The training ground of Guangming Academy was filled with shouts and the clanging of wooden weapons. The disciples were lined up, sweat pouring, eyes full of spirit. Only one person seemed different.
In the corner of the field, a black-haired youth was lying down, propping up his chin, the wooden sword beside him untouched.
"LIN XUAN!" the loud voice of the master, Master Wei, boomed. "Why aren't you attacking?!"
The youth lifted his head lazily, his eyes half-closed as if he had just woken up.
"Master," he said softly, "I am actually attacking. But in my mind. That should be enough, right?"
Silence fell for a moment.
Then—
"PUAHAHAHA!" All the disciples burst into laughter, some nearly falling to the ground holding their stomachs.
"Impudent!" Master Wei grabbed a training stick and threw it straight at Lin Xuan's head. "CRACK!" The stick hit his forehead squarely.
Lin Xuan staggered but still managed to mumble, "Ouch... so the mind can also suffer physical attacks, huh..."
The disciples' laughter grew louder, while the master was on the verge of exploding with frustration.
The training ended. The disciples gathered, some still bringing up the recent joke. An ordinary disciple, Lin Xuan's friend named Han Jie, patted his shoulder.
"Xuan, aren't you afraid of being ridiculed by everyone?" he asked seriously.
Lin Xuan chewed on a dry bun casually, then replied with a faint smile:
"Why be afraid? If I fall to the bottom, it means there's only one way up. And it's free."
Han Jie was dumbfounded. That sounded very wise... or just a stupid joke?
Not far from them, a girl in pink stood like an ice flower. Her face was beautiful but cold, her gaze sharp as a knife. She was Zi Yueyan, the most prominent disciple after Feng Zhiren.
She walked closer to Lin Xuan, looking at him as if she were looking at an insect.
"Lin Xuan," she said flatly. "You are truly useless. You should train harder. You should not be lazy in this academy."
Han Jie panicked, about to interject, but Lin Xuan just smiled casually.
"Thank goodness," he said lightly. "If I were useful, you would definitely bother coming near me."
Zi Yueyan was silent for a moment. For the first time, her cold expression slightly cracked. She didn't know whether to feel annoyed or... confused. She quickly looked away.
Han Jie was dumbfounded again. Was this guy stupid or intentionally looking for trouble?
That afternoon, the academy gong was struck three times. All the disciples immediately gathered in the main hall. In front of them, Master Wei stood with a rolled-up decree.
"Attention!" his voice boomed. "Starting tomorrow, every disciple will undertake an external mission. This will determine your rank, as well as your opportunity to enter the core ranks of the Guangming sect."
The atmosphere immediately became lively. The disciples were excited, discussing challenges like hunting wild beasts or guarding merchant caravans.
Master Wei continued, "You will be divided into groups, each consisting of five disciples. The group list will be posted tonight."
The disciples grew louder. Some cheered happily, some seemed anxious.
In the corner of the room, Lin Xuan simply let out a long yawn.
"A mission, huh... I hope my group is full of diligent people. So I can sleep peacefully."
Han Jie sighed in despair. If this was the case, anyone grouped with Lin Xuan would surely feel unlucky...
That night, a new scroll was posted on the bulletin board in the hall. Disciples crowded around, pushing shoulders with each other, trying to read the group list first.
"I'm in a group with Liu Shan! Hahaha, this mission will be easy!"
"Ah, why did I get Swordsman Song, he's so arrogant!"
The low murmuring voices mixed together, creating an atmosphere like a night market.
Han Jie crawled through the crowd and returned to Lin Xuan, who was sitting under a tree biting an apple.
"Xuan... do you want to hear the good news or the bad news first?" his face was sour.
Lin Xuan raised a lazy eyebrow. "The good news first. So after that, I can pretend to faint when I hear the bad news."
Han Jie sighed. "The good news is, I'm in a group with you."
"Oh, that's good then," Lin Xuan smiled casually. "That means there'll be someone I can tell to guard my stuff if I fall asleep on the mission."
Han Jie almost choked on himself. "Are you kidding?! This is serious, Xuan!"
"And the bad news?" Lin Xuan asked, still chewing the apple.
Han Jie looked at him desperately. "...Zi Yueyan is also in our group."
The apple almost fell from Lin Xuan's hand. "Eh?"
As if her name was called, Zi Yueyan emerged from the crowd, walking gracefully but coldly. Beside her, a tall youth with a confident aura also walked—Feng Zhiren, the academy's best disciple.
All the disciples immediately made way, looking respectfully at Zhiren. He smiled warmly, unlike Zi Yueyan's chilling aura.
"It seems we will be working together," Feng Zhiren said politely while looking at Han Jie.
Han Jie stammered, feeling like a commoner being addressed by a prince. "Y-Yes! It's an honor!"
However, when Zhiren glanced at Lin Xuan, who was sitting casually while scratching his head, his faint smile dimmed slightly.
"He too...?" he muttered.
Zi Yueyan crossed her arms over her chest, her gaze piercing Lin Xuan. "If this is the case, this group will be a burden. It's better if you don't come if you only plan to sleep."
Lin Xuan smiled casually, raising the half-eaten apple towards Yueyan as if to toast.
"Don't worry. If I sleep, at least I won't cause trouble. That's more useful than a seemingly diligent disciple who likes to cause a ruckus."
The crowd of disciples immediately "Woooo!" some laughed, some held their breath.
Zi Yueyan was silent for a fraction of a second, her face slightly flushed—either from anger or embarrassment.
"Talking nonsense..." she muttered coldly and turned away, clearly not wanting to prolong it.
Feng Zhiren only sighed lightly. "We will prove ourselves on the mission field tomorrow. Hopefully, every member can contribute in their own way."
Han Jie quickly bowed, full of respect. As for Lin Xuan? He was already lying on the grass, yawning widely.
"If the journey tomorrow is long, I need to rest starting now..."
Han Jie slapped his forehead. "I can already imagine how tough this group will be..."
🌙 The night deepened.
Under the moonlight, the bulletin board was still crowded with excited disciples. Everyone looked forward to tomorrow's mission with burning enthusiasm.
But in a secluded corner of the academy, a youth sat alone, staring at the sky. Not Lin Xuan, not Feng Zhiren, but another mysterious disciple who smiled faintly while reading a secret scroll.
"Lin Xuan's group, huh? It seems tomorrow will be interesting..."
The shadow of a conspiracy began to spread with the moonlight.
Dawn broke, the eastern courtyard of Guangming Academy was filled with dozens of disciples preparing for the mission. The sound of horses neighing, the squeak of merchant cartwheels, and merchants busy checking their loads.
Group after group had gathered. When Group 7's name was called, the eyes of the other disciples simultaneously looked over—some with envy, some with disdain.
"Look, there's Feng Zhiren and Zi Yueyan. That group is definitely unbeatable!" someone whispered.
"Eh, but... they brought Lin Xuan too? Hahaha, it's over. Just imagine: the best disciple with the laziest disciple."
A small laugh was heard, and some other disciples just shook their heads.
Lin Xuan, who was walking at the back, was actually yawning while munching on boiled peanuts.
"Why do they look at me so seriously... I just want to sleep," he muttered casually.
Han Jie was almost frustrated. "Xuan! Please, at least show a little spirit!"
"If I'm too spirited, you guys will feel inferior. So let me lower my aura first."
"That's not what I meant!"
Zi Yueyan, who heard him, just snorted. "It's pointless."
Meanwhile, Feng Zhiren maintained a polite smile, although it was clear he was judging Lin Xuan with a sidelong glance.
Soon after, the leader of the caravan—a pot-bellied man with a thin mustache—welcomed them.
"Ah, thank you, disciples of Guangming! The road to Heiyan City is currently prone to bandits. Your presence calms our hearts."
"Rest assured, Sir," Feng Zhiren replied confidently. "We will guarantee the safety of this caravan."
The merchants immediately nodded in satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Lin Xuan was busy tapping the cart.
"Hmm... the wood is soft. If the road is bad later, it'll make a decent free massage bed."
Han Jie immediately covered his face. "Why am I in a group with this person..."
Zi Yueyan glared. "Don't let me see you actually sleeping the entire journey."
Lin Xuan shrugged casually. "If I sleep, doesn't that mean I'm not bothering you? You should be happy."
Zi Yueyan paused for a moment, then quickly turned away. Her cold cheeks almost looked flushed.
🌲 The journey began. Stony roads, thick forests left and right, the sound of squeaking cartwheels.
Feng Zhiren walked valiantly at the front, his sword at his waist reflecting the sunlight. Zi Yueyan was beside him, a faint misty aura surrounding her steps. Han Jie was in the middle, his spear ready even though his hands were shaking slightly. Lu Qing? As usual, he sometimes disappeared into the bushes, then reappeared silently, keeping everyone on edge.
And Lin Xuan?
He was already sitting comfortably on the rearmost cart, leaning against a pile of rice sacks while snacking on dried fruit.
"Xuan," Han Jie whispered from below, "if bandits really attack, can you fight?"
Lin Xuan replied with a yawn, "Of course I can."
Han Jie sighed in relief.
"I can sleep more soundly," Lin Xuan continued, turning his body.
"That's not what I meant!!"
Towards the late afternoon, the forest atmosphere grew quieter. Birds stopped chirping, the wind stopped rustling.
Lu Qing, who was walking at the edge of the forest, suddenly stopped, looking down at the tracks on the ground. His eyes narrowed.
"...Something is wrong."
Before he could explain—
WHOOSH!
An arrow shot quickly, sticking into the wheel of the frontmost cart!
"Attack!!" a rough voice shouted from behind the trees.
Dozens of bandits emerged from behind the bushes, faces scarred, rusted weapons in hand. They surrounded the caravan from all directions.
The merchants screamed in panic. The hired guards tried to hold them off, but the number of bandits was too great.
Feng Zhiren stepped forward, his sword drawn, an aura of sacred light emanating.
"Do not fear! As long as I am here, no one will touch this caravan!"
🌳 The Battle Begins 🌳
Feng Zhiren stood tall, his Guangming sword light radiating. With a single slash, a white flash cut through the air. Three bandits were immediately thrown, their bodies falling to the ground with light burn wounds.
Admiration cheers were heard from the merchants.
"It's Feng Zhiren! The number one disciple is truly amazing!"
Zi Yueyan advanced a few steps. Her sword was thin, her movements delicate like a dance. With one swing, pink petals scattered, confusing the bandits. They saw Zi Yueyan's "shadow" seemingly appear in several directions at once.
"What the hell is this?!" one bandit shouted before his neck was grazed by the thin sword.
🌸 The Thousand Petal Sword was wielded—beautiful, elegant, but red blood began to stain the ground.
Han Jie, though shaking, dared to step forward. His spear thrust forward, and although not as graceful as his two companions' moves, it at least managed to hold off two bandits simultaneously.
"I... I can fight too!" he said, his teeth chattering.
Meanwhile, Lu Qing moved in the shadows. He threw poisoned needles at the bandits trying to flank them. There were no loud screams—just bodies suddenly stiffening, falling silently to the ground.
And Lin Xuan?
He was still on the back cart, lying casually while chewing dried fruit.
One of the bandits climbed onto the cart, raising a large scimitar with the intention of cleaving Lin Xuan's head.
Han Jie shouted, "XUAN! BEHIND YOU!"
Lin Xuan turned lazily, half-asleep. As the scimitar was about to strike, he simply... yawned.
"Ahhh~"
Somehow, the bandit suddenly slipped off the cart roof by himself, falling to the ground with his head hitting a rock. Knocked unconscious instantly.
Everyone fell silent.
Han Jie was stunned.
"Uh... did you... do that on purpose?"
Lin Xuan shrugged. "I just yawned. He fell by himself. Don't blame me."
The merchants who saw the scene looked confused—did the lazy youth carry strange luck, or was he truly foolish but lucky?
The fight intensified. Dozens of bandits charged all at once. Feng Zhiren and Zi Yueyan fought at the front, like light and flowers clashing in beauty. Han Jie was drenched in sweat, Lu Qing kept disappearing from sight.
But the number of bandits continued to increase. A large figure emerged from the forest, the muscular bandit leader, carrying a giant axe. His eyes were red, his face full of scars.
"Children of Guangming Academy!" his voice boomed. "How dare you disturb my territory! Today, your heads will be trophies!"
He swung his axe to the ground—"BOOMMM!"—the ground shook, the cart almost tipped over. The merchants shrieked, horses neighed wildly.
Feng Zhiren stepped forward with a serious face.
"Be careful everyone. He is different from ordinary bandits."
Zi Yueyan tightened her grip on her sword. Han Jie swallowed hard, the spear trembling in his hand. Lu Qing stared intently but remained silent.
And Lin Xuan?
He sat, chewing peanuts again, muttering softly.
"Oh dear... I was just about to take a nap, and now there's a show like this. It's so tiring to be a diligent person..."
The giant axe was swung wildly. With one slash, a large tree beside the road was split in two, its trunk falling onto two carts. The merchants screamed in panic, some almost crushed.
"Quickly protect the caravan!" Feng Zhiren shouted, his body covered in sacred light. He blocked the axe with his sword, the impact thundering. "CRASH!" The shockwave sent dust flying.
Zi Yueyan leaped to the side, her sword dancing, her quick attacks only managed to make a small scratch on the bandit leader's arm. The man's muscles were like steel, not a drop of blood came out.
Han Jie tried to stab with his spear, but it just bounced off. "Arghh!" his hand trembled violently.
Lu Qing moved quickly behind the bandit leader, thrusting his dagger into a vital point. But the man just laughed. "Mosquito needles can't pierce my skin!" He punched back, almost hitting Lu Qing, who was forced to roll away.
The situation turned grim. The disciples began to tire, the caravan was close to breaking.
Meanwhile, Lin Xuan was still sitting on the rice sacks. But this time his face was not completely relaxed. His gaze narrowed slightly, observing the field carefully.
If they keep going like this, the caravan will surely be destroyed... he murmured to himself. And if the caravan is destroyed, I'll also lose my soft bed.
For the first time, his lazy smile faded slightly.
Han Jie, who was almost dragged down by a bandit, shouted desperately. "Xuan! If you don't help, we might all die!!"
Lin Xuan gripped his last peanut. He sighed deeply, then slowly stood up.
"Ugh... I really hate being forced to work."
He picked up the cheap wooden sword he often used as a pillow.
"Okay... maybe I'll help a little this time. Just a little."
The bandit leader charged again. His body was large like a bear, veins bulging on his arms, the giant axe spinning in his hand. With one slash, the ground split!
Lin Xuan tried to block a blow—his reflexes were good, but the opponent's strength was too great. The wooden sword shattered into pieces, Lin Xuan's body was thrown and fell, hitting the hard ground. Dust billowed.
"XUAN!!" Han Jie shouted in panic.
Lin Xuan lay there, a little blood coming from his lip. But before anyone realized, he opened one eye and murmured softly, "Heh... turns out falling doesn't feel so bad..."
He stayed on the ground, pretending to be unconscious. But in his heart, he observed the battle calmly.
The bandit leader swung his axe again, this time towards the undefended merchant caravan! The merchants screamed, "Help! Our goods—!"
Zi Yueyan ran as fast as she could, blocking the giant blow with her sword. The hard impact made the ground tremble. Her body was thrown back a few steps, her knees shaking.
"Ugh... the strength... is too much!"
The bandit laughed savagely. "A woman like you isn't suited to playing with swords!"
He raised the axe to strike again—
But before the axe came down, Feng Zhiren shot forward like a flash of light.
His sword shone brightly, his aura reflecting a golden color that pierced the forest mist. In an instant, he was between Yueyan and the bandit.
"Guangming Sword—Sin-Slaying Light!"
"SWOOSH!"
A golden sword light shot out, splitting the air and hitting the bandit's axe. The sound of metal echoed, followed by a loud crash. The giant axe broke in the middle, and the giant bandit was thrown backward, hitting three large trees before falling silent and motionless.
Silence descended upon the field. The other bandits immediately fled helter-skelter into the forest.
Feng Zhiren stood tall, his sword still emitting a soft glow. His breathing was stable, his face remained calm. Everyone who witnessed it looked on with admiration—especially Zi Yueyan.
She held her chest lightly, her eyes fixed on Feng Zhiren's figure.
So beautiful... she thought unconsciously. He is like an untouchable light.
Han Jie helped Lin Xuan, who was still sprawled on the ground. "You're still alive, right?"
Lin Xuan slowly opened his eyes, looking towards Feng Zhiren, who was being surrounded by the other disciples.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"...Well, the best disciple has to shine. I'll just be a spectator for now."
But behind that lazy smile, his eyes narrowed sharply.
Feng Zhiren... your strength is incredible. But somehow, I feel there's something behind that light... something not as pure as it seems.
The dust slowly settled.
The sound of crickets returned amidst the chilling silence. The lingering scent of metal and blood hung in the air, heavy, stinging the nostrils.
The merchants dared to breathe again. Some cried with relief, checking their merchandise, some of which was crushed by the falling tree trunk.
Feng Zhiren lowered his sword. The golden light on its blade slowly faded, leaving a soft sheen like the afternoon sun.
He glanced at the bandit leader's corpse, then turned to the others. "Check the surrounding area. Make sure no one is hiding."
"Understood, Senior Feng!" Han Jie exclaimed, though his voice was still trembling. He held his bruised hand, then turned to Lin Xuan, who was leaning against a pile of sacks.
"If you had genuinely helped earlier, maybe I wouldn't have almost died."
Lin Xuan smiled weakly. "If I had genuinely helped, you wouldn't have had a chance to show off. I'm a generous person, you know?"
Han Jie sighed heavily. "Stupidly generous..."
Lu Qing held back a laugh. "At least your fall looked cool, Xuan. I thought you died for real."
"If I had really died, I'd be more peaceful than having to listen to your nagging," Lin Xuan replied lightly while wiping the dust off his clothes.
Zi Yueyan walked closer.
Her face was slightly pale, but her gaze was still sharp. She looked at the scratch marks on her sword, then glanced at Lin Xuan.
"Are you hurt?" she asked flatly.
Lin Xuan looked back at her. "Just a small scratch on my ego."
Yueyan let out a small sigh, then looked down. "You're lucky to be alive. That bandit leader had strength beyond a normal person. There was something strange about his body—his aura seemed contaminated."
"Contamination?" Han Jie frowned. "Do you mean a demonic force?"
Yueyan looked at the bandit's corpse. "I don't know for sure. But I sensed something foul... like a dark spirit clinging to him."
Feng Zhiren approached, adjusting his sword sheath.
"That's right. I felt it too. But now is not the time to discuss it here."
He looked at the sky, which was beginning to turn a sunset red. "We continue the journey before night falls. This forest is not safe."