The morning gong came earlier than expected. Wei Liang groaned, the ache in his arms and legs reminding him of yesterday's brutal training. Despite the soreness, he dragged himself out of bed and joined the growing group of outer disciples gathering in the courtyard.
The day's training promised something different. Elder Lin stood at the center of the courtyard, flanked by two disciples in green robes—inner disciples, judging by the faint aura of authority they exuded.
Elder Lin's calm voice carried over the murmurs of the crowd. "Disciples, today's lesson focuses on teamwork. No cultivator survives alone. Whether in battle, exploration, or a sect mission, collaboration can mean the difference between life and death."
She gestured to the two inner disciples. "This is Jin Yue and Luo Mei. They will oversee the exercise. You will be divided into teams of four and sent into the Mistwood, where a spirit array has been set up to simulate real combat conditions. Your objective is simple: reach the array's core and retrieve the glowing jade orb. Only teams that succeed will earn commendation."
The crowd buzzed with nervous energy. The Mistwood was known for its dense Qi and unpredictable spirit beasts, and while the array would prevent fatal injuries, it wouldn't spare them from pain.
Elder Lin's gaze swept over them. "Your groups have already been assigned. Jin Yue will call out the names."
The tall inner disciple stepped forward, holding a scroll. "Group One: Zhang Fei, Han Xun, Wei Liang, and…" He hesitated, then smirked. "…Lin Ziyan."
Wei Liang's stomach dropped. He could feel the smug gaze of Lin Ziyan burning into the back of his neck. "Of course," he muttered under his breath.
Han Xun groaned audibly. "We're doomed. Doomed!"
Zhang Fei shot them both a sharp look. "Stop complaining. We'll manage."
As the groups were finalized, Jin Yue clapped his hands. "To the Mistwood! Your trial begins immediately."
---
The Mistwood was a sprawling forest blanketed in mist so thick it was impossible to see more than a few paces ahead. The air was heavy with Qi, and the faint rustling of unseen creatures set Wei Liang's nerves on edge.
Their group trudged forward in tense silence, led by Zhang Fei, who seemed the only one unfazed by the situation. Han Xun kept glancing over his shoulder, muttering about shadowy figures in the fog. Lin Ziyan walked behind them, his expression one of supreme disinterest.
After a while, Lin Ziyan finally spoke, his tone as condescending as ever. "If we're going to survive this exercise, we should be clear on one thing: I'm in charge."
Han Xun scowled. "Says who?"
"Says me," Lin Ziyan replied, brushing a speck of dirt off his immaculate robe. "I have the highest spiritual root here, and unlike you three, I actually know how to fight."
Wei Liang clenched his fists but forced himself to stay calm. "We're supposed to work together, not argue."
Lin Ziyan smirked. "Then stay out of my way, farmer."
Zhang Fei sighed audibly. "Enough. We don't have time for this. Let's move."
---
It wasn't long before trouble found them.
A low growl echoed through the mist, followed by the snapping of twigs. The group froze as two glowing yellow eyes appeared in the fog. A moment later, a spirit beast emerged—a Mistfang Panther, its sleek, shadowy body blending perfectly with its surroundings.
"Stay back!" Lin Ziyan barked, stepping forward. He raised his sword, a faint glow of Qi enveloping the blade.
The panther lunged, and Lin Ziyan met its charge with a swift strike. The beast dodged, circling around him with predatory grace. Han Xun and Wei Liang flanked it cautiously, while Zhang Fei moved to cover their backs.
"Stop hesitating!" Lin Ziyan shouted, deflecting another attack. "Attack it!"
"Maybe if you didn't try to do everything yourself!" Han Xun snapped, thrusting his spear. The beast leaped back, growling.
Wei Liang stepped forward, focusing the faint warmth of Qi in his dantian. He slashed with his blade, managing to graze the panther's side. The beast yelped and turned on him, its claws flashing in the dim light.
Before it could strike, Zhang Fei's knife embedded itself in the panther's hind leg. The creature snarled and limped backward, its movements slowing. Seizing the opportunity, Lin Ziyan unleashed a powerful Qi-infused slash, striking the panther squarely in the chest. The beast collapsed, its body dissolving into mist.
The group stood in silence, panting.
"We worked together," Wei Liang said, his tone pointed.
Lin Ziyan sneered. "If you call that teamwork. You were all liabilities."
Zhang Fei stepped between them, her voice cold. "We don't have time for your ego. Let's keep moving."
---
The deeper they ventured into the Mistwood, the more treacherous the terrain became. Spirit beasts harassed them at every turn—lesser creatures like mist wolves and venomous snakes. The group fought off each attack, though the tension between Lin Ziyan and the others grew with each encounter.
Finally, they reached the array's core. A glowing jade orb floated above a stone pedestal, pulsing with an otherworldly light. Surrounding it were three guardian constructs—hulking figures of stone and Qi, their eyes glowing with a menacing red hue.
Lin Ziyan smirked. "Leave this to me. You'll just slow me down."
"Enough," Zhang Fei snapped, stepping forward. "We'll fight together. The constructs are too strong for one person."
Lin Ziyan hesitated, clearly irritated but unable to argue.
The fight was brutal. The constructs moved with surprising speed, their stone limbs striking like hammers. Wei Liang narrowly avoided a crushing blow, countering with a Qi-infused strike that chipped away at one of the guardians. Han Xun fought with a mix of determination and desperation, while Zhang Fei's precision attacks kept the constructs off-balance.
Lin Ziyan, true to his skill, unleashed powerful Qi techniques, but his lack of coordination with the group left gaps in their defense.
"Ziyan, cover my left!" Wei Liang shouted as one of the constructs lunged.
Lin Ziyan ignored him, focusing on his own attack. Wei Liang cursed and dodged, barely escaping the blow.
"Ziyan, stop being reckless!" Zhang Fei yelled.
Lin Ziyan scowled but reluctantly shifted to defend the group. Together, they managed to bring down the constructs one by one. The final guardian collapsed, its shattered body fading into the mist.
Panting, Wei Liang approached the pedestal and reached for the jade orb. The moment his fingers touched it, the orb's light flared, and the surrounding mist dissolved.
A soft chime echoed in his mind.
[Quest Complete: Team Trial—Mistwood Array. Reward: Basic Qi-Enhancing Pill.]
---
As the group exited the forest, Jin Yue met them at the edge of the Mistwood, his expression impassive.
"Well done," he said. "Your teamwork was… passable. Elder Lin will be informed of your progress."
Lin Ziyan scoffed but said nothing. Wei Liang exchanged weary smiles with Zhang Fei and Han Xun.
"Teamwork," Han Xun muttered. "I'm starting to hate that word."
Zhang Fei chuckled. "You'll get used to it."
Wei Liang glanced back at the forest, his grip tightening on the jade orb. Lin Ziyan's arrogance grated on him, but today had proven one thing: strength wasn't enough. Without trust and unity, even the most powerful cultivator could fall.
For Wei Liang, the lesson was clear—if he was going to survive in this world, he'd need allies. Whether Lin Ziyan liked it or not.