The Weight of Expectation

The sun rose over the sect like a golden banner, and the training field buzzed with excitement. Today marked the start of the children's talent competition. It was meant to be fun, but to Lin Yuan, it felt like judgment day.

Lady Yuexian had prepared them for weeks, and now it was time to step into the spotlight. She tied a green sash around Lin Yuan's waist, patting his shoulder. "Don't focus on winning," she said gently. "Just do your best. You're already growing."

Lin Yuan nodded silently. Beside him, Qingxue twirled in her princess dress, a big candy in her hand, while Xiao Hu was chasing a butterfly with a sword.They will go as spiritual pet. They can't participate and can't speak in front of everybody.

The first event was the long run. The children lined up under fluttering flags while disciples and elders gathered to watch. The starting bell rang.

They ran.

Ninety-seven girls participated in the long run. Lin Yuan ran as fast as he could, but he was second. He bent over at the finish line, gasping, sweat pouring from his brow.

"Isn't she supposed to be the strongest?" someone whispered in the crowd.

Next came jump rope. One hundred seventeen participated. Lin Yuan got third place. Murmurs spread again.

"Didn't the sect leader train her personally?" a girl sneered.

Smashing pots came next. Blindfolded, guided only by spiritual awareness, the children had to break hidden clay jars filled with spirit sand. Lin Yuan struck fifteen—shocking everyone. Out of 105 participants, he took first place.

"Finally," someone muttered. "At least she got something."

But the relief didn't last.

One by one, the events came and went—flower-folding: 130 participants, Lin Yuan ranked last. Candy picking: 125 participants, he placed fifth. In painting, he couldn't finish in time. Robe design was even harder—he couldn't even cut the fabric properly, and eventually gave up.

Whispers turned sharper.

"Wasn't he supposed to be better than this?"

"Isn't she a true disciples? Shouldn't true disciples be stronger at these events?"

"Maybe he's just not as talented as we thought."

Lin Yuan gave his all in each task, but he was never the best. His art was clean, his stitching tight, but his hands trembled slightly in front of the crowd. The weight of their expectations hung heavy on him.

By the time the final round arrived—cooking—Lin Yuan felt exhausted. The scent of grilled dumplings and spirit herbs filled the air. Each contestant had to make a single dish to present to the sect elders.

Lin Yuan made a simple spiritual porridge, the same kind he often cooked for Qingxue and Xiao Hu. But it wasn't permitted to use spiritual water—something he hadn't known. His dish was disqualified.

"She doesn't even know the rules?" someone scoffed.

The judges tasted the remaining dishes in silence.

Then came the prize-giving ceremony.

Lin Yuan was called last. The elders handed him a storage bag. One elder told him "Work heard, don't waste sect leaders afford and sects resource"

Some laughed. Others clapped politely.

As the crowd clapped, Lin Yuan forced a smile. But when he looked up, he saw Lady Yuexian standing beside him, her eyes filled with pride.

"You didn't win," she said softly, "but you endured. You worked hard when no one was watching. That's strength too."

Later that night, Qingxue curled up on his lap and offered him her candy. "You want it?"

"No," he whispered, brushing her hair back.

Lin Yuan looked up at the moon. 'Books say boys have more physical strength, it's easy for boys to win in girls' sports. Everyone expected me to win everything because the sect leader personally trained me.'

'Maybe I wasn't the best. Maybe I'll never be. But I can be someone worthy of respect.'