Three days was a short time to prepare for something you knew nothing about.
Li Tian wasn't worried, but that didn't mean he was careless. Every morning before the sun rose, he was already in the secluded eastern courtyard — the one most disciples avoided because of the cracked tiles and crooked bamboo fence. Here, the air was still, and the only sounds were the whisper of his breath and the subtle hum of his blade.
His movements were slow, deliberate, but each strike carried the weight of precision. He was training, yes — but more than that, he was sharpening his senses. If this assessment was a trap disguised as a test, he'd need to be ready for anything.
Footsteps approached, light but fast. Mei Lin emerged, her hair tied back and eyes narrowed. "You're at it early again."
"Habit," Li Tian replied without breaking his stance.
She crossed her arms. "Or paranoia."
He gave a faint smile. "Paranoia keeps you breathing."
She didn't argue. Instead, she leaned against the fence, watching his movements. "I asked around about the assessment," she said. "Nobody knows what it'll be. But…" She hesitated. "One of the elders mentioned that the Sect Master himself will attend."
Li Tian's blade stopped mid-swing. That was unusual. The Sect Master rarely appeared for standard assessments. If he was attending, it meant this was far from standard.
Mei Lin continued, "And… there's a rumor that outside envoys will be present. Representatives from other sects."
"Other sects?" Li Tian asked, lowering his weapon.
She nodded. "Apparently they're 'scouting talent.' That's the official reason. But I don't buy it. This feels staged."
Li Tian sheathed his blade. "Staged for what?"
Her lips pressed into a thin line. "To expose someone. Or test loyalty."
A light breeze passed between them, carrying the scent of early plum blossoms. Neither spoke for a moment, both caught in their own thoughts.
Finally, Li Tian said, "If they're looking for someone… let's make sure they find nothing."
Mei Lin's eyes lingered on him, as if searching for a crack in his calm. But he gave her nothing.
The next two days passed in quiet tension. The Sect grounds were busier than usual. Disciples trained harder, instructors barked sharper orders, and whispers seemed to cling to every corridor.
On the morning of the assessment, the sky was pale, the air cool. All core disciples were summoned to the central arena — a vast stone circle surrounded by tiered seating. Li Tian arrived early, blending into the crowd.
The Sect Master stood at the highest platform, flanked by elders and, just as Mei Lin had said, unfamiliar figures in fine robes. Their eyes swept the disciples like hawks scanning a field.
Master Zhao stepped forward, his voice carrying across the arena. "Today's assessment will be divided into three stages. Each will test your skill, adaptability, and resolve. Only those who pass all three will be recognized."
The first stage began immediately — duels. Names were called in pairs, and disciples stepped into the ring. Some matches ended in seconds, others dragged on in tense exchanges. Li Tian's name was eventually called.
His opponent, a tall disciple named Han Wei, smirked. "I've been waiting for this."
Li Tian said nothing.
The duel began with a sharp clang of steel. Han Wei was fast, his strikes aggressive, but Li Tian flowed around them like water, his blade never overextending. He wasn't showing off — just dismantling Han Wei's rhythm piece by piece.
A final sidestep, a flick of the wrist, and Han Wei's weapon clattered to the ground. The elder overseeing the match nodded. "Winner: Li Tian."
No cheers followed. Just murmurs. The envoys were watching closely.
The second stage was endurance. Disciples were sent through the Bamboo Labyrinth — a twisting maze filled with hidden traps and illusory walls. The goal was simple: find the exit before the hourglass emptied.
Inside, the air was damp, the paths narrow. Li Tian moved at a steady pace, noting faint irregularities in the bamboo, the subtle smell of oiled mechanisms before a trap triggered. He avoided most without slowing. Others were more reckless, and the sharp snap of mechanisms claimed more than one participant.
Halfway through, he caught a glimpse of Mei Lin ahead, moving silently. Their eyes met briefly before she vanished around a bend.
Li Tian reached the exit with minutes to spare.
The final stage was the most unusual. A simple table was placed in the arena, with a small, covered box at its center. One by one, disciples were brought forward. The elders spoke quietly to each before they placed a hand on the box.
When Li Tian's turn came, Master Zhao's voice was low. "Inside is something you will not expect. React as you will — but know that every reaction is being judged."
Li Tian lifted the lid.
Inside was not a weapon or treasure, but a small, black-feathered bird, its eyes bright and strangely intelligent. It tilted its head at him, unafraid.
He stared at it for a long moment, then closed the lid gently.
No flicker of emotion passed his face.
When he stepped away, he caught one of the envoys leaning toward another, whispering.
The assessment ended at sunset. Names of those who passed all three stages were read aloud. Li Tian's was among them.
As the crowd dispersed, Mei Lin fell into step beside him. "What was in the box?" she asked.
"A bird," he said simply.
She blinked. "That's it?"
"That's it," he replied, though his mind was already turning over the possibilities.
Whatever game the Sect was playing, he had the distinct feeling it was only just beginning.