The morning mist clung to the towering stone gates of the Tengbang Sect, swirling around the crowd of hopeful disciples like a thousand whispering voices.

The air was crisp with the scent of damp earth, and the vast arena before them, encircled by stone pillars and intricate carvings, hummed with the tension of competition.

The sect entrance exam was held in a vast courtyard enclosed by towering stone walls, the insignia of the Tengbang Sect carved into its pillars.

Candidates dressed in robes of varying quality, stood in a sea of nervous anticipation.

Some fidgeted with their sleeves, others whispered hurriedly with their friends, while a few stood silently, eyes fixed on the horizon as they prepared mentally for the challenges ahead.

Hundreds of hopeful disciples had gathered, murmuring in hushed excitement and anticipation.

Some were noble heirs, their robes embroidered with gold and silver.

Others were commoners, their clothes plain but their eyes burning with determination. The tension in the air was palpable.

Chi Chi stood among them, her small frame almost swallowed by the crowd. Dressed in a simple yet elegant robe, she didn’t stand out much, which was exactly what she wanted.

Her presence barely noticeable amidst the throngs of eager candidates. She was small, delicate, almost fragile-looking in her soft, flowing robes.

Unlike the others, she didn’t fidget or boast about her training. Instead, she casually popped a candied plum into her mouth, savoring the sweetness with a silly smile.

Today,

She wasn’t here as the youngest daughter of the Sect Leader.

She was just Chi Chi

Her attention caught by a figure standing off to the side, far removed from the others. A girl with dark hair, neatly tied in a low ponytail, stood with her arms crossed.

Yue Xue stood apart from the other candidates, her arms crossed over her chest as she surveyed the crowd.

Her gaze was sharp, calculating, yet her body language spoke volumes of the guardedness she felt—her shoulders stiff, her face hard, as though she expected everyone around her to be a threat.

Her robe, frayed at the edges, betrayed the fact that she was no stranger to struggle and her posture was relaxed yet wary—like a predator at rest.

Chi Chi noticed her immediately. She recognized the invisible weight that clung to Yue Xue.

The quiet sadness, the guardedness, the silent suffering that lay beneath her exterior. It was like reading a book written in a language Chi Chi had mastered long ago.

Chi Chi smiled and approached her.

“Do you want a candy?” she asked, offering one from her pouch.

The girl blinked, clearly caught off guard. She stared at the sweet treat as if it were a foreign object, then at Chi Chi’s expectant face. “…What?”

“A gift.” Chi Chi beamed. “You seem like the kind of person who forgets to enjoy sweets.”

Yue Xue studied her for a moment, her gaze suspicious yet intrigued. She had learned to trust no one, especially not people like this girl—someone who appeared too innocent, too naïve to survive the trials ahead. “I don’t take food from strangers,” she replied flatly, her voice tinged with caution.

“Oh, then let’s not be strangers!” Chi Chi beamed, as though her words were the most natural thing in the world. “I’m Chi Chi! I’m here to join the Tengbang Sect!”

Yue Xue’s suspicion deepened. She eyed Chi Chi, trying to gauge the truth behind her cheerful exterior. “Do you even know what you're getting into?” she asked, still unsure whether Chi Chi was just a spoiled girl playing dress-up or someone who had truly earned her place here.

Chi Chi’s smile didn’t falter. “Of course! But I don’t mind working hard! I like making friends more than anything.”

“Mm.” Yue Xue’s eyes narrowed, sizing Chi Chi up. She wasn’t sure if she was more irritated by Chi Chi’s softness or if she was secretly drawn to her innocence. “You’re too naïve,” she muttered under her breath. “You’ll be eaten alive.”

Chi Chi, however, didn’t seem bothered by Yue Xue’s words. “Maybe! But I think there’s more to this world than just being strong!” she chirped. “Let’s be friends, okay?”

Yue Xue was about to protest, but before she could speak, the loud clang of the gong echoed through the air, signaling the start of the first trial.

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The first trial of the entrance exam was a physical test that had the candidates navigate a treacherous obstacle course. The ground was uneven, strewn with rocks, and the air was thick with the scent of moss and damp earth. At the start, a loud gong sounded, and the candidates surged forward with determination.

Chi Chi, however, wasn’t in a rush. She took a deep breath, adjusting the straps of her simple robe and smoothing down her hair, which was caught in a loose bun.

Her purple and golden eyes—like the colors of a fading sunset—shone brightly against the pale light. She looked delicate, almost too fragile for such a test, but there was something in her gaze that suggested she wasn't afraid.

She took the first step with caution, her bare feet making soft thuds against the cold stone path.

A log swing ahead threatened to knock anyone off their feet, but Chi Chi moved with quiet grace, trying to avoid it. The other candidates, eager to impress, rushed ahead, some almost toppling into the pits of muddy water that were scattered along the course.

Chi Chi, however, slipped on the wet surface, losing her balance for a moment.

She caught herself on a nearby rock, and though the other participants rushed past her, Chi Chi just giggled softly, brushing off the dirt from her robes.

"Oops," she muttered, more amused than embarrassed, and continued forward with a smile. She wasn’t in a hurry to race, but more concerned with keeping a steady pace. Her movements were fluid, but they lacked the sharp precision one might expect from a more seasoned practitioner.

When she finally crossed the finish line, Chi Chi wasn’t the first, but she wasn’t last either. She beamed at her results. Her performance was far from exceptional, but it was good enough. She was happy just to have completed the course without injury.

The second trial was a sparring match. Chi Chi was paired with a young boy around her age who wielded a spear. The boy seemed confident, puffing out his chest as he faced her.

“I’m going to make this quick,” he boasted, swinging his spear with a flourish.

Chi Chi only nodded politely, her golden eyes filled with curiosity rather than fear. The match began, and she evaded his strikes with surprising agility—though, at times, it seemed like she was merely clumsy. She tripped on a stray pebble and barely dodged a strike, making the crowd gasp. Her opponent, sensing her apparent weakness, grew bolder. His spear thrust toward her, but she sidestepped with a soft squeal, twisting her body just in time.

“Ah!” she exclaimed, nearly tumbling to the ground. She caught herself by the edge of his spear, almost tripping the boy in the process.

The audience was quiet, unsure of what they were witnessing—Chi Chi's every move was cautious, graceful, but not filled with strength or intent. She merely danced around the spear, letting it slide harmlessly past her.

The boy, frustrated by his inability to land a blow, charged forward. Chi Chi, not wanting to hurt him, moved with a light touch. She lightly tapped his shoulder and with a mischievous grin, pushed him off-balance, sending him crashing onto the soft mats. She stood there, clutching her hands in front of her chest, looking guilty as the crowd erupted into laughter.

She apologized, offering him a hand, her voice gentle and kind. The boy blinked in surprise but took her hand with a nod. She had won, but it didn’t feel like victory to her. It felt like she had just made a mistake.

Yue Xue, watching from the sidelines, narrowed her eyes. She could sense that Chi Chi wasn’t as naive as she appeared but she still was innocent as hell.

The final trial tested knowledge of cultivation theories. A series of complicated questions were presented, and candidates had to answer them as best as they could. Chi Chi’s hand hovered nervously over the paper. Her gaze flickered to Yue Xue’s—Yue Xue looked as calm as ever, scanning the questions with sharp eyes, writing answers quickly and confidently.

Chi Chi took a deep breath, trying to relax. She knew she could answer these questions, but she didn’t want to stand out. She didn’t want to be exceptional. So, she scribbled just enough to pass, making sure to leave a few answers incomplete. Her purple eyes flickered over the questions, and she answered in a way that wouldn’t draw attention—just enough to meet the minimum required.

When the results were announced, Chi Chi wasn’t the top scorer, but she had passed, just as she had intended. She smiled happily, pleased with her performance.

As the candidates filed out of the courtyard, Chi Chi reached into her pouch and pulled out a candied plum, offering it to Yue Xue, who had just finished her exam.

Yue Xue, still wearing her usual cool demeanor, paused before looking at the candy, then at Chi Chi.

“You’re persistent,” Yue Xue said quietly, her voice less guarded than before. There was something in her gaze now—a flicker of curiosity.

Chi Chi smiled warmly, her golden eyes sparkling. “I just like sharing sweet things with people,” she said innocently.

Yue Xue raised an eyebrow. “Why do you look at me like that?”

“Because I think you’re lonely,” Chi Chi replied simply, her voice soft but piercing, as though she could see right through Yue Xue’s defences.

Yue Xue flinched, startled by the insight in Chi Chi’s words, but she didn’t say anything. For a moment, she just stared at the candied plum in Chi Chi’s hand. Then, almost reluctantly, she accepted it.

Chi Chi beamed at her. “I promise it’s sweet.”

Yue Xue took a bite, her expression unchanged, but something in her eyes softened. It was the smallest of changes, but Chi Chi noticed.

“Sweet…” Yue Xue murmured, her tone less guarded than before. “You really are… different.”

Chi Chi simply giggled, clapping her hands together. “Everyone’s different! But you’re pretty nice too, Yue Xue!”

Yue Xue looked away, her cheeks faintly flushed, but for the first time, she felt a flicker of warmth from within. Maybe Chi Chi wasn’t just clumsy and sweet.

And maybe, just maybe, she’d like to protect her

Yue Xue stared at the candied plum. No one had ever given her something so small, so meaningless. It was foolish. It was... warm.

This girl was confusing. Naive, innocent, weak—but strangely nice.

She should have been irritated. Instead, she sighed.

This girl was ridiculous—too pure, too trusting. If Chi Chi truly was a pampered noble girl, then someone needed to keep an eye on her before she got herself hurt.

And Yue Xue would be the one to do it.

She looked helpless . “You won’t last long here,” she muttered, softer this time. “Stay close to me.”

Chi Chi tilted her head. “Why?”

Yue Xue looked away, pocketing the candy. “Because someone like you... needs protecting.”

Chi Chi chuckled, her eyes twinkling. “You’re sweet, like caramel. A little tough, but kind.”

Yue Xue huffed, crossing her arms. “I’m not sweet.”

Chi Chi only smiled. She had gained a friend.