12 days later.
Yan Ming was disappointed at his progress. He looked at his spirit rice. The sprit rice was not like regular rice, and they helped with gather energy.
The only issue was that they could only get a set amount per week.
If they didn't do chores and other menial tasks, they might not even be able to eat for dinner.
It was hard and even worse for those with no talent or backing.
Any hope Yan Ming had was almost smothered like a candle light.
The only light in the dark was Yuan Jinghua.
Every time he saw her, he would feel a warmth in his heart and newfound strength to continue this harsh road.
"I can't give up here!"
He sat down and meditated over and over again.
Before he knew it, those that had come with him at the same time were on higher levels than himself. It caused him to further feel a sense of fear of being left behind.
As he was thinking of this while wandering around, he saw a familiar figure.
Yan Ming smiled.
"Miss Jinghua! What're you doing here?"
"Just...passing by." She looked down with a grim look.
Yan Ming looked where she had came from. The inner gates. Section of the sect meant to house the inner disciples.
What was she doing there? Does she know someone there?
Yan Ming looked back to Yuan Jinghua, but she kept her face down unlike her usual self.
"What's wrong? You don't feel so good?"
She waved her hand. "No, I'm alright...Sorry, I want to be alone." She walked away. Lonely, and quietly away.
"You are?" A mans voice startled him from behind. Just from his clothing, he could tell it was a inner disciple.
"Disciple Y-yan Ming!"
The man looked him up and down carefully. He then smiled.
"Yan Ming~" He walked forwards and patted Yan Mings shoulders. "How do you know Yuan Jinghua?"
"umm...we just talk from time to time..."
"Just acquaintances?" His eyes narrowed, causing a pressure down towards Yan Ming.
"Y-yes!"
The pressure vanished.
"I see~" The man smiled and then patted Yan Ming on the back. "She's my...friend. She can get lonely so I hope you'll also be friends with her. Oh right, my name is Tang Tao. Remember that."
Without even waiting for a reply, he vanished.
Yan Ming looked around, but couldn't find him at all.