Wei Liang adjusted the iron sword on his back as he entered the dining hall for outer disciples. The day's training had left him exhausted, but his spirits were higher than usual. Elder Lin's praise and Elder Cai's grudging acknowledgment of his potential had kindled a faint hope within him.
The hall was a large, open space with long wooden tables and benches. Disciples were scattered throughout, some eating in silence, others laughing and chatting in small groups. The air smelled of steamed buns, rice, and broth—simple but hearty fare.
Wei Liang grabbed a tray of food and hesitated, scanning the room. He didn't know anyone here, and most of the disciples seemed to have already formed cliques. Just as he was about to sit alone, a cheerful voice called out.
"Hey! You're the guy who took down that Silverfang Wolf, right? Come sit with us!"
Wei Liang turned to see a stocky young man with a broad grin waving at him. Relieved, he made his way over and took a seat.
"I'm Han Xun," the stocky disciple said, slapping Wei Liang on the back hard enough to make him wince. "I saw your fight in the forest. Impressive work for a farmer."
Wei Liang blinked, unsure if it was a compliment or a jab. "Thanks, I guess. And you are…?"
"Han Xun," the boy repeated, grinning wider. "Outer disciple, aspiring spear master, and all-around nice guy."
Across the table, a slender young woman rolled her eyes. She had sharp features, her black hair tied neatly into a ponytail, and a calm, measured demeanor. "Ignore him. He calls himself an 'aspiring spear master' but can barely hold his weapon straight."
"Hey!" Han Xun protested, jabbing a finger at her. "I'm improving! Slowly."
The woman smirked faintly before turning to Wei Liang. "I'm Zhang Fei. I saw you in Elder Lin's lesson earlier. You seem… determined."
Wei Liang nodded. "I have to be. I'm not exactly gifted in this cultivation stuff."
Her expression softened slightly. "Neither are most of us. But hard work can make up for it. You'll see."
Han Xun leaned forward, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Don't let Zhang Fei fool you. She's a monster in sparring. Rumor has it she almost beat an inner disciple once."
Zhang Fei shot him a sharp look. "That's exaggerated, and you know it."
"Still impressive," Wei Liang said, smiling faintly.
Just as the three of them settled into their meal, a haughty voice cut through the hall.
"Are you seriously associating with that one?"
Wei Liang turned to see a tall, elegant young man approaching their table. His robes were immaculate, and his movements carried an air of superiority. A group of disciples trailed behind him like sycophantic shadows.
"Who are you talking about, Lin Ziyan?" Han Xun asked, narrowing his eyes.
Lin Ziyan's gaze settled on Wei Liang, his lips curling into a sneer. "The farmer, of course. I heard about your spiritual root test. Low-grade Earth Root, wasn't it? Barely acceptable."
Wei Liang felt his chest tighten, but he forced himself to stay calm. "Yes, and yet I'm still here, just like you."
A ripple of murmurs spread through the hall. Lin Ziyan's sneer deepened. "Your presence here is nothing more than charity from Elder Yan. Don't mistake luck for talent."
Zhang Fei stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. "Enough, Lin Ziyan. You're always looking for someone to belittle. If you're so confident, why don't you challenge him to a duel?"
Lin Ziyan's smirk faltered briefly before returning. "A waste of time. I don't duel peasants." He turned on his heel, his entourage following like obedient pups.
Han Xun scowled as he watched them leave. "That guy thinks he's already an elder or something. Don't let him get to you."
Wei Liang nodded but said nothing. Lin Ziyan's words stung more than he wanted to admit.
---
Later that evening, as Wei Liang sat on the edge of his cot, the System chimed softly.
[Notice: Social Bond Established—Han Xun (+1), Zhang Fei (+1).]
[Notice: Rival Identified—Lin Ziyan.]
Wei Liang frowned. "Social bond? Rival? What are you trying to tell me, System?"
The System didn't respond, leaving him to his thoughts. He lay back on the cot, staring at the wooden beams above. Despite Lin Ziyan's words, he felt a small sense of comfort. Zhang Fei and Han Xun had stood by him, and that alone was enough to keep him going.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for the first time, Wei Liang felt like he wasn't facing them alone.