## Chapter Five: Whispers of the Outer Court
The days in the Outer Court of the **Crimson Lotus Sect** quickly settled into a grueling routine. Mornings began before dawn with communal meditation, an attempt to absorb the dense spiritual qi that permeated the mountain. This was followed by rigorous physical training, often involving demanding sprints up steep paths or repetitive, strength-building exercises. Afternoons were consumed by a rotating list of chores – everything from tending the vast herb gardens to meticulously polishing the sect's myriad ceremonial artifacts. Evenings were for cultivation theory lectures, dry and dense, followed by brief, often interrupted, personal cultivation time.
Yan Zhen, despite his initial enthusiasm, found the strict discipline challenging. His boundless energy thrived on action, not stillness or repetition. During meditations, his young mind would often wander, his legs cramping on the cold stone floor. In lectures, he'd stifle yawns, his attention drifting to the bustling courtyard outside.
"Man, my butt hurts from all that sitting," Yan Zhen groaned one evening, flopping onto his straw mat in their shared room. "And those lectures? So boring! I swear half of it just puts me to sleep."
Lin Feng, who had seemingly been struggling just as much, chuckled, stretching dramatically. "Tell me about it! My brain feels like mush. But hey, at least we get to hang out after all the boring stuff, right?" He winked, then leaned in conspiratorially. "Though, I think Disciple Gao is getting suspicious of how much we 'accidentally' knock over the water buckets. We need a new strategy."
Yan Zhen giggled. "Or we just get better at sweeping!"
Lin Feng's internal state, however, was a stark contrast to his outwardly shared struggles. While Yan Zhen fidgeted, Lin Feng was meticulously practicing a simplified meditation technique he remembered from the novel, a trick for quickly absorbing the basic spiritual qi. His lectures, far from being boring, were a treasure trove of forgotten details, subtle hints about cultivation pathways and sect politics. He was also subtly observing the other outer disciples, noting their strengths, their weaknesses, their relationships, and especially, any promising spirit roots.
He made sure to keep up his charismatic, slightly mischievous persona. He'd crack jokes during chores, initiate playful sparring matches (always letting Yan Zhen win, or making it a close draw), and subtly encourage Yan Zhen to talk about his hopes and frustrations. He knew Yan Zhen needed to feel understood, needed that innocent outlet for his burgeoning power and impatience.
Their friendship with Xiao Li deepened quickly. She was a year older, already showing signs of advanced Spirit Condensation, and often sought them out during their limited free time. She found Yan Zhen's earnestness endearing and Lin Feng's lively, playful nature a welcome contrast to the stern seriousness of many other disciples.
"You two are always so cheerful," Xiao Li remarked one afternoon as they shared some sweet buns she had brought from the sect kitchens. They were sitting by a small, quiet pond, a rare moment of peace.
"What's there to be sad about?" Yan Zhen declared, his mouth full of bun. "We're in an immortal sect now! Even if we have to sweep a lot."
Lin Feng nudged him. "Yeah, but Zhen here secretly misses our village's mud! He just won't admit it." He grinned at Xiao Li. "Honestly, though, your music helps a lot, Xiao Li. It's so peaceful. Reminds me of home."
Xiao Li's cheeks tinged pink. "Thank you. I find comfort in it." She glanced between them, her eyes lingering on Lin Feng for a moment before returning to Yan Zhen. "You both have strong potential. But Yan Zhen, you are very direct with your energy. You, Lin Feng, seem to be more… adaptable. Like water."
Lin Feng offered a charming, self-deprecating shrug. "Oh, that's just because Zhen's the brave one! I'm just good at dodging when he gets too excited with his punches!" Yan Zhen laughed, playfully tackling him.
Xiao Li giggled, clearly enjoying their banter. Lin Feng noticed. *She sees the differences. That's good. Keeps her curious.*
The competitive nature of the Outer Court was becoming increasingly clear. There were hundreds of outer disciples, but only a fraction would ever become inner disciples, let alone core disciples or elders. Resources like qi-gathering arrays, meditation chambers, and special training grounds were limited, often reserved for those who showed early promise or achieved breakthroughs.
A month into their training, the first assessment was announced. It would test their progress in Body Tempering, measuring their physical strength, endurance, and basic qi circulation.
"This is it, Lin Feng!" Yan Zhen exclaimed, bouncing on his toes. "Our chance to show them what we've got!"
Lin Feng matched his excitement, but his mind was already running simulations. He knew Yan Zhen's raw power would shine, but his lack of discipline might hold him back slightly. His own cultivation, while steady, wasn't meant to be overtly flashy yet. He needed to ensure Yan Zhen was clearly superior, but also that *he* wasn't overlooked.
During the assessment, Yan Zhen performed admirably. His punches struck with impressive force, his sprints were explosive, and his physical strength was evident. He was a natural powerhouse. Elder Wei, overseeing the assessment, nodded with satisfaction as Yan Zhen completed his tests, noting his surprisingly rapid progress. Yan Zhen was clearly already at **Body Tempering, Stage 3**.
When it was Lin Feng's turn, he approached his tasks with a cheerful, determined air. He pushed his body, his movements precise, his endurance surprising for his seemingly less imposing frame. He showed good progress, managing to reach **Body Tempering, Stage 2**. He seemed slightly disappointed, but quickly shrugged it off with a cheerful grin for Yan Zhen.
"Aw, man! You totally beat me, Zhen!" Lin Feng exclaimed, playfully punching Yan Zhen's arm. "You're a monster! I guess I gotta train harder if I want to keep up with you!"
Yan Zhen clapped him on the back. "Don't worry, Lin Feng! We'll train together! You'll catch up in no time!" He was genuinely happy for his friend's performance, unaware of the careful calculation behind it.
Elder Wei's gaze lingered on Lin Feng for a moment, a faint, curious frown on his face. He seemed to sense something more beneath the playful facade, a controlled energy that didn't quite align with his seemingly ordinary progress. However, he made no comment, simply moving on to the next disciple.
After the assessment, the Outer Court was abuzz with results. Yan Zhen's rapid progress to Stage 3 quickly earned him a reputation as a budding talent, drawing whispers and glances from other disciples. Lin Feng was largely seen as Yan Zhen's loyal, slightly less talented, but incredibly supportive friend. It was the perfect dynamic.
Lin Feng sought out Yan Zhen later that evening. "Hey, Zhen, remember that kid, Shen Li, who got really mad about his results?" he said, referring to a disciple who had been publicly reprimanded for a poor performance. "He seems super upset. Maybe we should cheer him up? Or something?"
Yan Zhen, ever compassionate, immediately agreed. "Oh, yeah! He looked really down. We should totally try to talk to him!"
Lin Feng smiled, a genuine, unburdened smile that held no hint of his true intentions. *Good. First, establish Yan Zhen's boundless empathy. Then, use it.* He had already identified Shen Li as a potentially useful, albeit volatile, pawn in the intricate game he was playing. The pieces were starting to move into position, subtly, imperceptibly. The **Crimson Lotus Sect** was a grand chessboard, and Lin Feng was playing the long game.
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