Yun Shaoyun sat cross-legged in the training courtyard, sweat dripping down his face as he controlled his breathing. His body trembled slightly as a surge of energy rushed through his meridians. Every inch of his muscles felt like they were being reforged in molten steel, his bones ringing like struck iron. The pain was immense, but he gritted his teeth and endured.

Then—

Boom!

A faint ripple of energy spread outward, disturbing the dust on the courtyard’s stone floor. His body shuddered before settling into a newfound balance. A strange warmth settled in his core, filling him with a sense of strength he hadn’t possessed moments ago.

He exhaled deeply, his breath carrying a hint of residual spiritual energy.

Mortal Realm, 2nd Stage—Cleared.

A slow grin crept onto his lips. He had finally broken through.

Before he could savor the moment, a familiar, loud voice shattered the silence.

“Hah! Junior Brother, you finally broke through!”

Luo Feng’s voice carried across the courtyard, filled with amusement. He strolled over with his arms crossed, smirking like he had just witnessed a baby take its first steps. Beside him, Mu Qinglan followed with her usual calm, collected expression.

Luo Feng clicked his tongue. “I was starting to think you’d be stuck at the 1st Stage forever.”

Yun Shaoyun wiped his forehead, exhaling sharply. His gaze flicked toward Luo Feng, irritation creeping into his voice.

“Senior Brother, can you at least pretend to be impressed?”

Luo Feng laughed, but Yun Shaoyun’s attention shifted momentarily to Mu Qinglan. As she stood under the soft glow of the morning sun, her cold and peaceful aura seemed even more striking. There was an effortless grace to her presence, her long silver-blue robes flowing lightly in the breeze.

She regarded him with her usual detached expression, then gave a slight nod. “Your progress is acceptable.”

Yun Shaoyun groaned. “You could at least say good job.”

Luo Feng clapped him on the back, his grin widening. “We’ll say that when you reach the Core Formation Realm. Until then, get used to disappointment.”

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

Yun Shaoyun sighed and took a sip of water, feeling dejected. He had worked hard for this breakthrough, but his so-called seniors weren’t giving him any credit. Typical.

Mu Qinglan, ignoring Luo Feng’s teasing, spoke with her usual directness. “Now that you’ve advanced, it’s time you learned about the Inner Disciple Test.”

Yun Shaoyun perked up. “What’s that?”

Luo Feng’s smirk widened. He leaned in slightly, as if about to share a great secret. “It’s the most important test for Outer Disciples. Every five years, the sect holds a selection exam. If you pass, you become an Inner Disciple and gain access to way better resources.”

Yun Shaoyun’s interest piqued up. “What kind of resources?”

Mu Qinglan answered, “Stronger cultivation techniques, access to high-grade training grounds, personal lessons from elders, and more cultivation pills.”

Luo Feng added, “And let’s not forget—Inner Disciples get way more respect. Outer Disciples are basically the sect’s cannon fodder.”

Yun Shaoyun froze mid-sip. Slowly, he lowered his cup.

“…Wait. What?”

Luo Feng nodded sagely, his tone deliberately grave. “Oh yeah. If there’s ever a sect war, guess who they send out first? The Outer Disciples.”

Yun Shaoyun’s face darkened. “So, you’re saying… if I don’t pass this test in five years, I’m basically a human shield?”

Luo Feng clapped him on the shoulder. “Exactly! That’s why you better train hard, Junior Brother!”

Yun Shaoyun groaned, rubbing his temples. I just wanted a peaceful life. How did I get scammed into this?

Mu Qinglan, unbothered by his distress, continued. “The Inner Disciple Test isn’t easy. If you’re serious about getting stronger, start preparing now.”

Yun Shaoyun exhaled, determination settling in his chest. He might have been thrown into this world against his will, but he wasn’t about to become cannon fodder.

Luo Feng grinned. “Good! Now that you’re motivated, let’s celebrate your breakthrough!”

Yun Shaoyun narrowed his eyes. “…Really?”, feeling somewhat suspicious of Luo Feng.

Luo Feng’s grin turned mischievous. “Yeah! By having you spar with me. Let’s see if that 2nd Stage of yours actually means anything.”

“As expected” Yun Shaoyun’s face fell. “...Can we not?”

Mu Qinglan sighed. “This is going to be a long day.”, Thankfully Luo feng didn’t spare with him as he just breakthrough.

---

Understanding the Sect and Its Rivals

As they walked through the sect’s main training grounds, Luo Feng began explaining more about the sect. Yun Shaoyun listened intently, absorbing every word.

“There are seven main stages of cultivation, each divided into three smaller stages,” Luo Feng began. “You just broke through to the Mortal Realm, 2nd Stage. After that comes Qi Condensation, then Foundation Establishment, and so on.”

Yun Shaoyun nodded, making a mental note. Cultivation was a long and arduous journey, but knowing the structure made it feel more manageable.

Mu Qinglan added, “Our sect, The Unwavering Sword Sect, is one of the strongest middle-grade sects. However, we have rivals.”

Luo Feng smirked. “Our biggest enemy? The Thunderclap Sect. Those bastards have been our rivals for generations. We compete for resources, disciples, and even land.”

Mu Qinglan’s tone was neutral but firm. “Both our sect and the Thunderclap Sect are at the top among middle-grade sects. The struggle for resources is fierce, and the top-ranking sects receive the best cultivation grounds, spiritual mines, and rare herbs.”

Yun Shaoyun frowned. “And the continent itself? Who’s in charge of all this?”

Mu Qinglan glanced at him. “The continent is called Moon-Star, and it is ruled by two emperors governing different regions. The balance of power is delicate, and sects play a major role in maintaining—or disrupting—it.”

Yun Shaoyun rubbed his chin. Two emperors, rival sects, and constant struggles for resources… This world is basically one giant power struggle.

“By the way,” he asked, looking at his two companions, “where are you two from originally?”

Luo Feng’s expression softened slightly. “I come from a small village in the north. My family were farmers, but I always dreamed of something more. Joining the sect changed my life.”

Mu Qinglan hesitated for a moment before answering. “I come from a noble family. But I left that life behind. My only focus now is becoming stronger and protecting what I care about.”

Yun Shaoyun nodded, sensing the weight behind her words. Everyone here had their own reasons for cultivating.

Luo Feng suddenly grinned. “Alright, enough talk. Junior Brother, it’s time for your first real spar.”

Yun Shaoyun groaned. “I just broke through! Can I get a day to rest?” feeling slightly hopefull.

Luo Feng cracked his knuckles. “Nope. If you want to survive in this sect, you need to be ready at all times. Now, draw your sword.”

Yun Shaoyun sighed, shaking his head. He had a feeling this was going to be painful.

As he stepped onto the sparring platform, he couldn’t help but wonder—was this really the path fate had chosen for him? Or was there something greater waiting for him beyond the sect walls?

One thing was certain.

He had no choice but to find out.