"Chen? Up this early?" Yujin mutters groggily, rubbing his eyes as he stumbles onto the training grounds. "What's gotten into you?"

He stretches wide before making his way over, slapping me on the back.

"Nothing," I reply, rolling my shoulders. "Just felt like trying again."

Yujin's eyes light up instantly. "Really!? Never thought I'd see the day—the old Chen, back from the dead!" He laughs, locking an arm around my neck and ruffling my hair with the enthusiasm of the rising sun.

I push him off, flicking his forehead. "Enough of that. Training's about to start—let's get ready."

Still grinning, Yujin rubs his forehead, clearly amused. As we head off to wash and change robes, I catch a glance from across the training grounds.

Haoyu stands at a distance, watching me with a smirk—one that promises nothing good.

A few minutes pass as the outer disciples gather in the training grounds for their daily martial training—breathing exercises, stance work, basic forms, and qi cultivation.

"Attention!" Instructor Yuan's voice cuts through the morning air, firm yet steady. "Today, you will train in pairs, reviewing each other's breathing, stance, and form. Wudang is not just about strength but harmony—learning to grow alongside your allies."

His silver-streaked hair, tied neatly, flows like a river in motion, mirroring his presence—unshakable yet fluid. I'm glad he's back to training us again.

"Yes, Master!" The disciples respond in unison, their voices echoing through the grounds. The air stirs with renewed energy as they begin pairing up.

Of course, I ended up with Yujin. Not like anyone else would willingly choose me.

As training begins, a familiar voice echoes in my mind.

"Young Jiang, your breathing is shallow, and your stance is stiff."

Juan Lei's tone is as sharp as ever—I can practically picture his smug expression.

"Are you okay, Chen?" Yujin asks, noticing my distraction.

"I'm fine, just focusing on my training." I force a smile, but Juan Lei's constant remarks chip away at my patience.

"This Yujin kid is too soft on you. Your form and breathing are clearly lacking, yet he's not even correcting you. Either he's holding back, or he's just not skilled enough to notice."

He chuckles, clearly amused by his own criticism. Then, without warning, my stance shifts. My breathing steadies. Qi flows effortlessly through my body, smoother than ever.

"Just go with the flow and trust in your great master!"

It seems he can even manipulate my qi, guiding me without effort.

"Too bad your reserves are so pitiful. If you had more, I might even be able to control your body myself—train it to my heart's content." His voice carries a playful edge, but the unsettling chuckle that follows makes it hard to tell if he's joking. I can practically imagine him rubbing his hands together like some scheming villain. For a Wudang master, he's certainly an odd one.

The energy moves naturally, refining my form—already decent from training, but now sharper, more precise. The insight I gained from that strange mission board only amplifies the effect.

"Whoa!" Yujin's eyes widened. "How did you do that? You changed in an instant!"

Before I can answer, a sharp voice cuts through the air.

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"You two—more training, less talking!"

Instructor Yuan's reprimand is firm, but unlike Elder Jung-hi, his tone carries patience rather than strictness.

As training continued, Juan Lei—ahem, I mean Master—guided me, not only correcting my form but also pointing out Yujin's flaws, helping him improve as well. This… this is starting to feel like an actual master-disciple relationship.

By the time the sun fully illuminates Mt. Wudang, Instructor Yuan calls an end to the session. "That's enough for today. Head to the dining hall for breakfast."

Wiping the sweat from our bodies, Yujin and I make our way to the hall. But just before we step inside, Instructor Yuan stops us with a quick remark.

"You two did well. Especially you, Jiang. I'm glad you're taking things seriously again." I bow to Instructor Yuan as I hide my excitement.

With that, we continue inside, and Yujin turns to me, still surprised. "I can't believe he actually praised you. Instructor Yuan, of all people!"

I say nothing, but deep down, I can't help but feel the same.

As we step into the dining hall, the rich aroma of food fills the air. The hall is vast, designed to accommodate the entire sect's hierarchy. Yujin and I take our seats among the outer disciples, where a brief prayer is recited before the meal.

Our food is simple yet nourishing—steamed rice, fresh vegetables, and a portion of light meat. Silence fills the hall, not out of strict discipline, but as an extension of our cultivation—a moment to center ourselves before the day's training begins again. Surprisingly, Juan Lei stayed quiet, it seems even he respects a good meal for cultivation.

After breakfast, a loud voice echoes through the hall—Instructor Yuan once again. "Head to the training grounds immediately. Those who are late will receive extra work." With that, he turns and leaves without another word.

One by one, the disciples finish their meals and file out, gradually emptying the dining hall. Yujin and I followed after a short while. Morning training mostly consists of weapon practice, sparring, and, finally, the study of Wudang's techniques.

As the outer disciples gather once more in the training ground, Yujin turns to me, his voice tinged with concern. "You gonna be okay? This isn't like the practical exam—it won't be as bad. But I'm still worried about you."

I offer him a small, appreciative smile. "I'll be fine. You don't have to keep standing up for me—I'm still a martial artist after all."

Yujin pats my back before walking ahead, leaving me with my thoughts. This is it. My chance to prove to everyone that I'm not the same as before.

As we take up our swords, this time real ones, training begins. The session focuses on fundamental swings, learning to handle the weapon's weight, and finding balance. All the while, Juan Lei's voice rings in my mind.

"Wrong."

"Not like that."

"You look like a child playing with a stick."

Rather than feeling frustrated, I find myself enjoying it. Somewhere along the way, I realize—Master Juan Lei isn't just criticizing me. He's guiding me, looking out for me in his own way.

Then-

The moment I have been waiting for arrives, the sparring matches.

"That is enough. Let's move on to sparring. Change your swords into wo—"

Before Instructor Yuan can finish, a commanding voice cuts through the training ground.

"Let them use real swords. And have them utilize Wudang techniques while they're at it. They need experience, not just training."

Elder Jung-hi steps forward, his mere presence enough to still the air. "They will never become inner disciples if you coddle them like this."

A heavy silence follows. Then, in a measured tone, he adds, "This will be optional, of course. But don't think avoiding it will make your path any easier."

Despite the gravity of the offer, not a single disciple steps back. The possibility of advancing to inner disciple status fuels us more than fear ever could.

Elder Jung-hi smiles—not with warmth, but with the sharp satisfaction of a general sending soldiers to the battlefield. "Good. I have already arranged the matches in advance."

At his signal, countless instructors enter, each carrying lists. This isn't a normal sparring session. It won't be easier than the practical exam—if anything, it might be worse.

Why is Elder Jung-hi personally interfering in outer disciple training? If we were inner or core disciples, his involvement would make sense. But for him to oversee us like this... something is happening within Wudang.

The thought lingers only for a moment before the matchups are revealed. My eyes scan the list, and then—

Haoyu.

Juan Lei's voice echoes in my mind, brimming with the ambition of a true master guiding his disciple.

"I see fortune smiles upon us. A chance to prove yourself."

A small smile forms on my lips as I nod in agreement. But across from me, Haoyu sees something else—overconfidence. His irritation is palpable.

Beside me, Yujin shifts uneasily, concern etched on his face.

The match is set. There's no turning back now.

Then, the panel reappears.

"You have taken the first step. Prove yourself worthy."

[Mission Unlocked: Surpass Your Limits]

"Your sword is dull. Sharpen it with battle."

Objective: Pass your next sparring match in the practical exam.

Reward: The first stance of 'Flowing River Sword Art.'