The mountain valley roared with spiritual energy as Ye Tian stepped into the arena of the Clan Trials, the proving ground for all young cultivators of the region. He was now fifteen, his gaze calm but sharp — the kind that spoke of experience beyond his years. His aura pulsed faintly with a deep, shadow-like qi, the result of his relentless training under the moonlit forests.
The Ye Clan disciples whispered among themselves.
"He's the one who awakened the Shadow Serpent Vein… at fifteen."
"Unbelievable. Even some elders couldn't suppress that aura."
Ye Tian ignored them. His focus was elsewhere — on the vast stone platform ahead, where teams from every neighboring clan gathered for the joint trial. The strongest among them stood a girl in flowing silver robes, her long hair cascading like moonlight itself. Her name echoed through the crowd.
Mu Qingyao.
Prodigy of the Moonlight Clan.
The youngest to step into the third stage of Spirit Refinement before sixteen.
When their eyes met, something sparked — not hostility, but curiosity.
---
The trial began. Spirit beasts howled as formations lit the valley in hues of gold and violet. Each participant had to survive the night within the Moonshade Forest, collecting spirit cores to prove their strength.
Ye Tian moved like a phantom between the trees. His shadow qi let him disappear from sight, striking only when the prey — or rival — least expected. He had no allies, yet his calm efficiency drew attention.
Midway through the second night, a beast's roar shattered the silence — a Silverfang Panther, high-tier, wounded yet dangerous.
And before it stood Mu Qingyao, breathing hard, her spiritual energy flickering.
Without hesitation, Ye Tian leapt from the shadows, blade gleaming.
"Back away!" he called, qi spiraling around him like black mist.
The two fought side by side — her moonlight energy weaving with his darkness, forming a breathtaking balance.
When the beast finally fell, its blood evaporated into mist, leaving behind a shimmering core.
Mu Qingyao glanced at him, her tone soft but proud.
"You didn't have to help. I could have managed."
Ye Tian smirked faintly. "Maybe. But the forest didn't seem to agree."
For a moment, her lips curved into a faint smile.
Under the pale moon, two prodigies stood together — light and shadow intertwined.
---
By dawn, only a few remained. When the final tally was made, Ye Tian and Mu Qingyao's combined kills ranked first, shocking the elders of both clans.
After the ceremony, as the victors rested near the crystal springs, Mu Qingyao approached him quietly.
"You fight differently," she said, her silver eyes reflecting the night sky.
"So do you," he replied, crossing his arms. "Most would've abandoned the wounded beast. You stayed."
"It wasn't wounded," she corrected. "Just misunderstood."
That response drew a rare laugh from him — low and unguarded.
From that night onward, something subtle began between them. They trained together, sparred often, and found their energies harmonized unnaturally well. The elders called it coincidence. Ye Tian called it fate.