Chapter Three: New Beginnings, Old Rivalries

Tianhai stood in the center of the Sky-Severing Sect's vast courtyard, feeling both small and awestruck. The towering stone structures around him seemed to hum with power, and the energy in the air was so thick it almost felt like he could reach out and touch it.

"Stay close," Elder Jian Xuan's voice broke through his thoughts. The elder had led him to the sect's inner grounds, where the most serious training took place. His face was calm, betraying no emotion, but his sharp eyes watched Tianhai carefully. "There is much to learn, and you'll need all the discipline I can provide."

Tianhai nodded, unsure of what to say. This elder, though a figure of quiet strength, made him feel both welcomed and pressured at once. His presence felt like a weight, heavy and commanding, like something he'd never experienced before.

"I understand," Tianhai muttered, looking around at the other disciples sparring and practicing techniques in the distance.

Elder Jian Xuan led him to a corner of the courtyard where a few younger disciples stood in line. "These are your fellow disciples. You will begin your training alongside them. Do not think for a moment that because you were chosen by me, you will receive any favors."

Tianhai felt a pang of nervousness but held his ground. He had already come this far—he couldn't turn back now.

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The Rival

As they approached the group of disciples, a tall young man with a strong, confident stance immediately caught Tianhai's attention. His robes were decorated with symbols of strength, his face serious but somehow arrogant.

The young man didn't greet Tianhai, but instead turned to Elder Jian Xuan and spoke with a voice that held a hint of challenge. "So, this is the new recruit?" His eyes flicked over to Tianhai, sizing him up with open scrutiny. "Another one of your choices, Elder Jian?"

Tianhai's heart skipped a beat. The man's tone was sharp, almost dismissive.

"Watch yourself, Xue Wei," Elder Jian Xuan said coolly, his gaze hardening. "Do not mistake humility for weakness."

Xue Wei only smirked. "Oh, I'm sure he's just like the others—barely scraping through the first tests. Don't worry, Elder Jian. I'll keep an eye on him."

Tianhai stepped forward, determined not to show weakness. Xue Wei—this disciple of another elder—was already looking down on him, and he knew he had to prove himself.

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Training Begins

Elder Jian Xuan didn't waste any time. "Disciples, gather!" he commanded, his voice ringing out. "Today, we begin your basic training in Qi cultivation. Focus and practice. There is no room for hesitation."

Tianhai stood in line with the others, the atmosphere tense and filled with anticipation. His mind raced as he tried to recall the basics from what little he had learned. Despite his unfamiliarity, his instincts took over. He focused on his breathing, trying to follow the flow of Qi through his body, even as the energy felt alien and unfamiliar.

Xue Wei stood next to him, his posture perfect, his movements smooth and controlled as he flowed through the exercises. His talent was evident, and it didn't take long for Tianhai to realize that he was already a step ahead.

A few minutes into the exercise, Tianhai began to feel the familiar pull of Qi, but it wasn't as he expected. The flow surged and pulsed, wild and untamed. He quickly reined it in, but not before Xue Wei noticed.

"So, you can feel the Qi?" Xue Wei's voice was quiet, but filled with disdain. "Maybe you're not as useless as I thought. But don't think for a second you'll surpass me. I've been training for years."

Tianhai's chest tightened, but he kept his expression neutral. "I'll do my best."

"You'd better," Xue Wei snapped, his smirk growing. "Because my elder will make sure I'm always ahead."

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A Hidden Talent

As the hours passed Tianhai pushed himself harderbThe other disciples practiced with varying levels of proficiency but it was clear that his early struggles were not due to a lack of effort

Though Tianhai's outward display was unremarkable Elder Jian Xuan watched him with sharp eyes observing every move As Tianhai performed the basic Qi circulation technique a flicker of something unusual caught the elder's attention. The Qi seemed to move differently around Tianhai—almost too smoothly too effortlessly.

Something was hidden.

Elder Jian Xuan narrowed his eyes, but said nothing Instead, he gave a subtle nod, a gesture Tianhai didn't quite notice, as the elder turned his attention back to the other disciples.