The courtyard of Xuanling Sect was quiet, save for the slow, deliberate footsteps of the Cosmic Tortoise. His massive frame shifted effortlessly between human and tortoise forms, the air around him thick with calm authority. The third disciple stood before him, spine straight, pride brimming—but nerves hidden beneath.
"Your first trial," the Tortoise began, "is to endure. Not speed, not cunning, but endurance. You will stand beneath the Sect's Spirit Rain for one full breath cycle—ten heartbeats. Do not move. Do not flinch."
The disciple's eyes widened. One full breath cycle? Ten heartbeats? That's nothing!
System Notification:
▸ Task Difficulty: Beginner for Golden Talent, focused on endurance
▸ Reward: Sect Points +10, Pill: Vitality Strengthener
Xuán Wèi appeared at the edge of the courtyard, invisible to all but himself. Perfect. Let's see how stubborn pride holds up under slow, relentless pressure.
The Trial Begins
The disciple planted her feet firmly on the ground. Spirit Rain began to fall—fine, glittering drops of condensed spiritual energy. Each drop burned slightly as it touched the skin, a reminder of her raw potential.
The Tortoise remained silent, watching her like a living mountain.
One… two… three… Yien whispered, peeking from behind a pillar, already sweating thinking about it.
Ling Wei… calm as always… he added mentally.
By the third heartbeat, sweat began to form on her brow. Pride urged her to stand firm, but the body instinctively wanted to react.
"Good," the Tortoise murmured, "resist your instinct. The world bends the impatient; only the patient endure."
A Little Humor in Struggle
After five heartbeats, the disciple's legs trembled. She nearly collapsed, only to see Yien making exaggerated faces behind a pillar, mimicking her struggle silently. A tiny smirk formed on her lips despite the pain.
Ridiculous little brat… she thought. But he makes it… bearable.
The Tortoise noticed her slight distraction. "Focus! Your mind wanders, your body weakens. Pride alone will not save you."
System Notification:
▸ Endurance Stability: 50%
▸ Sect Points +5 (partial completion)
Completion and Reward
By the tenth heartbeat, she had stabilized completely, her body steady, her mind focused. The Spirit Rain ceased as suddenly as it began.
The Tortoise inclined his head slowly. "Impressive. You endured. You may live another day."
System Notification:
▸ Sect Points +10
▸ Pill: Vitality Strengthener applied
▸ Teacher Approval: +1
Xuán Wèi's lips curved. Good. She has pride, endurance, and patience. Exactly what I wanted. Sect grows stronger, and the fun of guiding her… has just begun.
Ling Wei stepped forward, calm as always. "Steady. That is the start of true cultivation."
Yien, wiping sweat from his brow, whispered, "Slow… but strong. I get why she's with the Tortoise now."