The Legend of Grandmaster Alchemist

Chapter #4: The Inevitable Farewell

Chapter #4: The Inevitable Farewell

During the first week of Tian Fan's rigorous training, he endured it with unwavering determination, never once complaining. As the days passed, his body slowly began to adapt to the demanding regimen set before him.

In the second week, Guan Yu intensified Tian Fan's training, pushing him even harder. Just as Tian Fan had grown accustomed to the previous level of exertion, he found himself facing even greater challenges. His muscles and bones were pushed to their limits, and he was tasked with running while carrying a stone three times his weight and scaling trees with a burden equal to three times his own.

The third week brought yet another addition to Tian Fan's training under Guan Yu's watchful eye. This time, he was required to endure prolonged periods in the water, testing his survival skills.

In the fourth week, Guan Yu raised the bar once more. Tian Fan was tasked with performing push-ups while carrying a load equivalent to ten times his body weight.

Throughout this grueling month of training, Tian Fan never once voiced a complaint or refused any of his teachers' demands. His body grew accustomed to the challenges posed by Guan Yu and Guan Wei's training.

Tian Fan soon realized that Master Yu focused on honing his physical strength, while Master Wei concentrated on nurturing his mental prowess.

In the following month, there were no additional training segments from Master Yu. However, this time, Master Yu imposed a stricter deadline, requiring Tian Fan to complete his training by noon. It was as though Tian Fan had to double his efforts, yet he complied without much objection.

During the third month, Guan Yu introduced skill training to Tian Fan. Each morning, Tian Fan practiced physical conditioning and body strengthening. He quickly absorbed and replicated his teacher's lessons with precision. Meanwhile, Master Wei intensified Tian Fan's mental training, pushing his Panca Indra abilities to their limits. The focus of Master Wei's training was on developing Tian Fan's abilities to touch, sense, see, and hear, essential skills for a physician.

Additionally, Master Wei trained Tian Fan in the art of using the flying needle acupuncture technique, a technique passed down through the Guan family.

Three months of relentless training transformed Tian Fan. The once slender and frail child had grown more robust, resembling a seven-year-old boy in physique. Mentally, Tian Fan, with his high intelligence and Master Wei's guidance, had advanced to a level akin to a twelve-year-old.

"Fan'er, come here, my child," beckoned Tian Fan's teacher.

Tian Fan approached his teacher with respect.

"Tomorrow, my dear pupil, we shall embark on a new phase of training. You will begin to cultivate your natural instinctive sensitivity, a skill that cannot be taught but only arises and flourishes in moments of desperation or near-death experiences. Are you prepared, my disciple?" asked his teacher.

"And now, would you like to initiate the opening of your dantian, my son?" inquired his teacher.

Tian Fan replied, "Teacher, I trust your judgment, and while I feel my body is ready for the dantian opening, I sense that the timing may not be ideal. I believe my body has not yet reached its peak."

Guan Yu and Guan Wei smiled with pride, grateful to have Tian Fan as their pupil. They considered him a true genius. His dedication was remarkable, especially considering the challenging training meant for black field cultivators, often requiring two years to complete. Yet, Tian Fan, at the tender age of six, had accomplished it in just three months.

In their eyes, the countless self-proclaimed cultivation geniuses, whether young masters, noble descendants, or sect disciples, were mere pretenders. Most of these so-called geniuses owed their success to abundant resources, pills, and family support.

Tian Fan was the real deal, one in ten thousand who walked the path of martial dao with sincerity.

"You've made a wise choice, Fan'er. Do what you believe is best for yourself, for only you truly understand your own capabilities," encouraged his teacher.

"Fan'er, we have summoned you here because we have decided to resume our mission soon. We have lingered here for too long," said Guan Yu with a hint of sadness.

"Unfortunately, my child, due to the perilous nature of our mission, it is unlikely that we can take you with us," added Guan Wei.

Tian Fan didn't want to part ways with his beloved teachers, but he understood that this might be the destined path between him and the men he considered his father figures.

Kneeling before his teachers, Tian Fan expressed his heartfelt gratitude. "Teacher Yu, Teacher Wei, Fan'er understands and appreciates all you have done. Thank you for imparting your knowledge and granting me a second chance at life."

"I promise to make you proud and fulfill your wishes. I vow to meet you in the Kingdom of Han before you depart. Please accept this humble disciple's respect."

Tian Fan paid his respects by prostrating himself three times before his two teachers.

"Come here, my son," Guan Wei said, embracing Tian Fan.

"Stay strong, follow your path, and keep your heart steadfast. Remember that every effort you put forth will yield results. This is a gift from us to you."

Guan Wei handed Tian Fan a storage bag and continued, "Take good care of it. Inside, you'll find some small gifts."

He then presented a token to Tian Fan, saying, "Keep this token as a reminder. When the day comes for you to visit the Kingdom of Han, return it to us. It will always connect you to your teachers."

"Thank you, Masters, for everything," Tian Fan replied with gratitude.

Guan Yu also handed Tian Fan two books and a small sword, the first sword of his teacher.

"This sword is now yours, and within this book lies the knowledge of a black-level sword technique. Once you open your sword, study the techniques within. The other book contains advanced techniques and punches. Given your intelligence, you can develop these bronze-level techniques to even greater heights."

Tian Fan received these gifts from his teachers, and with heartfelt farewells, Guan Yu and Guan Wei left him with these parting words: "Take care of yourself, my son. Always remember, you have a place to call home with us."