As Yang Ye followed Elder Qian out of the canteen, the celebrations behind him slowly faded into the distance. The sun had just begun to set, casting an amber glow over the Sword Sect's vast peaks and valleys. The crisp mountain air carried the scent of pine, but Yang Ye was barely aware of his surroundings. His thoughts churned like a turbulent river.
The encounter in the canteen had been a turning point, but it also left him with more questions than answers. His newfound strength, the light golden Profound Energy coursing through his veins, and the enigmatic tiny vortex within him—these mysteries weighed heavily on his mind.
Elder Qian, walking a step ahead, seemed lost in his own thoughts. The elder's usually composed demeanor had given way to an uncharacteristic intensity. Yang Ye could feel the weight of Elder Qian's gaze even when the older man wasn't looking directly at him.
Finally, unable to bear the silence any longer, Yang Ye broke the stillness.
"Elder Qian, why are you helping me?"
Elder Qian stopped abruptly, turning to face Yang Ye. His expression was unreadable, a blend of curiosity and something deeper—perhaps hope.
"Helping you?" Elder Qian said, his voice measured. "Do you think I intervened in the canteen merely to help you?"
Yang Ye frowned, unsure how to respond.
Elder Qian continued, his tone firm. "What happened in the canteen wasn't just about you. It was about the Labor Peak, about the rot that had taken hold there. As for you…" He paused, his piercing gaze locking onto Yang Ye. "You're different. Your Profound Energy isn't ordinary, and neither are you."
Yang Ye's brow furrowed. "Different? Because of the golden Profound Energy?"
"Yes," Elder Qian said with a nod. "But it's not just the color. There's a depth to your energy, a quality that feels… ancient. Unyielding. I've never encountered anything like it in all my years at the Sword Sect."
Yang Ye's fists clenched at his sides. "So, you don't know what it is either?"
Elder Qian sighed. "Not yet. But there are ways to uncover the truth. You've awakened something extraordinary, Yang Ye. Something that could make you a legend—or destroy you if you're not careful."
The elder's words sent a chill down Yang Ye's spine. The weight of his journey pressed down on him even more heavily, but he refused to falter.
"What do I need to do?" Yang Ye asked, his voice steady.
Elder Qian smiled faintly, a glimmer of approval in his eyes. "First, you'll need to leave the Labor Peak behind. You've outgrown it. From this moment forward, you are no longer a Labor Disciple. You're an Outer Court Disciple."
The words struck Yang Ye like a lightning bolt. He had dreamed of this moment countless times, but now that it was here, it felt surreal.
"Outer Court Disciple…" Yang Ye murmured, the words tasting foreign on his tongue.
Elder Qian placed a hand on Yang Ye's shoulder. "But understand this—being an Outer Court Disciple isn't just a title. It's a challenge. The Outer Court is a battlefield, and only the strong survive. Your golden Profound Energy will draw attention, not all of it welcome. You'll need to prove yourself again and again, not just to others, but to yourself."
Yang Ye nodded, his jaw set with determination. "I'll do whatever it takes."
---
The Outer Court
The transition from the Labor Peak to the Outer Court was both exhilarating and daunting. As Elder Qian escorted Yang Ye up the winding stone path leading to the Outer Court, the differences between the two areas became glaringly apparent.
The Outer Court was a world apart. Unlike the rugged, utilitarian structures of the Labor Peak, the Outer Court boasted sprawling courtyards, intricate pavilions, and towering pagodas. Disciples clad in pristine robes moved with purpose, their eyes sharp and their movements precise.
Yang Ye couldn't help but feel a pang of inadequacy as he glanced down at his tattered clothes. He clenched his fists, reminding himself that he had earned his place here through sheer grit and determination.
Elder Qian led him to a modest courtyard near the edge of the Outer Court. "This will be your residence for now," the elder said, gesturing toward the small but well-kept building. "It's not much, but it's yours. Use this time to familiarize yourself with the Outer Court. Tomorrow, your real training begins."
Yang Ye nodded, his heart pounding with anticipation. As Elder Qian turned to leave, Yang Ye called out to him.
"Elder Qian!"
The older man paused, glancing over his shoulder.
"Thank you," Yang Ye said, bowing deeply. "For everything."
Elder Qian's lips curled into a faint smile. "Don't thank me yet, Yang Ye. The path ahead is long and treacherous. Save your gratitude for the day you stand at the summit."
With that, the elder disappeared into the fading light, leaving Yang Ye alone in his new home.
---
A Test of Strength
The next morning, Yang Ye was awoken by the sound of bells echoing across the Outer Court. He quickly washed up and donned a simple robe provided by Elder Qian. Though it wasn't as fine as the robes worn by most Outer Court Disciples, it was a step up from his Labor Disciple attire.
Stepping outside, he found himself amidst a sea of disciples heading toward the training grounds. Their conversations buzzed with excitement and tension, and Yang Ye couldn't help but feel a surge of nervous energy.
As he reached the training grounds, he was greeted by a sprawling arena surrounded by towering stone pillars. At the center stood a tall, imposing figure—Elder Mo, the head instructor of the Outer Court.
Elder Mo's sharp eyes scanned the crowd, his presence commanding silence. "Today, we welcome a new addition to the Outer Court," he announced, his voice resonating across the arena. "Yang Ye, step forward."
Yang Ye swallowed hard but stepped into the center of the arena.
Elder Mo's gaze bore into him. "To join the Outer Court is to declare your strength. Show us what you're capable of. Fight."
At his command, a figure stepped into the arena—a young man with a confident smirk and a gleaming sword in hand. "I am Zhang Yi," the man said, his tone dripping with arrogance. "Let's see if you're worthy of standing among us."
The crowd erupted in whispers, many placing bets on how quickly Yang Ye would be defeated.
Yang Ye took a deep breath, his hand tightening around the hilt of his basic training sword. He had no formal techniques, no polished moves—only the raw strength he had honed through relentless training.
The duel began with a flash of steel. Zhang Yi lunged forward, his movements swift and precise. But Yang Ye's instincts kicked in. He sidestepped the attack, his reflexes honed from years of hard labor and countless skirmishes.
He countered with a powerful slash, forcing Zhang Yi to retreat. The crowd murmured in surprise—this newcomer wasn't as weak as they had assumed.
Zhang Yi's smirk faltered as the fight dragged on. He attacked again, this time with a flurry of strikes, but Yang Ye met each one with a calm, calculated response. His golden Profound Energy began to stir, subtly enhancing his strength and speed.
Finally, Yang Ye saw an opening. With a swift, decisive strike, he disarmed Zhang Yi and sent him sprawling to the ground.
The arena fell silent, the disciples staring in stunned disbelief.
Elder Mo's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Welcome to the Outer Court, Yang Ye."
As the crowd erupted into applause, Yang Ye stood tall, his heart racing. This was only the beginning.
---
In the days that followed, Yang Ye threw himself into his training with renewed vigor. He sparred with fellow disciples, studied the Sword Sect's techniques, and pushed his body to its limits. But as he climbed the ranks, he knew that greater challenges awaited him—challenges that would test not only his strength but also his resolve.
The tiny vortex within him remained a mystery, its golden energy both a blessing and a curse. But Yang Ye was determined to uncover its secrets, to harness its power, and to carve his path to greatness.
The journey ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear—Yang Ye was no longer the outcast of the Labor Peak. He was a rising star, a force to be reckoned with, and his story was only just beginning.