If the outside world felt like death, the Sanctuary became the heart of preparation.
Fengyu mapped out a training schedule, pushing each member to their limits—yet never beyond what they could endure.
Time flowed ten times faster.
A single day became ten inside.
They needed every moment.
— — —
1. Lin Xuan – The Rising Spearman
Lin Xuan practiced thrusts relentlessly, sweat pouring down his face. Fengyu corrected his posture.
"Lower your center of gravity. Keep your grip relaxed, not rigid."
Xuan adjusted, movements growing fluid.
Fengyu nodded. "Again."
Xuan thrust.
This time the spear whistled.
[Lin Xuan – Spear Mastery: 5% → 12%]
The boy's eyes shone with determination.
"I won't be weak anymore."
Fengyu smiled. "You're not."
— — —
2. Yan Lingxin – The Agile Blade
Lingxin darted between wooden posts, dodging swinging bags filled with sand. Fengyu watched her footwork.
"Light steps. Think less. Trust your body."
She exhaled, flowing like a breeze, slipping between the obstacles effortlessly.
A panel for Fengyu flashed.
[Yan Lingxin – Evasion Skill: Beginner → Intermediate]
Lingxin stopped, panting. "Fengyu! Did I pass?"
He chuckled. "You're improving fast."
She flushed, pleased.
— — —
3. Li Meiyu – The First Healer
Meiyu practiced channeling qi through her palms, guided by herbs Fengyu collected in the Sanctuary.
"Let it flow slowly," Fengyu instructed. "Healing is gentle."
Meiyu's palms glowed softly—warm, soothing light.
Lingxin gasped. "Meiyu, that feels amazing!"
[Li Meiyu – Healing Affinity: 3% → 10%]
Fengyu nodded. "Good. You'll keep us alive."
Meiyu smiled softly. "I'll protect all of you."
— — —
4. Wu Qingxia – The Warrior Reforged
Qingxia sparred with Fengyu using wooden blades. Her strikes were sharp, fast, precise.
Fengyu parried effortlessly.
"You're predictable."
She snarled and switched direction mid-strike.
He smirked. "Better."
She attacked again. And again. Until sweat drenched her clothes and her breath came in ragged pulls.
She collapsed, panting.
He offered her a hand. "Stronger."
She slapped it away. Then took it anyway.
[Wu Qingxia – Combat Mastery: 18% → 26%]
Qingxia grinned. "I'll surpass you one day."
Fengyu laughed. "Good luck."
— — —
As they trained, Fengyu examined the Holy Tree.
Its leaves shimmered more brightly than before.
"System," Fengyu whispered, "the Sanctuary feels different."
"Correct, Host. More marked individuals increase internal harmony. Sanctuary growth accelerates when members strengthen."
Fengyu exhaled. "Good. They need all the help they can get."
He turned.
"Everyone, gather."
The four approached.
"We're improving fast—but it's not enough yet."
He pointed toward the Holy Tree.
"You all need a core technique. Something strong. Something lasting."
Meiyu's eyes widened. "But we don't have manuals…"
Fengyu smiled.
"We do now."
He summoned the system panel.
[Favorability Rewards Available]
[Unlockable Manuals: 4]
He distributed one to each.
Lingxin received Swift Petal Steps.
Xuan received Iron Spear Foundation.
Meiyu received Gentle Heart Flow.
Qingxia received Crimson Edge Slash.
The four stared at their glowing manuals in awe.
Fengyu said softly:
"Learn them. Master them.
Because soon… we'll face the tide."
The Sanctuary pulsed with soft light—
as if preparing with them.
---