The following morning, Wei Liang was woken by the familiar echo of the gong. He sat up groggily, still sore from the previous day's training. Han Xun and Zhang Fei greeted him outside the dormitory, and together, they made their way to the training courtyard. The sky above was overcast, the thick clouds casting an ominous shadow over the Jade Peak Sect.
When they arrived, Elder Cai stood waiting, his hands clasped behind his back and his usual scowl etched deeply into his weathered face. Behind him, rows of wooden dummies had been replaced by crude training poles adorned with jagged stones and sharp edges.
"Today's lesson will teach you what pain feels like," Elder Cai barked, his eyes sweeping over the disciples. "Cultivation is not for the weak, and survival in this world requires more than swinging swords at wooden targets. You must learn to fight under pressure and pain, or you'll die the moment you face a real enemy."
Wei Liang exchanged uneasy glances with Han Xun and Zhang Fei. Around him, the other disciples murmured nervously.
Elder Cai gestured to the sharp-edged poles. "These training poles are infused with spiritual energy. When you strike them, they'll strike back—not with physical force, but with Qi. Each blow will test your endurance and resilience. You will strike until I say stop. Now, pair up."
Wei Liang found himself next to Han Xun. The stocky boy gave him a nervous grin. "This is going to hurt, isn't it?"
"Probably," Wei Liang muttered.
Elder Cai clapped his hands, silencing the murmurs. "Begin!"
Wei Liang took a deep breath, gripping the wooden training sword he had been given. He stepped forward and swung at the training pole with all his strength. The moment his blade struck, a pulse of energy erupted from the pole, slamming into his chest like a battering ram.
He staggered backward, gasping for air. The impact wasn't physical—it was deeper, as if the Qi in his body had been shaken violently.
"Keep going!" Elder Cai's voice cut through his daze.
Wei Liang gritted his teeth and swung again. This time, he braced himself for the backlash, but it still hit him like a wave crashing against a fragile dam. Each strike sent ripples of pain through his body, but he refused to stop.
Around him, other disciples were faring just as poorly. Han Xun let out a string of curses as he struck his pole, each blow making him stumble. Zhang Fei, however, seemed to handle the exercise better. Her strikes were precise, and while the energy pulses affected her, she maintained her composure.
After what felt like an eternity, Elder Cai finally called out, "Stop!"
Wei Liang collapsed to his knees, his body drenched in sweat. His limbs trembled, and his chest felt as though it had been hammered repeatedly.
Elder Cai walked among the disciples, his gaze sharp. "Pain is a teacher," he said. "It will teach you your limits and how to surpass them. Remember this lesson, for the next time you face an enemy, they will not hold back."
As the disciples staggered back to their positions, Elder Cai stopped in front of Wei Liang. "You endured well," he said, his gruff tone slightly less harsh. "Your strikes lack refinement, but your determination will serve you."
Wei Liang bowed his head. "Thank you, Elder."
The elder nodded before moving on. Han Xun plopped down beside him, groaning loudly. "If this is what being a cultivator is like, I might as well go back to farming."
Wei Liang chuckled weakly. "You'd miss the food here too much."
Han Xun grinned. "You're not wrong."
---
Later that day, during a break, the trio sat beneath a tree near the courtyard, recovering from the brutal training session. Zhang Fei sat cross-legged, her breathing calm and steady as she meditated.
"You're unnervingly good at this," Han Xun said, his tone a mix of admiration and jealousy. "Do you ever even get tired?"
Zhang Fei opened one eye, smirking. "Of course. I just don't complain about it like you do."
Han Xun groaned. "Remind me why I hang out with you two again?"
Wei Liang laughed. "Because we make you look better by comparison?"
Han Xun grinned, throwing a pebble at him.
Their lighthearted banter was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Wei Liang turned to see Lin Ziyan and his entourage striding toward them.
"Enjoying yourselves, I see," Lin Ziyan said, his tone dripping with condescension. His gaze settled on Wei Liang. "I hope you're not letting today's lesson give you any delusions of grandeur, farmer."
Wei Liang sighed, standing up. "What do you want, Lin Ziyan?"
The taller boy smirked. "Just a friendly warning. The elders might tolerate mediocrity for now, but this sect isn't kind to the weak. Don't get too comfortable."
Zhang Fei stood as well, her eyes narrowing. "Why don't you focus on yourself instead of wasting time antagonizing others?"
Lin Ziyan laughed, turning away. "I don't need to waste effort on the likes of you. You'll all fall behind soon enough."
As he walked away, Han Xun muttered, "What's his problem?"
Wei Liang watched Lin Ziyan's retreating figure, his jaw clenched. He didn't have an answer, but one thing was clear: Lin Ziyan wasn't going to let him succeed without a fight.
---
That evening, as Wei Liang meditated in the quiet of his quarters, the System chimed softly.
[Notice: Rivalry Deepened—Lin Ziyan (+2).]
[New Quest: Surpass Lin Ziyan in Combat. Reward: Intermediate Combat Technique.]
Wei Liang opened his eyes, a flicker of determination sparking within him. If Lin Ziyan wanted to challenge him, he would rise to meet it. This world rewarded strength, and he would find his.
One way or another.