A full year had passed since Ayan first stepped into the forest for Copperleaf Grass and his first hunt.
He was five now. In the eyes of the villagers, still just a lively boy running with Tang San. But anyone who looked closer might notice something different — the way his steps were steady and balanced, how his grip was firm even when carrying water buckets, and the faint definition in his arms unusual for a child his age.
The routine had never stopped.
Morning: chores for the village chief, disguised as training — carrying heavy baskets, chopping small logs, running errands at a sprint.
Evening: bodyweight drills behind the house, stretches to keep his limbs limber, and a carefully prepared medicinal bath once every two weeks.
That bath had become his secret weapon.
Boiling Copperleaf Grass with other common herbs, mixing in shavings of wild boar bone or forest rabbit meat, then soaking in the steaming infusion until his skin turned red and tingled. Afterward, he would eat the meat, letting its warmth settle deep into his belly, feeding both his body and spirit.
The effects showed.
One afternoon, while helping Tang San lift a water jar, Ayan noticed his friend struggling to adjust his grip. Without effort, Ayan took more weight onto his side, steadying the load. Tang San gave him a look — half surprised, half curious.
"You've gotten stronger," Tang San said.
Ayan shrugged casually. "Must be from carrying water every day."
He didn't mention the way his senses felt sharper now, or how his stamina had doubled compared to last year. He could run to the back mountain and back without panting, and his hands no longer blistered easily.
That night, as he sat cross-legged in his small room, he flexed his fingers and pressed his palm against his chest. His heartbeat was steady and powerful.
This body is almost ready, he thought. When the Spirit Awakening comes, I'll give whatever martial soul I get the best possible start.
From outside came Tang San's voice, calling for him to come practice with bamboo sticks again. Ayan smiled faintly, grabbing his own stick as he stepped into the fading sunset.
He was no longer just a lost child in Holy Spirit Village.
He was preparing for the day his real journey would begin.