Feng Yan flashed out from her personal space, landing quietly on her dorm room floor. Only two hours had passed outside, much to her relief. Her roommate was still sound asleep, unaware of the intense cultivation session Feng Yan had just completed in another dimension. She moved silently, settling into her bed and pulling the blanket over herself. Her body still hummed with the aftereffects of her advancement, but the exhaustion was catching up to her. Within moments, she drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep.
The next morning, the sunlight streaming through the curtains woke Feng Yan. She stretched, feeling a newfound vitality coursing through her body. The mystic energy she had accumulated last night made her feel stronger, faster, and more aware of everything around her. After freshening up quickly, she slipped on her running clothes and headed outside to continue her morning routine of physical training.
Feng Yan's feet hit the pavement with light yet purposeful steps as she ran laps around the campus track. The morning air was crisp, and the soft breeze made her feel even more invigorated. Her muscles moved with ease, and she could feel the energy within her body flowing more freely than before. Beads of sweat formed on her back as she pushed herself harder, her heart pumping rhythmically in her chest. She had always made it a point to improve her physical strength, even if the world around her didn't understand the deeper layers of power she concealed.
The effort felt effortless, but the satisfaction of challenging her limits was what drove her forward. After a solid hour, Feng Yan finally slowed her pace and headed back to her dorm. She took a quick shower, the cool water soothing her heated skin, and then dressed for the day. There was an air of anticipation in her heart. Today, something significant was going to happen—she could feel it.
As she left the dormitory to head for her first class, she caught sight of Feng Yue talking with Bai Shuang in the hallway. Feng Yue's eyes locked onto Feng Yan, her face twisting with a mix of jealousy and resentment. Feng Yan met her gaze briefly, unbothered by her cousin's contempt. Feng Yue had always tried to outshine her, but after their father's warning, Feng Yue had become more subdued. Feng Yan had no time for petty rivalries. Her focus was on the bigger picture, and nothing would distract her from her goals.
Feng Yue clenched her teeth as she watched Feng Yan walk by, her fingers curling into fists. She wanted nothing more than to lash out, but her father's warning echoed in her mind, silencing her venomous tongue. She forced a smile and continued her conversation with Bai Shuang, although her thoughts were filled with envy.
Later that day, Feng Yan was called to the principal's office. A sense of curiosity filled her as she walked through the quiet halls, heading toward the administration wing. When she arrived, she saw five other students already gathered outside the principal's office. They all glanced at each other with subtle competitiveness, but no one spoke.
The vice-principal soon emerged, greeting them with a nod and ushering them inside. Feng Yan entered the room, taking note of her fellow participants. These were the top students from different classes, each having excelled in their own academic fields. Feng Yan recognized a few of them from passing glances in the halls, but she had never interacted with them much.
The vice-principal gestured for everyone to take a seat before she began speaking.
"You have all been selected for a very important opportunity," she began, her voice steady and authoritative. "As you may know, Imperial Capital University is one of the most prestigious universities in the country. It offers unparalleled academic opportunities, access to top-notch resources, and connections that can shape your future."
Feng Yan listened attentively. Imperial Capital University wasn't just any school—it was the top institution in the nation. Students who graduated from there had their pick of careers, powerful networks, and endless opportunities.
"The school has been given the chance to recommend two students to participate in a national competition. The top prize is a recommendation letter from the university itself," the vice-principal continued. "This letter guarantees your admission, bypassing the usual entrance exams. As you can imagine, this is a highly coveted reward, and only the best will receive it."
The five participants exchanged glances, the weight of the competition settling in. There were only two spots, and all of them were top students in their respective classes. The competition was not going to be easy.
The vice-principal continued, "The competition will test your abilities in science, mathematics, and language skills. It is designed to assess your analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. This is not just about memorizing formulas or writing essays; it's about demonstrating your ability to think critically and present ideas clearly."
Feng Yan's mind began to calculate the scope of the challenge. She was confident in her abilities—math and science had always come naturally to her, and her language skills were sharp from years of studying. Still, she knew the others would be just as prepared. She would need to stay focused and avoid distractions.
"You'll have two weeks to prepare for the entrance exam, which will determine who will represent our school," the vice-principal explained. "After that, the two selected students will move on to the national competition. Remember, this isn't just about representing the school; it's about securing a future at one of the most prestigious institutions in the country."
The tension in the room was palpable as the participants absorbed the information. For most of them, attending Imperial Capital University was a dream. The opportunity to skip the rigorous entrance exam and secure a guaranteed spot was a chance they couldn't afford to pass up.
Feng Yan remained calm, her mind already strategizing her approach. She would need to balance her cultivation and academic preparation, ensuring that she excelled in both worlds. The stakes were high, but she thrived under pressure.
The vice-principal dismissed the group after answering a few logistical questions. As Feng Yan stood up to leave, she could feel the subtle tension in the air as the other participants sized each other up. They knew that only two of them would make it to the final competition, and the rivalry had already begun.
As she walked out of the office and into the hallway, Feng Yan took a deep breath. The road ahead would be difficult, but she was no stranger to challenges. She had overcome far greater obstacles in her life, and this was just one more hurdle on her path to success.
Her thoughts drifted back to the mystic energy still circulating within her. In a world where no one else understood cultivation, Feng Yan had an edge that none of them could imagine. While the others would be studying and cramming, she had the added advantage of enhancing her mental clarity, focus, and stamina through her cultivation practices.
With a quiet confidence, Feng Yan returned to her classroom. She would prepare for this competition the same way she approached everything else in her life—with determination, precision, and the belief that she was destined for something greater. This recommendation letter wasn't just a ticket to a prestigious university—it was a stepping stone to a future where she could bridge the gap between the two worlds she navigated.
And she would make sure to win.