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The Rusty Crown
The Rusty Crown 32 - "Training Day"

The Rusty Crown 32 - "Training Day"

Lin Longwei's life, in its first months, could be described as a constant alternation between the comfort of the crib and the warmth of his mother's embrace. His father, despite his responsibilities, always found time to visit his son, even if briefly, expressing affection and pride in the new family member.

Lin's routine was marked by simple yet profound sensations. The gentle hands of his mother, the coziness of the crib, the reassuring murmurs of both parents—all blended to create an environment of safety and warmth. Despite its simplicity, the influence of the family was felt not only in emotional bonds but also in the presence of various servants, an indication of the influential position Lin's parents held.

While being cradled in his mother's arms, Lin internally contemplated the peculiarity of this existence. "If I want to do something, I need to prepare, and unlike last time, I can't rely on abilities other than my own, knowledge being one of them, but I can't even read," Lin reflected, aware of the limitations imposed by his current infantile condition.

The external environment, though not directly visible, was perceived by Lin through voices, scents, and movements around him. "It's been a while since I've been here, and all I've noticed is that it seems like a simple life. Even though I can't see outside our house, I noticed that either my father or mother has some influence since we have several servants," Lin pondered, his observations revealing the keen perception he was beginning to develop.

Lin Longwei, now around one year old, experienced a significant change in his usual routine. Being placed on the floor by his mother triggered a heightened awareness of his surroundings, and Lin, in his small body, began to explore the sensations around him.

"I feel like I should have stayed with my old body. This is completely humiliating. Worse yet, I still have my consciousness. I've done nothing but cry and eat during this past year. Damn it," Lin murmured internally, his hands touching the ground as he attempted to support himself and crawl.

The awareness of the limitations of his infantile body began to weigh on Lin. "The limitations of this body, damn it. Do all babies go through this? It doesn't impress me that they only know how to cry," Lin expressed, his tongue clicking with frustration as he continued to explore his own movements and sensations.

After his attempts to crawl, Lin Longwei found himself on the floor, exploring the limits of his infantile mobility. His tiny fingers touched the ground, his little hands supporting his still unstable body as he struggled to understand coordinated movements.

The room around him seemed like a vast field of exploration, and Lin, with his mind beyond his physical age, sought to absorb every detail. The carpet under his tiny fingers, the soft colors of the walls, the toys scattered on the floor—each element was a piece of the puzzle of his new reality.

"Do all go through this? Crawling, learning to walk... it seems like such a primitive process," Lin thought, his mind questioning the rituals that all babies face. "But maybe that's the point. The foundation of every journey begins with small steps, even if they're on all fours," he pondered, his cosmic perception immersed in the simplicity of the beginning of life.

While Lin explored, a shadow approached. It was the imposing figure of his father, watching with a proud smile and a gleam in his eyes. "Ah, my little warrior. Look at how determined he is to explore the world," commented the father, whose presence was a mixture of affection and admiration.

Lin felt his father's large hands lifting him, providing a broader view of the surrounding environment. It was a different perspective, no longer restricted to the floor. Lin's curious eyes met his father's, and a silent communication seemed to occur between them.

"You'll learn a lot, my son. There's a vast universe ahead of you, and each discovery will shape who you are meant to be," said the father, his words echoing as both a promise and a guide for the future.

Lin Longwei, even in his infantile form, absorbed his father's words with an unusual seriousness. It was as if the cosmic wisdom in his essence recognized the underlying truth in the spoken words.

Determined to unravel the secrets of his new existence, Lin Longwei was placed on the floor once again, ready to explore the vast territory of his home. Soon, maids began to accompany him, allowing his mother to attend to other tasks.

His curious eyes examined every corner of the room. The furniture, the paintings on the walls, the toys scattered on the floor—all were an intriguing source of novelties for Lin. However, his mind beyond his physical age was preoccupied with deeper questions.

"If I'm in the same earthly plane as before, then there must be some kind of ability. But I no longer have my incarnation, only the void. Can I call that an ability?" Lin contemplated his own hands while sitting on the floor, immersed in thoughts that transcended the simplicity of his infantile appearance.

"I won't get anywhere trying this same path. Let's go with what I know. First of all, we have to stand up." Determined, Lin placed his hands on the ground and began to exert effort to rise. His arms trembled, but his determination surpassed any physical weakness. One of the maids, impressed by what she witnessed, hurried to call his parents.

"Mr. and Mrs. Lin, he's taking his first steps!" The maid exclaimed enthusiastically. Lin, with determination carved on his face, was about to take his first steps, venturing into a new territory of learning.

Lin's parents arrived running, their faces lit up with proud smiles. Watching their son's effort, a sense of accomplishment warmed their hearts.

Lin, in turn, was focused on his goal. Each step was an achievement, a victory over the limitations of his infantile body. The maids looked on with radiant eyes, witnessing the birth of Lin's first autonomous movements.

"He is truly special," murmured the mother, her gaze full of love and admiration.

The father, with a gleam in his eyes, couldn't hide his pride. "Our little warrior is standing up. What a wonderful sight!"

Lin, even in his infantile form, understood the importance of these moments. Each step was more than a physical achievement; it was an affirmation of his will and determination. Deep down, he knew that this was just the beginning of a journey filled with discoveries and challenges.

With his shaky legs, Lin continued to take uncertain steps, exploring the space around him. Each new step was met with gentle applause and warm encouragement from the maids, while his parents watched with radiant smiles.

"My little Lin, you're doing so well!" exclaimed the mother, embracing a feeling of pride and tenderness. The sensation of seeing her son take his first steps was a special gift, a scene she would cherish in her heart forever.

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The father, his imposing demeanor softened by emotion, murmured, "Our warrior is moving in the world, showing his strength early on."

Lin, despite his apparent fragility, felt an inner fire, a determination that transcended his age. Each step was an assertion of his will, a response to the call of the void that surrounded him.

As he walked, Lin began to realize that, in addition to physical movements, his mind was also expanding. More complex thoughts began to form in his infantile mind. He wondered about his existence, the purpose of his journey, and how the duality between his cosmic and earthly nature would intertwine.

"The void around me seems more than just the absence of matter. It seems to be an extension of who I am, a connection to something greater," Lin reflected internally as his tiny feet continued to leave impressions on the floor.

As Lin moved through the environment, his curious hands explored the objects within reach. Colorful toys, children's books, and small decorative artifacts. Each item, no matter how simple, was an intriguing discovery for young Lin.

His parents watched with admiration, witnessing not just a baby taking his first steps but a unique being, a fusion of cosmic and human experiences. The duality Lin carried within him began to manifest in surprising ways.

While Lin continued his efforts to master the art of walking, his expression mixed determination and frustration. Each step was an internal battle, a struggle against the limitations of his new body. His thoughts echoed in his mind, revealing the complexity of his situation.

"This is harder than I imagined," Lin muttered to himself, his words almost lost in the murmurs of his uncertain steps. He felt the resistance of his own muscles, an experience that starkly contrasted with the lightness of his former form.

"Screw this, how did walking become such a complex challenge?" Lin expressed his frustration, his clenched hands revealing the tension coursing through his body. The duality of his existence manifested in the struggle between the cosmic essence of the void and the physical limitations of his human body.

Each step was a progress, and Lin was determined to face this challenge head-on, even though his thoughts still returned to his choice of abandoning his old body.

"I definitely should have gone for the option of my old body," Lin mentally hissed as he advanced to the seventh step. The memory of his previous life, with all its abilities and powers, now seemed a more attractive option in the face of the difficulties of human existence.

His parents, watching the scene, were filled with pride. The sight of their little son struggling to take his first steps was tangible proof of the strength and determination within him. The father, with a smile on his face, commented on Lin's promising future.

"He will certainly be a great warrior; I'm sure he will bring pride to the Lin family," proclaimed the father, seeing beyond Lin's physical steps and recognizing the courage burning within him.

Days unfolded, and Lin persisted in his journey of self-discovery and adaptation to his new way of life. His shaky steps gave way to growing confidence, and soon he could move around more easily. Each experience, each discovery, was a step toward understanding his existence.

Lin began to explore the vast grounds of his family's estate. His curious gaze absorbed every detail, from the majestic trees to the delicate flowers adorning the gardens. His human senses, still developing, captured the scents and sounds of the surrounding environment, providing a completely new sensory experience.

The little warrior started interacting with the people around him. The maids became his friends and confidantes as he learned to communicate his needs and desires in a rudimentary way. His ever-present mother accompanied every step of his growth, celebrating his achievements like a proud mother.

His father, the man who named him Lin Longwei, became his mentor in the arts of war. Even at Lin's tender age, his father saw potential in him and sought to cultivate the skills that would make him a worthy warrior of the family lineage.

Morning dawned once again on the Lin family's training field. Lin Chen was there, ready to guide his son, Lin Longwei, through another day of rigorous training. The rising sun bathed the area in a gentle light, creating an atmosphere conducive to learning.

Lin Longwei, now six years old, displayed tangible enthusiasm as he prepared for another training session. His father, Lin Chen, held a training sword, his serious expression indicating the seriousness of the journey they were about to undertake.

Before starting, Lin Chen decided to introduce a new element to Longwei's training: the ranking system. He caught his son's attention and began to explain the principle behind this structure.

"Longwei, the pursuit of excellence in martial arts is not just about physical strength but also about understanding and mastering different aspects. That's why we have the ranking system," Lin Chen began, observing the curiosity in his son's eyes.

"Ranks are a way to categorize a warrior's skill level. They are divided into different categories, each representing a level of mastery. This allows us to measure our progress and identify areas that need improvement," explained Lin Chen, initiating an important lesson.

The ranking system was a crucial tool in martial arts, providing a clear framework for practitioners to assess their own growth. Lin Longwei listened attentively as his father detailed each category.

"We start with Mortal Ranks. These ranks represent the beginning of a warrior's journey. Each stage requires mastery of specific basic skills. For example, in the Initial Mortal Rank, the focus is on posture, balance, and basic movements. As we progress, the requirements become more challenging, incorporating advanced attack and defense techniques," elucidated Lin Chen, making the concept clear for his son.

Lin Longwei absorbed every word, his mind eager for knowledge. He could visualize the different stages of his journey, each rank representing a challenge to overcome.

"Mortal Ranks establish the foundation for our growth. Progressing through them is crucial as it prepares us for more advanced challenges in the future. Do not underestimate the importance of mastering each stage, Longwei. That's where we build the foundations of our skill," emphasized Lin Chen, highlighting the importance of methodical training.

The sun shone on the horizon, casting a golden light on the training field. Lin Longwei absorbed every word from his father, Lin Chen, as he expounded on the Mortal Ranks. The little revelation about Lin Chen's current rank sparked Longwei's curiosity, who, even at his tender age, sought to understand the limits and possibilities of his own potential.

"So it means we're still within the mortal lands' ranking system. If this body allows evolution through the ranks, it will work differently from the Incarnation, but isn't this archaic?" Lin Longwei questioned internally, his reflections delving into the mysteries of the ranking system.

"If I can develop something that surpasses the limits of the Ranks, would it be possible to compete with Blackwell in this state? Impossible," Longwei sighed, contemplating the possibilities and challenges that awaited him. The shadow of the past, represented by Blackwell, loomed over his thoughts, a constant presence urging him to seek ways to surpass his own limits.

Turning to his father, Longwei gathered the courage to ask a question echoing in his mind.

"Dad, what's your current rank?" inquired young Lin, his voice carrying the innocence of childish curiosity.

Lin Chen paused for a moment, his eyes searching a distant point as he recalled his own journey in martial arts. He sighed before responding, revealing a tone of self-deprecation in his voice.

"Your father is currently at the 6th gaseous rank. I reached my limit a few years ago," confessed Lin Chen, honestly acknowledging his current position.

Longwei absorbed this information seriously, understanding that his father had reached a respectable level. However, his heart yearned for more. He wanted to surpass these limits and challenge the conventions established by the Mortal Ranks.

"Dad, I will become stronger. I promise I will reach even higher ranks and surpass even what you've achieved!" declared Longwei, determination shining in his youthful eyes.

Lin Chen smiled at his son, proud of the fervent desire he saw reflected in Longwei's gaze.

"I believe in you, my son. The martial arts journey is long and challenging, but with determination and hard work, you can reach heights that even I can't imagine. Remember, surpassing one's limits is the true essence of martial arts," encouraged Lin Chen, wishing to impart to Longwei the wisdom accumulated throughout his own journey.

With these inspiring words, the training session began. Lin Longwei wielded his training sword, each movement laden with the promise of a grand future.

The training field was imbued with the intensity of practice. Lin Longwei, even at his tender age, delved into the deepest reflections on the mysteries of the Mortal Ranks. The training sword cut through the air in a ballet of movements; each gesture was a step toward understanding one's limitations and the quest to overcome them.

"If limits are imposed in terms of ranks, does this imply the existence of ranks beyond what is said to be the end, or is there some barrier preventing the transcendence of levels?" Lin pondered, his reflections wrapped in the enigma of the ranks that outlined the possibilities of growth in his world.

While defending against his father's vigorous attacks, Lin perceived the pride reflected in Lin Chen's eyes. His young body was beginning to be shaped by discipline and constant effort. Each movement was an expression of his determination to surpass his own physical limits.

After repelling another attack, Lin plunged back into his internal reflections.

"Could I perhaps use energy or acquire ranks through other people? If that's possible, it could significantly facilitate my own evolution, but if so, how would it be possible? Damn, I need to read," declared Lin mentally, expressing his frustration with the lack of knowledge.

The desire to learn and understand was driving Lin to seek answers. His inquisitive mind yearned to explore possibilities beyond the conventional limits of the Mortal Ranks. Questions flowed in his mind, a whirlwind of thoughts propelling him to unravel the secrets surrounding evolution and power.

His father, closely observing every movement of his son, perceived the thirst for knowledge emanating from him. Lin Chen, even in the face of challenging questions, smiled with satisfaction. He knew that Lin Longwei's journey was only beginning, but the young man's potential was evident.