The afternoon sun hung low over Twin Fang Island, casting long golden rays over the worn stone paths of the Ye Clan village.
Ye Xue Han walked with steady steps toward the academy, the breeze lifting the edges of his robe. His body was tired, but his heart beat with quiet satisfaction.
Finally… it's done.
Six days of grinding effort, countless failures, and seven primeval stones spent — but this morning, the Drip Step Gu had stopped resisting. It had pulsed softly in his palm, accepting his primeval essence, and the light in its body had flickered in submission.
He had refined his first Gu.
It was a moment that marked the true beginning of his journey.
The academy courtyard was quiet this time of day. Most students had gone home or were inside cultivating. Ye Xue Han made his way toward the instructor's office at the side building and knocked twice before pushing the door open.
Inside, Instructor Ye Ming Chun sat at a low wooden desk, writing something with a brush.
The man looked up as Xue Han entered. His eyes, sharp and focused, studied him for a moment.
"Ye Xue Han," the instructor said. "Do you need something?"
Xue Han gave a slight bow and held out his palm. The faint, watery glow of the Drip Step Gu shimmered into view, hovering just above his skin — calm, refined, obedient.
"I've finished refining my Gu," he said.
Ye Ming Chun's eyebrows lifted slightly. He stood and examined the Gu closely for a moment before nodding.
"Well done," he said. "Drip Step Gu — not a popular choice, but not a foolish one either."
He paused for a moment, then added with a faint smile, "You're the third student to finish refinement. That's ahead of many, including… one of the three B-ranks."
Ye Xue Han's eyes widened slightly. "Third? Then… who was the first?"
"Ye Lan Feng," the instructor replied, turning back to his desk. "He completed his refinement yesterday. As expected from Elder Ye Lan Bo's son."
Ye Xue Han let out a slow breath.
So I came third… not bad. I never expected to beat everyone, especially not the son of an elder. Just placing ahead of even one B-rank is a miracle in itself.
"Thank you for verifying, Instructor," he said, bowing again.
The instructor reached for a slip of paper and made a quick mark. "Your weekly stipend will continue as normal — five primeval stones every seven days. Don't waste them. The rest is up to you."
—
The academy doors closed softly behind him as he stepped out.
Ye Xue Han allowed himself a small smirk. For the first time since awakening his aperture, he felt like he had done something worth remembering.
But the moment was cut short as a voice called out to him.
"Ye Xue Han?"
He turned.
Not far from the courtyard entrance stood a young girl, dressed in the pale blue robes of the Ye Clan academy. Her posture was straight, her expression calm, and her long dark hair was tied back with a silver clasp shaped like a lily.
Ye Mu Lan.
One of the clan's three B-rank talents — and the niece of Elder Ye Mu Heng.
Even from a glance, her aura carried the composed pride of someone raised with expectation and privilege. Her skin was pale, her eyes dark, and her presence naturally elegant.
Ye Xue Han slowed his steps.
"Yes?" he replied.
"Did you just report that you've refined your Gu?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
"I did," he said, meeting her gaze.
For a moment, her expression froze — something between disbelief and irritation flashing across her face.
She didn't respond. Instead, she turned sharply and walked toward the instructor's office, her footsteps faster than before.
Ye Xue Han watched her go, the smirk returning to his lips.
So she's the one I beat to third place.
No elders behind me. No rare resources. C-rank talent. And yet… I'm ahead of her. Funny how the heavens work.
He didn't wait around.
Instead, he turned and headed back toward his home.
The streets were mostly empty now, the late afternoon light painting everything in hues of gold and orange. He pushed open his door, sat cross-legged on the familiar wooden floor, and closed his eyes.
The Primeval Sea inside him was calm, faintly shimmering with jade green light.
He placed a primeval stone beside him, ready to begin.
Time to cultivate.
—
The night deepened. A soft breeze drifted through the cracks in the wooden walls, carrying the scent of salt and soil. Within the stillness of his home, Ye Xue Han sat cross-legged, drawing in the last wisps of jade green primeval essence from his nearly depleted Primeval Sea.
With a soft sigh, he opened his eyes. His aperture was running low.
"That's enough for tonight," he muttered, placing the dull primeval stone back in his pouch.
Of the small reserve his parents had left him, only forty-seven stones remained now. One-time use, difficult to replenish. He'd used seven already refining the Drip Step Gu, plus two more during cultivation tonight.
"Better to save the rest… the academy stipend starts this week anyway."
He leaned back against the wall, rubbing his tired eyes.
Cultivation, as it turned out, was far harder than he imagined.
Sure, the books made it seem straightforward — draw essence, circulate it, feed the Gu. But in practice, it was slow, draining, and unforgiving. Especially for someone with no special backing or bloodline support.
"If only I had a Rank 1 Liquor Worm to help me refine, or if I had better talent, things would be so much easier," he muttered bitterly.
He sighed again.
"No use complaining."
His gaze drifted toward the ceiling, mind stirring with quiet thought.
In a day or two, the academy would begin the student council trials — the election for president and two vice presidents. The positions didn't grant power in name, but came with added primeval stones, better food, and more attention from instructors.
If I can even get vice president… it would be a real step forward.
He lay down on the wooden boards, folding his arms behind his head.
Slowly, his eyelids grew heavy. The Primeval Sea inside him slowly refilling.
Step by step, he would climb.