Sunlight hit the Azure Cloud Sect like a spotlight on a very messy stage, and the courtyard was already buzzing with outer disciples stretching, yawning, and complaining as if the universe personally offended them.
I sat on a low stone bench, legs dangling, trying to ignore the groaning masses. Beside me, Mingyu—the chubby worry magnet—was whining about the sunrise.
"I swear, the sun moves faster here than in the city. Who designed this schedule?"
I shrugged. "Probably someone who hates sleep. Or someone with a vendetta against your back muscles."
He shot me a look that clearly said you're insane, and I decided not to argue. Some things were better left unsaid.
---
Our first "official" lesson was led by Luo Fen, an upper-level outer disciple who looked like he'd wrestled a bear every morning before breakfast. He towered over most of us and had that kind of glare that could make someone rethink every life choice they'd ever made.
"Today," he barked, "we learn Pulse Strike and Meridian Flow. Fail, and you will be corrected."
Corrected. Aka probably beaten. Fantastic.
We were each handed a blunt wooden sword, and Luo Fen demonstrated the basics: channel Qi into the sword so it vibrates, creating resonance that could smash weaker objects.
I looked at the sword, then at the ground. "Great. Wood. Nothing dangerous here. Just don't get splinters and I'm golden."
Mingyu immediately fumbled. Sparks shot from his sword, leaving a tiny scorch mark. He yelled, "Why is it burning?!?"
"Because you're trying to shove too much energy into it like stuffing a suitcase with your entire wardrobe," I said.
He blinked at me. "That… actually makes sense."
I shrugged. "I have a talent for analogies. Mostly useless, but fun."
Focusing, I guided a gentle Qi flow into my sword. It vibrated lightly, enough for the instructors to pause.
Luo Fen stopped in front of me. He looked skeptical. "Your Qi… unusual. Keep it under control."
"Understood," I said with a nod, grinning faintly. If by control you mean not blowing myself up, I got it.
---
Lunch was a chaotic affair. The mess hall smelled like stew and ambition, with disciples elbowing each other for seats and bowls. I sat with Mingyu, who was nervously poking at his food.
"Do you think the upper disciples watch us and laugh?" he asked.
"Honestly? Probably. They've got nothing better to do, and we're entertaining," I replied.
He glared at me. "You're not helping!"
I smirked. "Relax. Just imagine us as reality TV stars. The only difference is instead of cameras, it's deadly spirit beasts waiting outside."
He groaned. But I could tell he was slightly amused. Tiny victories.
From across the hall, two senior outer disciples were staring. One leaned to whisper something to the other. I caught snippets: odd… fast… strange.
Perfect. Early suspicion is my favorite flavor of drama.
---
Afternoon: paired sparring. My partner? Shen Qiu. Calm, competent, and annoyingly confident.
"Focus on your flow," he said, voice smooth. "If you can control it, you can counter me."
I tilted my head. "Uh-huh. Got it. Flow. Control. Channel energy. Also survive. Cool."
He frowned. "Survive?"
I waved it off. "It's a figure of speech. Mostly."
The match started. He lunged with his Qi-imbued strike. I blocked, feeling a tingling warmth in my arms. He was precise, probably trained for years.
I thought: Years, huh? Cute. I've had… unconventional training.
I sidestepped, letting Qi resonate subtly through my sword, just enough to offset his attack. He faltered for a split second — long enough for me to notice. I didn't push; I just smiled.
"Lucky, I guess," I said casually.
He blinked, annoyed. "How are you doing that?"
"Magic," I said. "Or maybe caffeine. Hard to say."
The fight ended with me barely tapping him and him looking completely flustered. I bowed politely. "Good fight. Also, don't try to read my mind."
From the sidelines, Luo Fen raised an eyebrow. Huh. Another strange one. Good. I liked being underestimated.
---
Evening came. I found a quiet spot beneath a tree to practice quietly. The Qi moved easier, smoother. My body buzzed faintly, like it was waking up after a long nap.
Mingyu showed up, flopping next to me. "You're crazy, you know that?"
"Probably. But crazy has its perks," I said. "People underestimate me. Which is perfect, because I like not being hit… while still hitting back."
I breathed in, letting Qi circulate. The air around me felt alive, almost aware. Something deep in my chest buzzed — not just power, but potential.
And as the moon rose over the sect, I grinned.
This was just the start. Rivalries were forming. Lessons were only beginning. And one day, when the world had finally caught up, I'd be the one rewriting its stupid rules.