104 Chapter 98

When Mao arrived the next day, the group of three each took their seats at the campfire while enjoying some warm water and breakfast. Ai seeming a bit unsure of what to expect, while Wang was thinking to himself. Waiting, the two weren't really sure what Mao would request next, being as each time he's arrived now, there was something new that needed to be done. "So, for this training. We'll have to break it into several different parts. " Mao began, unworried as he spoke. Wang knitted his brows while looking at the male, unsure of what he was meaning. Why would there be a reason to break the training into different parts?

However, before he could ask, Mao just waved him to hush. His gaze moving to look up at the sky. "Though the time flow its different here. There still isn't enough time to properly train someone. We have at least a week left in these Ruins before the doorway opens again, and we'll have to leave. Unless you both would like to remain stuck here for another 50 years." he stated, as if it were obvious. The comment caused Wang to pause, realizing the blunder of his own thought process. He had completely forgotten about the fact that they were currently in a hidden realm, and the time inside was rather short.

"Then, what are we to do? We still haven't really checked out the forest." Ai asked, frowning. He himself had also forgotten about that little tidbit. It wasn't like his first thought would to be on the remaining time left before they had to leave. After all, he'd been more worried about possibly exploding. Okay, so maybe Mao hadn't said he'd explode, but still. That was more of an issue in his mind then handling a task given to him by Elder Fei. Honestly, if Mao hadn't brought it up, he'd most likely have forgotten all about it and gotten trapped in the hidden realm. Wang's expression was similar, making him feel less guilty about it.

"Well its simple, for the remaining time, you'll do the basic training I give. Wang can head out and explore the area while you do so. When you get to a point where you wont need my assistance, I'll help Wang. After we leave, I'll inform the Elder who came here with my group, and follow you both back to your sect." he stated as if it were only obvious. "Then I'll continue the training. However, while I'm there, I'll just be a visiting disciple from another sect. You can inform your master if you wish, but no one else." Ai nodded, while Wang frowned, not completely liking the idea of leaving Ai alone with a stranger. Sure he hadn't done anything to harm the youth, but what if he was just waiting for a chance?

"If you are that worried, you can just look around the camping area. I'm sure you'll find something useful. When Ai is at a point where he could train alone, we'll travel further out to look around." Mao stated while his gaze moved to Wang, seeming some what vexed. Pressing his lips, Ai glance to the side, some what embarrassed. Though he couldn't really blame Wang's reaction. He was just glad the male hadn't done anything extreme yet. Maybe this was enough to show that there were some progress being made?

Wang however only seemed rather unhappy with the comment, but forced himself to avoid the ill feeling he got. "Fine, I'll be back later. But if you need me, you know how to call." he said pushing himself to his feet. His gaze moving to Mao for a moment before heading into the forest. Ai slowly stood up, not really sure what to do. Thankfully Mao didn't comment on Wang's actions, instead he just moved to the side, clapping his hands. "Alright now, come over here and stand there." he stated while pointing to the free area around him. Ai moved over, standing in the spot while Mao moved about, directing him.

"Just spread your legs so that they are a shoulder length apart. Yeah like that, straight back. Head pointed straight ahead. Now put your arms out, keep them straight." he began, directing Ai into the proper pose he wanted. "Now squat down like you'd do when sitting. Keep your back and arms straight." he said watching as Ai began to move. When the youth seemed to falter out of the proper pose, he'd use a twig to lightly poke the incorrect spot and asked him to correct it. "Good, keep it up. Stay in that pose until I say stop. Oh, and no using your Spiritual Energy to assist you. This is after all, to train your body." he said after a while.

Ai gave a low huff while he eased his body to stay still, his muscles straining while he held the pose after he stopped using his Spiritual Energy to help. The time slowly passed by, sweat starting to slowly cling to his body as he held the pose. After a while, Ai's legs began to tremble, slowly starting to give out from under him. When it was clear that Ai wouldn't be able to hold the pose anymore, Mao finally clapped his hands, "Okay, that's enough. You can take a short rest. We'll pick it up again in after thirty minutes." he stated. The moment he spoke, Ai's body dropped to the ground, his chest rising and falling with heavy pants as he leaned on the ground.

"That is really.." He began, shaking his head while unable to stand up again. "Here, drink some water. After a while you'll get use to it. Right now, your body isn't that fit." Mao stated, handing over a cup of warm water. Ai took it, downing the cup as fast as he could before gagging a bit. "Slow down now. Drink it slowly, or you'll just make yourself sick." Mao stated while frowning, taking the cup back to get some more water. "Rest up, when the breaks over. You'll have to start it up again. The same pose until you can do it without breaking a sweat." Mao stated, making his way to the campfire to take a seat. "I'll let you know when the breaks up, so just relax."

Ai rolled his eyes while leaning back, allowing his body to rest on the ground as he tried to calm his breathing. This went on until that Wang returned from his venture out. The first thing saw when he got back, was a rather flustered Ai who was currently unwilling to move from the ground. Raising a brow, Wang made his way over to the youth, crouching down to press his hand against Ai's flushed cheek. "You okay love?" he asked, some what confused. "He's fine, just tired. You might want to carry him back to wash up. I doubt he'll be getting up on his own any time soon." he stated. "I'll be back tomorrow to continue. Rest up." was the last thing Mao stated before heading back into the forest.

Wang raised a brow as he turned to look back to Ai, who seemed dazed and unwilling to respond any. Sighing, he moved to lift the youth up, shaking his head while Ai let out a low mumble while nuzzling into his arms. "It hurts. I don't want to do it." Ai complained, feeling rather wronged. He hadn't realized just how much it sucked to work out. The one thing he was now thankful he'd never had to do growing up. His parents hadn't really stressed the need for him to work out. The only actual working out he did, was for gym in school. Even then, it was usually simple things like light stretches or a simple jog. Wang held back a laugh while carrying the youth into the tent. Afterwords he headed into the bathing area and sat Ai down on the stool, moving to get some water and a towel.

After helping Ai wash up some, he carried the youth back to the bed and tucked him in. "Okay, just get some rest now. I'll get something made for dinner okay?" he stated as Ai nodded, his eyes closing. It didn't take him that long before passing out. It wasn't until later that Wang realized that Ai wouldn't be waking up for dinner. Instead he was left cleaning up the food and heading to bed himself. It would seem that this would be a long week for the poor boy. "Goodnight." he whispered, moving so that Ai was nuzzled in his arms, resting soundly.

Outside the tent, within the shadows, was a figure. The figure hovered around, moving as it slowly drifted from the treeline towards the Tent. Just before the shadowed figure could reach it, Mao arrived. His gaze was dark, and the expression he gave was no longer that relaxed one he used. "I told you to stay away." he worded out, causing the shadow shrink back, before fading into a thin mist.