It was a chilly spring morning. The birds were chirping and singing while the wind rustled the branches of the trees as pink petals floated in the air.

Quite a romantic sight.

Anyways, such a beautiful day would go to waste if one did not seize the right opportunity when given.

And seeing as this day went smoothly so far, I can only guess that this day was a blessing from heaven! How kind of them!

So instead of wasting my time studying and cultivating, I decided to seize my glorious opportunity to fly a kite instead!

Sure, perhaps in the long term, it would be more 'productive' if I cultivated. But I can cultivate anytime! Can I fly my kite whenever I wish?

The answer is no.

The day could be too cloudy, too windy, or too cold.

Not to brag or anything, but my kite flying skills are pretty top-notch if I do say so myself.

"Woo," I whistled as the kite climbed higher and higher, at this rate it could touch the heavens as I was practically running out of string on my spool.

So everything was going great.

It was a splendid day, the birds were singing, and the winds were blowing. And most importantly, I wasn't stressing out about my entrance exams later!

So, nothing could go wrong today.

Then, as if some sick twist of fate, the wind sent a large gust of wind towards, almost making me lose control of my kite.

"No, no, no," I cried as the kite began to jerk against the wind and made sharp dives and jumps.

Curse you wind! It was going so well!

I could only watch in horror as the kite began to shake violently in the sky as I attempted to jerk on the strings in a vain attempt to regain control. "Don't you dare fall! I swear, don't you dare crash down!" I yelled as I pulled with all my might to reel in the haywire craft.

Why is the wind so fierce all of a sudden? It was going so smoothly earlier, so why does it feel the need to rain on my parade?

I should've known that today was going a little too smoothly. Ah, but is it so wrong to ask for a good day?

The kite suddenly snapped free from its thin restraints and twirled in the sky for a few moments before it made its descent back to the ground.

Into someone's face, I might add.

Smack!

"Oh sh*t," I winced at the sight of the nose of the kite smacking into someone else's. I hope they didn't break their nose from that crash.

My 'victim' stepped out of the shadows to further reveal themselves.

A cold looking beauty in white stepped out from the bush. Holding their face in one hand and my kite in the other, they flashed a fierce glare my way.

Hmm, sharp, bright eyes, inky black hair, with a slender frame, she certainly wasn't ugly. She was probably the most attractive person I've ever seen. And I hear that this type of woman is a classic kind of beauty here in the central plains.

Also, the kite injury didn't even hinder her beauty one bit. If anything, it only enhanced it, as it made her look more vulnerable like a fragile damsel in distress.

A trait that most men here seem to like.

Selling meng, huh. [1]

Though her appearance gave off a loveable and cute look, her glare was anything but that. It was more like a 'this grand aunty will give you a punishment of a lifetime' kind of look.

Instantly a chill went down the center of my spine, and the surrounding area noticeably dropped several degrees colder.

She's beautiful, for sure, but super cold.

Did I mention super cold?

I mean cold in the sense that it's almost blazing. So cold, that if this maiden's looks could kill, I would be frozen into an ice block and then dissipate into steam, kind of cold.

How fun.

Not even my first day, and I manage to piss someone off.

Quickly hiding my broken spool behind my back, I attempt to muster up an apologetic smile. While I mentally lit some incenses for myself, I tried to think of a means of escape.

"I'm so sorry my kite hit your face!" I yelled quickly and just turned around a dashed away into the forest!

Sometimes, the best move is to retreat!

I'm a dummy! I'm some big dumb right here!

As a girl, how could I not know about how much a woman's face means!

Though I don't care about my own that much…

But for a woman of the valley, their face was their life! And to damage it in any way essentially means death!

I'm sorry, forest maiden, for your face!

If my kite broke your nose, I would devote my body to you in the next life! I will work like a dog for you to compensate you!

However, I'd like not to meet an earlier grave from your wrath today!

Hiking up my speed, I run off in a direction that I hope is to where my destination is supposed to be. Blindly knocking branches out of the way, and jumping over small ridges, I spot an exit in the distance.

There!

Running towards a brightly lit area, I speed up towards the light.

"You've got to be kidding me!" How could my navigation skills be so bad! I'm back at where I started!

"Wait, if I'm here, then," I quickly realized that the woman I had hit earlier was still standing where she was earlier, looking at me. "Haha, it seems I've gone to the wrong place," I chuckled nervously and turned to leave.

Unfortunately, the maiden was quicker as she then landed right in front of me.

Eh! How is she so fast!

"Uh, ha," I nervously backed away from the girl dressed in white. Somehow, tripping over my own feet, I fell backward.

Why am I such a mess today?

Sitting on the ground, I nervously smiled up at the girl iI had wronged. "Ha, ha," I laughed out nervously. Is this how I'm going to die?

I didn't even get to take my entrance exams yet!

The maiden didn't respond before moving leaning down towards me. Scrunching up my eyes, I wait for her to make her move.

However, her hit didn't come.

Instead, I felt her hand gently pull something off my head. "Huh?" Peeking my eyes open, I see her holding a small twig in her jade-like hands before discarding it on the ground.

"Be careful while in the forest," her calm voice caressed my ears. "You never know what you will encounter," she said before walking off into the blooming forest.

"Hah?" Wasn't she going to seek revenge on me? Touching my hair where the wing once was, I try to process what had just happened.

"Hah! Thank you, Senior!" I yelled out in the direction she walked off.

I suppose this day isn't so bad after all. There is a silver lining!

Suddenly the sound of bells rang from the direction the maiden had walked off.

"Ah! It's starting!" Quickly scrambling to pull myself together, I ran towards the sound of the bells. I can't be late for my entrance exams! I can only imagine what the registration line would look like if I'm not there on time.

"Tsk, hope there are just too many people," I muttered as I quickly sped towards the ringing sound.

Wait, could it be that the beauty in white also taking the exams? It would make sense as to why she would be in that forest if that were the case.

Hopefully, the grudge between us resolved itself. Senior seems a little cold, but Senior looks like a reliable gal.

Ah! Seeing as she didn't kill me yet, maybe we could be friends!

[1] Selling meng - selling cuteness

"Oh, sh*t!"

Holding my nose in one hand and the 'weapon' that attacked me, I try to nurse my now bruised nose. Feeling my nose a bit, I find it doesn't appear to be broken, thankfully. However, it might be a bit swollen for some time. Perhaps with some ointment, it would recover faster.

Peeking through teary eyes, I make out the figure of a girl in green. Was this the person who attacked me? What was she doing flying a kite in the middle of the woods?

The young girl was around my age, maybe younger, and of similar height. With long golden-brown hair tied back into a ponytail, lightly tanned skin, and what appeared to be male clothing, she gave off a rather heroic look.

If I didn't know any better, I would've assumed she was just a pretty boy. However, her large eyes and pouty lips gave her away.

She smiled fearfully as she sheepishly hid a broken kite spool behind her back before shouting, "I'm so sorry my kite hit your face!"

Then she dashed off into the forest, her ponytail gently swaying as she escaped.

"Wait, you-" I called after her, but it appears that she has run off before she could hear me. "Ah, nevermind," I sigh as I look down at my' assailant,' a standard bird-shaped kite with a crude drawing of a red bird painted on its waxy paper surface.

Perhaps it's for the best that I don't give it back to her.

Who knows what she will do next with it.

Pulling my interspatial bag[1] out of my sleeve, I shove the kite through its mouth. I'll just hold it for the girl until I meet her again.

"You've got to be kidding me!"

Well, that was fast.

Looking over to the source of the cry, I see the girl in green hunched over and trying to catch her breath. As she surveyed the area, our eyes met once more.

"Wait, if I'm here, then," A noticeable flash of panic appears on her face as she steps back to run. "Haha, it seems I've gone to the wrong place."

Oh no, you don't.

Jumping from my spot, I used some of my qigong[2] skills to land in front of the girl.

"Uh, ha," her voice hitched a bit in fear and anxiety as she fell backward onto the ground.

Did I scare her?

She's a lot cuter than I thought. Analyzing her features in closer detail, she has the appearance of some small animal. Sweet one moment and then fierce in the next.

I wonder what kind of animal she will be.

I leaned in closer to get a better look at her.

A bunny?

A cat?

Hmm, both don't seem to match.

Perhaps a fox would be a better description.

Naughty, witty, and very fast.

But they can be adorable at times.

Hmm? What's this? The girl was looking away slightly with her eyes scrunched up as if I was going to hit her.

Seeing as there was a small twig in her hair, I gently plucked it out for her. Can't just be running around like a crazy person.

"Huh?" The girl gave me a confused look. What, did she expect me to punish her?

Hmm, tempting but maybe another time.

"Be careful while in the forest," I said, flicking the twig away. "You never know what you will encounter," and walked off.

It was almost time for the entrance exam.

I was a considerable distance away when I heard the green girl call out, "Hah! Thank you, Senior!"

You're welcome, green girl.

If fate should have it, let's meet again. But I suppose I will wait and see where the wind takes me.

"Dong! Dong!" The sound of large bronze bells rang throughout the surrounding forest.

It must be time for the entrance exam to start.

Soon enough, a large stone stood erect from a distance on an old stone platform. Around the pillar were a large number of people, each gathered in their cluster.

This must be the place.

Walking closer to the crowd, many of the participants varied in age and background. Some were at the peak of adolescence, and others were already in their late twenties and thirties. People of all walks of life seemed to have gathered here as silk robes stood next to those in their work clothes.

Regardless of age, one's potential and hard work speaks for itself.

After all, to make it this far means that none of these people here were simple.

The surrounding terrain of Yun Cai Peak was quite the sight to behold. Smaller, minor peaks surrounded the sizable central mountain as they seemed to have popped up from the forest floor. Some peaks were towering, others small. However, they all encircled the central ridge, providing a natural barrier from invasion with its numerous ravines and long winding trails.

Along the steep sides and atop of the various peaks, small structures, and manors laid camouflaged in the dense foliage, nearly out of view.

Despite how close the foothill of Yun Cai Peak appears to be, there's no indication on the terrain that we are close to the foothill of the mountain.

To pull off a full-force invasion against Yun Cai Peak would not be an easy task as it was also well known that the forest was laid with numerous traps to capture those with ill intent.

Perhaps this illusion of distance from us to the mountain could be one of those traps.

Speaking of traps, I wonder if that green girl made it out safely. Based on what I can see, I could tell that navigation wasn't her forte.

However, if she was able to make it this far, perhaps she could hold her own.

".... it's going to be difficult…" someone in the crowd muttered as they spoke to their companion. "I heard this year that they have increased the difficulty of the entrance exam."

"Ahh, you're kidding!" Their companion complained. "It's already difficult enough to get here without being ensnared by forest traps, but now we might be turned away at the door?"

"So it seems," the person muttered. "Yun Cai has always been a sect that anyone could join, but it only accepts those who have the will to go through their various tests. It's not one of the Great Peaks for show."

"Aiyah," the companion sighed. "I know compared to Tian Ming and Yue Guang, Yun Cai's acceptance rate is rather high, but why does it seem like these entrance exams are getting more difficult by the year."

"Haha, perhaps my friend, it's because you're getting older! Your body isn't what it used to be, haha!"

"Hey, I'm still of marriageable age," the other defended. "Look at this face! I'm still in my prime!"

"Yeah, right!" His friend laughed. "Tell that to your gray hairs!"

"Tsk, don't be laughing too soon; you're getting old too…"

I stopped listening to the pair's conversation. So, it seems like it will be rather tricky this year.

That's going to be a problem.

When I set off on this long journey, it was under the promise that I would enter into one of the Great Peaks and bring in glory and honor for the Ye Clan.

And finding a suitable marriage partner.

Although marriage isn't as important to me, I do wish to have someone accompany me on a long journey through the martial arts world. However, with an unstable family dynamic at home, and the lack of interest in bachelors back home, most likely, I'll grow to become an old maid.

"Ah! Look! Someone's coming!"

Our attention turned to the two emerging figures from the forest. Out came two men dawned in light gray robes with embroidered clouds along the collar and sleeves. And hanging from their belts was a jade waist card that read 'Yun.'

One of the men stepped forward to the crowd. Everyone remained silent as we waited from a respectful distance from them. It was a little challenging to see them over men's tall stature, but I managed to find an opening for myself to stand-in.

The man's eyes surveyed the crowd before revealing a satisfied smile.

"Welcome, everyone, to the annual Yun Cai Peak entrance exams! Shall we begin?"

[1] interspatial bag - a magic item with a pocket dimension inside it. With a mere thought, the owner can store things inside it and retrieve them at will.

[2] qigong - lightness skill. The ability to lighten the body and move with great agility and swiftness. At high proficiency, practitioners of this skill can run across water, leap to the top of trees, or even glide through the air.

"Haha," I heaved as I wiped the sweat off of my brow. "I made it!"

After that senior had graciously 'directed' me in the right direction, and with the leadership of the bells, I was able to locate the spot where the entrance exams would be.

Hurray!

Unfortunately, in my hurry to get here, I did set off a few traps. I was able to escape them luckily, but it did shorten the amount of time I had until the entrance exam started. And, even better was that there weren't any lines!

Hurray!

"Hah, I made it!" Slowly walking to the edge of the crowd, I see that everyone gathered around two men in gray robes.

Could those two be the proctors of the exam?

Jogging up to the crowd, I tapped on the shoulder to the nearest person to me. "Hey brother, can you tell me what's going on?"

The stranger was an older gentleman and gave me a quiet nod. "These two men just came down from Yun Cai Peak. I believe they are now explaining the details of the exam. Best, we stop talking and listen instead."

"Alright, thank you brother," I nodded and tried to peek over the shoulders of tall men to take a look at the two proctors. Huffing slightly in the annoyance, I spot an opening and attempt to make my way over there.

"Ah, excuse me," squeezed my way between a sea of men, "Heh, sorry," I apologized until I finally arrived at my desired spot. "Whew, finally, can see."

"Hello, and welcome to everyone participating in this year's entrance exam at Yun Cai Peak," one of the proctors smiled. He was a tall, middle-aged man with a short beard and a few streaks of grey hair. "My name is Master Qing Le, and with me," gesturing to the other man, "is Master Qing Yu. The two of us will be overseeing your first entrance examination." Master Qing Yu seemed to be the stricter counterpart of the pair with his sharp sword eyebrows and the tight lined frown across his face.

"As you've might have heard before, this year's entrance examination might be a bit different compared to those in the past. How you may ask?" Master Qing Le then snapped his fingers.

Suddenly a wooden badge appeared in front of me. Reaching out to grab mine, I see a number inscribed onto the front.

302.

Huh, I wonder what this number is for?

"This year, we are looking forward to seeing how our newcomers fair in action," Master Qing Yu suddenly spoke up. His sharp eyes scanned the sea of faces. "It would aid us in where to put you if you manage to pass the entrance examination."

"And that's why," Master Qing Le cut in. "We invited your senior sisters and brothers to help us."

Simultaneously, I felt the chill of a thousand eyes running down my back.

I wasn't the only one as others begin to look at the edge of the forests to see those curious eyes. However, they were too hard to spot.

"The badge you received is your registration number," Master Qing Yu continued. "To pass this first test, you must gather at ten points. Each badge is worth one point I might add."

Everyone began to look at each other's badges—some with concern and nervousness and others with greed and ambition.

"Also," Master Qing Le added. "Your senior sisters and brothers have a badge of their own. If you manage to grab one of theirs, it's worth two points. However, if you get your badge taken and still do not have ten points, you must work hard on gaining back those ten points or " — Master Qing Le made a slow line across his neck —" you get cut."

"Gulp," frick. That's going to be a lot of work.

"I hope you're all prepared for this first examination," Master Qing Le smiled. "Any questions?"

"What happens once we get ten points," someone in the crowd asked out loud.

Finally! Someone has the guts to ask the questions that everyone is afraid to ask. Thank you, kind soul!

"Once you've gained ten points, you will be immediately transported to the next trial," Master Qing Yu answered. "Any more questions? No? Good. Let's begin."

The proctors flashed away, and now left to our own devices it was a free for all. But before anyone could make a move to grab the other's badge, the stone platform underfoot began to glow with inscriptions on it.

"A teleportation array!"

The light began to glow brighter, making it impossible to open one's eyes without becoming blinded. Gripping on to my badge tightly, I wait for the array to finish.

I felt some movement, and for a brief second, I was floating.

Was I flying!

Then my feet softly landed on the sound ground once more. "Bleugh," vomiting off to the side, vertigo in my body caught up. "Ugh, teleportation arrays suck."

Taking in a few deep breaths, I finally get a sense of awareness around me. It looks like they scattered us into the woods.

Great.

"Well, no sense in crying here," might get my badge snatched. It looks like the work begins here.

---

"Whew!" What a productive day! Playing with the new badges I've gained, I couldn't help but let a cocky grin slide onto my face as I slid the new badges into my ****** pocket.

Let's see here, two badges from seniors, that's four points right there. And three regular badges valued at one point each and including my own, "huh, only need two more points."

At first, I figured that this test would be more difficult, like memorizing four thousand rules and then reciting them correctly.

Hah, as if that would happen.

Right?

But hey, if it's just this, I'm satisfied! That means less work for me! "Hehe, almost there!"

I suppose growing up in the streets helps in how to steal and swindle people out of their stuff.

Hmm, being chased down and hunted down, was reminiscent of when my clan was slaughtered like livestock.

But I somehow found a way to live through all of that.

A dark gloom had come over me as I recalled the past even further. Geez, today isn't my day is it.

"I said, let me go!"

The angered yell snapped me out of trace as I turned my head to the direction of the sound. What was that! Slowly crouching over to the source of the noise, I hid behind a hedge, peeking through the leaves and twigs to see what was going on.

"Come on, little beauty," a gruff looking man smiled. "Hand over your badges, and we will all pamper you." The ruffian's friends all laughed as they created a sphere of influence around the poor girl.

However, this girl was tougher than I thought, because before I knew it, bits of ice and frost covering the ground and all of the men went flying. "Wow, I gasped," as she managed to fight back all of these people despite her injury.

Wait a second! Is that the senior from before!

Squinting my eyes a bit, I make out the figure of the beauty in white.

It is her!

Who would have thought she would've played the weak damsel act! Ten out of ten on acting! From now on, you're my new idol, Senior!

However, I didn't notice that during my fangirling, the ruffians began to get up again.

"Little girl, before we were going to go easy on you, but now," the brute chuckled. "You will pay with your life!" And all of his b*stard friends got up to strike at her. Oh no!

Senior viciously attacked and defended herself, but she seemed to be at a disadvantage as her attack got slower! No!

"Argh!" Gritting her teeth, Senior precariously balanced on her right leg as her left had a deep gash that cried red tears.

The men slowly encroached on her as they backed her into her space.

"How unsightly," I drawled. "A group of grown men attacking a young girl, how morals have fallen."

"Get out of here, brat! It doesn't concern you!"

"Hmph!" I shook my head at these jerks. Walking up to them, I discreetly eyeball the badges hanging on their leader's waistband and sticking out of his ****** pockets. Tsk, amateurs. It's almost like they're asking to be of their badges. "Now, now, gentlemen, surely there must be a better way to woo women, right?"

"As I said, brat," the leader growled. He looked like a mad dog. "It has nothing to do with you. Now scram!"

"Well," I shrugged; it can't be helped. Turning around slightly, I reel back and punch the sucker in the face, and for safety measures, I cracked the leader's family jewels to give us some time.

Snatching the badges, I grabbed onto Senior's wrist and bolted into the woods. "Let's go, Senior!"

"Big Bro!"

"G-get them!"

Mini earthquakes shook the ground as the group's feet pounded against the earth.

Ah,  no good! Senior's leg is injured, and I don't want to worsen the injury.

Think, Naran, think! You got a group of angry men, and on top of stealing all of their badges, I possibly crippled their leader.

Great day, isn't it?

Before I could think of a plan, Senior grabbed onto my shoulders and pulled me aside. "What are you do-"

She covered my mouth as she and I hid behind a tree. Before I could worry about the ruffians chasing us, she threw out two little paper men that resembled us.

What the heck!

"Go," she whispered, and the two puppets ran off in a random direction. Like a pack of sheep, the ruffians soon followed the dolls.

"Wow," I said in awe. "That was so awesome!"