The next morning, Zhao Lingxi woke before dawn.
Lan Yue found her in the courtyard, moving through cultivation forms with smooth grace. Her movements were slow and careful, each gesture drawing spiritual energy from the air into her body.
She's serious about this.
"You're up early," Lan Yue said, approaching with a cup of warm water.
Zhao Lingxi finished her form before replying. "I have one month. I can't waste a single day."
She took the cup and drank, her brow furrowed in thought.
"The Imperial Academy examination tests three things," she explained. "Cultivation base, combat skill, and written knowledge. My cultivation is the weakest. Even with my meridians healed, I'm only at the second level of Qi Condensation."
"What level do most applicants reach?"
"At least the fifth level. The talented ones are already at Foundation Establishment." Zhao Lingxi set down the cup. "I'm years behind."
