A morning passed quietly amidst one high-intensity workout session after another.
“Okay, Xiao Feng, it’s almost noon.
I’ll go make lunch.
You can rest for a bit.”
Grandpa looked at Liu Feng, who was covered in sweat but still looked radiant, his eyes filled with loving kindness.
Liu Feng stopped what he was doing, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.
After midday, sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows in the courtyard of Liu Family Village.
A gentle breeze brought a touch of coolness, making people feel very comfortable.
Liu Feng and his grandfather Liu Bai sat on the stone bench in the courtyard, enjoying a moment of tranquility after lunch.
Liu Feng took a sip of tea, looked at his grandfather with a determined gaze, and said with a hint of eagerness in his eyes, “Grandpa, after exercising for a while, I’ve come up with a few new training methods based on my own ideas.
Would you like to hear them?”
Liu Bai raised the corners of his mouth, revealing a gentle smile, signaling him to continue.
Liu Feng cleared his throat and said seriously, “I’m thinking of adding some exercises that can provide a comprehensive workout to my daily routine.”
“For example, simulated weighted running can enhance leg strength and endurance; there is also a special squatting exercise, similar to horse stance but with variations, which can strengthen lower body stability.”
“In addition, maintaining balance by holding the stone with both arms outstretched is very helpful in improving upper body strength and body coordination.”
Liu Bai nodded slightly.
Although these methods were somewhat novel to him, he could already imagine the training scenario from Liu Feng’s description and keenly perceive their practicality.
Liu Feng walked to his usual workout spot and began demonstrating some of the exercises he had done in his previous life’s gym.
He carried a simple sandbag on his back and ran around the yard.
His steps were light at first, but gradually became heavy, yet he never stopped.
After a few laps, Liu Feng said to his grandfather, “Grandpa, if you keep practicing like this, your leg strength will definitely get stronger.”
After a short rest, Liu Feng resumed his special squatting training.
He spread his feet apart, slowly squatted down, bending his knees but not letting them go past his toes, keeping his back straight like a pine tree.
After holding this position for a while, sweat kept pouring from his forehead and sliding down his cheeks.
“This squatting method can exercise many muscles in the legs and strengthen the lower body,” Liu Feng said through gritted teeth.
Immediately afterwards, Liu Feng held up two appropriately sized stones with both hands, trying to maintain his balance.
The weight of the stones made his arms tremble slightly and his body sway a little, but he steadied himself with his tenacious willpower.
“These methods do sound good, Xiao Feng.”
After thinking for a moment, Liu Bai said, “However, are you sure these methods can provide a comprehensive workout for the body?”
Liu Feng nodded quickly and patiently explained, “Grandpa, these exercise methods each have their own focus.
Combining them can exercise most of the body’s functions.”
“Exercises like weighted running and squats strengthen the legs, while lifting stones horizontally exercises the upper limbs and improves coordination…”
After listening, Liu Bai nodded slightly, fell into a brief moment of thought, and then said, “What you said makes sense.
These methods can indeed exercise all aspects of the body.”
“However, I think we can add plum blossom stakes as well.
Combined with what you said, it can better train coordination skills.”
Liu Feng’s eyes lit up, and he said excitedly, “Grandpa, your idea is fantastic!”
“Plum blossom stakes can not only improve balance, but also enhance physical coordination.”
Liu Bai nodded in satisfaction: “Then it’s settled.
As you said, let’s add the plum blossom stakes and adjust our training plan together.”
After in-depth discussions, Liu Feng and his grandfather finally finalized the revised exercise plan.
They decided to incorporate these training methods into their daily training to comprehensively improve Liu Feng’s physical fitness.
The revised training plan received Liu Bai’s full support.
“Xiao Feng, I believe this new exercise plan will definitely benefit you greatly.”
Liu Bai earnestly advised, “However, you must remember that training must be done step by step, and you must never be impatient for quick results.”
“After all, the body is the foundation of cultivation.
Only by maintaining a good condition can one improve oneself.”
Liu Feng nodded vigorously, his heart filled with gratitude: “Grandpa, I’ll remember.”
I believe that as long as I persevere, I will definitely become stronger.
The new exercise program had officially begun.
Every afternoon, Liu Feng would conduct physical training according to his plan.
Although the training process was arduous, he could truly feel his physique steadily improving through daily perseverance.
Liu Feng stood beside the blue silver grass, a gentle breeze causing the leaves of the grass to sway softly.
He gazed at the vibrant blue silver grass, a confident smile spreading across his face.
In the afternoon, the warm sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns of light on the open space in front of the Liu Family Village Ancestral Hall.
A gentle breeze, carrying the tenderness of spring, stirred the surrounding grass and trees, adding a touch of leisure to this tranquil village.
At this time, Liu Feng and several of his companions from the same village were practicing archery.
The open space in front of the ancestral hall had been carefully set up as a simple shooting range by Uncle Li, an experienced hunter in the village, and Grandpa Liu Bai.
In the distance, several targets made of straw were neatly arranged, and the bright red cloth in the center of the target was particularly eye-catching in the sunlight, as if beckoning the arrows in the hands of the boys.
Liu Feng, Er Hu, and Liu San stood at the front of the shooting range, each holding a sturdy bow firmly in their hands.
Several homemade bamboo arrows were neatly inserted into the quiver on their backs, exuding a simple and rustic charm.
The three of them were the prized disciples carefully taught by Uncle Li and Liu Bai.
Uncle Li, as the most outstanding hunter in the village, had profound expertise in archery and hunting.
The clever little black dog that Liu Feng used to raise was a puppy born to Uncle Li’s hunting dog.
Erhu, whose full name was Li Erhu, was the beloved son that Uncle Li had only hoped for in his middle age.
He inherited his father’s love and talent for hunting.
Liu San was an orphan in the village.
As he grew older, he became an apprentice under Uncle Li.
Liu San also devoted himself to studying hunting skills, determined to become an excellent hunter.
“Today, let’s continue practicing archery.”
Uncle Li stood in the center of the shooting range, his posture upright, the hard bow in his hand seemingly one with him, demonstrating his years of experience and composure.
As he spoke, he began to demonstrate the standard archery posture, his movements fluid and graceful, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Remember this well: when drawing the bow, you have to use the strength of your whole body; you can’t just rely on your arms.”
“Keep your body balanced, keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, keep your eyes fixed on the bullseye, and only think about how to hit it.”
Liu Feng, Erhu, and Liu San watched Old Uncle Li’s every move intently.
They understood that behind these seemingly simple movements lay countless hours of practice and accumulated experience.
[end of the chapter]