The trio’s pace had slowed after the long journey, but they could all feel the excitement building as they got closer to their destination. Zhang Wei glanced at Li Yun, his expression calm but curious. “Brother Li, are you still nervous about the entrance exam?”
Li Yun hesitated before shrugging. “A little,” he admitted, looking down at the uneven path beneath their feet. “I’ve been working hard, but it’s hard not to feel like I’m still unprepared.”
Mei Lan smiled warmly. “That’s perfectly normal,” she said reassuringly. “Everyone feels that way their first time. Honestly, the progress you’ve made in just a few days is incredible. It’s almost like you’re cheating fate.”
Li Yun chuckled softly, though her encouragement didn’t fully ease his worries. “Easy for you to say. You’ve already been through it all before.”
“She’s not wrong,” Zhang Wei added. “The exam is meant to gauge potential as much as skill. You don’t have to be perfect, just show them what you’re capable of. You’ll do fine as long as you don’t push yourself too hard.”
The mention of the exam brought a storm of questions into Li Yun’s mind. “What exactly should I expect?” he asked, looking back and forth between the pair.
Mei Lan’s face grew serious. “Well, before I explain that, there’s something important you need to know,” she began. “When we get to the exam grounds, Zhang Wei and I will have to split off from you.”
Li Yun raised an eyebrow. “Split off? Why?”
“We’re assisting the examiners this year,” Mei Lan explained. “So we won’t be able to stay with you during the test.”
Li Yun nodded slowly, his lips curving into a faint smile. “That’s fine. I can handle myself.”
Mei Lan’s expression remained serious. “Listen,” she said firmly, “no matter what, don’t take the second-class outer disciple exam.”
Li Yun tilted his head in confusion. “Why not?”
Zhang Wei jumped in with a concerned tone. “Because it’s brutal. Only the strongest applicants—usually nobles or people who’ve trained since childhood—attempt it. They’ve already mastered qi cultivation and martial arts. Someone who’s just opened their dantian a few days ago… it’s too dangerous.”
Mei Lan sighed. “It’s not just about skill. That test is designed to weed out people who aren’t already strong. I’m not saying you’re weak, but… you’ve only been training for a short time. Even so, do you know any martial arts?”
Li Yun’s lips twitched into a smirk. “Actually, I do,” he said casually.
Both Mei Lan and Zhang Wei turned to him, their faces full of surprise. “What? Where did you learn?” Mei Lan demanded.
Li Yun scratched the back of his neck, pretending to look embarrassed. “There was this guy in the Demon Forest. He made a joke, threw a martial blade manual at my face, and then vanished. Next thing I knew, I had it.”
Zhang Wei and Mei Lan exchanged incredulous looks. “That… that sounds like something out of a bad novel,” Zhang Wei muttered. “What was it called?”
“The Fallen Leaf Sword Arts,” Li Yun replied, his tone light but with a glint of humor in his eyes.
Mei Lan’s jaw dropped. “You’re joking! That doesn’t sound like something a real master would just toss at a random stranger!”
“Well, it works great with my Crescent Blade,” Li Yun added with a shrug.
Both Mei Lan and Zhang Wei froze, their expressions stunned. “Wait,” Zhang Wei said slowly. “Your Crescent Blade? The weird glowed sword you use?”
Li Yun stiffened, realizing he’d slipped up. “Uh… it’s just something I can do,” he stammered. “I don’t really understand it myself. It’s just always been there.”
Mei Lan and Zhang Wei shouted in unison, “HE’S A UNIQUE!”
Li Yun jumped at their loud reaction. “A unique? What does that mean?”
Mei Lan shushed Zhang Wei before he could answer, taking charge of the explanation. “A unique is someone born with a special ability. It could be enhanced senses, super speed, or even walking on walls. But… I’ve never heard of anyone with a sword-based ability before.”
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Li Yun’s shoulders slumped slightly as he processed the revelation. “So… no one in the sect will know anything about this?”
Zhang Wei shrugged. “Maybe the sect leader does. He’s ancient and knows more than anyone alive.”
The thought gave Li Yun a glimmer of hope. He nodded and resolved to press forward, keeping his doubts to himself.
----------------------------------------
After a while, Mei Lan suddenly pointed ahead and shouted, “HEY! WE CAN SEE THE SECT PEAK MOUNTAIN FROM HERE! IT’S ONLY 20 MINUTES TO THE BASE VILLAGE!”
Li Yun squinted at the distant silhouette of the mountain, its peak covered in a layer of fluffy clouds. “What’s the base village?” he asked.
Before Mei Lan could answer, Zhang Wei clamped a hand over her mouth. “It’s a massive village where regular people live,” he explained. “Most applicants either come from there or nearby territories. You can find just about anything you need in the village.”
Mei Lan wriggled free from Zhang Wei’s grip and added, “And it’s beautiful! Just wait until you see it.”
Moments later, the forest opened up, revealing the base village. Li Yun stopped in his tracks, his breath catching in his throat. The village was more incredible than anything he could have imagined. Cobblestone streets were lined with vibrant stalls, their colorful canopies swaying gently in the breeze. Strings of glowing lanterns hung across narrow alleys, casting a warm, inviting light. Flowers of every color decorated windowsills and balconies, their sweet scents mixing with the savory aroma of roasted meats and spiced pastries. The streets were alive with chatter, laughter, and the hum of excitement.
“It’s… stunning,” Li Yun said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Mei Lan grinned. “I told you it would be.”
As they walked through the bustling village, Li Yun couldn’t stop marveling at the sights. Children darted between the crowds, laughing as they played games. Vendors called out their wares, offering everything from rare herbs to finely crafted weapons. Musicians played lively tunes, drawing small crowds that clapped along to the rhythm. The entire village felt alive with hope and anticipation.
Before long, they reached the base of the mountain. Li Yun tilted his head back, taking in the sight of the towering peak. Clouds wrapped around its upper reaches like a heavenly veil, and the sect buildings perched on the mountain seemed to float above the world. Their white walls and silver roofs shimmered in the sunlight, looking more like a divine palace than a mortal sect.
“Now you see why it’s called the Heavenly Cloud Sect,” Mei Lan said, her voice filled with pride.
Li Yun nodded, still awestruck. “It’s… otherworldly.”
Zhang Wei smirked and gestured toward the long staircase that snaked up the mountain. “Hope you’ve got good stamina because we’ve got a lot of climbing to do.”
Li Yun grinned. “Try to keep up with me, third-class.”
The challenge sparked competitive grins from Mei Lan and Zhang Wei, and the three took off up the stairs. Mei Lan and Zhang Wei used their qi to enhance their speed, but to their shock, Li Yun leaped ahead, embedding qi into his feet to propel himself off the cliff walls. His moves were so fluid and confident that it left the pair speechless.
“HE’S A SECRET GENIUS!” Mei Lan exclaimed, struggling to keep up.
Halfway up, they paused to catch their breath. Caravans of nobles and other hopefuls passed by, their ornate robes and serious expressions showing just how prestigious the exam was. Li Yun observed them quietly, realizing the sheer scale of competition he was about to face.
After a brief rest, the trio resumed their climb. Despite their best efforts, Mei Lan and Zhang Wei couldn’t catch Li Yun, who reached the summit first. The pair stumbled up moments later, panting
and laughing as they tried to recover from the grueling climb. Li Yun stood at the summit, gazing at the massive gates before him. The structure was nothing short of magnificent a towering 100-meter tall red and gold gate, carved intricately with images of clouds and dragons, as if welcoming visitors to a realm beyond mortal reach. The gate exuded an aura of reverence and power, guarded by several disciples dressed in silver and white robes, their sharp eyes scanning every newcomer.
Behind the gates, the Heavenly Cloud Sect revealed itself in full splendor. The main buildings were perched elegantly on the mountainside, their silver roofs gleaming in the sunlight and their white walls pristine, reflecting a sense of divine order. The clouds that clung to the mountains peak swirled lazily around the structures, giving them the appearance of floating above the heavens. Surrounding the central structures were smaller pagodas and courtyards, each connected by winding paths that disappeared into the mist.
Mei Lan collapsed onto the ground, her tongue practically hanging out as she gasped for air. Zhang Wei, though slightly better off, leaned heavily on his spear for support. Both of them shot tired but impressed looks at Li Yun.
You're insane, Mei Lan huffed, wiping sweat from her brow. Where did you even learn to move like that? Who taught you how to use qi that way?
Li Yun grinned, his confidence radiating as he playfully shrugged. Guess I'm just full of surprises.
Zhang Wei gave a wry laugh. Brother Li, you might actually give the examiners a heart attack. You've got more tricks up your sleeve than anyone I've ever seen.
Li Yun chuckled but stayed silent, his thoughts elsewhere. As he stared at the towering gates and the sect beyond, a mix of anticipation and anxiety welled up inside him. The weight of what lay ahead felt almost suffocating, but at the same time, a deep resolve anchored him. He had a plan, and no matter what, he would see it through.
Mei Lan and Zhang Wei finally caught their breath and stood up, brushing themselves off. Mei Lan placed a hand on Li Yuns shoulder, her expression softer than usual. Welcome to the Heavenly Cloud Sect, she said, her voice filled with pride and encouragement. Are you ready for this?
''Never a better time than now'' Li Yun expressed, every word he said exuded immense confidence he was ready and Li Yun knew it.