Morning mist clung to the training field like a heavy blanket. The disciples of Azure Sky Sect gathered silently, their usual chatter replaced by uneasy glances.

For the past few days, whispers had spread — a spy among them. Someone feeding information to the Shadow Valley.

Li Ming stood in the middle of the crowd, yawning softly. "We've been hunting this spy for how long now? At this point, I might start suspecting myself."

Bai Guo, perched on his shoulder in his human form, crossed his arms. "You should suspect yourself. You're the only one chaotic enough to accidentally sell secrets in exchange for snacks."

Li Ming groaned. "I'm not that bad."

Lan Yue's voice cut through the noise. "Quiet, all of you."

Everyone turned. The Sect Master herself stood at the edge of the field, robes fluttering in the morning wind, her expression sharp and unreadable.

"Today," she said, "we end this."

Her gaze swept across the disciples. "The spy has been hiding among us — watching, listening, waiting. But their little game ends now."

A ripple of unease passed through the crowd. Disciples shuffled, glancing at one another.

Li Ming blinked. "We're actually catching them today? Not just another 'training exercise'?"

Lan Yue's lips twitched. "For once, yes."

She gestured, and a glowing formation appeared beneath everyone's feet — a shimmering ring of golden light that pulsed with energy.

"This is the Truth Mirror Formation," she explained. "When I activate it, anyone who carries ill intent toward the sect will be revealed."

Gasps spread.

Bai Guo leaned close to Li Ming. "Finally! Maybe now we can get some peace and fewer assassination attempts!"

Li Ming nodded, though his heart thumped faster. He'd seen formations backfire before. Hopefully, this one wouldn't explode.

Lan Yue raised her hand. The formation flared—light spreading, pulsing, then washing over the disciples like a wave.

For a moment, nothing happened.

Then—

A scream.

From the crowd, a disciple stumbled back, clutching their chest. The light around them flickered, turning dark — then red.

Everyone froze.

Li Ming's eyes widened. "Wait… that's—!"

The figure trembled, face twisting with panic. "N-No! This isn't possible!"

The golden light surged, wrapping around them like chains. The spy's disguise cracked, spiritual energy distorting — until a shadowy aura erupted from their body.

Bai Guo's eyes bulged. "Shadow Valley technique!"

Gasps and shouts filled the field. The spy gritted their teeth, eyes flashing with anger. "You fools! You think your petty tricks can stop me?!"

They thrust out their hand, dark energy spiraling. The ground trembled. Disciples stumbled back.

But Li Ming didn't move. He stepped forward, eyes narrowing. "Finally found you, huh?"

The spy sneered. "You're just a brat. Stay out of this!"

"Brat?" Li Ming's lips curved. "You know, I've been called worse."

Before the spy could react, Li Ming's spiritual energy surged. Wind coiled around his hands, golden light sparking at his fingertips.

Lan Yue shouted, "Li Ming, wait—!"

Too late. He charged.

The spy swung their arm, launching a dark blast — but Li Ming twisted aside, sliding across the dirt. His energy flared, clashing with the darkness in a burst of light.

Boom!

Dust and wind exploded outward. The disciples shielded their eyes.

When it cleared, Li Ming stood a few meters away from the spy, panting slightly, his robes torn but his grin unshaken.

The spy staggered back, disbelief written across their face. "You—how can your cultivation be this stable already?"

Li Ming cracked his knuckles. "Maybe I studied. Or maybe I'm just lucky. Wanna find out which one?"

The spy hissed and formed another seal—only to freeze as Bai Guo leapt up, slamming a talisman onto their arm.

"Chicken strike!" Bai Guo shouted.

There was a sharp pop — and the talisman activated, binding the spy's energy.

They fell to their knees, struggling against the seal.

Li Ming approached, eyes steady. "Game over."

The spy glared up at him, voice shaking. "You think… you've won?"

Li Ming tilted his head. "I mean, yeah. That's kinda the point."

The spy's smirk returned. "You've no idea what's coming."

Before anyone could move, a pulse of energy rippled through the formation — and the ground beneath them began to hum.

Lan Yue's eyes widened. "Everyone, back—!"

A beam of light erupted, swallowing the spy in a flash of white—

And just like that… they were gone.

The field fell silent.

Li Ming stared at the empty spot where the spy had been. "...Did we just win? Or did they pull a magic trick?"

Bai Guo rubbed his chin. "Depends. If they teleported, it's bad. If they exploded… less bad."

Lan Yue sighed, pressing her temple. "No… this isn't over yet."

Li Ming frowned. "What do you mean?"

She looked at the sky, eyes narrowed. "Someone helped them escape."

Li Ming's stomach dropped. "Wait. So there's another spy?"

The air grew tense again.

Lan Yue turned slowly toward the disciples. Her eyes gleamed. "No… there's someone else in the sect who wanted this to happen."

Li Ming's heart skipped. "You mean…?"

Lan Yue nodded. "We're not done."

The disciples looked around, uneasy.

And somewhere in the crowd… a faint, satisfied smile appeared — and vanished just as quickly.

----

The formation's light dimmed, leaving only the faint shimmer of spiritual energy in the air. The courtyard felt still — too still.

Li Ming let out a slow breath. "So… is it over?"

Lan Yue's sharp eyes scanned the area. "Not yet. Something's still here."

Bai Guo tilted his head. "Like what? A snack? A secret? A snacky secret?"

Before Li Ming could respond, a ripple passed through the air. The ground cracked open slightly, and from the split, a thin, dark mist leaked out.

Lan Yue's blade was already drawn. "Show yourself!"

From behind the cracked training pillar, a cloaked figure stumbled out — the same spy they'd been chasing since the mission began. His robes were torn, face pale, and the emblem of Shadow Valley was faintly visible beneath the cloth.

Li Ming blinked. "He didn't even run far?"

Bai Guo crossed his arms. "Honestly, worst spy ever."

The man growled, drawing a dagger. "You think it's over? The Shadow Valley never—"

Before he could finish, Bai Guo flicked a small pebble at his forehead. Thunk!

"Shadow Valley what? Sorry, didn't catch that," Bai Guo said, smugly.

The spy stumbled, clutching his head. Lan Yue moved faster than wind. One flick of her sword, and the man's weapon flew out of his hand.

"Enough," she said firmly. "Speak. Who sent you?"

The spy glared, but Li Ming stepped forward, eyes calm. "You already lost. Don't make it worse."

The man hesitated, sweat dripping down his temple. Finally, he dropped to his knees. "Elder Hao. It was Elder Hao who ordered the breach."

Lan Yue's expression darkened. "Elder Hao… he vanished two years ago."

The spy nodded weakly. "He's… with them now. He planned to open a gate through the Borderlands. To summon something from beyond—"

Li Ming cut him off with a wave. "Nope. Don't wanna hear more seal-stuff."

Bai Guo nodded quickly. "Agreed. No more weird glowing mysteries. My feathers still smell like the last one."

Lan Yue gave them both a look, then turned back to the spy. "You've caused enough harm. The Sect will judge you."

She flicked her wrist, sealing his spiritual energy with a talisman. Two patrolling disciples rushed in at her signal, hauling the defeated man away.

The courtyard fell silent.

Li Ming stretched his arms. "So… that's it? We're finally done?"

Lan Yue sheathed her sword. "Yes. The Borderlands are sealed, the spy is caught, and no one got turned into a chicken. I call that progress."

Bai Guo puffed his chest. "Excuse me, I'm an elite poultry!"

Li Ming grinned. "Yeah, yeah, elite chicken or not, I'm just glad I can finally rest."

Lan Yue smiled faintly. "Rest while you can. The Grand Elder wants to see you tomorrow."

Li Ming blinked. "Me? Why?"

Bai Guo leaned close. "Maybe they finally realized how amazing you are."

Lan Yue's smile turned mysterious. "He said it's regarding the Authentic Disciple Examination."

Li Ming froze. "Exam?"

She nodded. "You've caused enough chaos as an inner disciple. If you want to advance, you'll need to prove yourself properly. The test begins soon."

Bai Guo gasped dramatically. "An exam?! No one told me about studying!"

Li Ming groaned, rubbing his temples. "Can't I just… bribe them with cabbage again?"

Lan Yue crossed her arms. "Try that, and they'll demote you to kitchen duty."

Li Ming sighed, but a faint smile tugged at his lips. "Fine. Guess it's time to see what I'm really made of."

Bai Guo hopped onto his shoulder. "If it's multiple choice, choose C. Always choose C."

Li Ming laughed softly. "Thanks… I think."

As the night breeze swept across the courtyard, Li Ming looked up at the glowing moon. The spy was gone, the shadows cleared, but a new challenge awaited.

He took a deep breath, clenching his fists with resolve.

"Authentic Disciple Exam, huh? Alright. Bring it on."

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