As Jan Yii stepped into the Celestial Mountain realm, her breath caught.
Before her stretched another world, vast and radiant, as if heaven itself had opened a hidden dimension. She thought, If only I had known such a place long ago… if only I had begun the path of cultivation sooner.
The sect's examinations soon began. At the center of the plaza stood a great testing stone, glowing faintly with immortal energy. One by one, the youths pressed their palms upon it, revealing the roots of their cultivation.
Brilliant colors flared—gold, azure, crimson. Murmurs of admiration rose with each dazzling display. Many passed with pride.
But when Jan Yii placed her hand upon the stone, it remained dim. No light shone. Laughter rippled through the crowd.
Another girl followed—Li Ran. Her result was the same. Dim, lifeless, mocked by all.
The elders frowned but did not send them away. Instead, one spoke with measured voice:
"Though you lack talent, the sect does not discard all who walk through its gates. You may remain as outer disciples. Should fortune change, and your roots awaken, you may yet earn the place of inner disciples."
Shame burned, yet hope lingered. And so Jan Yii and Li Ran stayed.
Drawn together by their shared struggle, the two girls became friends, finding comfort in each other's company.
Neither of them knew that within this bond lay the seed of betrayal—
a shadow that would one day tear their hearts apart.