The sun had already dipped low behind the ridges by the time Instructor Yara dismissed them for the day. The courtyard now glowed faintly in the soft orange light, and the faint echo of the spirit bells signaled dusk — the hour for dinner.
The seven made their way toward the Hall of Ember, the sect's dining pavilion. Built along the mountain's inner slope, its roof gleamed with layered tiles of obsidian, and spiritual lanterns hung in long rows, their light breathing like slow fire.
Inside, the scent of steamed herbs, roasted lotus root, and mountain broth filled the air. Dozens of disciples were already seated along low wooden tables, their laughter and chatter blending into a steady hum.
Eren was the first to collapse onto a bench. "Finally, real food. If Instructor Yara drills us like that every day, I'm selling my sword and opening a tea stall."
"Your tea would probably explode," Keil said, grinning.
Cain smiled faintly, sliding into his seat beside Sera. The light from the lanterns brushed against his hair, turning the dark strands almost silvery. His composure drew glances without effort — from passing disciples, from even the attendants carrying the food.
He noticed none of it. Or at least, pretended not to.
He folded his hands, waiting.
Sera leaned slightly toward him. "You're oddly quiet, again." Cain looked at her, not understanding why she spoke to him. They hadn't talked much before, and the unexpected attention seemed to puzzle him.
Sera only sighed softly and looked away.
Then the great doors of the dining hall opened again, and a new group entered — a dozen disciples wearing the silver-threaded robes of the Celestial Lineage Sect. Their insignia gleamed faintly in the lamplight, the mark of a sect known for its control-based cultivation methods.
Among them were two faces Cain recognized instantly — Rian and Lyra.
Rian was talking animatedly with another disciple when his gaze swept across the hall and froze. His brows rose slightly. "...Wait. Is that—?"
Lyra followed his gaze, and her steps faltered. "Cain?"
Their surprise was genuine — neither had expected to see him there, seated quietly among the Jade Courtyard disciples.
For a moment, Rian looked almost unsure. Then, grinning, he nudged Lyra lightly. "Well, looks like fate's got a sense of humor."
Lyra smiled, a flicker of warmth lighting her expression.
They walked over to the table. Rian spoke first. "Didn't think we'd see you again. Mind if we sit?"
Eren looked between them. "Friends of yours?"
Cain nodded once, expression even. "From the entrance test."
"Ah, that explains the dramatic entrance," Keil muttered.
Lyra sat beside Sera while Rian dropped across from Cain, stretching his arms with a relaxed sigh. "So this is the Dusk sect group huh? I heard your training methods are brutal."
Eren snorted. "'Brutal' doesn't cover it, we haven't even started yet."
Lyra smiled politely. "Our instructor from Celestial Lineage focuses more on precision and stillness — and the Gale-energy control through resonance, not endurance."
Sera tilted her head. "That sounds completely different from ours."
"It is," Rian replied, leaning forward. "Every sect cultivates differently. Some refine strength, others speed, others spirit attunement. The methods define the disciples themselves."
Keil smirked. "And here I thought we were all just sitting around trying not to explode."
Rian laughed. "That too."
Lyra turned back to Cain. "So... how was your first day?"
Cain thought for a moment before answering simply, "Still learning."
For a few moments, they ate in easy silence, the clatter of bowls and hum of conversation filling the hallFor a few moments, they ate in easy silence, the clatter of bowls and hum of conversation filling the hall.
It was Rian who broke it first, tapping his chopsticks idly against his bowl. "So… has anyone mentioned the upcoming tournament yet?"
Eren looked up, mouth still half full. "Tournament?"
Rian grinned. "Yeah. The Four-Sect Convergence. Happens once every two years. All the mountain sects gather to test their disciples. Strength, spirit control, endurance — the works."
Keil whistled low. "Sounds like a fancy way of saying 'we throw you in an arena and see who survives.'"
"Pretty much," Rian said with a shrug. "But the rewards are worth it. Spirit relics, cultivation pills, even personal training under the Grand Masters."
Lyra added softly, "And for those who stand out… it can mean invitations from higher sects." Her tone held a note of quiet ambition.
Sera set down her cup. "I heard our sect rarely joins. Something about focusing on inner mastery rather than open competition."
Eren groaned. "Figures. We do all this brutal training, and no one gets to see it."
Keil chuckled. "Maybe that's the point. Hidden strength is more dangerous than flaunted power."
Rian nodded slightly. "True. But this year feels different. Even the Celestial Lineage elders are paying attention. There's talk that the Convergence will determine alliances between sects. It's not just about pride anymore." But since it is a tournament between the elite we need not concern ourselves, we are still new and our tournament is still far from coming.