Lin Tian woke before dawn, his expanded Qi core pulsing with newfound strength. Despite the previous day's exhaustion, his body had recovered remarkably well—another benefit of his successful cultivation breakthrough. He found Lin Feng already preparing a light breakfast, the attendant's movements silent in deference to the early hour.

  "Young Master, you're awake," Lin Feng said, his voice a careful whisper. "I've prepared medicinal porridge to help stabilize your meridians after yesterday's advancement."

  Lin Tian nodded appreciatively, accepting the simple bowl with both hands. The porridge's aroma carried hints of ginseng and other herbs that would support his Qi circulation. "Thank you. What time are we expected at the Crescent Moon Spring?"

  "Master Zhou scheduled the specialized training for the hour of the snake," Lin Feng replied, referring to the ninth hour of the morning. "We should depart within the hour to arrive with time to spare."

  Lin Tian ate methodically, reviewing his mental preparations for the day ahead. Whatever test Master Zhou had planned would likely push him to his limits—precisely what he needed before the coming resonance trial. As he finished his meal, a soft knock sounded at the door.

  Lin Feng answered to find a somewhat flustered Liu Hui standing in the corridor, his usual earnest expression tinged with uncertainty.

  "Disciple Lin," Liu Hui greeted with a formal bow as Lin Tian appeared behind his attendant. "I apologize for the early disturbance, but... did you not request to meet with me yesterday evening?"

  Lin Tian maintained a neutral expression despite his surprise. "Yesterday evening?"

  Liu Hui's brow furrowed in confusion. "Yes, you sent word that you wished to speak with me regarding some cultivation insights after the day's training. I waited by the eastern courtyard as instructed, but you never arrived."

  A chill ran down Lin Tian's spine that had nothing to do with the morning air. Someone had impersonated him—a concerning development that suggested he was being watched more closely than anticipated.

  "I made no such request," Lin Tian said carefully, studying Liu Hui's reaction. "Though I apologize for the misunderstanding that led to your wasted time."

  Relief visibly washed over Liu Hui's features. "I had worried I'd misunderstood the meeting place. It's just as well—Instructor Wei assigned additional conditioning exercises that kept me occupied until quite late."

  Lin Tian considered the implications silently before making a decision. "Since you're here now, perhaps you could share something with me. What do you know of the Crescent Moon Spring? I understand you've served various masters within the sect before joining as an Observational Disciple."

  Liu Hui's eyes widened slightly. "The Crescent Moon Spring? You're going there today?" When Lin Tian nodded, Liu Hui glanced nervously down the corridor before continuing in a lowered voice. "It's connected to the Great Wu River, which is renowned throughout the Eastern Cultivation Realms."

  Lin Tian gestured for him to enter the room. Once inside with the door closed, he invited Liu Hui to continue while Lin Feng prepared tea.

  "The Great Wu River," Liu Hui began, accepting the offered seat, "flows from the northernmost mountains—what ancients called the Abares, the divine domain of the God of Healing. Its waters possess remarkable properties when properly purified, enhancing cultivation and promoting recovery from even serious injuries."

  Lin Tian listened intently as Liu Hui continued, noting the way the young man's typical nervousness faded when discussing cultivation history.

  "Centuries ago, the river was a constant battleground. Countless sects and independent cultivators fought for control of its banks. The conflicts grew so severe that they threatened the stability of the entire Eastern Realm."

  "What changed?" Lin Tian prompted when Liu Hui paused to accept tea from Lin Feng.

  "The Immortal Cultivator Ji Wu intervened," Liu Hui replied, his voice taking on the cadence of recited lore. "After subduing the warring factions, he established a new mandate: the river would belong to no single sect or cultivator. Access would be granted freely to all who abided by his covenant."

  "Which was?"

  "A martial tournament held once every decade to honor the river's spirit," Liu Hui explained. "Representatives from all major sects participate, demonstrating their martial prowess not for territory, but for prestige and cultivation insights shared by Ji Wu himself."

  Lin Tian nodded thoughtfully. "And the Crescent Moon Spring's connection to this river?"

  Liu Hui leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping further. "The spring is one of seven tributaries that feed into the Great Wu. While smaller than the main river, it possesses unique properties that make it especially valued by our sect."

  "What properties?" Lin Tian asked, his interest genuinely piqued.

  "Unlike other tributaries that simply carry the river's waters, the Crescent Moon Spring has a phenomenon that occurs during certain celestial alignments," Liu Hui explained. "When the moon reaches its crescent phase and reflects upon the spring's surface, the waters become particularly receptive to spiritual energy. During these periods, the spring sometimes manifests solid constructs of spiritual energy—similar to spirit stones, but in unpredictable forms."

  Lin Tian's eyebrows rose. "Naturally forming spirit stones?"

  "Not exactly," Liu Hui qualified. "More like... crystallized spiritual essence that hasn't fully matured into proper spirit stones. These constructs are highly volatile and dissolve back into the water within hours of formation. Some elders believe they're fragments of Ji Wu's original covenant, physical manifestations of the spiritual contract that ended the ancient conflicts."

  Lin Feng, who had been quietly attending to his duties, paused by the table. "Is that why Master Zhou chose the spring for specialized training? To demonstrate these constructs?"

  Liu Hui shook his head. "The phenomenon only occurs during the crescent moon phase, which isn't for another eighteen days." He hesitated before adding, "However, there is another aspect of the spring that makes it useful for training year-round. The waters create natural resistance against Qi manipulation—like trying to circulate energy through thick honey rather than air. It forces cultivators to refine their control and strength simultaneously."

  Lin Tian absorbed this information with growing interest. Training in an environment that naturally increased difficulty would accelerate his progress—precisely what he needed before the resonance test.

  "Thank you for sharing this knowledge," he said, rising to indicate the conversation was concluding. "It will be valuable for today's training."

  Liu Hui stood and bowed formally. "I'm glad to be of service, Disciple Lin. Perhaps..." he hesitated, uncharacteristic boldness flashing in his eyes, "perhaps you might share your insights upon returning? Your performance during Master Zhou's exercises was... exceptional."

  Lin Tian studied the earnest young man before him. Liu Hui lacked the natural talent of many disciples, but his dedication was evident. Such hunger for improvement resonated with Lin Tian's own experiences.

  "I'll share what I can," he agreed with a slight nod. "Though I expect Master Zhou's instruction will prove far more valuable than any observations I might offer."

  After Liu Hui departed, Lin Feng approached with Lin Tian's formal training robes. "Should we prepare for departure, Young Master?"

  Lin Tian nodded, his mind already analyzing the information he'd just received. "Yes, but first, send someone to quietly investigate who might have impersonated me yesterday. The incident with Liu Hui concerns me."

  Lin Feng's expression darkened with understanding. "I'll handle it personally, Young Master. No one will know of my inquiries."

  As Lin Tian prepared for the day's training, he considered the implications of being watched so closely. Yesterday's cultivation breakthrough had clearly attracted attention—whether positive or negative remained to be seen. He would need to proceed with greater caution, balancing the need to improve quickly against the risk of revealing too much of his capabilities.

  The journey to the Crescent Moon Spring took nearly an hour, leading beyond the formal boundaries of the Celestial Dragon Sect's immediate grounds. Master Zhou led their small group along narrow mountain paths that wound through dense bamboo forests before eventually opening onto a secluded valley.

  Lin Tian walked silently behind Master Zhou, with Mei Ling following at a respectful distance. Instructor Wei brought up the rear, his perpetual scowl deeper than usual as he surveyed their surroundings with obvious vigilance.

  "We are entering a restricted area," Master Zhou announced without turning. "The Crescent Moon Spring lies at the heart of this valley. Its waters are sacred to our sect—not because we claim ownership, but because we are entrusted with its stewardship."

  As they descended into the valley, Lin Tian observed how the vegetation changed subtly. The bamboo gave way to ancient willows whose branches bent gracefully toward a central point not yet visible. The air grew notably richer with spiritual energy, creating a subtle pressure against his skin.

  This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  "The spring feeds into the Great Wu River," Master Zhou continued, "carrying with it the covenant of Immortal Ji Wu. Our sect was among the first to recognize the wisdom of his mandate, which is why we were chosen as stewards of this tributary."

  They rounded a final bend, and the Crescent Moon Spring came into view. Lin Tian had expected something modest—perhaps a small pond or bubbling fountain. What greeted them instead was a majestic crescent-shaped basin carved into a natural rock amphitheater. The water's surface gleamed like polished silver despite the early hour, reflecting the surrounding cliffs and sky with mirror-like clarity.

  At the far end of the crescent, a narrow channel directed water toward what Lin Tian presumed was the beginning of its journey to join the Great Wu River. Stone steps descended to the water's edge, worn smooth by centuries of use.

  "Impressive, isn't it?" Master Zhou said, noting Lin Tian's expression. "Many disciples imagine the spring to be merely a training ground. They fail to appreciate its true significance as a living connection to our sect's history."

  "The water seems to... move against itself," Mei Ling observed, her usually composed demeanor giving way to genuine wonder. Indeed, the spring's surface exhibited unusual patterns—currents flowing in seemingly impossible directions, creating intricate, ever-changing designs.

  "A result of the spiritual energies that permeate this place," Master Zhou explained. "The waters of the Crescent Moon Spring do not follow merely physical laws, but spiritual ones as well. This makes it an ideal medium for the training I have in mind."

  He led them down the stone steps to a small pavilion built at the water's edge. Inside, simple wooden benches surrounded a central platform inlaid with formations that Lin Tian recognized as Qi anchoring arrays—designed to stabilize energy fluctuations within a defined area.

  "Today's exercise," Master Zhou announced once they were seated, "will challenge the limits of your control. As Observational Disciples, you lack the raw power typical of Inner Sect members. This limitation, while significant, need not define the boundaries of your cultivation path."

  He produced two small jade tokens from his sleeve and handed one each to Lin Tian and Mei Ling. "These tokens contain a trace of the spring's essence. They will allow you to interact with the waters in a controlled manner."

  Lin Tian examined the token carefully. It appeared ordinary, but when he channeled a whisper of Qi into it, he felt an immediate resonance with the spring before him—as if a connection had been established between his core and the water.

  "The exercise is simple in concept, though demanding in execution," Master Zhou continued. "You will enter the spring up to your waist. Using the token to focus your intent, you will attempt to create a stable column of water rising before you. The height and stability of this column will reflect your degree of control."

  Instructor Wei moved forward, his muscular arms crossed over his chest. "The waters will resist your commands," he added gruffly. "They naturally oppose external Qi influence. Many Inner Sect disciples fail to raise the water more than a few inches on their first attempt."

  "Furthermore," Master Zhou said, "you must maintain your own Qi circulation while performing this task. Any interruption in your internal energy flow will result in immediate failure, potentially drawing you underwater."

  Lin Tian considered the implications. The exercise would require splitting his attention between external manipulation and internal maintenance—a fundamental challenge for any cultivator. For someone with his limited reserves, the difficulty would be compounded significantly.

  "Master Zhou," Mei Ling spoke up, her voice respectful but direct, "you mentioned this training ground is typically reserved for Inner Sect disciples. Why have you brought us here?"

  The ancient master smiled faintly. "Perceptive as always, Disciple Mei. Indeed, Observational Disciples are not typically granted access to the Crescent Moon Spring. However, after observing your performances yesterday, I determined that standard training methods would be insufficient for your development."

  His gaze shifted between Lin Tian and Mei Ling. "Both of you display unusual aptitude for precision control—a rare quality that deserves specialized nurturing. The spring's resistance will accelerate your development in ways conventional training cannot."

  Lin Tian detected something unspoken in the elder's words. This wasn't merely about accelerated training; it was a test—perhaps even an evaluation for potential advancement beyond their current status.

  "Who shall begin?" Master Zhou asked, glancing between his two disciples.

  Before Mei Ling could respond, Lin Tian stepped forward with a respectful bow. "I would be honored to attempt the exercise first, Master Zhou."

  The elder nodded, gesturing toward a shallow section of the spring. "Proceed, then. Remember—maintain your internal circulation while projecting your intent through the token. The waters will respond according to your degree of control."

  Lin Tian removed his outer robe, handing it to Instructor Wei before wading into the spring. The moment his feet touched the water, he felt its unusual properties—a subtle resistance against his movements, as if the water itself possessed awareness and will.

  As he reached waist depth, he held the jade token before him, channeling a careful measure of Qi through it while maintaining his internal circulation. The water around him immediately began to react, rippling outward from his position in concentric circles.

  Lin Tian focused his intent, visualizing a column of water rising before him. The surface bulged slightly at first, resisting his command before reluctantly beginning to rise. One inch. Two inches. The effort required was substantial—far greater than he had anticipated.

  From the shore, Master Zhou watched with narrowed eyes, his ancient face revealing nothing of his thoughts. Yet Lin Tian sensed the elder's keen attention, analyzing every aspect of his performance.

  Lin Tian drew upon his expanded core, channeling more Qi through the token while carefully maintaining his internal circulation. The column of water responded, rising to nearly a foot in height before beginning to waver.

  The resistance was unlike anything he had encountered in his training—not merely physical opposition, but something that seemed to actively counter his spiritual energy. Lin Tian was reminded of certain battlefields from his previous life, where opposing mana fields created zones of magical nullification.

  He adjusted his approach, recalling principles from his past existence. Rather than forcing the water to obey through raw power, he began to harmonize his Qi with the spring's natural rhythms. The column stabilized momentarily, then continued to rise, now approaching two feet in height.

  The strain became increasingly apparent as sweat beaded on his forehead. His limited reserves were depleting rapidly, yet he maintained perfect circulation, refusing to yield to fatigue.

  On the shore, even Instructor Wei's permanent scowl had given way to an expression of surprised interest. Mei Ling watched intently, her analytical mind clearly noting Lin Tian's techniques for her own attempt.

  Just as the water column reached three feet—a height that would have been respectable even for an Inner Sect disciple—Lin Tian sensed a sudden shift in the spring's energy. The water began to glow with a faint blue luminescence, and the resistance increased dramatically.

  Master Zhou leaned forward slightly, his eyes widening almost imperceptibly. "Interesting," he murmured. "The spring recognizes him."

  Lin Tian fought to maintain his connection as the column began to destabilize. His reserves were nearly depleted, yet he refused to relinquish control. Drawing upon his last reserves, he executed a precise adjustment to his Qi flow, temporarily sacrificing height for stability.

  The column stopped growing but solidified, its surface smoothing into a perfectly cylindrical shape that reflected the morning light like polished crystal. Lin Tian held this state for several heartbeats before carefully releasing his control, allowing the water to return gradually to the spring rather than collapse.

  As the last of the column rejoined the spring's surface, Lin Tian bowed formally toward Master Zhou before wading back to shore, his legs trembling slightly from exertion.

  "Most impressive, Disciple Lin," Master Zhou said as Lin Tian accepted his robe from Instructor Wei. "Few achieve such stability on their first attempt. Your control is... unusual for one at your stage of cultivation."

  Lin Tian bowed again. "The spring's resistance was greater than I anticipated, Master Zhou. I fear I failed to achieve the height that might be expected."

  The elder shook his head. "Height is merely one measure of success, and not always the most significant. The spring's recognition of your Qi signature is far more noteworthy—a phenomenon typically reserved for disciples who have trained here extensively."

  Lin Tian carefully concealed his surprise at this information. The spring had "recognized" him? What exactly did that mean, and what implications might it have for his cover?

  Before he could formulate a response, Master Zhou turned to Mei Ling. "Disciple Mei, it is your turn. Observe the water's response carefully—it may differ significantly from what you just witnessed."

  As Mei Ling prepared to enter the spring, Lin Tian noticed Elder Tae Won standing at the top of the stone steps—his sudden appearance suggesting he had been observing for some time. The playful elder caught Lin Tian's eye and offered an almost imperceptible nod before focusing his attention on Mei Ling's attempt.

  Lin Tian moved to a meditation position, ostensibly to recover his depleted Qi, but in reality to process what had just occurred. The spring's "recognition" suggested some form of spiritual resonance he hadn't anticipated—perhaps related to his previous life's energy signature? If true, this could either be a significant advantage or a dangerous tell that might expose his unique circumstances.

  As Mei Ling stepped into the water, Lin Tian closed his eyes, turning his focus inward while maintaining peripheral awareness of his surroundings. The water's recognition was troubling—an unaccounted variable in his carefully constructed persona. What other traces of Emperor Edward Reinhart might still cling to his soul, visible to those with eyes to see?

  A faint ripple of power washed over him—Mei Ling beginning her attempt with the spring. Even with his eyes closed, Lin Tian could sense her methodical approach, so different from his own intuitive adjustments. He allowed himself a moment of genuine respect for her precision.

  The weight of Master Zhou's gaze settled on him occasionally, reminding Lin Tian that performances here would be remembered, analyzed, reported upward through the sect's complex hierarchy. Each revelation was a double-edged sword—demonstrating talent invited both opportunity and scrutiny.

  How much to reveal? How much to conceal? These questions had haunted him since his awakening in this world. The cultivation path demanded growth, yet growth meant visibility.

  He opened his eyes just as Mei Ling completed her attempt—her water column narrower than his had been but impressively tall. She hadn't achieved the same resonance with the spring, but her technical execution was flawless.

  "Balance," he thought. "As in all things."

  The spring continued its eternal flow, waters running toward the distant Wu River just as time flowed ceaselessly forward. Lin Tian watched a single leaf spiral across the surface, carried by currents both seen and unseen. Like that leaf, he would need to navigate the visible and invisible forces of this world.

  Elder Tae Won descended the steps, joining Master Zhou as Mei Ling returned to shore. Their whispered conversation was just beyond earshot, but their occasional glances toward Lin Tian spoke volumes.

  The game had grown more complex, the stakes higher with each passing day. But complexity had never deterred him before—not as Emperor Edward Reinhart, and not now as Lin Tian.

  He rose to his feet, feeling strength returning to his depleted meridians. Whatever challenges lay ahead—the resonance test, the sect's hidden agendas, the mystery of his reincarnation—he would face them as he had faced the spring's resistance: with patience, adaptability, and unwavering determination.

  The waters of fate were deep and often turbulent, but Lin Tian had always been an excellent swimmer.

  -End of Chapter