ming nodded vigorously.
Li Jian led Li Ming to a clear spot, moonlight casting shadows. "First, grasp the spear..."
As Li Jian began teaching, Li Ming drank the two bowls of eternal spring water. Warmth spread through him; his senses heightened.
_Fēng Lí Qiáng_'s movements unfolded - Li Jian demonstrating thrusts, turns, the spear twisting like wind. Li Ming practiced, eternal spring water amplifying his absorption of the art.
The night deepened; stars wheeled above. Li Jian stopped them, breathing even. "Enough for tonight. Tomorrow's test. Rest."
Li Ming nodded, eyes burning with intent .
Li Jian's eyes sparkled with intent as he looked at Li Ming. "Practice the whole night. _Fēng Lí Qiáng_ won't master itself."
Li Ming nodded, determination etched on his face. He began practicing the Gale Auguring Spear Art, movements fluid as he danced with the spear under the moonlight.
As the night wore on, Li Jian watched, astonished. Li Ming's progress was... brilliant. Forms clicked into place faster than Li Jian had expected. Eternal spring water's boost, maybe... but Li Ming had talent. good kid.
Li Jian's thoughts whirled. _Fēng Lí Qiáng_ paired with _Fēng Xíng Bù_... this combo could make Li Ming formidable. More talent for _Fēng Lí Qiáng_ than he'd thought.
The hours passed; Li Ming didn't tire. Spear movements grew sharper, _qì_ began to stir around him. Li Jian nodded to himself.
Li Ming breathed hard, eyes shining. "Father... felt like... I could pierce the stars."
Li Jian smiled . "You'll do well.
Li Jian thought to himself as he watched Li Ming rest, exhaustion finally catching up. _I only gave him the right art... and two bowls of _Tiān Yuán Shuǐ_. One night... and he's almost mastered an intermediate art._
Li Jian's eyes narrowed in thought. _This kid's got talent. _Fēng Lí Qiáng_... he was born for it._
A mix of pride and anticipation swirled in Li Jian's mind. _Wìn City _wǔguǎn_ test... then we'll see how far he goes._
The sky lightened; morning approached. Li Jian smiled slightly _Li Ming's gonna be something._
The sun was just climbing over the roofs of Wìn City as Li Jian, Li Ming, and Li Feng set out for the _wǔguǎn_ (martial hall). Li Ming was dressed in his best, shoes polished, a mix of nerves and anticipation on his face. Li Feng, the little brother, practically bounced along, eyes wide with excitement.
"I wanna see the _wǔguǎn_! See the martial arts of different people!" Li Feng had begged to come along, and Li Jian had agreed. "And compare yourself with them, hmm?" he'd added with a smile.
Li Jian walked with purpose, Li Ming a step beside him, Li Feng skipping ahead a bit. "Li Ming, remember: _wǔguǎn_'s a place of respect. Show them what you've got. Don't hold back."
Li Ming nodded, adjusting his sleeves. "Got it, Father."
The loomed ahead - a large, imposing structure with _wǔlín_ martial forest symbols carved into the gates. People were coming and going, martial practitioners of various styles and schools. Li Feng's eyes darted everywhere.
Inside, the _wǔguǎn_'s hall was lined with martial gear, banners of past tournaments hanging from the ceiling. The instructor for the test, a lean man with Ice Blade tattoos on his arms, greeted them. "Li Ming, Li Clan. right?"
Li Jian nodded. "Yes. Testing today."
The _jiànshì_ nodded. "Good. Opponent's waiting., show us what you got."
Li Ming nodded, moving to the test area. Li Feng squeezed in among the onlookers, eyes glued .
😊 Li Jian, Li Ming, and Li Feng pushed through the crowd gathered at the _wǔguǎn_'s central testing area. The hall was abuzz with martial practitioners testing their strength on a thick metal pillar - Strength Testing Pillar). Numbers flickered on the pillar's top as contestants hit it, measuring their martial strength.
Li Jian stopped at the edge, eyes scanning the competitors. "Sons, in reality... people see your combat prowess, not just cultivation level." He nodded toward the pillar. "Watch."
Li Ming nodded, eyes fixed on the tests. Li Feng watched with wide eyes, comparing himself. "Father, I wanna try..."
Li Jian smiled slightly. "Later. Watch first."
A announcement echoed through the hall: "Best score in _Lìzhěng Zhuàng_ gets a (Black Iron Spear)!" The crowd buzzed.
Contestants tested their strength - (fists.), _ sword, each score flashing on the pillar. A big guy using Iron Mountain Fists smashed the pillar - 780 points, top so far.
Li Jian leaned to Li Ming. "Your turn soon."
The _jiànshì_ (instructor) called: "Li Ming, Li Clan.
Li Ming nodded, moving to the pillar .