Jiang Chen stood in the vast training grounds of Silver Moon Academy, his disciple robes fluttering in the morning breeze. The sun had barely risen, yet the grounds were already filled with disciples, each one focused on their training.
Some were practicing sword techniques, their blades slicing through the air with precision. Others sat in meditation, absorbing spiritual energy from the surrounding world. There were even some disciples testing their martial arts against training dummies reinforced with spirit inscriptions—a single punch leaving deep indentations on the wood.
Jiang Chen took a deep breath.
This was his new reality.
Suddenly, a loud voice boomed across the field.
"All outer disciples, gather!"
The disciples immediately stopped what they were doing and formed neat lines. Jiang Chen followed suit, standing among them as a middle-aged man with a towering presence walked forward. His long gray robes billowed behind him, and his sharp eyes scanned the disciples with an expression of strict authority.
"I am Instructor Wei, responsible for overseeing the training of outer disciples," the man said. "If you are here, that means you are unpolished stones waiting to be sharpened. Some of you will become true warriors. Others will remain mediocrities until you are discarded."
A heavy silence settled over the group.
Jiang Chen narrowed his eyes. So, this was the attitude of the academy.
Instructor Wei continued, "Every month, outer disciples will undergo evaluation. Those who perform well will earn better resources and a chance to enter the inner sect. Those who fail will be demoted to manual laborers or expelled. If you are weak, you have no place here!"
Murmurs spread among the disciples.
Jiang Chen remained calm. He had already made up his mind—he would not fail.
Divisions of Training
Instructor Wei clapped his hands, and several assistant instructors stepped forward.
"The training is divided into three main categories," he explained. "Martial arts, weapon combat, and spiritual cultivation."
Martial arts focused on hand-to-hand combat, body strengthening, and movement techniques.
Weapon combat trained disciples in swordsmanship, spear techniques, and other armed disciplines.
Spiritual cultivation developed their ability to manipulate Qi, improving energy control and refining techniques.
"You may specialize in one area or train in all three, but only the most talented will excel in multiple disciplines."
As the instructors finished explaining, the disciples were split into groups.
Jiang Chen found himself placed in Martial Arts Training first. He wasn't surprised. He had never wielded a sword before, but his physical combat abilities had always been above average.
The Test of Strength
"Before we begin, we must assess your foundation," Instructor Wei announced. "Each of you will strike the Strength Measuring Stone to determine your base power."
A massive stone slab, nearly twice the height of a man, was placed in front of the disciples. Engraved upon it were numbers ranging from 1 to 500, representing strength levels.
One by one, disciples stepped forward and unleashed their strongest attacks.
"180!"
"212!"
"265!"
As Jiang Chen observed, he noticed that the stronger outer disciples reached around 300, while the average ones struggled to break past 200.
"Shen Mu, step forward!"
Jiang Chen's lips curled slightly.
The very same Shen Mu whom he had humiliated days ago walked forward, his eyes burning with the need to prove himself. He took a deep breath, gathered his Qi into his fist, and delivered a powerful palm strike against the stone.
"321!"
Gasps spread through the group.
"Senior Brother Shen Mu is as strong as ever!"
"As expected, he's one of the top outer disciples."
Shen Mu turned and shot Jiang Chen a smug look, as if daring him to top his score.
"Jiang Chen, step forward."
A silence fell over the group. Some had already heard of him—the disciple who had defeated Shen Mu effortlessly.
Jiang Chen walked forward calmly. He didn't need to prove anything, but he wasn't about to hold back either. He clenched his fist, channeled his newly strengthened Qi, and launched a punch straight into the stone.
BOOM!
The stone trembled. Dust and cracks formed along its surface as glowing numbers appeared.
"399!"
An even louder wave of gasps erupted.
"He's just a new disciple, yet his strength is that high?!"
"That's almost inner disciple level!"
Shen Mu's expression twisted, and even Instructor Wei raised an eyebrow.
"Interesting," the instructor murmured. "Jiang Chen, what cultivation stage are you at?"
Jiang Chen hesitated before answering. "Fourth Stage of Qi Refinement."
Instructor Wei's eyes flickered with surprise, but he quickly masked it. "Your physical strength is impressive. Continue training, and you may reach new heights."
The Sparring Matches Begin
After the strength test, the disciples were paired up for combat practice.
"Jiang Chen, you will spar against Liang Fan," Instructor Wei announced.
Liang Fan stepped forward, his lips curving into a grin. "I was hoping I'd get to fight you."
Jiang Chen nodded. He wasn't underestimating him. Unlike Shen Mu, Liang Fan had the aura of a true warrior—calm and confident.
"Begin!"
Liang Fan attacked first, closing the distance with a swift step and throwing a sharp palm strike toward Jiang Chen's ribs.
Fast!
Jiang Chen twisted his body, narrowly dodging. But before he could counter, Liang Fan swept his leg forward, attempting to trip him.
Instead of resisting, Jiang Chen flowed with the motion, rolling backward and landing on his feet. He then dashed forward, delivering a fierce punch toward Liang Fan's shoulder.
BAM!
Liang Fan staggered but quickly recovered, eyes gleaming with excitement. "Not bad!"
They exchanged a series of rapid blows, their movements a blur. Every attack was met with an equally skilled defense, neither gaining the upper hand.
The watching disciples were mesmerized.
"This is a real fight!"
"Jiang Chen's combat instincts are insane!"
After a final clash, Instructor Wei raised a hand. "Enough!"
Both fighters stepped back, breathing heavily but unharmed.
Liang Fan chuckled. "That was fun. Let's fight again sometime."
Jiang Chen gave a small nod.
Instructor Wei looked pleased. "That's enough for today. Those who wish to rise must train harder."
As the training ended, Jiang Chen took a deep breath.
He had shown his strength, but this was only the beginning.
There were still stronger disciples out there. Stronger enemies.
And he would surpass them all.
---