Chapter 5: The Unseen Strength

(隐藏的力量 - Yǐncáng de Lìliàng)

The next morning, Raiko sat on the worn-out training grounds of Class Seven, his ribs still aching from the fight with Lei Shen. The morning mist clung to the cracked stone walls of the academy, and the scent of damp earth filled the air.

Despite its reputation as the School of Losers, there was an unspoken understanding among the students. They were not here because they lacked skill they were here because the academy had no place for them.

Some lacked powerful backing.

Some had conditions that hindered cultivation.

Some, like Raiko, had secrets they couldn't afford to reveal.

As he stretched his sore muscles, Feng Ren (冯仁) appeared beside him, holding two steamed buns. "You should eat before the real training starts."

Raiko raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by 'real' training?"

Feng Ren grinned. "You'll see."

When the morning bell rang, all the students of Class Seven gathered in front of the academy's most infamous instructor Elder Han (韩长老).

Unlike the other teachers, who dressed in pristine robes and carried themselves with dignity, Elder Han looked… unbothered. His dark hair was streaked with gray, his robe was slightly wrinkled, and he carried a gourd of wine in one hand.

He took a long sip before speaking.

"Alright, you worthless brats," he said, his voice lazy. "Today, we're going to learn how not to die."

Several students groaned. They had heard this speech before.

Lei Shen crossed his arms. "If you want us dead so badly, just say it, old man."

Elder Han smirked. "Oh? Do you want me to send you to spar with the elite students?"

Lei Shen clicked his tongue but said nothing.

Elder Han turned his gaze to Raiko. "Ah… the new one. Raiko, was it?"

Raiko nodded cautiously.

Elder Han took another sip of wine. "You lasted three minutes against Lei Shen. That means you can move. But can you fight?"

Before Raiko could answer, Elder Han waved his hand. "Never mind. No need to answer. I'll find out soon enough."

He raised a finger and suddenly, the ground beneath Raiko's feet cracked.

A force, invisible yet overwhelming, crashed onto his body, pressing him down. It was as if a mountain had suddenly dropped onto his shoulders.

What is this?!

His knees buckled. The air felt heavier. He gritted his teeth, fighting against the immense pressure.

"Good," Elder Han said, watching him carefully. "You're resisting. That means you're not completely useless."

Raiko clenched his fists. This wasn't just ordinary spiritual pressure it was a test. Elder Han was measuring something.

But Raiko couldn't afford to show his full strength.

He allowed himself to struggle, his breathing uneven, his arms trembling under the invisible force. He could feel the whispers of his right-hand power begging to be released, but he suppressed it.

After a moment, Elder Han lifted his hand, and the pressure vanished.

Raiko collapsed to one knee, panting.

"Passable," Elder Han muttered. "Barely."

Some of the students snickered.

Lei Shen, however, frowned slightly. His sharp eyes caught something that others missed the brief moment where Raiko's resistance felt too controlled.

Elder Han took another sip of wine. "Alright, you bunch of rejects. Get ready. Your real training starts tomorrow."

Later that night, Raiko sat on the rooftop of the dormitory, staring at the stars.

He had been careless today. Elder Han was no fool his test was meant to gauge each student's true potential. And Lei Shen was beginning to suspect something.

He had to be more careful.

As he was lost in thought, a voice interrupted him.

"You're not weak, are you?"

Raiko turned to see Lian Mei (连梅), one of the few girls in Class Seven. Her long black hair swayed in the breeze, and her sharp gaze studied him carefully.

He sighed. "What makes you say that?"

Lian Mei leaned against the railing. "I've been here long enough to recognize someone who's pretending."

Raiko smirked. "And why would I pretend to be weak?"

Lian Mei narrowed her eyes. "Because you have something to hide."

Raiko didn't respond.

Lian Mei exhaled. "Listen, I don't care what your secret is. But if you're in Class Seven, that means the academy doesn't want you standing out. And that means trouble will come for you sooner or later."

Raiko met her gaze. "What are you saying?"

Lian Mei crossed her arms. "I'm saying… be careful who you trust. And be ready for what's coming."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Raiko alone with his thoughts.

Elsewhere, in the depths of the academy, a group of hooded figures gathered.

"The boy has entered Class Seven," one of them murmured.

A deeper voice responded, "Good. Keep watching him. If he shows even a hint of that power… we will eliminate him."

In the shadows, the hunt had begun.