Xing Yue decided, even if her elegance lacked Meng Yi's effortless grace, she would carve her own path-with force, with conviction, with an unyielding will.
later, the moment when elder Hua Qing stepped forward, Meng Yi straightened, her mask of innocent kindness sliding perfectly back into place.
but Xing Yue saw it and murmured herself with feeling of sigh, for what it was-a well practiced act, a deception wrapped in silk.
at the time, when the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting a gentle orange glow across the academy grounds. the first day of training session had finally come to an end. the brushstrokes of calligraphy still lingered in the air, and the faint scent of ink clung to their robes. the hall was filled with the faint rustle of silk robes as disciples began to gather their belongings. the air was still heavy with the scent of ink and parchment when a figure entered the hall, drawing immediate silence.
Xing Yue kept her head down, her hands gently rolling up her scroll, feeling the weight of her own inadequacy. around her, whispers drifted like distant echoes, some soft and genuine, others dripping with mockery.
someone whispering, "her calligraphy is still unrefined."
"does she even belong here?"
Meng Yi's melodic voice pierced through the subtle noise. she said, "Xing Yue, your strokes today were quite...unique." she turned, her smile falsely sweet.
before another word could be exchanged, the room fell into dead silence as elder Hua Qing entered. her sharp, calculating eyes swept across the hall, and every disciple instinctively sit straighter.
"disciples," elder Hua Qing's voice rang out like a blade. she continued, "calligraphy is not mere ink upon parchment. it is the embodiment of one's spirit. weak strokes reflect weak will. graceful strokes reflect discipline."
her gaze then fell directly on Xing Yue.
Xing Yue's heart hammered painfully in her chest as elder Hua stepped forward, clutching her rolled scroll. the other disciples exchanged glances, some filled with pity, others with barely concealed amusement.
Meng Yi's smirk deepened, anticipating Xing Yue's humiliation.
elder Hua Qing unrolled the parchment, her eyes scanning the bold and uncontrolled strokes. "chaotic," she remarked, her voice is cold. and she continued, "unrefined, no emotion in structure."
a soft chuckle rippled through the hall.
Xing Yue's throat tightened, her fingers curling into her robes. she could feel Meng Yi's mocking gaze burning into her. but she knew elder Hua's words were not meant to discourage but to push her beyond her limits.
elder Hua's said, her tone turned sharper. "you have a week. if you wish to strengthen your foundation and prove your your worth, use this time wisely. otherwise, you will be eliminated from the competition and also we will dropout you from the starry academy. because, you are the only one that is recommended by others. here, all are have a background through their families, like their noble status. but, you don't have a family at all."
she continued, " but, it doesn't mean that I'll show partiality to you. here all are equal. so, I really encourage you, hope you will get a good result under my training. that's all!"
a suffocating silence blanketed the hall, and the weight of elder Hua's words inspired Xing Yue's mind.
Meng Yi, who sat on opposite row, concealed a sly grin behind her brush. "a week?" she scoffed quietly, ensuring her words reached Xing Yue. she continued, "even if she had a year, it would make no difference."
Xing Yue's hands trembled as she clenched her brush tighter, refusing to show weakness. she murmured herself, "I will prove you wrong... I have to."
elder Hua took one last glance at Xing Yue before turning toward the exit. and said, "not only Xing Yue, the rest of you also. even you are all the disciples of starry academy, you all have to work hard. if not they will be disqualified from the competition. remember, the heart of the Dao must flow through your brush."
she continued, "that will be all for today," her voice is steady and commanding. "remember, discipline and patience are the roots of strength. reflect on today's lesson and practice diligently."
with those parting words, she is walking towards the doorway, adjusting the flowing sleeves of her traditional robe. as she turned to leave, the disciples immediately pushed back their seats, rising to their feet in perfect unison.
"thank you, elder Hua," they chorused, bowing deeply as a sign of utmost respect.
elder Hua paused at the doorway, glancing back at them. though her face remained composed, there was a hint of approval in her eyes. " wait until the bell rings before you leave. I don't want anyone rushing out before it's time. you will leave one by one, in an orderly manner. until then, I expect each of you to stay seated and do your practice."
with that, she stepped out of the hall, her regal aura lingering behind. the disciples remained composed until her figure disappeared beyond the courtyard, then slowly gathered their things, inspired and determined to uphold the standard elder Hua had set for them.
as elder Hua's figure disappeared beyond the entrance, a heavy silence fell over the hall. the disciples, now freed from the scrutinizing gaze of their strict mentor, exhaled quietly in relief.
Xing Yue remained seated, her heart still pounding from elder Hua's words. "a week...I have a week to master this art. oh! no it's not a week, but today. I've to master it today, because there will be other tests from tomorrow." she reminded herself, trying to calm her racing thoughts.
Meng Yi, who had been patiently waiting, gracefully stood and approached Xing Yue. with a feigned softness in her voice, she said, "don't take it too hard, Xing Yue. calligraphy of the Dao is... well, perhaps not suited for everyone."
Xing Yue looked up, her face is calm, but her grip on the brush tightened. "I will improve," she replied, her tone is steady.
Meng Yi's smile curled slightly as she leaned in. "you know," she began, her voice is barely a whisper, even if you perfect your calligraphy, it won't change your status. nor will it catch his attention."
Xing Yue froze. she didn't need to ask who he was. it was always about Yue Han, the Lord of the moon.
Meng Yi smiled sweetly, her tone laced with malice. "some people are destined to remain in the background. that's just the way of the heavens, isn't it?"
before Xing Yue could respond, a fellow disciple named Lin Qi approached Meng Yi, oblivious to the tension. and she said, "sister Meng Yi, your calligraphy was exquisite as always. truly, you are embody by elegance."
Meng Yi turned, gracefully accepting the compliment with a modest smile. and said, "thank you sister Lin. but for now, its elder Hua's guidance was what truly shaped my hand."
as more disciples gathered around Meng Yi, and praising her, Xing Yue's presence seemed to fade. but she did not leave. instead, she sat quietly, staring at her imperfect brushstrokes.
I won't let this break me up, Xing Yue thought fiercely. I have this night, and I will not waste it.
Meng Yi, noticed Xing Yue's determined expression, and she chuckled under her breath. "struggle all you want... you'll never surpass me."
suddenly the deep chime of the bell resonated through the grand hall, signaling the end of the calligraphy practice. the resonant sound echoed through the walls, stirring the air with a sense of finality. one by one, the disciples began rise from their seats, gently rolling up their scrolls and cleaning their brushes with care. their chatter filled the room, a mixture of relief and excitement for the evening to come.
Xing Yue, however, remained still. her brush hovered just above her parchment, the ink slowly dripping and staining the delicate sheet beneath. her fingers trembled slightly, the weight of her inadequacy clinging to her heart like a shadow. the graceful strokes that defined calligraphy seemed distant, as though her hands refused to cooperate with her mind.
finally, she placed her brush aside and lowered her head, her stomach twisting with frustration. she rose from her seat slowly, her mind drowning in her own self-doubt. while the others carried an air of accomplishment, Xing Yue felt as though she was sinking into abyss of failure.
as the crowd of disciples slowly poured out of the hall, Xing Yue remained behind, gathering her scrolls with mechanical movements. the hall was almost empty when she finally stepped outside, the evening air cool against her skin.
''Xing Yue!" Lan Mei's voice cut through noise.
Xing Yue turned her head to see Lan Mei standing near the front hall, waving enthusiastically. a genuine smile, one of the few comforts Xing Yue still found, spread across her face.
''you don't have to wait for me," Xing Yue said softly as she approached.
"of course, I did," Lan Mei replied with a grin, falling in step beside her. and asked "how did it go today?"
Xing Yue hesitated, her eyes darting toward the ground. "still struggling.... today, we practice about the calligraphy of Dao. my strokes still lack grace. I feel like I'm falling further behind."
Lan Mei's expression softened, and she quickly looped her arm through Xing Yue's. and said, "you'll definitely reach there. don't listen to what they says."
Xing Yue let out a bitter chuckle. and whispered, "easier said than done. she's already far ahead of me in everything. it's like I can't even catch a glimpse of her shadow."
she only has a pretty face and quick words," Lan Mei scoffed. and continued to whisper, "that doesn't make her the best. heart and dedication make a true cultivator. you have both while she doesn't. we can practice after we went home, lets go."
Xing Yue wanted to believe that, but the lingering sting of failure clung to her. they made their way to the courtyard, where groups of disciples gathered in small clusters, either discussing their training or sharing lighthearted banter. the tension from practice still sat heavily in Xing Yue's chest.
not far ahead, Meng Yi stood with her group of admirers, her face aglow with a sense of superiority. when her gaze locked onto Xing Yue, the corner of her lips curled into a subtle, mocking smile. Meng Yi sneered under her breath to her companion. and said, "how amusing."
Lan Mei noticed and rolled her eyes. "we don't have time for meaningless chatter," Lan Mei said firmly, her tone is sharp. "let's go, Xing Xing."
Xing Yue cast a brief glance at Meng Yi, who seemed irked by their indifference. without another word, both are walked away, letting Meng Yi's words drift into the evening air like dust.
"you handled that well," Xing Yue whispered, a faint smile playing on her lips.
"why would I waste my energy on her nonsense?" Lan Mei replied casually, flipping her hair. and continued, "besides, we have more important things to think about."
together, they walked through the stone-paved path leading out of the academy. the air was filled with the gentle hum of cicadas spirits, and the moon slowly began to ascend, casting silver beams upon them...