Silverbrook City bustled with activity as the day of the sect exams loomed ever closer. Cultivators from all over the region were pouring into the city, eager to test their skills and seek the opportunity to join the ranks of the powerful sects. The city, much larger and grander than the other cities Wuji had visited, boasted massive walls that stretched into the horizon. The dense Qi that permeated the air was unlike anything Wuji had felt before—undoubtedly a product of the grand formations he had heard about from Master Zhang.

The dense Qi acted as a constant reminder that this place, Silverbrook City, was the center of power and influence. It was here that his journey as a cultivator could truly begin.

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After asking around the city, Wuji found what he was looking for a training ground located on the outskirts of Silverbrook, a vast complex where one could hone their combat abilities, practice techniques, and meditate in peace. The place reminded Wuji of the gyms on Earth, though it was much more expansive and catered specifically to cultivators of all levels.

The training grounds were divided into different sections—one for weapon training, one for hand-to-hand combat, and several areas designated for meditation and spiritual cultivation. Large practice dummies stood at the ready, carved from solid wood and reinforced with Qi to withstand even the most powerful strikes. Other cultivators trained nearby, their swords flashing through the air, their bodies moving in perfect harmony with their weapons.

Wuji’s hand rested on the hilt of his sword as he entered the training grounds. He had not formally learned sword techniques from a sect, but the countless life-and-death experiences he had faced in the wilderness had refined his skills into something deadly and efficient. He knew that his strength wasn’t in elegant forms or graceful moves; it was in the raw, practical application of his swordsmanship—something born from survival, not tradition.

He found a clear area and began his training. His body moved through the motions, his sword cutting through the air with precision and force. His strikes were quick and deliberate, each movement calculated to conserve energy while delivering maximum damage. Though there was no opponent in front of him, Wuji’s mind visualized the battles he had faced in the past, each enemy he had slain, and each situation where a single misstep could have meant death.

His breathing steadied as he continued his practice, the sound of his sword cutting through the wind the only thing filling his ears. His movements became more fluid, his strikes more precise as he immersed himself in the rhythm of the training.

After several hours of rigorous practice, he sheathed his sword and moved to a quieter section of the grounds, one reserved for meditation. He sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and began to meditate as Master Zhang had taught him. He calmed his breathing, focusing on clearing his mind, letting go of the tension in his muscles.

Though he could not yet cultivate Qi, Wuji knew the importance of mental clarity. Master Zhang had often emphasized that a calm and focused mind was the foundation of all cultivation. It was not just about physical strength; it was about controlling the flow of energy and maintaining balance between the body and spirit.

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As Wuji meditated, his mind drifted to the knowledge he had gained over the years, the scientific principles he still applied to his understanding of Qi. He thought of the resonance between elements, of how Qi flowed like electricity through circuits, each path unique and complex. His meditation helped him clear his thoughts, allowing him to focus on the coming exam and the challenges that lay ahead.

For the next several weeks, Wuji returned to the training ground daily. He honed his swordsmanship, refining every strike, every movement, while continuing to meditate and strengthen his mental fortitude. His progress was steady, and though he had no teacher to guide him, he relied on his instincts and the lessons he had learned from his life on Earth.

The life-and-death situations he had faced while traveling the world had sharpened his skills beyond what many young cultivators could claim. He had fought beasts, escaped ambushes, and survived in the wilderness—his sword had become an extension of himself, and his mind was focused, sharp as ever.

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Finally, the day before the sect exams arrived.

As Wuji prepared in his inn room, he found himself thinking of the promise he had made two years ago—to reunite with his childhood friends from Celestial Harmony Village before the exams. The memory of their shared determination and their long hours of training together brought a smile to his face. They had all been just children back then, but even at that young age, their resolve had been unwavering.

Mei, the little girl who had always clung to him like a sister, had been the most determined of them all. Jinhai, the boy with strength like a bear, had always been confident in his physical abilities, eager to prove himself. Zhen, the quiet and introverted boy with a sharp mind, had often been the strategist of their group, analyzing every situation with careful thought.

Wuji remembered how they would train together, each pushing themselves to be stronger for the day of the sect exams. Even though they were only children at the time, their dedication had always fascinated him. Wuji had been diligent because of his knowledge from his past life, but for them, their motivation came purely from their desire to succeed in this world. They had known no other way of life, and their resolve had often inspired Wuji.

Now, after two long years, they would meet again—this time in Silverbrook City, at the Golden Lotus Pavilion, the most famous restaurant in the city.

Wuji dressed in a simple but elegant white hanfu, the fabric light and comfortable, fitting for the occasion. He tied his hair back with a ribbon, his appearance clean and calm, though beneath the surface, a part of him was eager for the reunion. He hadn’t seen his friends in two years, and he wondered how much they had changed.

Stepping out into the busy streets of Silverbrook City, Wuji made his way toward the Golden Lotus Pavilion. The city was bustling with activity, especially with the sect exams so close, but Wuji’s mind was focused on the upcoming meeting with his childhood companions.

As he approached the pavilion, its grand exterior came into view—beautifully carved wooden arches, intricate designs adorning the entrance, and large red lanterns hanging from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the area. The place was just as grand as he had imagined.

Wuji stepped inside, the atmosphere lively with the chatter of patrons and the clinking of dishes. The scent of rich food filled the air, but Wuji's attention was focused on scanning the room for familiar faces.

After a few moments of searching, he spotted them—Jinhai and Zhen. They were seated at a table near the center of the room, both looking older and more mature than the last time Wuji had seen them. Jinhai’s broad shoulders and powerful frame were hard to miss, and Zhen’s quiet demeanor still showed in the way he sat, calm and observant.

Wuji smiled and walked toward them. As he approached, he couldn’t help but notice something was missing—Mei wasn’t with them.

The thought lingered in his mind as he reached the table. What could have happened to her?