Morning arrived quietly at Riverstone Regional Academy, carried on a thin mist that clung to rooftops and stone paths before slowly dissolving under the rising sun. Lin Wei opened his eyes as the first bell echoed across the inner grounds. His breathing was steady, his Qi circulating smoothly through his meridians in a rhythm he had practiced relentlessly over the past few days. Compared to when he first arrived, the difference was undeniable. His body felt lighter, stronger, more responsive—like a blade that had been tempered and polished in secret.
He rose, washing quickly and fastening his robe before slinging his bag over his shoulder. The egg rested within, quiet as ever, its presence subtle but constant. It didn't pulse this morning. It simply existed, as if observing.
As Lin Wei stepped into the corridor, the academy was already stirring. Groups of students moved toward the training fields, voices overlapping in low conversation. Some spoke excitedly about upcoming assessments, others complained about strict instructors or aching muscles. A few pairs whispered in corners, eyes flicking around as if afraid their words might be overheard.
"Did you hear?" a tall boy near the stairway muttered to his companion. "They're advancing the inner trial this year."
His companion scoffed. "You believe every rumor you hear? The inner trial isn't something they announce casually."
Lin Wei passed without reacting, but his ears caught every word. Inner trials were no joke. Even at the regional academy level, they separated ordinary talent from true monsters.
The training field buzzed with activity by the time he arrived. Instructor Yan stood at the center, hands clasped behind his back, eyes sharp as he surveyed the students. The man's aura was calm but oppressive, the kind that pressed down subtly on weaker cultivators without them even realizing it.
"Form up," Instructor Yan called.
The students quickly arranged themselves. Lin Wei took his place near the middle, neither standing out nor hiding completely. That balance suited him. Attention invited trouble, but obscurity invited underestimation—both could be dangerous if mishandled.
Instructor Yan's gaze swept over the group and paused briefly on Lin Wei. It lingered just long enough to be noticeable, then moved on.
"Today," the instructor said, "we'll focus on controlled output. Power without precision is useless. Precision without awareness is suicidal."
A few students exchanged looks, some nodding in agreement, others clearly confused.
"Pair up," Instructor Yan continued. "You'll spar using only thirty percent of your Qi. Anyone who exceeds that will answer to me."
A murmur ran through the field. Thirty percent was restrictive, especially for those who relied on brute force.
Lin Wei found himself paired with a broad-shouldered boy named Zhao Ming, someone known for his physical strength but inconsistent Qi control. Zhao Ming cracked his knuckles and gave Lin Wei a crooked grin.
"Guess it's you," he said. "Don't worry, I'll go easy."
Lin Wei returned the smile politely. "I'd appreciate that."
They took their positions. Instructor Yan raised a hand, then dropped it sharply.
Zhao Ming moved first, stepping forward with a heavy punch reinforced by Qi. It was fast, but not refined. Lin Wei shifted his weight slightly, letting the punch pass just inches from his chest, then tapped Zhao Ming's elbow with two fingers. The contact was light, but the angle was precise.
Zhao Ming stumbled, surprised, barely managing to regain his balance.
"Again," Zhao Ming muttered, frowning.
This time he tried a sweeping kick. Lin Wei stepped inside the arc, palm striking Zhao Ming's shoulder with a controlled burst of Qi. Zhao Ming staggered back three steps, eyes wide.
They clashed several more times. Each exchange drew quiet attention from nearby students. Lin Wei never overextended, never wasted movement. He didn't overpower Zhao Ming; he dismantled him piece by piece.
"Enough," Instructor Yan said eventually.
Zhao Ming bowed stiffly, breathing hard. "You're… better than you look."
Lin Wei returned the bow. "You're strong. You just rely on it too much."
Zhao Ming laughed despite himself. "Fair."
As the sparring continued around them, Mu Xueyi approached, wiping sweat from her brow. "That was clean," she said. "Instructor Yan noticed too."
"I'm just following instructions," Lin Wei replied.
She studied him for a moment. "You always say things like that, but you're changing fast. People are starting to talk."
"People always talk," Lin Wei said calmly.
Her lips curved slightly. "True. But some of them are paying closer attention now. Especially certain… factions."
Before Lin Wei could respond, a sharp voice cut through the air.
"So this is the famous Lin Wei."
They turned to see a young man approaching, dressed in refined academy robes. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes were calculating. Behind him stood two others, their expressions guarded.
"Senior Brother Han," Mu Xueyi said quietly.
Han Ziqing smiled, though there was little warmth in it. "I've heard interesting things. Crimson Lotus Grove. Perfect completion. Even Instructor Yan seems impressed."
Lin Wei met his gaze without flinching. "Rumors tend to exaggerate."
Han Ziqing chuckled. "Sometimes. But sometimes they reveal what people try to hide." His eyes flicked briefly to Lin Wei's bag, then back to his face. "You should be careful. Standing out attracts attention. Not all of it friendly."
"I'll keep that in mind," Lin Wei said evenly.
Han Ziqing held his gaze for another second, then turned and walked away, his companions following.
Mu Xueyi exhaled softly. "He's from one of the inner families. Ambitious. Dangerous, if crossed."
"Thank you for the warning," Lin Wei said.
Training concluded shortly after. As students dispersed, Lin Wei felt a faint stir in his dantian. Subtle, but unmistakable. His Qi was compressing more smoothly, refining itself with each circulation. He was close. Not there yet—but close to stepping fully into Qi Refining.
He returned to his quarters later that afternoon, closing the door behind him. Only then did he allow his focus to turn inward.
The system interface shimmered faintly, limited as ever. No new notifications. No missions. Just the quiet presence that had accompanied him since the forest.
Lin Wei reached into his bag and withdrew the egg.
It was unchanged—still smooth, pale, and cool to the touch. But when he guided a thread of Qi toward it, something different happened. Not a pulse. Not a response. Instead, the Qi curved, as if being gently guided rather than absorbed or rejected.
Lin Wei frowned slightly, intrigued.
"So you're learning," he murmured.
The egg remained silent.
He placed it beside him and began to cultivate, letting his Qi circulate freely. As time passed, his breathing slowed, his awareness deepened. The academy faded into the background. The only things that mattered were the steady flow of energy within him and the quiet presence beside him.
Somewhere deep inside, something shifted.
Not enough to break through. Not yet.
But enough to promise that the threshold was near.
Outside, the academy continued its rhythm—schemes forming, ambitions growing, rivals watching. None of them knew that within one quiet room, a boy and a dormant companion were advancing together, step by patient step.
And when the balance finally tipped, Riverstone Regional Academy would not remain unaware for long.