The following weeks flew by in a blur of intense training and relentless practice. Kai Ren and Lian Hua fell into a comfortable routine, their bond growing stronger with each passing day.
Every morning, they would meet at the training grounds, where Lian Hua would guide Kai Ren through a rigorous regimen of exercises designed to hone his skills and sharpen his instincts.
One crisp morning, as the first light of dawn peeked over the horizon, Lian Hua stood waiting at the usual spot.
She watched Kai Ren approach, his steps purposeful and his expression determined. He had come a long way from the hesitant boy who had first picked up a wooden sword.
"Good morning, Master," Kai Ren greeted her, his eyes bright with anticipation.
"Good morning, Kai Ren," Lian Hua replied, nodding approvingly. "I see you're ready for another day of training."
Kai Ren grinned. "Always."
"Today, we're going to focus on sparring," Lian Hua announced, picking up her wooden sword. "You've learned the basic stances and movements. Now, it's time to apply them in a more dynamic setting."
Kai Ren's excitement was palpable. He had been looking forward to sparring, eager to test his skills against his master's. "I'm ready," he said, gripping his sword tightly.
Lian Hua led him to an open area, free from obstacles. "Remember what you've learned. Stay balanced, stay focused, and don't overextend yourself. Use your whole body, not just your arms."
Kai Ren nodded, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. He got into his battle stance, eyes locked on Lian Hua.
Without warning, Lian Hua lunged forward, her wooden sword slicing through the air. Kai Ren barely had time to react, parrying her strike with a grunt. The force of the blow sent vibrations up his arm, but he held his ground.
"Good," Lian Hua said, her voice calm and steady. "Stay focused."
They moved in a fluid dance, Lian Hua attacking with swift, precise strikes while Kai Ren defended, parried, and counterattacked as best as he could. He quickly realized that sparring with Lian Hua was a whole new level of challenge. Her movements were almost impossible to predict, and she seemed to anticipate his every move.
"Don't just react," Lian Hua advised between strikes. "Anticipate. Predict where I'll strike next and move accordingly."
Kai Ren tried to follow her advice, focusing on her body language and the subtle shifts in her stance. It wasn't easy, but gradually, he began to find a rhythm. He started to see patterns in her attacks, allowing him to dodge and counter more effectively.
Lian Hua stepped back after a particularly intense exchange, lowering her sword. "Not bad, Kai Ren. You're improving."
Kai Ren, panting and drenched in sweat, managed a grin. "Thanks, Master. But I still have a lot to learn."
"That's the right attitude," Lian Hua said, smiling warmly. "Now, let's take a break."
They sat down on a nearby bench, the morning sun casting long shadows across the training grounds. Kai Ren sipped water, savoring the coolness.
"Master," he began, after catching his breath, "I've been wondering... what was it like for you when you first started training with a sword?"
Lian Hua's expression softened as she looked into the distance, memories flickering in her eyes. "It was challenging," she admitted. "I was young, just like you, and eager to prove myself. My master was strict but fair, pushing me to my limits every day."
YOU ARE READING
Eternal Ascendancy
FantasyAzarion the Undying is an ancient, powerful being trapped by his strength. The universe won't let him die unless someone as strong as him ends his life. For ages, he has sought a worthy successor, but all have failed until he meets Kai Ren. Azarion'...
