192 Fate Demands (2/2)

With bright eyes, Aiguo nodded his head.

In the four hours or so that followed, Aiguo had been brutally beaten. He was certain at the end of the day he'd find multiple bruises.

”Focus.” He heard the girl in front of him say, her eyes concentrated on him.

Aiguo panted and wiped the heavy beads of sweat from his forehead. His hair and clothes felt sticky, however, he couldn't stop now. Gripping the bamboo stick in his hand, he lunged forward.

He considered for a moment whether he should slow down, but he did not stop. Instead, he sped up the rate and strength of the charge.

Before he could make contact, Rin spun the staff in her hand and with swift movements, slid it beneath his feet. Aiguo's eyes sharpened. With whatever strength he managed to possess, his legs jumped and evaded her attack.

Aiguo froze for a moment, stunned. He…he dodged an attack!

Rin's eyebrows raised, her eyes brimming with a gratified expression.

He was improving.

Regrettably, Aiguo's success was short-lived the moment Rin swung her bamboo stick and hit the side of his stomach. Aiguo's eyes widened and he clutched his side in pain.

”Ouch…” He groaned through clenched teeth.

Rin looked at him and fell into deep thought. His strength was pitifully weak. However, this was expected considering he grew up in a small village with little to no food.

Rin tilted her head to glance at the man beside her, ”Uncle, after today's training, order the servants to increase his portions for every meal. But make dinner light, I don't want him to sleep on a full stomach.”

General Guo grasped the meaning of his niece's words and nodded his head in agreement. He also thought the boy was too frail-looking.

”I'll inform them.”

Rin nodded and wiped the sweat from her forehead. She turned to Aiguo. ”You did well today. Now go wash up.”

Elevating his head with glistening eyes, Aiguo bobbed his head.

”Thank you! I will train even harder tomorrow!” His tone was filled with sincerity.

Rin blinked. Sighing, she smiled helplessly and watched the boy run off to bathe.

”I'll take good care of him when you're gone.”

Lifting her head, Rin's eyes widened when her uncle's deep voice spoke in a mild tone.

”He'll be tough to handle, but I'm certain he won't be as difficult as when I trained you.”

Rin turned to face him, her lips curled in a half-smile.

”Thank you, uncle.”

General Guo made an affirmative grunt in response and turned to pick up the bamboo staffs from their training session. Rin observed his movements with a faint smile on her lips. A cool spring breeze fluttered between the short strands of her hair, a refreshing chill running through her warm skin.

Glancing up at the sky, she sighed softly to herself.

When she was gone...