Chapter 141: Training

Early the next morning, Li Qingxuan got up early, came to the open ground of the fortress, and began preparing for training.

He set up various simple training facilities on the open ground: stone locks for strength training, obstacles for agility, and a sand table simulating combat scenes.

People arrived one after another at the open ground; seeing these training facilities, their eyes showed curiosity and anticipation.

Li Qingxuan stood before the crowd and said loudly: "From today on, we will officially begin training. Everyone must take it seriously; by improving our abilities through training, we can better face future dangers."

Li Feifei and others of the Logistics Team, though mainly responsible for the base's daily work, Li Qingxuan also arranged some basic physical training for them to enhance their fitness.

Li Feifei looked at those training facilities, smiling and said: "Qingxuan younger brother, I didn't expect our Logistics Team to also train, but this is good; it lets us work with more vigor."

Li Qingxuan nodded and said: "Feifei older sister, physical fitness is the foundation; with a good body, we can better perform logistics work. Come, I'll first teach you a few simple movements."

Speaking, he began demonstrating some basic stretching and strength training exercises; Li Feifei and others earnestly followed and learned.

As for Huang Rong and Li Jing of the Exploration Team, they were to undergo stricter training.

Li Qingxuan first led them through a warm-up, then began training in practical combat techniques.

He took out two wooden swords, handing one each to Huang Rong and Li Jing, and said: "During exploration, we may encounter various dangers, so practical combat skills are very important. Now, you will act as opponents to each other and engage in simulated combat."

Huang Rong and Li Jing glanced at each other, then assumed their stances.

Huang Rong's body was agile, her sword moves light and varied, while Li Jing was far behind; the gap in basic stats was still considerable.

Huang Rong restrained her strength, continually attacking Li Jing, who struggled to defend, somewhat flustered, but her eyes showed determination and unwillingness to lose.

Li Qingxuan watched their movements closely from the side, occasionally giving guidance: "Li Jing, pay attention to your defensive stance, keep your footwork agile, don't stand still."

After an intense bout of simulated combat, Li Jing had expended much stamina, panting heavily.

Li Qingxuan stepped forward, patted Li Jing's shoulder, and said: "Not bad, you worked hard. Practical combat skills require continual practice and accumulation of experience; we'll have more opportunities later."

Subsequently, Li Qingxuan stepped down Li Jing and sparred with Huang Rong; Huang Rong's sword moves grew ever fiercer, yet Li Qingxuan easily defused them, and timely pointed out shortcomings in her sword technique: "Rong older sister, your attack angle could be more cunning; striking unexpectedly will better defeat the enemy."

After hearing this, Huang Rong slightly nodded, adjusted her sword angle, and attacked again.

The two exchanged blows, sword flashes flickering, letting the watching Li Jing broaden her horizons.

After a round of sparring, Li Qingxuan and Huang Rong both broke a light sweat; Li Qingxuan stopped moving and said: "Alright, let's rest a bit and drink some water."

Everyone sat together, drinking water, taking a brief rest.

Li Feifei wiped sweat from her forehead, smiling and said: "Qingxuan younger brother, this training is quite interesting; I feel my body warming up."

Li Qingxuan replied with a smile: "Feifei older sister, this is just the start; training intensity will gradually increase later, everyone must persevere."

After a short rest, Li Qingxuan stood up and said: "Next, we will do endurance training. The Exploration Team and Logistics Team together will run five laps around the fortress."

Everyone rose, formed lines, and at Li Qingxuan's command began to run.

At first, everyone could still keep a neat formation, but after two laps the gaps began to show.

Huang Rong had better stamina, running ahead, while Li Feifei and others gradually fell behind.

Li Qingxuan ran alongside the group, continually encouraging everyone: "Hold on, don't give up, adjust your breathing."

By the fourth lap, Li Feifei was already panting, her steps slowing. Li Qingxuan noticed, ran to her side, and said: "Feifei older sister, hold on a bit longer, this is the last lap."

Li Feifei gritted her teeth and said: "Qingxuan younger brother, I... I can still go." Saying that, she quickened her pace.

Finally, after completing five laps, everyone was exhausted and collapsed to the ground.

Li Qingxuan walked over, helped everyone up, and said: "You all performed well; endurance training is about persisting even when the body is fatigued. For now we stop here; everyone rest a while, first have lunch, and we'll continue tomorrow."

At noon, everyone sat together eating lunch; while eating, they massaged their legs and complained about the hardship of training.

Li Feifei laughed and said: "Today's training was tiring, but I feel especially fulfilled; I seem to have grown stronger."

Huang Rong also nodded and said: "Yes, practical combat training taught me many skills; I'll be more confident when facing danger in the future."

Li Qingxuan looked at everyone's positive state, feeling greatly relieved, and said: "You're all great; as long as we keep training, our abilities will surely keep improving. This afternoon, the Exploration Team will continue training, striving to achieve the expected results as soon as possible."

Everyone responded in kind; after finishing their meal and taking a brief rest, the Logistics Team devoted their energy to the fortress's daily chores.

Li Qingxuan said to Huang Rong and Li Jing: "In a bit we'll go out to patrol around the fortress and Low Hill, and by the way see if we can find some low-level weird creatures for Li Jing to practice on."

"Ah? Practical combat training already?" Li Jing's face flashed a hint of tension, but it was quickly replaced by determination; she clenched her fists and said: "I can definitely do it."

Li Qingxuan nodded satisfactorily and said: "Don't be nervous; with me and Rong older sister here, you won't be in danger. Let's first make preparations and bring some necessary items."

The three returned to the fortress, prepared a Tang Sword and a set of light armor for Li Jing, then left the fortress.

Outside the fortress, the Wolf King and its wolf pack slept within the mist, only a few wolves on watch; seeing Li Qingxuan and company emerge, the Wolf King let out a low growl, as if greeting them.

Li Qingxuan nodded at the Wolf King; as they entered the mist, Li Jing appeared both excited and apprehensive—this was her first outing since arriving at the fortress.

Not long after, a Black Goat carried the three out of the mist, proceeding along the previous patrol route; just as they left the mist, a vast white icefield unfolded before their eyes, a biting cold wind blowing straight at them, making their cheeks sting.

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