The moonlight, like water, poured over the back mountain of the Qingyun Sect, stretching the shadows of the trees into exceptionally slender shapes.
Zhong Yun bathed in the moonlight, feeling the Spiritual Qi filling his body, his face brimming with joy.
Breaking through to the Qi Condensation 3rd Layer meant that he was finally qualified to participate in the upcoming outer sect grand competition and fight for that coveted inner sect disciple spot.
However, this joy did not last long before it was shattered by an unharmonious voice.
"Yo, isn't this our 'cultivation prodigy' Zhong Yun? What, still cultivating? Be careful of suffering a Qi deviation!"
Accompanied by a sarcastic and snide taunt, a sturdy youth with a fierce expression swaggered over, followed by several sycophantic lackeys.
His name was Zhao Hu, a notorious bully among the outer sect disciples who frequently relied on his cultivation to oppress the weak.
He had long found Zhong Yun an eyesore, simply because Zhong Yun was uniquely gifted, breaking through to the Qi Condensation 3rd Layer in just a few short months after entering the sect, even overshadowing him, a "senior" who had cultivated for many years.
Zhong Yun slowly opened his eyes, a flash of displeasure crossing them, but he quickly concealed it. He glanced indifferently at Zhao Hu and said in a calm tone, "So it's Senior Brother Zhao. To what do I owe the honor?"
Seeing Zhong Yun act so "sensible," Zhao Hu felt even more pleased with himself. He cast a sideways glance at Zhong Yun and jeered, "I heard you've been cultivating at breakneck speed recently, so as your senior brother, I naturally had to come and 'check' on you. How about it? Would you like your senior brother to give you a few pointers?"
With that, he reached out to grab Zhong Yun's shoulder, making a move to haul him up.
A flash of cold light crossed Zhong Yun's eyes. With a slight sideways shift of his body, he effortlessly dodged Zhao Hu's "assault."
"Senior Brother Zhao is joking. With my meager attainments, how could I dare trouble you for pointers?" Zhong Yun's tone remained calm, but his gaze gradually grew ice-cold.
Seeing his first attempt fail, Zhao Hu immediately lost face. He let out a cold snort and said, "Hmph, refusing a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit! I advise you to be smart and obediently withdraw from the grand competition, otherwise..."
"Otherwise what?" A sharp glint flashed in Zhong Yun's eyes as he stared straight at Zhao Hu, showing not a shred of fear.
Zhao Hu felt a chill in his heart under Zhong Yun's gaze, but thinking of the backing he had behind him, he mustered up his courage again and said viciously, "Otherwise, I'll have you bedridden for ten days to a half-month!"
With that, he strode away haughtily with his flock of lackeys.
Zhong Yun watched Zhao Hu's retreating back, a solemn look flashing in his eyes.
He knew that Zhao Hu was merely a small pawn; someone must be pulling the strings behind him. And that person was very likely... Qian Duoduo!
Qian Duoduo was a well-known wealthy young master of Qingyun City who, relying on his vast family fortune, wielded considerable influence within the Qingyun Sect.
He had long harbored improper thoughts toward Shen Yao, but Shen Yao treated him with utter disdain, instead showing great favor to the ordinarily talented Zhong Yun. This had burned Qian Duoduo with jealousy, and he had long been looking for an opportunity to eliminate Zhong Yun, this "thorn in his side."
"It seems this grand competition won't be so simple..." Zhong Yun muttered to himself, an unfathomable light flashing in his eyes.
He had a premonition that an even greater conspiracy was closing in on him...
Zhong Yun stood on the spot as the night wind blew, tree shadows swaying as if countless eyes were spying from the shadows.
Zhao Hu's threat and Qian Duoduo's shadow were like invisible nets, binding him tightly.
He knew that if he wanted to gain a foothold in the Qingyun Sect and protect the people he wished to protect, he had to become stronger!
He took a deep breath, suppressed the restlessness in his heart, and returned to his quarters.
Inside the dilapidated room, there was only a wooden bed, a table, and a straw meditation mat.
He sat cross-legged on the mat, closed his eyes to gather his focus, and began to cultivate.
The surroundings were dead silent, with only Zhong Yun's steady breathing echoing in the room.
Suddenly, an inexplicable chill rose from the bottom of his heart, followed by a powerful force striking without warning, slamming fiercely against his chest.
"Puh!" Zhong Yun spat a mouthful of blood, his body flying backward like a kite with a broken string before crashing heavily into the corner of the wall.
He struggled to stand up, only to find his internal Qi churning and his meridians in agonizing pain, rendering him completely unable to move.
"Who is it?!" Zhong Yun endured the piercing pain and asked through gritted teeth.
Yet, only endless silence answered him.
He struggled to sit up and checked his own injuries, discovering that the meridians within his body had sustained severe damage.
If he failed to receive timely treatment, he would likely be left with hard-to-heal hidden injuries that could even affect his future cultivation.
"Dammit! Just who is plotting against me?!" Zhong Yun's heart burned with anger, yet he was utterly helpless.
He looked around and found the room completely empty; clearly, his attacker had left swiftly after succeeding.
Just then, a flurry of hurried footsteps sounded outside the door, followed immediately by a familiar voice: "Zhong Yun, are you in there?"
It was Fatty Wang! Joy surged in Zhong Yun's heart, and he hurriedly replied, "I'm here, come in quickly!"
The door was pushed open with a shove, and Fatty Wang rushed in, panting heavily. Upon seeing the blood at the corner of Zhong Yun's mouth and his pale face, he was horrified: "Zhong Yun, what happened to you? Who beat you up like this?!"
"It's a long story," Zhong Yun shook his head and said weakly, "Let's not talk about that for now. I need your help."
"Name it! As long as I can do it, I'll go through fire and water without hesitation!" Fatty Wang patted his chest and said without a moment's hesitation.
"I need a stalk of Purple Heart Grass. Can you help me get one?" Zhong Yun asked. Purple Heart Grass was a precious medicinal herb for healing injuries, possessing miraculous effects in treating internal traumas.
"Purple Heart Grass?" Fatty Wang's face showed difficulty. "That stuff is quite rare; ordinary apothecary shops simply don't have it..."
"I know," Zhong Yun nodded. "However, I heard that outer sect disciples can claim one medicinal herb every month. Can you..."
"I understand!" Fatty Wang didn't wait for Zhong Yun to finish before grasping his meaning. "Don't worry, I'll go get it for you right now!"
With that, Fatty Wang dashed out in a flurry of wind and fire, leaving Zhong Yun lying alone on the bed, his eyes filled with worry.
He knew that Fatty Wang's trip would certainly not be smooth sailing...
After Fatty Wang left, Zhong Yun struggled to sit cross-legged and circulated the meager amount of true qi in his body, attempting to repair his damaged meridians.
He knew he was in a perilous situation now, and every shred of strength was precious.
Yet, with every full circulation cycle, a piercing pain shot from his meridians, forcing him to grit his teeth and persist.
Just then, the door was pushed open once more, and an elderly man walked in with slow strides.
The old man's hair and beard were completely white, yet he was spirited and vigorous, his eyes bright and piercing as if they could see right through a person's heart.
He wore a cyan robe embroidered with a few auspicious clouds, radiating an immortal air—he was none other than the outer sect elder of the Qingyun Sect, Li Xuanji.
"Zhong Yun, I heard you were injured, so this old man came specifically to check on you." Elder Li's voice was gentle and kind, yet carried an unquestionable majesty.
Zhong Yun hurriedly stood up to salute: "Disciple Zhong Yun greets Elder Li."
"No need for formalities." Elder Li waved his hand, signaled for Zhong Yun to sit, and then walked to his side to carefully examine his injuries.
"Damaged meridians, depleted blood and qi—whoever struck was utterly ruthless!" Elder Li furrowed his brows slightly, a hint of anger coloring his tone.
Zhong Yun felt a jolt in his heart. Knowing Elder Li's profound cultivation and discerning eyes, the elder had undoubtedly seen through the fishy nature of his injuries.
"A disciple has unwittingly offended someone to suffer such a vicious attack. I ask the Elder to discern the truth!" Zhong Yun feigned a look of utter bewilderment while secretly guessing what purpose Elder Li had in coming here.
Elder Li gave him a deep look, seeming to see right through his thoughts, though he didn't expose him. Instead, he said calmly, "I will investigate this matter and give you an explanation. Rest and recover in peace; don't overthink other matters."
With that, Elder Li pulled a white jade bottle from his robe and handed it to Zhong Yun: "Inside is a Spring-Returning Pill. It can aid in your healing. Do not let this old man's good intentions go to waste."
"Many thanks, Elder!" Joy surged in Zhong Yun's heart as he hurriedly took the pill and said respectfully.
He knew that the Spring-Returning Pill was a supreme healing medicine of immeasurable value. That Elder Li was willing to bestow such a precious pill upon him showed just how much importance the elder placed on him.
After Elder Li left, Zhong Yun eagerly swallowed the pill, instantly feeling a warm current flood his entire body. His damaged meridians also gradually began to recover.
Daring not to slack off, he seized the time to cultivate, striving to recover his strength as early as possible.
As the night grew deeper and the stars flickered sparse against the window outside, a faint light still glowed within Zhong Yun's room.
Sitting cross-legged on the bed, he concentrated wholly on his cultivation, feeling not a shred of fatigue.
Sweat soaked his clothes, but he remained utterly oblivious, standing motionless like a sculpture.
At that very moment, a figure silently materialized outside the window, quietly watching Zhong Yun as he intently cultivated inside.
The moonlight spilled down, illuminating her cold and peerless features. It was none other than an inner sect disciple of the Qingyun Sect and the goddess in the hearts of countless male disciples—Shen Yao.
She had originally just been passing by, but had been drawn by the true qi fluctuations emanating from the room.
When she saw Zhong Yun persisting in his cultivation despite being injured, a flash of surprise could not help but cross her eyes, and a spark of curiosity toward him bloomed in her heart.
What kind of story did this seemingly ordinary menial disciple possess?
Shen Yao did not disturb Zhong Yun, turning and departing instead, leaving only a faint trace of curiosity drifting away in the night sky... Shen Yao's figure vanished into the night. Unaware of this entirely, Zhong Yun remained immersed in the fulfillment brought by his cultivation.
The medicinal efficacy of the Spring-Returning Pill was gentle and enduring. His damaged meridians were slowly repairing, and the circulation of true qi within his body was much smoother than before.
He knew he had to recover his strength as quickly as possible to face the challenges ahead.
Early the next morning, Zhong Yun rose early and headed to the Martial Arts Arena.
Today was the day of the outer sect grand competition, and also his only chance to shed his menial status.
The Martial Arts Arena was a churning sea of people, exceptionally lively. The outer sect disciples were all flexing their muscles, eager to try.
They wanted to achieve good results in the competition and thereby gain the attention and cultivation of the sect.
Zhong Yun's arrival drew the attention of quite a few people.
Most of them held a mentality of wanting to watch a good show; after all, how could a severely injured menial disciple possibly be a match for those formidable outer sect disciples?
"Quick, look, isn't that Zhong Yun? Why isn't he properly recovering from his injuries instead of coming here to join the excitement?"
"Exactly, with his meager strength, he probably won't even pass the first round!"
"I bet he's just here to make a fool of himself!"
The surrounding discussions reached Zhong Yun's ears, but his expression remained unchanged, completely unfazed.
He knew these people simply looked down on him as a menial disciple. As long as he could prove himself in the competition, he would shut every single one of their mouths!
Just then, a malicious figure blocked Zhong Yun's path.
His name was Zhao Hu, a prominent standout among the outer sect disciples. Arrogant and domineering by nature, he frequently bullied the weak by relying on his meager strength.
"Yo, isn't this our great menial Zhong? What, you want to participate in the outer sect grand competition too? Don't dream; in your half-dead state, you'd better obediently go back to sweeping floors!" Zhao Hu looked at Zhong Yun with utter contempt, his tone dripping with mockery.
"Zhao Hu, don't get too full of yourself!" Zhong Yun looked at him coldly. "Whether I can participate in the competition is not up to you to decide!"
"Oh? Are you questioning my words?" Zhao Hu's face sank, a flash of cold light crossing his eyes. "I advise you to be smart and obediently crawl out of the Qingyun Sect, otherwise..."
"Otherwise what?" Zhong Yun met his gaze without a shred of fear. "You want to make a move against me? Don't forget, this is the Qingyun Sect, not some place where you can run amok!"
Zhao Hu wanted to say more, but was interrupted by a voice from behind: "Enough, Zhao Hu, don't waste time. The competition is about to start!"
The speaker was a young nobleman dressed in brocade robes. He was slightly plump, with a trace of haughtiness on his face—he was precisely the well-known wealthy young master of Qingyun City, Qian Duoduo.
He had a good relationship with Zhao Hu, and the two often colluded to oppress their fellow disciples.
"Young Master Qian is right; there's no need to lower oneself to the level of trash like this." Zhao Hu let out a cold snort and turned to walk toward the competition grounds, not forgetting to leave a threat before he departed: "Zhong Yun, you just wait for me. I'll settle this score with you sooner or later!"
Zhong Yun ignored his threat and gazed steadily ahead. He knew that the true challenge had only just begun.