The morning air was crisp, yet my body felt anything but refreshed. Each step I took toward the training grounds made my muscles protest, reminding me of the bruises and injuries the previous Long Jian had suffered.
The sect grounds were vast, far larger than I had initially imagined. Stone-paved paths wove through courtyards, connecting various training halls and living quarters. Despite the early hour, dozens of disciples were already moving about—some heading toward the sparring fields, others deep in meditation beneath old cypress trees.
The hierarchy here was obvious.
Disciples in fine robes, exuding confidence, walked with their heads high, their movements filled with controlled power. These were the ones with talent, the ones who had secured better positions within the sect.
Then there were the outer disciples—the lowest-ranked cultivators, barely acknowledged, dressed in plain, rough-spun uniforms. And I was one of them.
At least, for now.
I reached the training field, a wide-open space filled with dozens of outer disciples practicing their techniques. The clashing of wooden training swords echoed across the yard, mixed with grunts of effort and the sharp reprimands of the instructors.
A stocky man stood at the center, his arms crossed. Instructor Wei. His build was thick with muscle, and his presence alone was enough to make weaker disciples nervous. His gaze swept across the crowd before landing on me.
I barely had time to brace myself before his voice boomed.
"Long Jian!"
Silence fell. Several disciples turned to look, some amused, others curious.
I stepped forward, unfazed. "Instructor."
"You're late." His tone was cold, laced with irritation. "Do you think this is a place where you can come and go as you please?"
I shook my head. "No, Instructor."
My lack of an excuse made his brows furrow slightly. The previous Long Jian would have stammered, made some weak attempt to explain.
But I wasn't him.
"Drop and give me fifty," he ordered.
Fifty push-ups? My body was still sore, but I knew better than to hesitate. Dropping to the ground, I steadied myself and began.
Each push-up sent sharp aches through my arms and shoulders, but I pushed through, controlling my breathing. Around me, I could hear the whispers.
"Did he just accept the punishment without arguing?"
"Hah, I was expecting him to grovel like last time."
"Something's different about him today…"
Their words didn't matter. My body was weak, but weakness wasn't permanent.
By the time I finished, my arms were trembling slightly, but I forced myself to stand straight, keeping my breathing steady.
Instructor Wei studied me for a moment before giving a small nod. "At least you didn't whine like last time. Get in line."
I joined the rows of disciples as the morning drills resumed. The exercises were simple—stance training, controlled strikes, basic breathing techniques—but even these fundamentals were difficult for an underdeveloped body like mine.
Sweat trickled down my brow. I could feel the strain in my limbs, the sluggishness in my movements.
I was weak. But I wouldn't stay that way.
The training session stretched on, each moment testing my endurance,but I welcomed it. Every aching muscle, every drop of sweat—it was proof that this body was being reforged.
By the time the session ended, I was exhausted, but I held myself upright.
Instructor Wei gave me a final glance before speaking. "Dismissed."
The disciples began dispersing, some chatting amongst themselves, others moving toward their personal training. I turned to leave, but before I could take another step—
A voice called out behind me
"Well, well. If it isn't the useless disciple pretending to be tough."
I turned, already expecting trouble.
A group of three stood before me, their expressions filled with amusement. The one in the center—Liu Feng—was the tallest, his arms crossed over his chest.
Liu Feng. Another name from my inherited memories. One of Long Jian's persistent tormentors.
"You're acting strange today," Liu Feng said, stepping closer. "Did getting beaten up finally knock something loose in that dumb head of yours?"
I met his gaze evenly. "If you're looking for someone to bully, find someone else."
His smirk widened. "Oh? And what if I don't?"
Around us, a few disciples paused to watch. A public confrontation.
I exhaled, rolling my shoulders. My body was still too weak for a real fight, but I wouldn't back down. Not today.
Liu Feng's smirk faltered for a fraction of a second. He had expected fear, but didn't get it.
"Tch," he clicked his tongue. "Don't think you can act all brave just because you got lucky today." With a final glare, he turned and walked off, his lackeys following.
I watched them go, my expression unreadable.
This wouldn't be the last time they came after me.
But that was fine.
Because soon they wouldn't be able to anymore.