On the archery frame lay a single bow—its body jet-black and gleaming, the string a vibrant purple. At a glance, it was no ordinary weapon.
"Draw the bow. Let me see."
The old woman's demand brooked no argument. Though puzzled, Jian Dan knew better than to resist under another's roof. She stepped forward and lifted the bow.
To her surprise, despite its hefty appearance, the bow felt featherlight in her grip. She glanced back at the old woman, who merely nodded with a cryptic smile.
Left hand gripping the bow, feet shoulder-width apart, Jian Dan hooked the string with her right hand. She sank her left elbow, rotated it inward, and pulled—
The string didn't budge past halfway.
Frowning, she increased her effort. Only then did she realize the bow's peculiarity: The harder you pull, the tighter it resists. Without spiritual energy, everyone was on equal footing here.
Undeterred, Jian Dan gritted her teeth and gradually increased her strength. Sweat began to bead along her brow and trickle down her face, but still, she pushed harder—until finally, the bow opened a fraction more. Not fully drawn, but enough to show her resolve.
"Not bad. That's enough." The old woman's voice was a reprieve. Jian Dan let out a silent sigh of relief, slowly relaxed her arms, and returned the bow to the rack with care.
"You've trained your body?"
"To survive, I once practiced a few body-forging techniques," she answered simply.
"Then go to Camp C-1. Tomorrow, you'll quarry stone with the others."
"Understood." Without another word, she turned to find her assigned shelter.
She wandered among a cluster of ramshackle huts until she found a wooden sign labeled "C-1." The shelter before her looked like it might collapse with a strong gust—just four worn posts and a few crossbeams, topped with shriveled plant matter long dead and decayed.
Brother Parrot perched on her shoulder, eyeing the structure suspiciously. He lifted one tiny claw toward the roof but thought better of it and stayed put.
"Well, we're here now. No point complaining—let's take it as it comes."
Jian Dan ducked inside, settled cross-legged on the hard-packed earth, and began meditating.
Moments later, a man and a woman approached. Both wore violet robes beneath sheer gauze mantles. The man had a purple jade crown tied at his brow; the girl, a violet hairpin that swayed gently with each step. Swords were strapped to their backs.
The man spoke first with a courteous smile:"Daoyou, I am You Xinwu of the Purple Sky Sect. This is my younger sister, You Xinyue. Might I trouble you to let her share this shelter for the night? We're surrounded by male cultivators—it's... inconvenient for her."
Jian Dan studied the pair. The man had plain features, with a prominent nose being his only distinguishing trait. The girl looked young—likely only just entered Foundation Establishment—and carried herself with a thin veil of pride despite being the one seeking help. She said nothing, merely stood behind her brother.
"No," Jian Dan replied flatly.
"Eh?" You Xinwu blinked, as if doubting his ears.
"I said no."
"How rude!" The girl finally spoke, stepping forward. "My brother asked politely! Why refuse?"
"Why shouldn't I? What entitles you to my space?"
"You—!"
"Xinyue!" You Xinwu stepped in, tone firm but mild. "We're the ones requesting help. Don't be rude."
He turned to Jian Dan again, cupping his hands. "Please forgive my sister. This secret realm is a strange place. Since fate has brought us together, why not forge a friendly tie with Purple Sky Sect? We will surely repay your kindness in the future."
His tone oozed sincerity, but Jian Dan saw through it. "Using the sect's name to curry favor? You're just outer disciples."
She didn't even bother standing. Remaining seated, she clasped her hands in return and asked lazily:
"I'd love to befriend the Purple Sky Sect—but can two outer disciples truly represent it?"
Her gaze dropped to their belts—white with silver embroidery, marking their lowly status.
(The Purple Sky Sect distinguished ranks by belt colors:
White/Silver: Outer disciples
White/Purple: Inner disciples
Purple/Silver: Elite disciples
Solid Purple: Personal disciples)
You Xinwu's smile stiffened. He realized this female rogue cultivator wasn't easy to fool. "We were too presumptuous," he said awkwardly. "Daoyou, what would it take for you to let my sister stay the night?"
The more humble he became, the less inclined Jian Dan felt to grant their wish. "This man's up to no good."
"Daoyou," he said again, pulling out his storage pouch. "Please accept this. It contains spirit herbs I gathered in the secret realm. A small token of thanks."
Before Jian Dan could even respond, Brother Parrot darted forward and snatched the pouch in his beak, flapping back triumphantly.
Jian Dan squinted slightly, weighed the offer, then shrugged."Fine. You seem sincere enough. Let her stay."
"Many thanks for your help."
You Xinwu gave You Xinyue a look and turned to leave. The girl said nothing either, slipping into the hut and settling cross-legged in a far corner. She didn't speak to Jian Dan at all.
Just then, the sky over Stone Mountain darkened unnaturally. A shrill, metallic screech rang through the air, and Jian Dan felt a faint tremor beneath her feet.
Suddenly, a strong force shoved her from behind, pushing her out of the hut.