The trio stood before the towering red and gold gates of the Heavenly Cloud Sect, their grandeur radiating a silent challenge to all who approached. The gates loomed high above them, their intricate carvings of dragons and clouds practically glowing in the late afternoon sunlight. The sheer scale of the structure was humbling, a testament to the sect’s legacy and power.

Zhang Wei broke the awestruck silence, his voice laced with admiration. “It’s impressive, isn’t it?”

Li Yun nodded, unable to tear his gaze away. “Impressive doesn’t even begin to describe it,” he murmured, his voice tinged with wonder. The gates seemed almost alive, like they were silently judging the worth of those who dared to pass through.

“Can we go in yet?” he asked after a moment, his excitement bubbling beneath his calm exterior.

Mei Lan laughed lightly, her demeanor cheerful yet understanding. “Of course. It’s about time we get you settled before everything starts anyway.”

The trio approached the gates, their footsteps echoing faintly on the polished stone road leading up to them. Zhang Wei and Mei Lan stepped forward confidently, their voices ringing out with practiced clarity.

“Zhang Wei, third-class outer disciple of the Heavenly Cloud Sect.”

“Mei Lan, third-class outer disciple of the Heavenly Cloud Sect.”

Zhang Wei glanced at Li Yun and added loudly, “And Li Yun, an examinee.”

There was a deep, resonating rumble as the gates slowly creaked open. The sound seemed to echo in Li Yun’s chest, a low vibration that filled him with equal parts excitement and trepidation. What lay beyond was nothing short of breathtaking.

Beyond the gates lay a city that seemed like it belonged to another world. The buildings were a blend of grand pagodas with curved, tiled roofs and sprawling courtyards filled with life. Lush greenery and vibrant flowers adorned every pathway, while tranquil ponds reflected the bright blue sky. Stone paths wound gracefully through the sect’s grounds, bordered by perfectly manicured gardens. Training grounds filled with disciples practicing martial arts stretched out in every direction. The sound of swords clashing, coupled with the hum of flowing water from small streams, created a harmonious symphony that brought the entire scene to life.

Li Yun’s jaw slackened slightly as he took it all in. “If a fourth-class sect looks like this, then is a first-class sect heaven itself?” he muttered under his breath, his thoughts unable to fathom how such beauty could be surpassed.

Mei Lan pointed ahead to a large, imposing building that seemed to serve as the focal point of the sprawling complex. “That’s the main administration office,” she explained, gesturing toward the massive structure. “That’s where you’ll register for the exam.” She then motioned to the left and right. “Those are the academy buildings. They house all the current rank-three outer disciples and their teachers.”

Li Yun’s gaze flitted around, his eyes wide as he tried to absorb every detail. From the towering pagodas to the numerous training grounds bustling with activity, the sheer scale and energy of the sect were overwhelming. “This place is… enormous,” he finally said.

Mei Lan grinned, clearly enjoying his reaction. “You should see the training gardens,” she said. “They’re stunning. And if you’re wondering about the rank-two living quarters, I haven’t seen them either. But I hear they’re different. Rank-three outer disciples like us share rooms with others of the same gender. But when you get to rank two, you get your own room. It’s one of the perks of advancing.”

As Mei Lan spoke, a young man dressed in green and purple robes brushed past Li Yun, his shoulder grazing against him. The man immediately turned sharply, his face twisting into a sneer. “How dare you touch my shoulder, you lowly commoner!” he snapped, his voice cutting through the air and drawing the attention of nearby disciples. “Get your filthy air away from me!”

Li Yun blinked in surprise at the outburst, but his expression remained calm and unbothered.

The young man puffed out his chest arrogantly, clearly reveling in the attention. “Do you know who I am?” he demanded, his tone dripping with disdain. “I am Tang Jiu of the Sichuan Tang Clan, a noble family renowned for our mastery of poison arts! You should be groveling at my feet for the honor of standing near me!”

As Tang Jiu finished his tirade, his gaze drifted upward, catching sight of Li Yun’s face. He faltered, his words drying up as his eyes took in the striking features before him—the piercing red eyes, the flawless white hair, and the calm, confident demeanor. Tang Jiu stammered briefly, his earlier bravado momentarily crumbling.

Mei Lan and Zhang Wei exchanged amused looks, and Mei Lan chuckled softly. “They don’t make nobles like they used to, huh?” she said, nudging Zhang Wei playfully. Both of them burst into quiet laughter.

Li Yun caught their reaction and allowed a small, knowing grin to spread across his lips. Tang Jiu’s face flushed with anger. “Don’t think you’re better than me just because you’re… a little handsome!” he shouted, his voice rising in indignation. “You don’t even have a sword! You’re so high and mighty, dirty commoner!”

Tang Jiu unsheathed the sword at his side, holding it up proudly. The blade gleamed in the sunlight, its craftsmanship undeniable. “This was crafted by none other than Master Zhao of the Celestial Forge! A weapon like this is worth more than your life!”

Li Yun’s expression didn’t change. “Nobles aren’t always as strong as their bodyguards make them seem,” he said quietly, his tone laced with subtle malice. “But don’t worry. If you get too close during the exam, I’ll make sure to cut your arm off.”

Tang Jiu’s hand tightened on the hilt of his sword, his jaw clenching, but he didn’t respond. Instead, he demanded, “What’s your name, commoner?”

“Li Yun,” he replied simply, his voice steady.

Tang Jiu pointed a trembling finger at him, his voice trembling with rage. “Just you wait, Li Yun! I’m going to drench the floor in your filthy commoner blood! Just wait!” With that, he stomped off, his robes billowing dramatically behind him.

As he disappeared into the distance, several female disciples walked by, their faces flushed as they caught glimpses of Li Yun. His striking appearance and calm aura seemed to captivate them, and they whispered among themselves, stealing shy glances in his direction.

Zhang Wei leaned closer, his voice low. “You’re going to need a sword, you know. The Crescent Blade won’t pass with the examiners.”

Li Yun nodded thoughtfully. “Is there a place I can get one?” he asked.

Mei Lan grinned. “Don’t worry. Disciples get free weapons from the sect blacksmith. We’ll take you there.”

The trio followed the pristine, pearly-white road until they reached a small, cobblestone shack with a faded sign that read “Khan’s Blacksmith.” Li Yun raised an eyebrow, his doubts evident as he took in the shop’s modest appearance.

But the moment they stepped inside, Li Yun felt a wave of power emanating from the old man hammering away at an anvil. The energy was almost tangible, filling the room with a quiet intensity that erased any doubts he had.

Zhang Wei and Mei Lan introduced Li Yun, and the old man—a burly figure with calloused hands and a sharp gaze—looked up from his work. “Another airhead to keep you company, huh?” Khan teased, his gruff voice carrying a trace of humor.

Mei Lan giggled, while Zhang Wei rolled his eyes. “What about me, old man? Aren’t I your favorite?”

Khan let out a hearty laugh. “You? Favorite? Not in this lifetime, kid.”

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

Li Yun, meanwhile, felt drawn to a barrel of weapons in the corner. The system’s familiar chime echoed in his mind: “Two swords of note. Dusty but functional. Potential quality: adequate.”

“Mind if I take a look around?” Li Yun asked, his tone polite but focused.

Khan waved dismissively. “Go ahead. Any friend of Mei Lan is a friend of mine.”

Li Yun made his way to the barrel and immediately spotted the two swords. One had a dark gray blade with a faint purple gem embedded in the hilt, its surface radiating an understated durability. The other had a sleek silver handle and a crimson blade that seemed unnaturally sharp. They were unassuming compared to the decorative weapons on display, but something about them felt right.

He lifted the swords and turned to Khan. “Would it be alright if I took these?”

Khan glanced at them briefly and shrugged. “No one’s touched those things in years. Take ’em. You’d be doing me a favor.”

After inspecting them further, Khan took the swords to his workbench. With practiced ease, he sharpened and polished them, revealing a hidden beauty beneath the dust and grime. When he handed them back, the blades gleamed in the fading light, their edges catching the warm glow of the setting sun. “These should serve you well in the exam,” Khan said with a nod, his tone both professional and encouraging. “They’re not flashy, but they’re reliable. Sometimes, that’s what matters most.”

Li Yun bowed slightly, appreciating the old man’s effort. “Thank you, Senior Khan. I’ll make good use of them.”

Khan grinned, a glint of approval in his eyes. “Don’t disappoint me, kid. You’ve got that look—like someone who might actually go far.”

Mei Lan, still beaming with excitement, tugged at Li Yun’s arm. “We need to hurry! The registration window won’t stay open forever!”

The trio left the shop and quickened their pace, heading toward the administration office as the sky transitioned into hues of orange and pink. The vibrant sect grounds seemed even more alive in the evening light, with disciples milling about and lanterns beginning to glow along the pathways.

“Li Yun, are you ready for this?” Zhang Wei asked, his voice a mix of concern and encouragement.

Li Yun took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle on his shoulders. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” he replied, his gaze steady as he looked ahead toward the grand entrance of the administration building.

Inside, the administration hall stretched out like a library of endless knowledge, its towering shelves lined with books, scrolls, and records. A single man sat behind a grand desk, his white beard flowing down his chest but his youthful face betraying his wisdom. His sharp eyes seemed to pierce straight into Li Yun’s soul.

“What do you need, boy?” the man asked curtly, his tone neither welcoming nor hostile.

“I’m here to register for the rank-two outer disciple exam,” Li Yun said with a confidence that didn’t betray his inner nervousness.

The man raised a skeptical brow, his quill scratching against a parchment. “Rank-two, huh? Bold. Most who register late for that exam are disqualified in minutes. But if you’re sure, write your name and style here.”

Li Yun stepped forward, taking the quill and scrawling his name with a steady hand. When he got to the section for his fighting style, he hesitated briefly before writing: Twin Swords.

The man glanced at the paper, his expression unreadable. “Twin swords, is it? Interesting. Here’s your plaque. Good luck, boy. You’ll need it.”

Taking the engraved plaque, Li Yun bowed slightly before turning and leaving the hall. Outside, Mei Lan was pacing nervously, her face lighting up when she saw him.

“How’d it go?” she asked, running up to meet him.

“All set,” Li Yun replied, holding up the plaque. “I’m officially registered.”

Mei Lan grinned. “Good! Now let’s get you settled before tomorrow. You’ll need a good rest.”

As they walked, the evening grew quieter, and the weight of the upcoming exam loomed heavier in the air. Li Yun clutched his plaque tightly, his mind racing with thoughts of preparation, strategy, and determination. Tomorrow would be the first step in carving his path in this new world, and he intended to make every moment count.

Mei Lan led Li Yun toward the dormitory area, but before they could reach it, Tang Jiu appeared from a side path, his sneering grin firmly back in place. “Ah, so you’ve registered after all,” Tang Jiu said, his tone laced with mockery. “I’ll admit, I was curious if you’d actually go through with it. Not that it will matter—you’ll be crushed before the second trial.”

Li Yun met Tang Jiu’s gaze, his expression unreadable. “You seem awfully invested in my performance, Tang Jiu. Afraid I might surpass you?”

Tang Jiu’s smirk faltered for the briefest moment before he scoffed. “Surpass me? Don’t make me laugh, commoner. But since we’re taking the same exam, I suppose I should show you to the accommodations. Wouldn’t want you getting lost.”

Mei Lan frowned but held her tongue, realizing that this was something Li Yun needed to handle on his own. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said, giving Li Yun a supportive smile. “Don’t let him get to you.”

“Don’t worry,” Li Yun replied with a small smirk. “I won’t.”

As Mei Lan and Zhang Wei departed, Tang Jiu motioned for Li Yun to follow him. The two walked in tense silence, the path to the dormitory illuminated by faintly glowing lanterns. The dormitory building itself was massive, its exterior lined with elegant carvings and large wooden doors that creaked slightly as Tang Jiu pushed them open.

Inside, the room was vast, with rows of simple beds neatly arranged. Each bed had a small storage chest at its foot, and a few other examinees were already settling in, their voices low and wary as they sized one another up. Tang Jiu gestured vaguely toward an empty bed near the back. “That one’s yours. Try not to embarrass yourself.”

Li Yun ignored the comment, his attention drawn to the room’s other occupants. Tang Jiu pointed out a few individuals with a mocking edge to his tone. “See that bald one? He’s from the Shaolin family—a bunch of self-righteous monks. And over there,” he said, nodding toward a boy with sharp, calculating eyes, “that’s Yan Luo of the Serpent’s Fang Clan. Nasty group, known for their poison techniques.”

Li Yun filed the information away, nodding slightly before moving toward his assigned bed. He set his plaque down and placed his swords on the mattress, their weight oddly reassuring.

Tang Jiu lingered nearby, his gaze calculating. “You should know, Li Yun,” he said quietly, “everyone here is dangerous. You’re nothing special.”

Li Yun met his gaze, his voice steady and cold. “I guess we’ll see about that.”

The bloodlust in his eyes was subtle but unmistakable, and Tang Jiu took an involuntary step back before turning and walking away. The other examinees avoided Li Yun as he settled in, the air around him heavy with an unspoken intensity. As he changed into the provided nightwear, his movements were calm but deliberate, each one carrying a quiet confidence that only added to the unease of those around him.

Sliding beneath the thin blanket, Li Yun closed his eyes, his mind racing with thoughts of the exam. The room grew quiet as the other boys settled into their own beds, the tension in the air palpable.

But the peace didn’t last long. A commotion erupted near the far end of the dormitory. Two examinees were shouting at each other, their voices loud and aggressive. One of them, a tall boy with broad shoulders, stood over another, smaller youth who looked equally determined.

"I was here first!" the smaller boy yelled, his fists clenched.

"Don’t make me laugh! You think you can fight me over a toilet? Get in line, runt," the taller boy sneered, stepping closer to intimidate him.

Li Yun sat up in his bed, his red eyes glowing faintly in the dim light as he observed the argument. The tension in the room thickened as other boys turned to watch, none daring to intervene.

"That’s enough," Li Yun said, his voice cutting through the noise like a blade. The two examinees froze, turning to look at him. Slowly, Li Yun swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood, his presence exuding a quiet but deadly authority.

He walked toward them, his steps unhurried but deliberate. When he stopped a few feet away, his gaze bore into them, sharp and unyielding.

"I don’t care how you thin the herd," Li Yun said coldly, his tone sending shivers down their spines. "But don’t include me, or I’ll kill you both."

The words hung in the air, heavy and undeniable. The taller boy scowled, his bravado flickering before anger overtook him. "Who do you think you are, talking like that?" he spat, stepping forward aggressively.

Li Yun didn’t respond with words. In a flash, he closed the distance between them, grabbing the taller boy by the back of his head and slamming it into the cold, iron door knob of the dormitory restroom. The sharp clang of bone meeting metal echoed through the room, followed by a sickening crunch. Blood splattered across the door and dripped onto the stone floor as the boy staggered back, clutching his head with a pained howl. A deep gash above his eyebrow bled profusely, the red staining his hands as he trembled.

"I don’t care If you threaten the others," Li Yun said, his voice as cold and unrelenting as steel. His crimson eyes burned with a terrifying intensity as he looked around the room, ensuring every examinee met his gaze. "But don’t you dare try and even threaten me—or I’ll make you beg for me to end your sad little pathetic lives."

The room fell into a suffocating silence. Some of the boys stepped back instinctively, their faces pale as they avoided Li Yun’s piercing glare. A few others held their ground, their expressions a mix of fear and defiance, but none dared to challenge him outright. The bloodied boy whimpered, his earlier arrogance crushed under the weight of Li Yun’s brutal display.

Without another word, Li Yun turned and entered the restroom, shutting the door behind him with a deliberate finality. The sound of running water soon followed, but the tension in the dormitory remained thick, the air heavy with the unspoken realization that Li Yun was not someone to be trifled with.

When Li Yun emerged a few minutes later, his expression was calm, almost indifferent, as if nothing had happened. He walked back to his bed with an air of quiet authority, the blood on the floor and the terrified whispers around him seemingly unnoticed. Sliding beneath the thin blanket, Li Yun closed his eyes, his mind focused entirely on the trials to come.

The dormitory gradually returned to a tense silence, but the image of the taller boy’s bloodied face and Li Yun’s ruthless action lingered in everyone’s mind. They whispered among themselves in hushed tones, careful not to draw his attention.

Li Yun allowed himself a faint smirk, the weight of their stares unnoticed as sleep began to claim him. "Tomorrow," he thought, "The real hunting season begins."

And just like that Li Yun's thoughts were claimed by his undeniable sleep.