The courtyard buzzed with activity as the disciples filed in the next morning. Wei Liang, Han Xun, and Zhang Fei sat together near the back, nursing their sore limbs after the ordeal in the Mistwood. Across the courtyard, Lin Ziyan stood apart, surrounded by his entourage. His gaze briefly flicked to Wei Liang, sharp and unreadable, before he turned back to his followers.
Before long, Elder Yan stepped forward, his imposing presence silencing the crowd. "Disciples, you have completed your first trials, but do not grow complacent. The sect values growth above all. Today, we begin specialized training. You will learn techniques suited to your skills and the sect's philosophy. Pay close attention, for failure to master these techniques will ensure your mediocrity."
The group split as Elder Lin and Elder Cai called for their respective training focuses. Wei Liang hesitated, torn between Elder Lin's lessons on Qi refinement and Elder Cai's brutal combat training.
"You go with Elder Lin," Zhang Fei suggested. "She can help you refine your Qi control. Han and I will handle Cai's training."
Wei Liang nodded. "Good idea. I'll catch up with you later."
---
Under Elder Lin's Guidance
The group that followed Elder Lin was smaller, composed of those who had shown promise in Qi refinement during earlier lessons. Elder Lin led them to a tranquil clearing just outside the sect grounds, where a crystalline pool shimmered beneath the morning sun.
"This is the Spirit Mirror Pool," Elder Lin said, gesturing to the water. "It is imbued with Qi and will reflect your spiritual flaws. You will meditate here to identify the blockages in your meridians and refine your flow of energy. For some of you, it will be enlightening. For others… humbling."
Wei Liang took his place near the edge of the pool and crossed his legs. The water rippled faintly, its surface reflecting not his face, but something else—a glowing silhouette of his body, overlaid with faint, pulsing lines.
[Analyzing Host's Qi Flow…]
The System's chime startled him, but he focused as glowing red spots appeared on the overlay, marking weak points in his meridians. Elder Lin's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Pay attention to the red marks. These are blockages where your Qi stagnates. Breathe steadily and focus on smoothing the flow."
Wei Liang closed his eyes, centering his breathing as he had practiced. He visualized the Qi moving through his body, willing it to flow past the blockages.
The process was grueling. Each attempt felt like trying to force water through a cracked pipe, and the strain made his head throb. But with the System's guidance, he slowly began to see progress.
[Blockage Cleared: 20%. Qi Circulation Efficiency Increased.]
Elder Lin approached and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You're improving faster than I expected," she said, her tone calm but approving. "Your determination will serve you well, Wei Liang."
Her words lit a fire in him, and he pressed on, his focus sharper than ever.
---
Under Elder Cai's Training
Meanwhile, Han Xun and Zhang Fei faced a different challenge under Elder Cai's watch. The older man's harsh voice barked commands as the disciples sparred in pairs, their bodies already battered from earlier sessions.
Han Xun struggled with his footing as his opponent, a tall, wiry boy wielding a saber, pressed him relentlessly. "Keep your guard up, Han Xun!" Elder Cai shouted. "If you can't block a simple strike, you'll be dead before you draw your first breath in real combat!"
Nearby, Zhang Fei's sparring match was smoother. Her strikes were calculated, her movements precise, and she easily outmaneuvered her partner. Elder Cai's sharp eyes lingered on her for a moment before he nodded in approval.
---
The Shadow of Rivalry
As the afternoon wore on, Wei Liang reunited with Han Xun and Zhang Fei in the main courtyard. Han Xun looked thoroughly beaten, while Zhang Fei seemed barely winded.
"Cai's training is going to kill me," Han Xun grumbled, slumping onto a bench. "I think I saw my life flash before my eyes."
"It was probably just the sun," Zhang Fei replied with a smirk.
Wei Liang chuckled, but the lighthearted moment was short-lived. Lin Ziyan strode into the courtyard, his expression smug as ever. He was accompanied by Jin Yue, the inner disciple who had overseen the Mistwood trial.
"Outer disciples," Lin Ziyan called, his voice loud enough to draw attention. "I've spoken with Jin Yue, and he's agreed to oversee a sparring match between myself and… anyone who thinks they're worthy of challenging me."
The crowd murmured with interest. Sparring under the eye of an inner disciple was a rare opportunity, but it was also risky—losing in such a public setting could ruin a disciple's reputation.
Lin Ziyan's gaze locked onto Wei Liang. "What about you, farmer? Care to show everyone your 'determination' again?"
Wei Liang felt his blood boil, but before he could respond, Han Xun stepped forward.
"I'll take you on," Han Xun said, his voice steady despite the tension.
Lin Ziyan raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "You? Very well. Try not to embarrass yourself too much."
---
The Duel
The disciples formed a circle around the courtyard as Han Xun and Lin Ziyan faced off. Jin Yue stood to the side, his arms crossed. "The rules are simple. No lethal strikes, and the match ends when one of you yields or is incapacitated. Begin!"
Lin Ziyan moved first, his sword flashing with a faint glow of Qi. Han Xun barely managed to block, the force of the strike sending him stumbling backward.
"You're too slow," Lin Ziyan sneered, pressing the attack.
Han Xun gritted his teeth, dodging and parrying as best he could. He thrust with his spear, but Lin Ziyan sidestepped effortlessly, his sword cutting through the air.
The duel was one-sided from the start. Lin Ziyan's superior Qi control and technique overwhelmed Han Xun, who was soon forced to his knees, his spear knocked from his hands.
Lin Ziyan raised his blade, a triumphant smirk on his face. "Pathetic."
"Enough," Jin Yue said, stepping forward. "The match is over."
Lin Ziyan sheathed his sword and turned to the crowd, his smirk widening. "Let this be a lesson. Mediocrity has no place in the Jade Peak Sect."
Wei Liang clenched his fists, his anger simmering. Lin Ziyan's arrogance was unbearable, but the defeat had also reminded him how far he had to go. If he wanted to surpass Lin Ziyan, he needed to get stronger.
[Quest Updated: Surpass Lin Ziyan. Progress: 30%.]
As Han Xun was helped to his feet, Wei Liang stepped forward, his voice firm. "Next time, it'll be me."
Lin Ziyan turned, his smirk fading into a glare. "I'll be waiting, farmer."
The crowd dispersed, but Wei Liang's resolve only deepened. He wasn't just fighting for himself anymore. He was fighting for those like Han Xun, who were dismissed and humiliated by those at the top.
One day, Lin Ziyan would regret looking down on him. That day couldn't come soon enough.