CHAPTER 108: TRAINING AND SECRETS

The sun was high over the Li estate as Li Tian returned from the forest, Su Yin trailing hesitantly behind him. Her steps were cautious, as if she were afraid that at any moment he might change his mind. Yet, Li Tian moved with his usual relaxed confidence, as though the encounter in the forest had been nothing more than a morning stroll.

Once inside the training grounds, Li Tian’s eyes gleamed. "Today’s lesson isn’t going to be easy," he said casually. "You’re going to learn how to fight, survive, and think like a cultivator should. And you’re going to do it under me."

Su Yin gulped but nodded. "I—I’ll do my best, Master Li Tian."

[System Note: Phantom Mirage Arts ready for training. Maximum potential unlocked through practical combat experience.]

Li Tian smirked, watching her fidget nervously. "Don’t call me that. Master is too formal. I’m just... me. But yes, you’ll need to train hard. Life doesn’t wait for hesitation."

He demonstrated a few simple movements of the Phantom Mirage Arts, his figure moving faster than her eyes could follow. Shadows flickered as he disappeared and reappeared in a blur, each movement precise and deadly. Su Yin gasped, trying to mimic him, but her form stumbled, and she lost balance.

Li Tian chuckled. "No, no, no. You can’t just copy the motion. You have to feel the energy flowing through you. Let it guide you, not your mind. The technique thrives on instinct."

[Task Update: Teach new recruit Phantom Mirage Arts. Successful demonstration increases your mastery and boosts leadership skill.]

For hours, Li Tian pushed Su Yin through rigorous exercises. Each mistake she made, he corrected; each improvement, he encouraged. Occasionally, he would pause, placing a hand on her shoulder or guiding her stance, his touch lingering just long enough to unnerve her while keeping it professional.

Meanwhile, in the estate, Li Tian’s absence sparked curiosity. Xu Fang noticed his disappearance first, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Where could he be?" she muttered to herself.

Li Xue, ever perceptive, tilted her head. "Probably out training, as usual. But... maybe I should check on him. Just in case."

Back on the training grounds, Li Tian pushed Su Yin to execute a complex sequence. Sweat dripped down her face, but determination burned in her eyes. Li Tian’s gaze softened slightly. Despite his laid-back, indifferent exterior, he took pride in those willing to follow him and trust him.

"Good," he finally said after what felt like hours. "You’ve improved. Remember, the difference between life and death isn’t strength alone. It’s awareness, speed, and adaptability. You’re here to survive, not just to fight."

[Reward Unlocked: System Technique – Instant Reflex Enhancement

. Can be used once per battle to temporarily increase reaction speed and perception.]

Su Yin’s eyes widened as the knowledge of the new technique filled her mind. She bowed quickly. "Thank you, Li Tian! I won’t fail you!"

Li Tian grinned. "That’s the spirit. But remember, failure isn’t fatal—it’s a lesson. Don’t be afraid to push limits."

As the sun began to lower, casting long shadows over the estate, Li Tian finally allowed Su Yin to rest. He leaned against a tree, wiping sweat from his brow, a small smirk on his face. Training her wasn’t just about strengthening his own influence—it was about expanding his capabilities and testing the limits of the system’s rewards in real-time.

[Optional Quest Triggered: "Prepare your new disciple for real combat." Success grants experience, technique mastery, and potential new system skills.]

Su Yin, exhausted but exhilarated, looked at him with admiration. "I... I never imagined training could be like this. You’re... incredible."

Li Tian waved a hand dismissively. "Just another day. You’ll catch up soon. And when you do, we’ll see how useful you really are."

As they walked back to the estate together, Li Tian’s mind wandered briefly. The recent ambush, his growing harem, the system’s guidance, and the looming challenges all intersected in his thoughts. Each day was a step toward power, pleasure, and influence. But he knew that nothing came without its complications.

"Tomorrow," he said quietly, more to himself than to Su Yin, "I’ll push you even further. If you want to survive by my side, there’s no time to relax."

Back inside, Xu Fang waited silently by the veranda. When she saw Li Tian and Su Yin returning, her gaze flicked between them. Something unspoken passed between her and Li Tian, a mix of curiosity, jealousy, and cautious approval. Li Xue trailed behind, eyes shining with amusement at the sight of Li Tian managing yet another new companion.

For Li Tian, life was becoming increasingly complicated, but in a way he enjoyed. Challenges, battles, training, and love—they all wove together in a tapestry that only he could control. And with the system constantly guiding him, there was no limit to what he could achieve.

[System Notice: Progress satisfactory. New skill and leadership growth achieved. Recommend next step: "Test disciple in controlled combat scenario."]

Li Tian glanced at Su Yin, a sly smile curling his lips. "Looks like tomorrow’s going to be fun."

The forest and estate were quiet as night fell, but the calm was deceptive. Every shadow could conceal an enemy, every ally could be a future challenge. Yet Li Tian thrived in this chaos. Power, desire, and strategy—all danced in perfect harmony around him. And he wouldn’t have it any other way.