Morning sunlight bathed the eastern peaks of the Thunder Eagle Academy, painting the endless sea of clouds beneath the mountain in shades of gold.
The academy had already awakened.
The rhythmic sound of wooden swords striking one another echoed from distant training grounds.
Some disciples meditated beneath ancient pine trees.
Others carried buckets of water up steep staircases as part of their morning conditioning.
Everywhere…
There was movement.
Everywhere…
There was competition.
Inside the Outer Disciple Residence…
Ye Jun was already awake.
Long before the morning bell.
He sat quietly on the edge of his wooden bed, tightening the cloth around the handle of his practice sword.
Unlike Ye Ming, who reviewed yesterday's lessons before dawn…
Ye Jun had only one thought.
Fight.
Improve.
Fight again.
Across the room, Zhao Wen rubbed his sleepy eyes.
"…You're going to the training grounds again?"
Ye Jun nodded.
"I lost three times yesterday."
"And?"
"I don't like unfinished business."
Zhao Wen laughed helplessly.
"You know…"
"I've never met someone who wakes up excited because he lost."
Ye Jun stood.
"If I stop losing…"
"I'll stop improving."
With that, he left.
Training Ground Nine lay on one of the academy's lower terraces.
Unlike the formal training grounds used by instructors, this one remained open throughout the day.
Any disciple could challenge another.
Any disciple could accept.
Or refuse.
At this early hour…
Only a handful of people had arrived.
Ye Jun walked toward the challenge board.
Dozens of wooden nameplates hung neatly upon it.
Each represented an Outer Disciple willing to spar.
Without hesitation…
Ye Jun reached for one.
"Outer Disciple…"
"Liu Shan."
A nearby disciple looked surprised.
"You're challenging Liu Shan?"
Ye Jun nodded.
"Why?"
The disciple scratched his head.
"He finished thirty-second among this year's new disciples."
"You barely made the top hundred."
Ye Jun simply smiled.
"That's why."
Word spread surprisingly quickly.
Within minutes…
Nearly forty disciples had gathered around the sparring platform.
Liu Shan soon arrived.
He was taller than Ye Jun, with broad shoulders and confident eyes.
His academy robe was spotless.
When he saw the challenge notice, he frowned.
"You challenged me?"
Ye Jun stepped onto the platform.
"Yes."
Liu Shan looked him up and down.
"I've never even heard your name."
"I'm Ye Jun."
"…From the Ye Clan."
Several disciples whispered.
"The Ye Clan?"
"Never heard of it."
"Probably another small frontier clan."
Liu Shan sighed.
"You should challenge someone closer to your level."
Ye Jun rested his wooden sword on his shoulder.
"How will I know my level…"
"…if I never challenge someone stronger?"
The referee struck the bronze gong.
The spar began.
Liu Shan attacked first.
His footwork was clean.
Measured.
Every strike flowed naturally into the next.
Ye Jun blocked twice.
Stepped back once.
On the fourth exchange—
Crack!
The wooden sword was knocked from his hand.
Before he could recover…
The tip of Liu Shan's practice sword rested against his chest.
"Match over."
Silence.
Then scattered laughter spread through the crowd.
"That wasn't even close."
"He lasted four exchanges."
"I thought he'd at least survive ten."
Ye Jun bent down calmly.
Picked up his sword.
Bowed.
"Thank you."
Liu Shan blinked.
"…For what?"
"I learned something."
Without another word…
Ye Jun stepped off the platform.
The spectators looked at one another in confusion.
Usually…
Defeated disciples either argued with the referee…
Or blamed bad luck.
This one…
Simply left.
An hour later…
The same challenge board received another wooden tag.
Ye Jun challenges Outer Disciple Liu Shan.
Again.
The crowd burst into laughter.
"Didn't he lose already?"
"Is he serious?"
Even Liu Shan frowned.
"You want another match?"
Ye Jun nodded.
"I noticed something."
"I'd like to test it."
Liu Shan sighed.
"Fine."
The second match began.
This time…
Ye Jun lasted seven exchanges.
He still lost.
But everyone noticed one thing.
He had already corrected the mistake that defeated him in the first battle.
Liu Shan looked at him with newfound curiosity.
"…Interesting."
Ye Jun bowed again.
"Thank you."
Then…
He walked back toward the challenge board.
The spectators finally understood.
This boy wasn't fighting to protect his pride.
He was fighting to collect experience.
Every defeat was another lesson.
Every lesson became another step forward.
From a shaded pavilion overlooking the training ground, an elderly instructor quietly watched everything.
He had observed the two sparring matches without saying a word.
Beside him stood another instructor.
"You've been watching that boy since the first match."
The old man nodded slowly.
"Most disciples challenge people they believe they can defeat."
His eyes remained fixed on Ye Jun, who was already preparing for a third match.
"…That one…"
"…only seems interested in discovering why he lost."
The old instructor smiled faintly.
"Interesting."
Very interesting.
The third challenge attracted even more spectators.
News traveled quickly through the Outer Disciple District.
"There is a newcomer from a tiny clan who keeps challenging Liu Shan."
"He already lost twice."
"Then why is he challenging again?"
"They say he enjoys getting beaten."
Laughter echoed around the training ground.
Some came to watch for entertainment.
Others came simply because they were curious.
Even a few Inner Disciples crossing a nearby stone bridge slowed their pace, glancing toward the growing crowd below.
Liu Shan stepped back onto the platform.
This time…
He no longer looked irritated.
Instead, there was curiosity in his eyes.
"You really don't know when to stop."
Ye Jun rested the wooden sword against his shoulder.
"My father once told me something."
Liu Shan raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"He said…"
"If a wall blocks your road…"
"You can either complain…"
"…or become strong enough to climb over it."
A few disciples nearby exchanged glances.
Someone quietly nodded.
Liu Shan smiled faintly.
"Then show me."
The bronze gong rang.
This time…
Ye Jun did not attack.
He simply watched.
Liu Shan frowned slightly.
"Not charging in today?"
Ye Jun smiled.
"I've already tried that twice."
Liu Shan moved first.
The wooden sword cut through the air with a sharp whistle.
Ye Jun stepped sideways.
Barely.
The strike missed by only a finger's width.
Several spectators looked surprised.
"He dodged it."
Liu Shan attacked again.
Another dodge.
Again.
Again.
For nearly twenty exchanges…
Ye Jun hardly attacked at all.
He only observed.
His breathing remained steady.
His eyes followed every movement of Liu Shan's shoulders, hips, and feet.
On the twenty-first exchange…
Ye Jun suddenly moved.
Clack!
Their wooden swords collided.
For the first time…
Liu Shan's expression changed.
"You found it."
Ye Jun grinned.
"When you swing from your left…"
"Your right foot always moves half a step too far."
Liu Shan's eyes widened.
He had never noticed that habit himself.
The crowd fell silent.
Most of them hadn't noticed it either.
Liu Shan laughed.
A genuine laugh.
"Good."
"Very good."
"But seeing a weakness…"
"…and using it…"
"…are two different things."
His aura changed.
His attacks became noticeably faster.
More precise.
More relentless.
Ye Jun defended desperately.
Sweat rolled down his forehead.
His arms began to ache.
The pressure was overwhelming.
Then—
Crack!
His wooden sword split into two pieces.
The broken half spun through the air before landing outside the arena.
Silence.
The referee raised a hand.
"Liu Shan wins."
Nobody laughed this time.
Instead…
Many disciples looked thoughtfully at Ye Jun.
Although he had lost again…
Everyone had witnessed something different.
He had forced Liu Shan to become serious.
Liu Shan walked toward him.
Instead of mocking him…
He extended his hand.
Ye Jun stared at it for a moment before accepting it.
"You've improved."
Ye Jun smiled.
"So have you."
Liu Shan laughed.
"I had to."
"If I underestimated you again…"
"I might have embarrassed myself."
The two stepped off the platform together.
Around them…
The whispers began once more.
"Three defeats…"
"…yet he keeps improving."
"Did you see how quickly he adapted?"
"Who is that boy again?"
"Ye Jun…"
"…from the Ye Clan."
For the first time…
People remembered his name.
High above the training ground…
Instructor Han leaned against a stone railing with his arms folded.
Beside him stood Instructor Mo.
Neither spoke for a long while.
Finally…
Instructor Han broke the silence.
"He isn't gifted."
Instructor Mo nodded.
"No."
"He isn't."
"He also lacks proper sword fundamentals."
"Correct."
"And his cultivation is average."
"Correct."
Instructor Han looked down at Ye Jun, who was already examining the broken remains of his practice sword.
"So…"
"What exactly caught your attention?"
Instructor Mo smiled faintly.
"The others train…"
"…to avoid defeat."
He pointed toward Ye Jun.
"That boy…"
"…trains to understand defeat."
"He leaves every loss with something."
"One lesson."
"One improvement."
"One answer."
He paused before adding quietly,
"Most cultivators fear failure."
"He seems to collect it."
The two instructors watched as Ye Jun calmly walked toward the academy workshop to borrow another wooden sword.
No frustration.
No anger.
No complaints.
Only quiet determination.
Instructor Mo's smile deepened.
"Watch him carefully."
"He won't be the fastest to shine…"
"…but one day…"
"…people will wonder where he came from."
Far below, the afternoon sun stretched Ye Jun's shadow across the stone path.
No one noticed it.
Not yet.
But like a dark horse galloping beyond the horizon…
His journey had only just begun.
The following days settled into a steady rhythm.
Before dawn…
The academy bell awakened every Outer Disciple.
Morning conditioning.
Body cultivation.
Lectures.
Afternoon sparring.
Evening meditation.
Night study.
The days were demanding.
The academy intended them to be.
Ye Jun continued appearing at Training Ground Nine.
Every day.
Without fail.
He challenged different opponents.
Some ranked above him.
Some possessed better techniques.
Others simply had more experience.
He lost.
Again.
And again.
Yet something strange began to happen.
The number of exchanges before his defeat slowly increased.
Five.
Ten.
Twenty.
Thirty.
The improvements were small.
So small that Ye Jun himself barely noticed them.
But the instructors did.
One afternoon…
Instructor Han walked quietly among several sparring platforms.
His hands rested behind his back.
His expression remained as stern as ever.
He stopped beside two disciples discussing the latest matches.
"Did you hear?"
"That Ye Clan fellow lost again."
The second disciple laughed.
"When doesn't he lose?"
Instructor Han spoke without looking at them.
"How many times?"
The two disciples froze.
"…Instructor?"
"I asked…"
"How many times has he lost?"
Neither answered.
Instructor Han continued walking.
"You count his defeats."
"I count his improvements."
The two disciples lowered their heads in embarrassment.
Later that evening…
Ye Jun sat alone beneath an ancient pine tree overlooking the valley.
His forearms trembled from exhaustion.
Small bruises covered both wrists.
His palms had become rough from countless hours gripping a wooden sword.
He quietly replayed every sparring match in his mind.
Liu Shan.
Fast footwork.
Wide left stance.
Weak recovery after turning.
Chen Rui.
Excellent defense.
Slow retreat.
Wang Jie.
Powerful downward strikes.
Poor endurance.
Every opponent became another lesson.
Every mistake became another page in an invisible notebook he carried only in his memory.
A shadow suddenly covered the ground before him.
Ye Jun looked up.
Liu Shan stood there carrying two bamboo cups filled with hot herbal tea.
Without saying anything…
He handed one over.
Ye Jun accepted it.
The two sat in silence for several moments.
Finally…
Liu Shan spoke.
"I was wrong."
Ye Jun looked confused.
"About what?"
"When we first met…"
"I thought you were challenging stronger people because of pride."
He shook his head.
"I understand now."
Ye Jun smiled faintly.
"I don't enjoy losing."
"I simply hate staying the same."
Those simple words lingered between them.
Liu Shan took a slow sip of tea.
"You know…"
"There are people starting to call you something."
Ye Jun frowned.
"What?"
Liu Shan chuckled.
"They don't say it to your face."
"They call you…"
"…the Dark Horse."
Ye Jun nearly laughed.
"Why?"
"Because nobody can tell how much stronger you'll be tomorrow."
"They defeat you today…"
"…but they're never certain they'll defeat you next month."
Ye Jun stared quietly at the steaming tea.
"The Dark Horse…"
The nickname sounded unfamiliar.
He wasn't sure whether he liked it.
But he understood what it meant.
Above them…
On a higher terrace…
Instructor Mo watched the two young disciples from afar.
Another elder stood beside him.
"You've been observing that boy for several days."
Instructor Mo nodded.
"Tell me…"
"What makes a great cultivator?"
The elder answered without hesitation.
"Talent."
Instructor Mo smiled.
"Talent decides where a journey begins."
"What else?"
"Resources."
Instructor Mo nodded again.
"And after that?"
The elder remained silent.
The old instructor looked toward Ye Jun.
"Character."
He spoke softly.
"So many cultivators spend their lives protecting their pride…"
"…that they stop protecting their future."
He watched Ye Jun laugh quietly with the very disciple who had defeated him three times.
"That boy left his pride behind on the first day."
"And because of that…"
"…he has room to grow."
The evening wind swept gently through the pine branches.
Far below…
Ye Jun rose to his feet.
He picked up his wooden sword.
Liu Shan raised an eyebrow.
"We're done training for today."
Ye Jun smiled.
"We're done sparring."
"I still owe myself five hundred swings."
Liu Shan stared at him for a moment before shaking his head with a laugh.
"…No wonder they call you the Dark Horse."
Ye Jun walked toward the fading sunset.
One swing at a time.
One defeat at a time.
One lesson at a time.
He would carve his own path through the vast world beyond the mountains.
Chapter 16 – The Dark Horse (Part Four)
The rain had stopped.
Golden rays of sunlight broke through the clouds, illuminating the countless stone stairways that wound through the Thunder Eagle Academy.
The academy had returned to its usual rhythm.
Outer Disciples hurried between lectures.
Inner Disciples practiced sword formations on distant platforms.
High above…
Core Disciples could occasionally be seen crossing the suspended stone bridges that connected the mountain peaks.
For the newcomers…
Every day revealed another piece of how vast the academy truly was.
Training Ground One.
Nearly three hundred Outer Disciples stood in orderly rows.
At the front…
Instructor Mo rested both hands behind his back.
His sharp eyes swept across the young cultivators.
"Over the past month…"
"You have learned discipline."
"You have learned observation."
"You have learned that talent alone is meaningless without effort."
He paused.
"But today…"
"You will begin learning what truly separates cultivators."
The disciples immediately became attentive.
Even Ye Jun stopped absentmindedly rotating his wooden sword.
Instructor Mo raised his right hand.
A faint stream of spiritual energy appeared above his palm.
The energy didn't explode outward.
Instead…
It quietly flowed through his arm.
Moments later…
His sleeve fluttered despite the complete absence of wind.
"Spiritual energy…"
"…travels through the body's meridians."
"If your meridians are blocked…"
"It slows."
"If they are unstable…"
"It scatters."
"If they are damaged…"
"It may even harm you."
He looked toward the rows of disciples.
"Every one of you has already opened some of your primary meridians."
"But none of you have completed the process."
Several disciples exchanged surprised glances.
They had assumed entering the academy meant their foundations were already complete.
Instructor Mo slowly shook his head.
"No."
"You have merely opened the door."
"You have not yet entered the house."
An academy elder stepped forward carrying a crystal sphere about the size of a human head.
The sphere glowed faintly.
Silver lines continuously moved beneath its surface.
Instructor Mo continued.
"This is the Meridian Resonance Crystal."
"It measures how many primary meridians a cultivator has successfully opened."
"It does not measure talent."
"It does not measure bloodline."
"It measures only your current foundation."
One after another…
The disciples stepped forward.
A young man placed his hand upon the crystal.
Three silver lines illuminated.
"Three."
Another disciple.
Four.
Another.
Two.
Occasionally…
Five.
Each result was calmly recorded by an academy assistant.
No one received praise.
No one received ridicule.
It was simply information.
Finally…
Instructor Mo called another name.
"Ye Ming."
The courtyard became noticeably quieter.
Many disciples had already heard that Ye Ming was the son of the Ye Clan Patriarch.
Some expected great things.
Others hoped he would disappoint them.
Ye Ming stepped forward calmly.
His expression remained composed.
He placed his palm against the crystal.
For a brief moment…
Nothing happened.
Then…
One silver line appeared.
Then another.
A third.
A fourth.
A fifth.
Finally…
A sixth line shone brilliantly inside the crystal.
A few disciples inhaled sharply.
"Six…"
"So young?"
"No wonder he was recommended by his clan."
Instructor Mo simply nodded.
"Six primary meridians."
"A solid foundation."
Ye Ming neither smiled nor looked proud.
He merely bowed before stepping back into line.
He understood something now.
Six meridians had impressed the Outer Disciples…
But none of the instructors had looked surprised.
That meant…
Somewhere within the academy…
There were disciples with even stronger foundations.
The testing continued.
Then…
A tall youth wearing the academy robes of another newly admitted disciple stepped forward.
His movements were elegant.
His expression carried effortless confidence.
The assistant announced his name.
"Qin Wushuang."
Several instructors looked up.
Even Instructor Mo's gaze lingered for a moment.
The young man calmly placed his hand upon the crystal.
The sphere trembled.
One line.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Five.
Six.
Then…
A seventh line slowly illuminated.
The training ground fell silent.
Even Ye Ming's eyes narrowed slightly.
Seven.
Only one more than him.
Yet somehow…
That single difference felt enormous.
Qin Wushuang withdrew his hand without the slightest change in expression.
He didn't glance at the crowd.
Nor did he celebrate.
It was as though seven meridians were exactly what he had expected.
Instructor Mo quietly recorded the result.
Then he looked across every disciple present.
"This…"
"…is why you came to the Thunder Eagle Academy."
He pointed toward the crystal.
"Within your clans…"
"Some of you were called geniuses."
"Some of you were praised every day."
"Some of you believed no one your age could rival you."
His voice became firmer.
"But here…"
"You begin again."
"Do not become arrogant because someone is beneath you."
"And do not lose heart because someone stands above you."
"The mountain has many peaks."
"You have only just reached the foot."
Ye Ming silently looked toward Qin Wushuang.
For the first time since leaving the Ye Clan…
He felt neither pride…
Nor pressure.
Only determination.
The path ahead had become much longer than he had imagined.
Instructor Mo glanced at the register once more.
"The next disciple…"
"Ye Jun."
Ye Jun stepped forward without hesitation.
He had no expectations.
Nor did he care what the others thought.
He simply placed his palm upon the Meridian Resonance Crystal.
A faint hum echoed through the platform.
One silver line appeared.
Then…
A second.
Moments later…
A third.
The crystal became still.
"Three opened meridians."
The academy assistant calmly recorded the result.
Several disciples nodded.
Nothing remarkable.
Nothing disappointing.
An ordinary foundation.
Ye Jun simply walked back into line.
To him…
The number meant very little.
He was more interested in the upcoming sparring competition than a crystal.
Instructor Mo, however, watched him for a brief moment.
Three meridians…
Yet his control over his body had already begun surpassing many disciples with four.
The old instructor quietly stored that observation in his mind.
"The next disciple…"
"Ye Luo."
Ye Luo scratched his head as he stepped forward.
He had been chewing on a meat bun until moments earlier.
Several disciples couldn't help smiling.
"Does he ever stop eating?"
"I wonder if he'll awaken a food spirit."
Ye Luo ignored them.
He casually pressed his hand against the crystal.
The sphere glowed.
One line.
Two.
Three.
Then…
A fourth line slowly emerged.
The assistant looked up.
"Four opened meridians."
A few disciples looked surprised.
Ye Luo blinked.
"…Is four good?"
The assistant almost laughed.
"For a newcomer…"
"It is."
Ye Luo grinned.
"Good."
"That means Father won't scold me when I go home."
Several disciples laughed openly.
For the first time that morning…
The atmosphere became lighter.
Yet Instructor Mo's gaze rested not on the crystal…
But on Ye Luo himself.
Unlike most cultivators…
Ye Luo's breathing remained exceptionally steady.
His muscles seemed naturally dense.
His physique was unusual.
Not because he was fat…
But because his body seemed capable of storing an abnormal amount of vitality.
Instructor Mo silently wondered,
"Interesting…"
"That body…"
"It wasn't built for speed."
"It was built to endure."
Finally…
The instructor looked toward the remaining disciples.
"Today's results are only your foundation."
He slowly swept his gaze across Ye Ming…
Ye Luo…
And Ye Jun.
"The number of opened meridians does not decide your future."
"It only decides where your journey begins."
Ye Ming stood with six meridians.
Ye Luo with four.
Ye Jun with three.
Three young men.
Three different foundations.
Three completely different paths.
None of them realized…
That years later…
The cultivation world would remember this generation of the Ye Clan as one unlike any before it.
Chapter 16 – The Dark Horse (Part Five)
The Meridian Resonance Crystal gradually lost its glow.
One after another…
The final disciples completed their assessment.
The academy assistant rolled up the scroll containing every disciple's results before respectfully handing it to Instructor Mo.
The old instructor glanced over the names once.
Then he closed the scroll.
"The assessment is over."
No applause followed.
No celebration.
Only silence.
Every disciple knew…
This wasn't an examination they could pass or fail.
It was merely a mirror reflecting their current foundation.
Instructor Mo slowly descended from the platform.
His footsteps echoed softly across the stone courtyard.
"You have now seen your foundations."
"You have also seen the foundations of others."
His gaze swept across the gathered disciples.
"Some of you are pleased."
"Some of you are disappointed."
"Forget both feelings."
"The crystal measured your present."
"It did not measure your future."
Many disciples lowered their heads.
Those words eased the pressure in the air.
He raised one finger.
"Listen carefully."
"The Spirit Gathering Realm…"
"…the realm every one of you currently occupies…"
"…is divided into nine stages."
The disciples immediately became attentive.
This was the first time the academy had openly explained the cultivation realms.
"The first three stages…"
"…focus on sensing and absorbing spiritual energy."
"The middle three stages…"
"…focus on tempering the body and widening your meridians."
"The final three stages…"
"…focus on preparing for the Spirit Foundation Realm."
He paused.
"Do not mistake cultivation for simply absorbing more spiritual energy."
"If your foundation is weak…"
"The higher you climb…"
"…the harder you will fall."
Instructor Han stepped forward carrying a long wooden box.
He placed it gently upon the stone table.
Inside…
Lay dozens of jade slips.
Each shimmered faintly.
A ripple spread through the crowd.
Even Ye Jun's eyes brightened.
Techniques.
Real academy techniques.
Instructor Han closed the box before anyone could look more closely.
Several disappointed sighs escaped the disciples.
"You are not receiving these today."
The courtyard instantly quieted.
Instructor Mo smiled faintly.
"I expected that reaction."
He pointed toward the wooden box.
"Inside are first-grade academy techniques."
"Movement techniques."
"Body tempering methods."
"Sword arts."
"Fist techniques."
"Breathing methods."
"They belong to the academy."
"They are not gifts."
"They are rewards."
The disciples unconsciously held their breath.
"Thirty days from today…"
"The Outer Disciple Trial will begin."
His voice echoed throughout the courtyard.
"Every newly admitted Outer Disciple shall participate."
"The trial will consist of several stages."
"Foundation."
"Combat."
"Adaptability."
"Judgment."
"Perseverance."
"No single talent will guarantee victory."
Instructor Han slowly opened the wooden box once more.
Only enough for the disciples to glimpse the jade slips inside.
One slip emitted a pale green glow.
Another shimmered with golden runes.
Another carried faint traces of lightning.
The entire courtyard became restless.
Those were not ordinary clan manuals.
Even Ye Ming's calm expression changed slightly.
His clan possessed cultivation techniques…
But academy techniques had been refined by generations of experts.
Their value was immeasurable.
Instructor Mo spoke once more.
"The top ten…"
"…will each earn the right…"
"…to enter the First Technique Pavilion."
No one spoke.
No one breathed.
The words alone were enough.
"The Technique Pavilion contains hundreds of techniques."
"You may choose…"
"…only one."
"But remember."
"The strongest technique…"
"…is not always the most suitable."
"Choose poorly…"
"And you may waste years."
Ye Jun's grip unconsciously tightened around the handle of his wooden sword.
For the first time since entering the academy…
He had a clear destination.
The Top Ten.
Not because he cared about fame.
But because he wanted a technique worthy of his path.
Beside him…
Ye Ming remained calm.
Yet deep inside…
His competitive spirit had been awakened.
The son of the Patriarch had no intention of leaving the academy empty-handed.
Ye Luo scratched his cheek.
He leaned toward Ye Jun and whispered,
"…Do you think the Technique Pavilion has a manual that teaches people how to cook spiritual beast meat?"
Ye Jun stared at him.
"We're talking about cultivation."
Ye Luo nodded seriously.
"I know."
"But if I cultivate while eating…"
"Wouldn't that save time?"
Ye Jun couldn't help laughing.
Even Ye Ming's lips curved into a faint smile.
For a brief moment…
The pressure of the coming competition disappeared.
They were no longer merely disciples from the Ye Clan.
They were brothers…
Standing at the beginning of a much greater journey.
Far above the training grounds…
Instructor Mo watched the three of them in silence.
Three young men.
Three completely different temperaments.
One carried the dignity of a clan heir.
One possessed the heart of a relentless fighter.
One hid extraordinary potential behind a carefree smile.
The old instructor looked toward the distant mountains.
Almost to himself, he murmured,
"Interesting…"
"I wonder…"
"…which one of you will surprise this academy first."
Chapter 16 – The Dark Horse (Part Five)
The Meridian Resonance Crystal gradually lost its glow.
One after another…
The final disciples completed their assessment.
The academy assistant rolled up the scroll containing every disciple's results before respectfully handing it to Instructor Mo.
The old instructor glanced over the names once.
Then he closed the scroll.
"The assessment is over."
No applause followed.
No celebration.
Only silence.
Every disciple knew…
This wasn't an examination they could pass or fail.
It was merely a mirror reflecting their current foundation.
Instructor Mo slowly descended from the platform.
His footsteps echoed softly across the stone courtyard.
"You have now seen your foundations."
"You have also seen the foundations of others."
His gaze swept across the gathered disciples.
"Some of you are pleased."
"Some of you are disappointed."
"Forget both feelings."
"The crystal measured your present."
"It did not measure your future."
Many disciples lowered their heads.
Those words eased the pressure in the air.
He raised one finger.
"Listen carefully."
"The Spirit Gathering Realm…"
"…the realm every one of you currently occupies…"
"…is divided into nine stages."
The disciples immediately became attentive.
This was the first time the academy had openly explained the cultivation realms.
"The first three stages…"
"…focus on sensing and absorbing spiritual energy."
"The middle three stages…"
"…focus on tempering the body and widening your meridians."
"The final three stages…"
"…focus on preparing for the Spirit Foundation Realm."
He paused.
"Do not mistake cultivation for simply absorbing more spiritual energy."
"If your foundation is weak…"
"The higher you climb…"
"…the harder you will fall."
Instructor Han stepped forward carrying a long wooden box.
He placed it gently upon the stone table.
Inside…
Lay dozens of jade slips.
Each shimmered faintly.
A ripple spread through the crowd.
Even Ye Jun's eyes brightened.
Techniques.
Real academy techniques.
Instructor Han closed the box before anyone could look more closely.
Several disappointed sighs escaped the disciples.
"You are not receiving these today."
The courtyard instantly quieted.
Instructor Mo smiled faintly.
"I expected that reaction."
He pointed toward the wooden box.
"Inside are first-grade academy techniques."
"Movement techniques."
"Body tempering methods."
"Sword arts."
"Fist techniques."
"Breathing methods."
"They belong to the academy."
"They are not gifts."
"They are rewards."
The disciples unconsciously held their breath.
"Thirty days from today…"
"The Outer Disciple Trial will begin."
His voice echoed throughout the courtyard.
"Every newly admitted Outer Disciple shall participate."
"The trial will consist of several stages."
"Foundation."
"Combat."
"Adaptability."
"Judgment."
"Perseverance."
"No single talent will guarantee victory."
Instructor Han slowly opened the wooden box once more.
Only enough for the disciples to glimpse the jade slips inside.
One slip emitted a pale green glow.
Another shimmered with golden runes.
Another carried faint traces of lightning.
The entire courtyard became restless.
Those were not ordinary clan manuals.
Even Ye Ming's calm expression changed slightly.
His clan possessed cultivation techniques…
But academy techniques had been refined by generations of experts.
Their value was immeasurable.
Instructor Mo spoke once more.
"The top ten…"
"…will each earn the right…"
"…to enter the First Technique Pavilion."
No one spoke.
No one breathed.
The words alone were enough.
"The Technique Pavilion contains hundreds of techniques."
"You may choose…"
"…only one."
"But remember."
"The strongest technique…"
"…is not always the most suitable."
"Choose poorly…"
"And you may waste years."
Ye Jun's grip unconsciously tightened around the handle of his wooden sword.
For the first time since entering the academy…
He had a clear destination.
The Top Ten.
Not because he cared about fame.
But because he wanted a technique worthy of his path.
Beside him…
Ye Ming remained calm.
Yet deep inside…
His competitive spirit had been awakened.
The son of the Patriarch had no intention of leaving the academy empty-handed.
Ye Luo scratched his cheek.
He leaned toward Ye Jun and whispered,
"…Do you think the Technique Pavilion has a manual that teaches people how to cook spiritual beast meat?"
Ye Jun stared at him.
"We're talking about cultivation."
Ye Luo nodded seriously.
"I know."
"But if I cultivate while eating…"
"Wouldn't that save time?"
Ye Jun couldn't help laughing.
Even Ye Ming's lips curved into a faint smile.
For a brief moment…
The pressure of the coming competition disappeared.
They were no longer merely disciples from the Ye Clan.
They were brothers…
Standing at the beginning of a much greater journey.
Far above the training grounds…
Instructor Mo watched the three of them in silence.
Three young men.
Three completely different temperaments.
One carried the dignity of a clan heir.
One possessed the heart of a relentless fighter.
One hid extraordinary potential behind a carefree smile.
The old instructor looked toward the distant mountains.
Almost to himself, he murmured,
"Interesting…"
"I wonder…"
"…which one of you will surprise this academy first."
As the afternoon lesson ended, the disciples poured toward the dining hall.
The academy cafeteria quickly became crowded.
Ye Jun ordered a bowl of spiritual rice and a plate of beast meat.
Ye Ming chose a modest meal.
Ye Luo…
Walked to the serving counter.
"I'll have…"
He pointed.
"Three bowls of spiritual rice."
"Six portions of beast meat."
"The steamed buns."
"The vegetable soup."
"And another roasted spirit chicken."
The cook blinked.
"…Is that all?"
Ye Luo thought for a moment.
"Oh…"
"Two more eggs."
The disciples behind him burst into laughter.
"Does he think he's feeding a family?"
"I swear he eats more than ten people."
Ye Luo scratched his head awkwardly.
"I get hungry easily…"
The cook shrugged and served the food.
Within minutes…
Every plate was empty.
Ye Luo let out a satisfied sigh.
"I think I'm about half full."
The entire dining hall fell silent.
Even Ye Jun stared at his brother.
"…Half?"
Ye Luo nodded innocently.
"I'll probably be hungry again before sunset."
Several disciples laughed so hard they nearly dropped their chopsticks.
From a distant table…
Instructor Gu Xuan happened to witness the scene.
He didn't laugh.
Instead, he watched quietly.
Beside him, Instructor Mo smiled.
"That boy has always had a monstrous appetite."
Gu Xuan asked calmly,
"Since childhood?"
"I believe so."
Instructor Mo chuckled.
"His father once joked that raising him nearly emptied the family's food stores."
Gu Xuan's expression remained thoughtful.
"Interesting…"
"Most cultivators eat more as their cultivation rises."
"But that boy…"
"…consumes food like someone tempering an extraordinary body."
He took another sip of tea.
"Perhaps it's nothing."
"Perhaps he's simply blessed with a healthy appetite."
Yet…
For reasons he couldn't explain…
He found himself glancing at Ye Luo one more time before leaving the dining hall.
The academy dining hall was as lively as ever.
Disciples hurried between tables, carrying bowls of spiritual rice and roasted beast meat.
In one corner…
Ye Luo had already emptied four bowls.
A mountain of clean plates surrounded him.
Ye Jun rubbed his forehead.
"…Brother."
"Are you sure you're still hungry?"
Ye Luo nodded seriously.
"I've only just stopped feeling hungry."
Ye Jun sighed.
"You've said that after every meal."
Before Ye Luo could answer…
A gentle voice came from behind.
"Senior Brother Ye…"
The two brothers turned around.
Standing there was a young Outer Disciple carrying a small basket.
She appeared to be around fifteen or sixteen years old.
Her round eyes were bright, and a faint blush rested on her cheeks.
She nervously held out the basket.
"I… I made some spirit rice cakes this morning."
"My roommates said they tasted good…"
"I was wondering…"
"…if you'd like to try them."
Ye Luo blinked.
"For me?"
The young girl nodded shyly.
Ye Luo scratched the back of his head before accepting the basket with both hands.
"Thank you."
His smile was as warm as the afternoon sun.
It carried no arrogance.
No hidden meaning.
Only genuine gratitude.
The young girl's face turned even redder.
"I-I'm glad you like them."
She hurried away before Ye Luo could say anything else.
Ye Jun stared silently.
"…That makes the third one this week."
Ye Luo looked confused.
"What?"
"The third girl who's brought you food."
Ye Luo lowered his head.
"They're just being nice."
Ye Jun couldn't help laughing.
"No…"
"They're definitely not 'just being nice.'"
From a nearby table, several female disciples watched the scene.
One covered her smile with her sleeve.
"Senior Brother Ye Luo always thanks everyone so sincerely."
Another nodded.
"And have you noticed?"
"He remembers people's names."
"He even helped Junior Sister Lin carry medicine yesterday without being asked."
A third disciple smiled softly.
"He doesn't act like the other boys who try to show off."
"He just… feels easy to be around."
None of them spoke about his cultivation.
None of them cared about his family background.
They simply liked the way he treated people.
Unaware of the conversation…
Ye Luo happily bit into one of the rice cakes.
His eyes lit up.
"Delicious!"
Then, without hesitation, he split the remaining cakes into three portions.
One for Ye Jun.
One for Ye Ming, who had just entered the dining hall.
And one for himself.
He never thought about keeping the best things for himself.
Perhaps…
That was why people naturally found themselves smiling whenever he was nearby.