Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 32 - From Rivals to Comrades: Endurance Under the Khufu Sky

After enduring a day of rigorous training in the pursuit of becoming one of Khufu's formidable Shadow Warriors, Qing Yi once again faced disappointment, failing both his physical and obstacle exams. Crumpled on the ground, Qing Yi's delicate frame bore the marks of his efforts—bloody, bruised, and lacerated from the demanding obstacle course. His inability to swiftly navigate the swinging blades resulted in severe cuts, forcing him to collapse in exhaustion.

Gasping for breath on the harsh ground, the fifteen-year-old Qing Yi struggled to regain his footing. Two years into his journey to become a Shadow Warrior, despite excelling in hand-to-hand combat, his reflexes remained a weak point. Coughing up traces of blood, Qing Yi observed the approaching Instructor.

"This won't do, Qing Yi. If you continue at this rate, you won't be able to catch up to the rest of your peers," the instructor declared, peering down at Qing Yi.

"No...please. Give me another chance. I can be better," Qing Yi pleaded, managing to sit up on the ground.

The Royal Instructor for the Shadow Warriors stood tall, a slender middle-aged man with an air of mystery enveloping him. Originating from a distant land, he had once rescued the Crown Prince and his mother from Khufu's enemies' assassins. Despite his fragile appearance, the Instructor moved with a swiftness that defied his age, showcasing fighting skills that surpassed imagination. Each strike carried a blend of strength, speed, and precision, catching enemies off guard until the fatal blows landed.

The Instructor possessed a distinctive appearance, accentuated by his striking white hair that flowed with an aura of wisdom. Despite outward frailty, an undeniable strength emanated from him. Cloaked in attire reminiscent of an assassin, his clothing was sleek, dark, and form-fitting, enabling swift and silent movements. Impressed by the aged warrior's prowess, the young Crown Prince and the Guifei brought him to the palace, bestowing upon him the esteemed position of Royal Instructor. The aspiration was for him to train warriors with similar exceptional skills. Embracing the offer, the man dedicated years to producing highly skilled assassins, significantly contributing to Khufu's conquests and victories over opposing kingdoms.

Kneeling before Qing Yi, the mysterious instructor chuckled, "Is that so? Still eager to continue even after breaking a few ribs already?"

Qing Yi nodded determinedly, "I have potions that can mend wounds. Let me continue." Rising from his position, Qing Yi walked over to his bag, extracting a couple of potion vials. Consuming one with a liquid healing solution and applying another with healing powder to his flesh injuries, Qing Yi took a few minutes to restore himself before confidently returning to the instructor.

This time, the instructor let out a hearty chuckle and remarked, "Impressive! You've got the courage and determination that I'm looking for in my Shadow Warriors." Glancing at the obstacle course, he gestured toward swinging spears and blades suspended from the ceiling. Rows of poles, set about three inches apart, were arranged below them.

"Whenever you're ready," the instructor encouraged, directing his attention to Qing Yi.

Bracing himself, Qing Yi mounted the first two poles. With a focused mind and unwavering determination, he executed well-timed steps, swiftly maneuvering through the obstacle course. Drawing on lessons from previous attempts, Qing Yi moved more strategically while maintaining control of his breath. The instructor appeared noticeably more satisfied, observing Qing Yi's improved technique.

As Qing Yi reached the final obstacle, a slight miscalculation led to an early jump onto the last two poles. Though he narrowly avoided a blade aimed at his head, a portion of his shoulder's flesh and a generous amount of hair were grazed. The landing was less than graceful, and once again, Qing Yi fell short of the objective to navigate the obstacle training unscathed.