Chapter 2: The Rugged Path to Immortality and the Lingering Resentment

The morning sun bathed the training grounds, gilding the bluestone pavement with a faint, golden radiance.

Yun Yao took a deep breath, sensing the flow of spiritual energy within her. She focused her attention on her fingertips, preparing to begin her daily spell practice. The target she had chosen was a piece of solid bluestone, intended for honing her newly learned "Stone-Breaking Finger."

She slowly raised her hand, a faint shimmer dancing at her fingertips. Just as she was about to strike, she felt a strange resistance. This stone seemed far harder than the one from yesterday.

Her heart sank. Withdrawing her strength, she inspected the stone closely. It was no ordinary bluestone; it was refined from millennium-old black iron. The realization hit her instantly.

Not far away, a ripple of silver-bell laughter erupted, laced with clear mockery. Yun Yao looked up to see Lin Wan standing nearby, arms crossed, a smug smirk tugging at her lips, her eyes brimming with schadenfreude. Behind her, Li Yang chimed in, his laughter filled with disdain for Yun Yao.

Fury burned in Yun Yao’s chest, but she steadied herself. She knew that showing panic or anger would only play into Lin Wan’s hands. "Despicable," she cursed silently, though her face remained impassive.

She glanced around. Other disciples whispered among themselves, some watching with the eager anticipation of spectators, others looking on with worry, silently sweating for her.

Yun Yao sneered internally. Did Lin Wan think this could stump her? Ignoring the provocation, she adjusted her breathing and began to recite the incantation in her mind. Instead of meeting force with force, she attempted to alter the flow of her spiritual energy, transforming it into a gentle, spring-breeze-like power that wrapped softly around her fingertips.

She raised her hand again, slowly reaching toward the black iron stone. Just as her fingertip was about to make contact, a sudden gust of wind surged forward.

Yun Yao recognized that familiar aura. She looked up to see Jun Mohan appearing on the training grounds. His expression was cold and stern, his gaze sharp as a blade. With a flick of his sleeve, the black iron stone shattered into countless fragments of dust, scattering across the ground as if it had never existed.

Everyone froze, including the gloating Lin Wan and Li Yang. They stared at Jun Mohan in shock, unable to believe what they had just witnessed.

Yun Yao was equally surprised. She had not expected Jun Mohan to intervene. She looked at him, but he offered no explanation, merely casting a faint glance at her before turning to leave. His wide robes fluttered in the breeze, his retreating back as indifferent as ever.

Yun Yao watched him go, lost in thought. Why had he helped her?

***

Just then, a cold voice cut through the air: "Yun Yao, that is enough practice for today."

Yun Yao looked up to see Elder Qingfeng standing nearby, his stern eyes seemingly capable of piercing the soul. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly gathered her thoughts, bowing respectfully.

"Yes, Elder."

Elder Qingfeng approached slowly, every step carrying an intimidating aura that commanded silence. He stopped before her, his gaze like a torch, as if evaluating the very essence of her being.

The surrounding disciples held their breath, the atmosphere thick with tension.

"Demonstrate the progress you have made during this time," Elder Qingfeng commanded, his voice as frigid as ice, placing immense pressure upon her.

Yun Yao took a deep breath. Although her spiritual energy was not yet fully refined, she knew this was a crucial demonstration. She closed her eyes, focused her mind, and recited the incantation, gathering the energy at her fingertips.

She could hear the breathing of her peers and felt their gazes like needles pricking her skin.

She slowly raised her hand, a faint glow flickering at her fingertips as she struck at a regular piece of bluestone. Her spiritual energy, like a fine thread, channeled through her finger and struck the rock.

In an instant, a small crack appeared on the stone. Though it did not shatter completely, it was a significant improvement.

Elder Qingfeng’s expression softened slightly. Among the disciples, some looked surprised, others disappointed. Lin Wan stomped her foot in frustration, her eyes filled with resentment.

Yun Yao exhaled in relief, a small sense of accomplishment warming her heart.

Just then, Su Yao’s voice hissed in her ear: "Yun Yao, you truly are a pathetic spectacle."

***

Yun Yao turned to look at Su Yao, whose eyes betrayed a mix of fear and sycophancy. Yun Yao’s heart tightened; she knew Su Yao was terrified of retaliation from Lin Wan.

Su Yao, feigning grievance while masking her anger, began to shout at Yun Yao, creating a deeply awkward scene.

Yun Yao tried to explain, but Su Yao refused to listen, her voice rising as if to ensure everyone could hear.

"Enough!" Yun Yao finally snapped. She took a breath and said calmly, "I know you are afraid of Lin Wan, but doing this only makes me look worse. We are all disciples of the same sect; we should offer each other understanding and support."

Su Yao went silent, and the onlookers gradually quieted, watching the exchange.

Yun Yao’s words, though brief, left everyone in contemplation. Su Yao’s expression shifted complexly, and finally, she pursed her lips and lowered her head.

Exhausted, Yun Yao returned to her quarters. The room was so quiet she could only hear her own breathing. She felt drained. Looking at her haggard reflection in the mirror, she felt a wave of despondency.

In the dim light, her shadow stretched long, casting a stifling atmosphere. Thinking of her mission and her current predicament, the pressure mounted.

As the examination date drew near, Yun Yao practiced harder, yet deep down, she remained uneasy. She knew that Lin Wan and the others were secretly plotting to humiliate her during the trials.

When the day of the examination finally arrived, she stepped onto the grounds. The sun was high, but her heart felt as dark as the middle of the night.