# Chapter 3: The Silent Edge & The Elder's Call
Lin Yu stood in his room. The door was locked. The window was closed. He held the black sword in his hand. It was the Silent Edge. It felt cold. It felt heavy. But it felt right.
He swung it. There was no sound. No wind noise. No whistle. It cut the air silently.
[Good form,] the Sword Box said. [But you are too stiff. Relax your wrist.]
Lin Yu adjusted his grip. He swung again. It was smoother.
[Better. Skill Progress: 1%.]
Lin Yu put the sword away. It turned into light and went into his arm. Only he could see it. This was good. He could hide it.
"You are quiet today," Lin Yu said to the Box.
[I am observing. You have a target on your back. Chen will not stop.]
"I know," Lin Yu said. He washed his face. He ate the last piece of dry meat. He needed to go to work. If he did not work, the Elder would suspect him.
He opened the door. The morning air was cold. The sect was busy. Servants were sweeping the paths. Disciples were meditating near the waterfalls.
Lin Yu walked to the kitchen. His job was to carry water. It was hard work. But it helped his cultivation. He carried two heavy buckets. His arms shook. He used Qi to support them.
"Lin Yu!"
He stopped. He put the buckets down. Mei Ling was running toward him. She looked worried.
"Did you hear?" she asked. She breathed hard.
"Hear what?" Lin Yu said.
"Chen went to the Elder," Mei Ling said. She looked around. She lowered her voice. "He said you stole a technique. He said you know secret cultivation."
Lin Yu's face did not change. But his heart beat faster. Chen was smart. He did not just want revenge. He wanted to ruin Lin Yu.
"Did the Elder believe him?" Lin Yu asked.
"The Elder is coming," Mei Ling said. She touched his sleeve. Her hand was shaking. "Be careful. If they find out you know techniques, they will expel you. Or worse."
"I did not steal anything," Lin Yu said. His voice was calm.
"I know," Mei Ling said. She looked into his eyes. "But they do not care. They are disciples. We are servants."
She let go of his sleeve. She stepped back. She did not want others to see them too close.
"Thank you," Lin Yu said.
"Just... do not die," Mei Ling said. She turned and ran away.
[Hidden Love Interest: Mei Ling. Affection Increased. Warning: Danger approaching.]
Lin Yu picked up the buckets. He continued walking. He did not run. Running looked guilty.
He reached the Sword Hall. He put the water down. An old man was standing there. It was the Elder from yesterday. He wore gray robes. He looked strict. Chen was standing behind him. Chen's wrist was bandaged. He was smiling.
"Lin Yu," the Elder said.
"Elder," Lin Yu said. He bowed.
"