The days that followed were filled with intense training. Li Mei spent every waking hour honing her connection to the stars, practicing the control and manipulation of celestial energy under the watchful eye of Elder Tian. Each day brought new challenges—tasks designed to push her limits, to test her discipline, and to deepen her understanding of the power she was learning to wield.
But as focused as Li Mei was on her training, she couldn't help but notice the way the other disciples watched her. It started with curious glances, whispers exchanged as she passed by, and then grew into something more. She could feel their eyes on her whenever she entered the training grounds or walked through the courtyards. There was a tension in the air, something unspoken but palpable, and it made her uneasy.
On the fifth day of her training, after a particularly grueling session with the Celestial Mandala, Li Mei was approached by a group of disciples as she made her way back to her quarters. There were three of them, all dressed in the dark blue robes of senior disciples, their expressions unreadable as they blocked her path.
One of them, a tall young woman with sharp features and piercing amber eyes, stepped forward. Her posture was confident, almost arrogant, and Li Mei could sense the power radiating from her—this was someone who had been training in the sect for years, someone who had earned her place through hard work and skill.
"You must be the new disciple everyone's talking about," the woman said, her tone cool and assessing. "The one Elder Tian brought in personally."
Li Mei hesitated, unsure of how to respond. There was something in the woman's eyes that made her wary, something that hinted at hostility beneath the surface. "Yes," she replied cautiously. "I'm Li Mei."
The woman's lips curled into a faint smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I'm Qiao Ling," she said, her voice smooth and even. "I've been a disciple of the Celestial Mountain Sect for over ten years. I've worked hard to earn my place here, to prove my worth to the elders. So you can imagine my surprise when I heard that a newcomer—someone with no formal training—was being given special attention by Elder Tian."
Li Mei stiffened at the underlying accusation in Qiao Ling's words. "I don't want any special treatment," she said quickly. "I'm here to learn, just like everyone else."
"Is that so?" Qiao Ling's smile widened slightly, though it still lacked warmth. "Then I suppose you won't mind proving yourself to the rest of us. After all, if you're going to be part of this sect, you should be able to hold your own in a fair fight."
Li Mei's heart sank as she realized what was happening. This wasn't just a casual conversation—Qiao Ling was challenging her, testing her. The other disciples watched in silence, their expressions a mix of curiosity and anticipation.
Before Li Mei could respond, Qiao Ling gestured to the open training ground beside them. "What do you say? A simple sparring match, nothing too serious. Just a way for us to see what you're capable of."
Li Mei hesitated, her mind racing. She knew she couldn't back down—not if she wanted to earn the respect of the other disciples—but the thought of facing someone as experienced as Qiao Ling was daunting. She had only just begun her training, and while she had made progress, she was far from mastering the techniques she had been taught.
But there was no way out. The challenge had been issued, and all eyes were on her. She couldn't afford to show weakness, not now.
Taking a deep breath, Li Mei nodded. "All right," she said, her voice steady despite the nervousness gnawing at her insides. "I'll spar with you."
Qiao Ling's smile widened, and she stepped into the training ground, her movements graceful and controlled. She gestured for Li Mei to join her, and the other disciples formed a loose circle around them, eager to see how the match would unfold.
Li Mei followed Qiao Ling into the center of the training ground, her heart pounding. She could feel the energy of the Mandala beneath her feet, a faint hum that resonated with the celestial markings on her skin. She had trained here for days, but this was different—this was a test, one that would determine how the other disciples viewed her from now on.
Qiao Ling raised her hand, summoning a thin, elegant sword from the air. The blade shimmered with a faint blue light, and Li Mei could sense the power embedded within it—a weapon crafted with care and precision, honed to perfection.
Li Mei had no such weapon. She was given a simple wooden staff for training, but now she needed something more. Closing her eyes for a brief moment, she reached out with her spirit, searching for the connection she had cultivated with the stars. The warmth of celestial energy filled her, and she focused on shaping it, giving it form.
When she opened her eyes, a slender sword of pure starlight materialized in her hand. It was delicate, almost ethereal, but she could feel its power coursing through her, a reflection of her own connection to the stars.
Qiao Ling's eyes narrowed slightly as she took in the sight of the starlight sword, but she said nothing. Instead, she shifted into a ready stance, her gaze fixed on Li Mei. "Whenever you're ready," she said, her voice calm and confident.
Li Mei swallowed hard, then mirrored Qiao Ling's stance, her grip tightening on the hilt of her sword. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. This wasn't just about winning the fight—it was about proving herself, showing that she belonged here.
For a moment, the courtyard was silent, the tension in the air palpable. Then, without warning, Qiao Ling moved.
She was fast—faster than Li Mei had anticipated. Her sword struck with precision, aimed directly at Li Mei's side. Li Mei barely had time to react, raising her sword just in time to deflect the blow. The impact sent a jolt through her arm, but she held firm, refusing to be knocked off balance.
Qiao Ling didn't pause. She pressed the attack, her movements fluid and relentless. Each strike was calculated, each step measured, and Li Mei found herself on the defensive, struggling to keep up. She parried another blow, then ducked to avoid a sweeping slash aimed at her head.
The other disciples watched in silence, their eyes flicking back and forth between the two combatants. Li Mei could feel their scrutiny, their judgment, and it only fueled her determination to hold her ground.
But Qiao Ling was experienced, her technique refined by years of training. Li Mei's movements, while quick and reactive, were unpolished in comparison. She managed to block most of the attacks, but she knew she couldn't keep this up forever. Qiao Ling was testing her, probing her defenses, waiting for an opening.
And then, she found it.
With a sudden, sharp movement, Qiao Ling feinted to the left, then spun to the right, her sword aimed directly at Li Mei's exposed side. Li Mei's heart lurched as she realized her mistake, but it was too late. The blade struck true, knocking the starlight sword from her grasp and sending her stumbling back.
Li Mei hit the ground hard, the breath knocked out of her. She looked up to see Qiao Ling standing over her, her sword lowered but her expression unyielding.
The courtyard was silent, the only sound the faint rustle of leaves in the breeze. Li Mei's chest heaved as she struggled to catch her breath, her heart pounding in her ears. She had lost—there was no denying it. But more than the defeat, it was the look in Qiao Ling's eyes that stung the most: a mix of superiority and something darker, something that made Li Mei's skin crawl.
Qiao Ling sheathed her sword, the faint glow of its blade fading as she stepped back. "You have potential," she said, her voice flat. "But you're not ready. Not yet."
Li Mei swallowed hard, biting back the frustration and humiliation that welled up inside her. She had known this would be difficult, but the reality of it was even harsher than she had expected. She could feel the stares of the other disciples, the weight of their judgment pressing down on her.
But then, through the haze of defeat, she felt something else—an ember of resolve, burning quietly within her. She had lost this battle, but it wasn't the end. It was only the beginning.
"I'll get stronger," Li Mei said, her voice low but firm. She pushed herself to her feet, meeting Qiao Ling's gaze with determination. "I'll get stronger, and I'll prove that I belong here."
For a moment, Qiao Ling said nothing, her expression unreadable. Then, with a slight nod, she turned and walked away, the other disciples parting to let her pass. Li Mei watched her go, her mind already turning over the lessons she had learned from the fight.
As the other disciples began to disperse, Elder Tian appeared at her side, his expression calm but his eyes filled with something like approval. "You did well, Li Mei," he said quietly. "This was a test, and you faced it with courage."
Li Mei looked up at him, surprise flickering across her face. "But I lost."
"Victory is not the only measure of success," Elder Tian replied. "You showed strength, resilience, and most importantly, the willingness to learn. That is what matters most."
Li Mei nodded slowly, his words sinking in. The sting of defeat was still fresh, but she knew he was right. She had faced the challenge, and she had learned from it. Now, it was up to her to take those lessons and grow stronger.
"Come," Elder Tian said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Your training is far from over. There is much more for you to learn, and many more challenges ahead. But I believe you have the potential to overcome them."
Li Mei took a deep breath, letting the last of her frustration and self-doubt fade away. She was ready to continue, ready to push herself further. She had a long way to go, but she was determined to reach her goal, no matter how difficult the journey.
As she walked beside Elder Tian, heading back to the Astral Tree for another session of training, she couldn't help but glance back at the training ground where she had faced Qiao Ling. The defeat still lingered in her mind, a reminder of how far she had to go.
But instead of despair, she felt something else: a spark of determination, burning brighter with each step she took.
This was only the beginning.