The Azure Cloud Sect's outer training grounds stretched across a wide stone courtyard, surrounded by towering pines and a ring of mountain peaks that pierced the misty sky. Dawn had barely broken, yet hundreds of new disciples were already gathered, buzzing with nerves and excitement.
Su Chen stepped into the courtyard, his long dark hair tied loosely behind him. The cold morning air carried the faint scent of pine sap and dew, calming yet electrifying. Today was the first official training session—and the first true step on his cultivation path.
The artifact he had touched last night still lingered in his mind: the Azure Spirit Needle, its hidden potential pulsing in his memory. If he used it well, he could gain an early advantage.
But first, he needed to blend in.
As he moved through the crowd, whispers rose.
"Isn't that the outer disciple who offended Senior Brother Yun?"
"Yeah, that's Su Chen. He's supposed to be from a small family branch. No backing."
"I heard Yun Feng wants to 'teach him a lesson' today."
Su Chen didn't react. He had already expected trouble, especially after catching the attention of a bigshot he didn't even know.
Just as he found a spot at the front, a cold voice cut through the air.
"Su Chen."
He turned.
Lin Xue stood before him—white robes, sword at her waist, her long hair fluttering like snow in the wind. Her icy eyes softened only slightly when they met his.
"You came early," she said.
"I didn't want to embarrass myself on the first day."
Her lips twitched. "Good. Don't embarrass me either."
Before Su Chen could reply, a lively voice chimed in.
"Su Chen! Over here!"
Mei Ling practically skipped toward them, her peach-colored robes bouncing with each step. Her smile was bright enough to melt frost—much to Lin Xue's annoyance.
"You're early too?" Su Chen asked.
"Of course! I wanted to stand near you two.
Safety in numbers!" She leaned in and whispered. "Especially since you annoyed Senior Brother Yun…"
Lin Xue frowned. "He should not involve himself with Yun Feng."
Su Chen raised an eyebrow. "What kind of person is he?"
Mei Ling's cheerful expression drooped instantly.
"A bully. His cousin is an inner sect elite.
Because of that, he thinks he can walk over outer disciples."
Lin Xue's voice lowered. "He will cause trouble today."
Su Chen simply nodded. "Let him try."
Before the conversation could continue, a booming voice echoed:
"All disciples, line up!"
A middle-aged man with sharp eyes and a stern posture walked forward. His cultivation radiated like a mountain—solid and immovable. The crowd straightened immediately.
"I am Instructor Han, responsible for your first month of training. Today, we test your bodies, your spirit roots, and your will."
A murmur spread through the disciples.
Instructor Han continued, "Remember—talent matters, but discipline matters more.
Complain, and you fail before you begin."
His gaze swept the crowd—and paused briefly on Su Chen.
"You," he said, raising a brow. "Step forward."
Su Chen stepped out calmly.
Instructor Han studied him. "Your posture is good. You refine your body?"
"Only lightly," Su Chen answered.
"Hmm. I expect more from you."
He turned away and Su Chen exhaled slowly.
Did the instructor sense something? Or was it luck?
The first test began: Stone Pillar Strikes.
Each disciple had to punch a reinforced stone pillar. The more it vibrated, the higher their physical strength score.
Su Chen lined up.
Ahead, some disciples barely caused a tremor. Others made the pillar hum. A few prodigies made it shake violently.
Then—
"He's coming," Mei Ling whispered in dread.
Yun Feng swaggered toward the pillars, taller than most, dressed in elite dark-blue robes. His smirk was arrogant enough to cover the entire courtyard.
He looked at Su Chen with thinly veiled contempt.
"Oh? Trash Young Master finally crawled out of hiding?"
Before Su Chen could react, Lin Xue stepped in front of him, her glare colder than winter steel.
"You will speak politely," she said.
The crowd gasped—no one dared talk back to Yun Feng.
His smirk faltered, but only for a moment.
"Sword Fairy Lin, don't worry. I have no interest in trash. But if someone stands in my way…"
His eyes slid to Su Chen.
"…I will crush them."
Lin Xue's fingers tightened around her sword hilt.
Su Chen gently touched her arm.
"It's fine. Let him bark."
Lin Xue blinked in surprise, but didn't move.
Mei Ling stifled a laugh. "Bark… he does look like that."
Yun Feng's face darkened.
"You're dead, Su Chen."
Instructor Han shouted, "Next! Su Chen, step up!"
Su Chen walked to the pillar.
His right hand brushed its surface.
A chill spread through his fingers as information surged into his mind:
Stone Pillar of Tempered Iron
– Reinforced with spiritual metal
– Weak point located at lower-left base
– Striking the weak point increases vibration by 40%
– Hidden crack: striking too hard will cause a visible fracture
Su Chen smiled faintly.
So the sect isn't perfect after all.
He stepped into position.
The crowd whispered:
"He'll embarrass himself…"
"Probably won't even shake it."
Su Chen inhaled.
Focused.
Shifted his stance toward the weak point.
Then—
BOOM!
His fist slammed into the exact spot, channeling perfect force through the flaw.
The pillar shuddered violently, nearly toppling.
The courtyard went silent.
Instructor Han's eyes widened.
"Excellent!"
Gasps filled the air.
"Impossible…"
"He's just from a small family!"
"Did he hide his strength?"
Yun Feng's jaw clenched.
Lin Xue's eyes brightened faintly.
Mei Ling nearly jumped in excitement.
Instructor Han wrote something on his bamboo slip, glancing at Su Chen with newfound interest.
As Su Chen stepped back, Yun Feng snarled, "You dare show off in front of me? Fine, then I'll crush your little miracle."
He marched forward and punched the stone pillar.
CRACK!
The pillar fractured—exactly at the weak point Su Chen had triggered earlier.
The courtyard gasped again.
But this time in shock.
Instructor Han's face darkened. "Yun Feng! You destroyed sect property! Extra duties for a week!"
Yun Feng froze.
He realized it too late—
Su Chen had set him up without even touching him.
Yun Feng's glare burned like poison.
"You… I will kill you."
Su Chen met his gaze calmly.
"Get in line."