In the classroom, as always, Cin Yan and the other inner disciples occupied the front rows, eyes sharp, minds alert, drinking in every word Elder Wan spoke. At the very back, Fu Yang lounged lazily, half-lidded eyes fixed on the elder. Occasionally, he closed them entirely, only to open them moments later, as if mocking the ritual of learning. Elder Wan noticed, a flicker of curiosity passing through his gaze, but he chose to ignore the boy's insolence.
When the lecture concluded, Elder Wan's voice cut through the quiet.
"Remember," he said, his tone firm, "in two days, the academy will hold an examination. Answer my questions correctly, and the top three disciples will be rewarded with spiritual stones. Afterward, a tournament will follow. Internal and external disciples will compete together. You may not challenge external disciples, but they may challenge you."
Cin Yan raised her hand. "Elder, may we challenge each other?"
"Yes, once only," Elder Wan replied. His gaze swept the room like a blade. "Understand this clearly: any disciple who loses five consecutive rounds in the tournament and fails the examination will have their inner disciple title stripped. Take heed."
His eyes lingered briefly on Fu Yang before he departed, leaving a ripple of unease among the students.
The classroom emptied quickly, leaving only Mo Rian and Fu Yang behind.
Fu Yang rose, stretching lazily, preparing for strength training. Mo Rian stepped forward hesitantly, a soft flush coloring her cheeks. She handed him a folded letter and then bolted before he could react.
Fu Yang arched an eyebrow, curious despite himself. Unfolding the letter, he read silently:
"The more mysterious you are, the more curious I become.
You're like a hero, fighting alone.
Let me give you shade, until I fade away.
The feelings inside me I cannot control.
Fu Yang, I see you like the sunset on the shore."
He rolled his eyes, dismissing the words with a faint smirk. The letter was filed somewhere in the back of his mind, unworthy of further thought, and he left the classroom without a second glance.
---
Later, on the training grounds, Mo Rian whispered to Cin Yan, eyes following Fu Yang as he passed. Cin Yan's gaze remained calm, observing him without emotion.
Mo Rian pouted. "He's just shy. But I'll turn him into my loyal puppy—just wait. Humph!"
Her glare, fierce and childish, did not faze Fu Yang. His movements were precise, efficient, and unerring, each strike and stance a small testament to months of solitary training. Over the past two months, his body had filled out, muscles toned, and his health returned to a glow of vitality. The pallor and frailty of his early days were gone.
When he finished, both girls still lingered expectantly, but Fu Yang did not spare them a glance. Without a word, he moved toward the canteen.
---
Examination day arrived swiftly. The air in the academy was thick with tension; whispers of strategy and panic floated among the students.
"Cin Yan, why did the Wan clan lose that war again? I don't remember," Mo Rian asked nervously.
"Haah… you already forgot?" Cin Yan teased lightly. "Their supplies were stolen at midnight. Without provisions, no army could endure."
One by one, Elder Wan called students to his chamber.
"Mo Rian, you first."
"Heuk! Why me?" she groaned, shuffling forward. Cin Yan encouraged her with a soft laugh, and Mo Rian vanished into the room.
When only Fu Yang remained, Elder Wan's eyes sharpened.
"Fu Yang, come in."
He stepped into the chamber casually, posture relaxed, eyes steady. Across from the elder, he sat, hands resting lightly on his knees.
"Tell me," Elder Wan began, "what is necessary for a human to begin and continue cultivation?"
"Patience, willpower… and beasts," Fu Yang replied calmly.
Elder Wan's brows knitted, but he pressed on. "Second question: who betrayed the Wan clan, causing their loss?"
"No one," Fu Yang said, voice even. "It was orchestrated, so the clan would not be humiliated."
Elder Wan's eyes narrowed. "What? That's incorrect."
Fu Yang smiled faintly, eyes glinting with quiet audacity. "Elder, how is it wrong? They say the clan leader's concubine betrayed them, because her brother was captured by beastmen. But tell me—why did she not flee? Why was her brother never found? Why was she executed without interrogation?"
Elder Wan faltered. The question struck deeper than expected. He had long left the Wan clan's affairs behind, but Fu Yang's reasoning was unsettlingly sharp. Unable to respond, he waved the boy away, his expression thoughtful and wary.
---
Exiting the chamber, Fu Yang walked down the empty corridor. Mo Rian appeared beside him, pouting.
"How was your exam?" she asked timidly.
"Don't know," he said flatly.
Her eyes widened. "Don't worry, you'll pass. I prayed this morning for the entire class to succeed together."
Fu Yang fixed her with a flat stare.
"And… why didn't you reply to my letter? I waited desperately!" she said, voice tinged with hurt.
"I can't read. I don't know what was written," he said bluntly, turning away.
Mo Rian froze. "Whaaat? Then why didn't you ask me—or someone else who can read?"
"I thought it a waste of time. Probably just curses or foolish words." His faint smile carried a chill, a shadow of solitude and sadness buried deep beneath it.
He left her standing in stunned silence.
Cin Yan, arriving from another classroom, glanced at Mo Rian. Curiosity lingered in her eyes. "What did he say? Did he reject a beauty?"
Mo Rian shook her head, lips tight. "No."
"Then what?"
After a moment, she sighed. "Nothing… he's just a bumpkin boy who can't even read."