The morning after the banquet, I arrived at the clan academy earlier than usual.
The annual examination was only a month away.
Every student in the academy could feel the pressure.
The training grounds were already crowded.
Some students practiced martial techniques.
Others trained their bodies.
The sound of fists striking wooden posts echoed across the field.
I found a quiet corner and began my warm-up exercises.
Unfortunately, peace never lasted long.
"Look who decided to train."
A voice sounded from behind me.
I didn't need to turn around.
I already knew who it was.
Ye Jun.
One of the younger disciples from the main branch.
He was thirteen years old and had already reached the Third Layer of Body Tempering.
Among our generation, he was considered quite talented.
More importantly, he never missed an opportunity to mock me.
I sighed.
"What do you want?"
Ye Jun smirked.
"Nothing."
His eyes landed on the book tucked beneath my arm.
"Still reading?"
I glanced at the book.
It was a collection of cultivation histories I had borrowed from the academy library.
"Yes."
Several nearby students laughed.
Ye Jun shook his head.
"Sometimes I wonder if you want to become a scholar instead of a cultivator."
The crowd chuckled.
I ignored them.
Arguing would accomplish nothing.
Ye Jun's smile widened.
"You should spend less time reading and more time training."
Before I could respond, a commotion erupted near the center of the training grounds.
Everyone turned.
A group of students had gathered around a young man.
As soon as he appeared, whispers spread throughout the academy.
"It's Cousin Ye Ming."
"The young master is here."
"The Patriarch's grandson."
I looked over.
Ye Ming walked calmly through the crowd.
Unlike many talented disciples, he carried himself with quiet confidence.
There was no arrogance in his expression.
Only certainty.
The certainty of someone who knew his own strength.
Behind him followed several disciples from the main branch.
Even Ye Jun straightened his posture.
That alone showed Ye Ming's influence.
Soon, Elder Han arrived.
The academy instructor surveyed the students.
"The annual examination is approaching."
The crowd immediately fell silent.
"Today, we will evaluate your progress."
Excitement appeared on many faces.
Evaluation day.
One by one, students stepped forward to demonstrate their abilities.
Some performed martial techniques.
Others displayed physical strength.
Cheers occasionally erupted from the crowd.
Then it was Ye Jun's turn.
He stepped forward confidently.
His punches struck the testing pillar with impressive force.
A clear mark appeared on its surface.
Several students applauded.
Elder Han nodded.
"Third Layer Body Tempering. Not bad."
Ye Jun grinned proudly.
Then came Ye Ming.
The atmosphere changed instantly.
The moment his fist struck the pillar, a loud crack echoed across the training ground.
A deep indentation appeared.
The entire crowd gasped.
Even the elders looked pleased.
"As expected of the young master."
"His talent truly surpasses his peers."
Ye Ming simply returned to his position.
As though such praise was normal.
Eventually, my name was called.
"Ye Fu."
I stepped forward.
The crowd immediately became interested.
Some curious.
Others amused.
I took a deep breath and struck the pillar.
Thud.
The mark I left was noticeably shallower than Ye Jun's.
Murmurs spread through the crowd.
Ye Jun laughed.
"Looks like the books didn't help."
Several students joined in.
Heat rose in my chest.
But I remained silent.
Elder Han glanced at me.
"Your foundation is stable."
The crowd seemed surprised.
"But your cultivation progress is slow."
I nodded.
That much was true.
Compared to the talented disciples, I was far behind.
As the evaluation ended, students began leaving the training grounds.
I lingered behind.
My gaze rested on the indentation left by Ye Ming.
Then on the deeper mark left by Ye Jun.
Finally, on my own.
The difference was obvious.
For the first time, I clearly understood how far behind I truly was.
My fists slowly tightened.
No matter how difficult it was…
No matter how long it took…
I would catch up.
And one day…
I would surpass them all.
Elder Han begins his class and suddenly looked around the class.
"Who can tell me why cultivators should not force a breakthrough?"
The students exchanged glances.
No one answered.
Finally, a disciple stood up.
"Because it is dangerous?"
Elder Han shook his head.
"Too vague."
Silence returned.
After a moment, I raised my hand.
Elder Han nodded.
"If a cultivator forces a breakthrough before stabilizing their foundation, they risk damaging their meridians. Even if they advance quickly, their future cultivation path may become unstable."
The elder's eyes lit up slightly.
"Correct."
The classroom became quiet.
Several students looked at me with surprise.
Even Ye Jun frowned.
I might not be the strongest student.
But I had read more books than most of them combined.
Before Ye Fu could respond, another voice sounded.
"Mocking others will not improve your cultivation."
The crowd immediately fell silent.
Ye Ming had spoken.
Ye Jun's expression stiffened.
"Cousin Ming, I was only joking."
Ye Ming glanced at him.
"There is a difference between a joke and disrespect."
With that, he walked away.
Ye Jun lowered his head and said nothing more.
For the first time, Ye Fu realized why so many people respected Ye Ming.
It wasn't only because of his talent.
As the students began leaving the training grounds, Ye Fu prepared to leave as well.
"Ye Fu."
He turned around.
Elder Han was standing behind him.
"Teacher?"
"Stay behind for a moment."
The other students looked surprised.
Even Ye Jun stopped walking.
Once the training ground had emptied, Elder Han studied Ye Fu quietly.
"Your cultivation speed is slow."
Ye Fu lowered his head.
"I know."
"But your foundation is unusually stable."
The elder's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Tell me, have you been practicing exactly as the manuals describe?"
Ye Fu blinked.
"Yes."
For the first time, Elder Han smiled.
"Interesting."
Before Ye Fu could ask what he meant, the elder turned and left.
Leaving behind a confused boy and a question that would keep him awake for the rest of the night.