**Chapter 3: Moonlit Encounters—Hearts Begin to Stir**
The sect's training grounds were alive with energy as dawn broke. Young cultivators practiced sword forms, chanted mystical mantras, and dueled on the stone platforms that dotted the hillsides. Rajesh, having secured a small corner of the disciples' quarters, prepared a hearty breakfast of spiritual rice and sprout curry. The fragrant aroma wafted out the window, drawing curious noses and whispered compliments from the passing disciples.
As he finished his meal, the sect bell rang—a signal for the day's first trial. Today, new disciples would display their talents to the elders, hoping for a place in the prestigious outer sect.
Rajesh made his way to the central courtyard, where a crowd had already gathered. Disciples demonstrated their skills—fiery palms, sword slashes, bursts of spiritual energy. When Rajesh's turn arrived, he stepped onto the stone ring, feeling dozens of eyes upon him.
He recalled the "Basic Cultivator's Manual" and began to execute the flowing breathing forms, cycling energy through his meridians. Suddenly, a pale blue glow suffused his body—his control and purity obvious, if not spectacular. The elders nodded in approval.
But then Rajesh decided to try something new. Drawing on his shop-acquired recipe, he conjured a handful of spiritual herbs in his palm and, to everyone's astonishment, molded them into a shimmering lotus-shaped dumpling. He offered it to the test proctor, who took a cautious bite—and immediately smiled, energy coursing through his frame.
"Remarkable! A healing dish, crafted on the spot!" the proctor exclaimed. "Such alchemical insight, and all with vegetarian techniques. You are accepted into the outer sect."
Relief and pride filled Rajesh as he accepted his new sect uniform and moved to thank the polite, sharp-eyed proctor—a young woman of about his age whose long hair and delicate features did little to hide a fierce intelligence. Her name, he soon learned, was Meiyu.
That night, under a pale full moon, Rajesh returned from meditation to find Meiyu waiting outside his quarters.
"I heard you're well-versed in vegetarian cultivation recipes," she said shyly, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. "Would you… teach me? My family has always promoted pure eating, but in this place, subtlety and kindness are scarce."
Delighted, Rajesh invited her in, and together they prepared a simple spiritual soup. As they chopped herbs and swapped stories—Rajesh sharing tales of his old world, Meiyu speaking softly of her dreams—they felt a gentle bond growing. The warmth of the kitchen, the scent of cumin and cardamom, and the quiet laughter formed a cocoon against the sect's harshness.
As they finished the soup, their hands touched briefly over a ladle—electric yet gentle. For a long moment, they looked at one another, bashful but intrigued.
"Thank you, Rajesh," Meiyu whispered as she stood to leave, her cheeks tinged with color. "Let's cook together again."
Rajesh watched her silhouette fade into the moonlight, heart pounding—not with the urgency of battle, but with something softer, deeper. In this world of martial might and constant struggle, a different kind of connection was forming—one of kindness, trust, and promise.
> **End of Chapter 3.**
>
> ✅ Outer Sect Rank Achieved
> ✅ First Romantic Bond Formed
> ✅ New Companion (Potential): Meiyu
>
> *Next: The Outer Sect Tournament Begins! Rivalries, challenges, and Rajesh's unique methods shock the sect once more—while his bond with Meiyu and other budding friends deepens with every shared meal and moonlit conversation.*