The First Trial

I was up before the sun, the crisp morning air sharpening my senses.

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

Stretching wide, he makes his way over, slapping me on the back.

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

Yujin's eyes widen 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 prepare for training, I catch a glance from across the grounds.

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

As the outer disciples gather, Instructor Yuan's voice rings out.

"Attention!" His tone is 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—unshakable yet fluid. A master in both presence and skill.

"Yes, Master!" we respond in unison, our voices echoing through the grounds. Energy surges as pairs are chosen.

Of course, I end up with Yujin. Not like anyone else would willingly pick 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 the smug expression behind it.

"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."

Juan Lei chuckles, clearly amused. Then, without warning, my stance shifts. My breathing steadies. Qi flows through my body, smoother than ever.

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

It seems Juan Lei can even manipulate my qi, guiding me effortlessly.

"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.

My form refines instantly, my movements sharper, more precise. The insight I gained from the mysterious mission board only amplifies the effect.

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

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

"You two—more training, less talking!"

Instructor Yuan's reprimand is firm but patient. As training continues, Juan Lei—Master—not only corrects my form but even points out Yujin's flaws, helping him improve. 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 sweat from my brow, Yujin and I make our way inside. Just before stepping in, Instructor Yuan stops us.

"You two did well. Especially you, Jiang. I'm glad you're taking things seriously again."

I bow, concealing my excitement. Inside, we take our seats among the outer disciples. The meal is simple yet nourishing—steamed rice, fresh vegetables, and light meat. Surprisingly, Juan Lei remains silent. Even he respects a good meal.

After breakfast, Instructor Yuan's voice echoes once more.

"Head to the training grounds immediately. Those who are late will receive extra work."

Disciples quickly file out. Morning training focuses on weapon practice, sparring, and the study of Wudang's techniques. As we gather, Yujin turns to me.

"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 a small 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 and walks ahead.

This is it.

Taking up our swords—real ones—training begins. The session focuses on fundamental swings, weight control, and 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—Juan Lei isn't just criticizing me. He's guiding me, watching over me in his own way.

Then—

"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 stilling the air.

"They will never become inner disciples if you coddle them like this."

A heavy silence follows.

"This will be optional, of course. But don't think avoiding it will make your path any easier."

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 satisfaction of a general sending soldiers to battle.

"Good. The matchups have been arranged."

At his signal, instructors enter with lists. This isn't a normal sparring session. If anything, it will be worse than the practical exam.

Why is Elder Jung-hi personally interfering? If we were inner or core disciples, it would make sense. But for outer disciples? Something is happening within Wudang.

The thought lingers only for a moment before the matchups are revealed.

I scan the list—

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. Across from me, Haoyu sees something else—overconfidence. His irritation is palpable.

Beside me, Yujin shifts uneasily.

The match is set.

Then, the panel reappears.

[Mission Unlocked: Surpass Your Limits]

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

Objective: Pass your next sparring match.

Reward: The first stance of Flowing River Sword Art.