The sun rose over the Azure Crane Academy like a burning promise. The stone walls glimmered under its light, and the wind whispered through the courtyard, rustling leaves and robes alike. Whoosh… hiss… clatter… The academy was waking, alive with anticipation. A new year had begun, and with it, the real trials of the first-stage disciples.
Only a fraction of the students who had entered last year remained. The rest had either left voluntarily, been disqualified for failing to improve, or returned to their villages. Among the survivors were Luo Yun and his two friends, Zhen Wei and Fang Rui. Their faces were tired but determined. They had endured the first year, and now their true journey would begin.
The academy's rules were as harsh as ever. Each student had one year to refine their body and improve their realm. Those who failed to make progress would be removed. There were no exceptions. The academy provided lodging, diet, medicine, and a small monthly contribution, ensuring the students had only what was necessary to survive and train. Comfort was a luxury they could not afford; the focus was on growth, endurance, and perseverance.
Clap… thump… scrape… The sound of staff striking the stone platforms echoed through the academy as instructors called the students to the courtyard. Today was the first session of the new year, and the focus was on testing their current level of strength and stamina.
Master Han Qiu stood on the raised platform, observing the students with his piercing gaze. "Welcome to the new year," he said, his voice carrying over the wind. "Those who have survived the first year have proven they can endure. But endurance alone is not enough. You must continue to refine your bodies, to strengthen your spirit, and to prepare for the challenges ahead. This year, your progress will determine your future. Do not falter."
The students bowed, acknowledging his words. Luo Yun felt a mixture of fear and resolve tighten in his chest. His first year had been grueling, but he had survived. Now, the real tests would begin.
Nearby, Bai Feng stretched lazily, his smirk unchanged. He had passed the first year comfortably, relying on his natural talent and cunning. He glanced at Luo Yun and his friends, a glint of mockery in his eyes. Yet, even he could sense the weight of the upcoming year. The instructors were watching closely, and no one would be spared from the academy's harsh methods.
The students moved to their assigned training zones. Some practiced lifting heavier logs, others maintained stances for hours, testing their endurance and refining their muscles. Thump… scrape… clatter… Every movement was observed. Master Han Qiu and other instructors marked each student's progress, noting weaknesses and strengths.
Luo Yun struggled initially, his small frame unable to lift the heavier logs as easily as others. But he remembered the lessons from his first year: patience, steady effort, and focus. With Zhen Wei and Fang Rui nearby, he pushed himself, sweat dripping from his brow as his arms trembled. Grunt… thump… whoosh… Every movement tested his body and spirit.
The academy also enforced the contribution system. Each student received a small allowance of provisions—enough for basic meals and medicines. Anything extra had to be earned through odd jobs within the academy grounds, such as cleaning, carrying supplies, or assisting instructors. Luo Yun had learned to ration his share carefully, ensuring he had enough to recover from his daily training.
By midday, the students were exhausted, but no one stopped. The academy demanded progress, and Master Han's words echoed in their minds: "Do not falter. Weakness has no place here." Even Bai Feng, though confident, showed signs of fatigue, a rare sight that reminded everyone that natural talent alone was not enough.
After a brief rest, Master Han gathered the students. "Today, I want you to test your strength. Measure it, feel it, and understand where your body is. Only by knowing yourself can you refine yourself. Martial art is not about recklessness—it is about control, patience, and perseverance."
Whoosh… thump… clatter… The wind swirled across the courtyard as the students resumed their training. Logs were lifted, stances held, and sweat flowed freely. Some students grunted under the weight, while others gritted their teeth, refusing to yield.
Throughout the exercises, Luo Yun focused on his breathing, moving deliberately despite his fatigue. Zhen Wei encouraged him, shouting tips and keeping pace, while Fang Rui adjusted his stance and movements, helping to maintain balance. Together, they pushed forward, relying on teamwork and mutual support.
Bai Feng, ever competitive, watched them silently at first, then decided to challenge Luo Yun. "You think you can keep up, runt?" he taunted. "This year, I'll show you what happens to those who barely survive."
Luo Yun did not respond verbally. Instead, he tightened his grip on the log, feeling the strain in his muscles. Thump… grunt… whoosh… He refused to falter, refusing to give Bai Feng the satisfaction of seeing him fail. Every ounce of effort was a statement: he had survived the first year, and he would not be broken now.
As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, the instructors called an end to the day's session. Students staggered to their lodgings, muscles aching, bodies drenched in sweat. Yet even in exhaustion, there was a sense of satisfaction among the survivors. They had faced the academy's trials once again and endured.
Master Han Qiu addressed the students one last time before the day ended. "Remember, this is only the beginning. The path of martial arts is long and harsh. Every day, you must refine yourself. Those who give up today may never realize their potential. The academy provides resources, guidance, and opportunity—but it cannot do the work for you. Only your effort shapes your future."
Whoosh… hiss… clatter… The wind swept through the courtyard, carrying his words across the stone platforms. Luo Yun, Zhen Wei, and Fang Rui stood quietly, letting the teacher's advice sink in. They knew the year ahead would be more challenging than the last, yet for the first time, they felt a quiet confidence. They had survived the first year, and now, the true journey of martial arts had begun.
Bai Feng lingered near the edge of the courtyard, watching the trio silently. Though he had natural talent, he could sense the determination in Luo Yun's eyes—a stubbornness that would not be easily broken. The rivalry that had simmered for a year would only grow stronger in the months to come.
As night fell over the Azure Crane Academy, the stone walls glowed under the setting sun. The wind whispered through the trees, carrying the sounds of the students' efforts, the echo of Master Han Qiu's words, and the promise of a new year filled with struggle, growth, and the relentless pursuit of strength.
The first stage of Body Tempering was only the beginning. The academy demanded progress, and those who survived would need every ounce of willpower, endurance, and spirit to face the challenges ahead.
Thump… scrape… whoosh… clang… The sounds of effort, wind, and stone would become the soundtrack of their lives, a constant reminder that in the Azure Crane Academy, survival was just the first step toward true martial mastery.