Four months later,

A young man lay sprawled on the floor, his body smeared with blood. Nearby, a stunningly beautiful woman stood, her face a picture of speechless bewilderment.

"Can you be any more shameless?" she finally blurted out, her voice tinged with exasperation and amusement.

"I've already given you the healing pills. Your injuries should have completely healed. So why are you still lying there?"

The young man cracked one eye open, a mischievous grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Maybe I'm just enjoying the view," he said, his voice teasing.

"Get up right now, or your training will be doubled for the next week." The beautiful woman snorted at the young man's antics.

Hearing her words, the young man jumped up like a kangaroo, his face shifting from playful to pleading instantly.

"Master, it's been four months, and you are beating me daily. Can't we take a break from training? Just one day is fine."

The woman, Lian Hua, crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow, her expression stern but with a glint of humor in her eyes.

"You know the saying, Kai Ren. No pain, no gain. Besides, you're making excellent progress. You've already reached the low level of the Qi disciple realm."

Kai Ren sighed dramatically, wiping away the remnants of blood from his face. "Yeah, yeah, 'excellent progress,' except for the part where I feel like I'm getting pummeled by a mountain daily."

Lian Hua couldn't suppress a smile. "Consider it character building. Think of the stories you'll have to tell one day."

He smirked, brushing off his clothes. "Oh, great. 'Once upon a time, my master beat me senseless every day, and now I'm slightly less terrible at cultivating.' A real bestseller."

Lian Hua chuckled, shaking her head. "You know you love the challenge."

Kai Ren rolled his eyes but couldn't help grinning. "Maybe. Or maybe I just enjoy annoying you."

"Keep it up, and you'll get to do both," she replied with a wink. "Now, ready for another round?"

Kai Ren groaned but nodded. "Ready as I'll ever be."

Over the past four months, Kai Ren and Lian Hua had grown much closer. Kai Ren found himself shedding his mature facade, allowing himself to enjoy life as a fourteen-year-old.

For Lian Hua, talking to someone without pretending to be a man was a huge relief. Despite her claims of being accustomed to living as a man, she was a woman at heart, yearning to live openly as one.

Both orphans, abandoned at birth, Kai Ren and Lian Hua found a deep bond forming between them, catalyzed by their shared sense of abandonment and resilience.

They continued their training for the entire day. When they returned to the sect at dusk, Lian Hua talked to Kai Ren.

"I've been training you for the past month in hand-to-hand combat, and I think it's about time you choose a weapon. What do you think?"

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Kai Ren's eyes lit up at the prospect. "Really? Finally! I've been dreaming about this day!"

Lian Hua smiled warmly. "Yes. It's an important step in your training. A weapon can become an extension of yourself, a trusted companion in battle."

Kai Ren nodded eagerly. "I've always admired the sword. It seems so elegant and powerful."

Lian Hua tilted her head thoughtfully. "A sword is a good choice. It's versatile and requires a balance of strength and precision. But remember, choosing a weapon is like choosing a partner. It must feel right for you."

Kai Ren grinned. "Then I guess we'll find out soon enough. When can I start?"

Lian Hua laughed. "First thing tomorrow. But for now, get some rest. You'll need it."

Kai Ren groaned in mock despair. "More rest? I thought you said I was making excellent progress."

Lian Hua winked. "Even warriors need their beauty sleep. And besides, you'll need all your energy for tomorrow."

As they parted ways for the night, both felt a sense of anticipation for the next step in Kai Ren's training.

Lian Hua arrived outside Kai Ren's villa to pick him up the following day. Once they reached their usual training spot, Lian Hua took out various close-range weapons. There were swords, axes, hammers, spears, scythes, and more.

"Choosing a weapon is a delicate process," Lian Hua explained, her tone serious. "You must be very careful because it will be your lifelong partner. Choosing a weapon incompatible with you can lead to your death in battle."

Kai Ren nodded, feeling the gravity of her words. He approached the array of weapons with a mix of excitement and caution. Each weapon gleamed under the morning sun, promising power and potential.

He reached out and picked up a sword, feeling its weight in his hand. He swung it a few times, testing its balance. It felt good, almost natural. "I think this is the one," he said, looking at Lian Hua.

She observed him closely. "Take your time. Try a few more before you decide."

Kai Ren tried the axe next, but it felt too heavy and unwieldy. The spear was elegant, but he didn't feel the same connection. He returned to the sword, picking it up again. "No, I'm sure. The sword feels right."

Lian Hua nodded approvingly. "Then the sword it is. We'll start your weapon training today. Remember, the bond between you and your weapon will only grow stronger with time and practice."

Kai Ren smiled, gripping the sword tightly. "I'm ready, Master. Let's do this."

"Not so fast. Do you think I will let you train with a real weapon on your first day?"

Lian Hua said as she took out two wooden swords. Throwing one toward him, she got into a battle stance. "Try to mimic my movements. As I am also a sword user, I am sure I can guide you in its path."

Kai Ren caught the wooden sword and positioned himself awkwardly, trying to imitate her stance. "Like this?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Lian Hua walked over and adjusted his grip, repositioned his feet, and straightened his back. "Close, but not quite. You need to feel grounded yet ready to move in any direction. The sword should feel like an extension of your arm, not a separate entity."

Kai Ren nodded, concentrating hard on her instructions. "Okay, I think I've got it."

"Good. Now, watch closely." Lian Hua demonstrated fluid movements, her wooden sword slicing through the air with precision and grace. "The key is to stay balanced and controlled. Power comes from your whole body, not just your arms."

Kai Ren watched intently, then tried to replicate her movements. His first few attempts were clumsy, but with each try, he began to find a rhythm. "This is harder than it looks," he admitted, panting slightly.

Lian Hua smiled encouragingly. "You're doing well for a beginner. It takes time and practice. Remember, even the greatest swordsmen started where you are now."

They spent the rest of the morning practicing the basic stances and movements. Lian Hua corrected Kai Ren's form whenever needed, offering tips and encouragement. When they took a break, Kai Ren was sweaty but felt a sense of accomplishment.

"You're getting the hang of it," Lian Hua said, handing him a water bottle. "Keep practicing, and you'll improve faster than you think."

Kai Ren took a long drink, nodding. "Thanks, Master. I appreciate your patience."

Lian Hua laughed. "Patience is part of the job. Besides, I enjoy seeing your progress. You're more capable than you give yourself credit for."

Kai Ren grinned, feeling a surge of determination. "I'll keep working hard. I want to become the best swordsman I can be."

"That's the spirit," Lian Hua said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Now, let's get back to it. We still have a lot to cover."

They resumed their training with renewed energy, the sun climbing higher in the sky. As the day passed, Kai Ren's movements became more confident and precise.

He knew he had a long way to go, but with Lian Hua's guidance, he was eager to face whatever challenges.