Veil of the celestial bloom

elder Hua Qing's gaze swept over the hall, her sharp eyes observing each disciple with precision. she conveyed, "as you all know that this competition is not merely a test of power or skill," she continued with her unwavering voice, "it is a test of character, determination, and the will to ascend beyond your limits."

a silence followed, the weight of her words pressing down each of them. the disciples eyes are filled with determination, yet a shadow of doubt loomed in their faces.

a disciple sitting at the far end whispered to her friend, my sister told me that, elder Hua Qing's training is merciless...some didn't even survive the trials in their training period."

her friend shuddered, "then....

before they could mutter another word, elder Hua Qing's voice cut through the hall. "there will be no room for weakness. if you hesitate, you fail. if you doubt, you fall." she stepped forward, while her robes flowing gracefully as if untouched by the wind. "the position of the goddess of the moon requires the strongest heart. not just the strongest power."

her words struck a chord, echoing within their minds.

then, elder Hua Qing said, while her tone is softened. "yet, if you have the will to learn and the courage to face your fears, then you may find yourself worthy of standing among the stars."

for a moment, hope flickered in the eyes of the disciples.

but just as quickly, it vanished when elder Hua Qing said, "training begins at tomorrow dawn. if you fail to appear in time, you are automatically disqualified."

the disciples are stiffened, the tension in the hall thickening.

elder Hua Qing turned over and her figure seemingly gliding towards the exit. before she crossed the threshold, her voice echoed one last time, "prove yourself or be forgotten." class dismissed.

all the disciples stood respectfully to bid farewell.

the hall fell into silence, the weight of her words lingering long after she had gone.

later, the hall erupted into murmurs, the disciples faces are mixed with fear, excitement, and determination.

one of the disciple whispered, are you sure, she'll be that strict during the training?" her face turned pale with worry.

another disciple shook her head, I've heard elder Hua Qing is relentless. she won't accept anything less than perfection."

a shiver ran through those disciples as they exchanged uneasy glances. 

suddenly a firm voice declared, "if we want to make through the competition, we can't be weak." even if we don't know who will get that position but we have to strive for it.

suddenly, a figure standing confidently from the crowd, her presence commanding attention. her slender figure wrapped in a pristine white robes that flowed softly around her symbolizing her status as a disciple. her long, ebony hair cascaded down her back and yet, beneath that calm exterior, her eyes gleamed with a calculating intelligence. narrow and watchful. the disciples in the hall missed nothing, observing every movement with quiet scrutiny.

suddenly a voice, "it was Meng Yi, she is the top disciple from freshman year." someone whispered with awe evident in their voice.

Meng Yi's lips curled into a faint smile as she scanned the hall, her chin held high. confidence radiated from her as if she were already victorious.

but her expression faltered for a brief moment when her eyes fell on a delicate figure standing quietly at the edge of the room.

Meng Yi's voice suddenly rang out, laced with doubt, "Xing Yue..?"

her tone was sharp, disbelief evident in her eyes as she looked at the quiet figure standing at the edge of the hall.

Xing Yue stood amidst in the sea of white-robed disciples, her petite figure almost disappearing among them. yet, a quite radiance surrounded her making her presence impossible to ignore.

her midnight-black hair cascaded softly around her face, accentuating her large, luminous blue eyes that held a depth of dreams and unspoken longing. on her forehead a faint mark resembling a delicate symbol is covered by her hair. she draped in pristine robes, her gentle demeanor belied a quiet strength.

all the disciples turned their gazes toward Xing Yue, doubt flickering in their eyes as whispers rippled through the hall.

Xing Yue stood unfazed, her posture is poised and elegant, her eyes are steady as she faced the questioning stares. her calm demeanor only deepened the curiosity around her, a silent confidence radiating from her presence.

Meng Yi's voice sliced through the murmurs, sharp and laden with suspicion. "it's really you. who are you to come here?" her eyes narrowed, her posture is rigid, exuding an aura of superiority.

a hush fell over the hall, anticipation cracking in the air. all eyes locked onto Xing Yue, waiting for her response.

someone whispered in the crowd, "what's the matter with them?" we haven't seen her in the starry academy.

Xing Yue said with in respected manner, "I just entered into the starry academy."

a murmur rippled through the hall, disbelief mingling with curiosity.

Meng Yi's lips curled into a mocking smile. "just entered? then why are you here, standing among us?" her voice dripped with disdain. "do you truly believe a newcomer like you can compete on our level?"

Xing Yue's gaze remained steady, unfazed by the scorn. "I maybe new, but that doesn't mean I'm unworthy." her voice was calm, but a flicker of resolve burned in her eyes.

the crowd fell silent once more, a mix of intrigue and suspicion lingering in the air.

Meng Yi's lips curled into a sneer, her eyes glinting with mockery. "oh, you've found your voice now? how bold of you." she folded her arms, her stance dripping with arrogance. "let's see in the competition, if your actions can back up your words."

Xing Yue's gaze remained unwavering, her posture poised. and said, "when the time comes my strength will speak for itself."

a ripple of astonishment spread through the crowd. whispers echoed across the hall, laced with disbelief and intrigue.

"who does she think she is?" someone muttered.

"newcomer or not, she got guts," another voice chimed in.

Meng Yi's eyes are narrowed, her confidence faltering for a split second before she regained her composure. "bold words for a novice. but words alone won't carry you far." she took a step closer, her presence domineering.

"do you really think that I don't tell them what your face looks like.'' Meng Yi whispered. her voice dripped with malice, each word designed to cut deep.

a murmur rippled through the crowd, curiosity mingling with shock.

"what's she talking about?"

"does she know Xing Yue's background?"

Xing Yue's expression remained calm, but her fingers curled into fists, her nails biting into her palms. the memories of her past clawed at her heart, but she refused to let them show. "my past is mine alone. it doesn't define who I am now."

Meng Yi's eyes widened for a fraction of a second before she scoffed. "bold words. but I see through you. you are just pretending to be strong."

Meng Yi took another step forward, her presence pressing down on Xing Yue like a storm cloud. "I'll expose every weakness of those you are trying so hard to hide."

"suddenly, Meng Yi's laughter echoed through the hall, cold and sharp. "she had ugly mark on her forehead and she is a daydreamer, who always lost in her fantasies with the lord of moon. a foolish star yearning for the lord of moon.... how tragic." [her eyes gleamed with cruel amusement]

the words pierced deeper than any blade, but Xing Yue remind silence.

suddenly, a deep, resonant bell echoed through the vast halls of the starry academy. it's solemn chime cutting through the dusk. the fading sunlight cast long shadows across the courtyard as the bell's call reverberated, commanding attention with its powerful toll.

[after then, all the disciples are casting out from the front hall of the academy except Xing Yue and Meng Yi.]

Xing Yue stood firm and said, "mock me all you want, but at least I have a dream to fight for. can you say the same?"

for a brief moment, a shadow crossed over Meng Yi's face, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared. "hmph, I don't need dreams or foolish hopes. power is all that matters."

Meng Yi's aura flared, filling the hall with suffocating pressure and said, " I will crush your dream to dust."

Xing Yue's own aura ignited, shimmering like moonlight breaking through darkness. then, she said with her steady voice, "you can try. but, no matter how hard you crush, I will rise."

Meng Yi said, while her eyes narrowed, her lips curling into a taunting smirk. "rise? how laughable. you can dream what ever you want, but that's all you'll ever have-dreams." "the position of the goddess of the moon will be mine... you just go and dream.

Xing Yue's eyes widened, a sharp pain stabbing her chest. she fought to keep her composure, unwilling to give Meng Yi the satisfaction of seeing her break. and then she said, "your ambition is nothing but greed. you'll never understand what it means to love someone."

Meng Yi's laughter echoed through the hall, cold and sharp. she said, "care? love? foolish sentiments of a weak star like you but not for me. [with an over confidence face]

Xing Yue's aura flared, defying the darkness around her. her voice was firm, unwavering. "don't you understand, Meng Yi? in this competition, it's not just about power. a pure heart is needed too." "do you really think that you can win with that of your heart...

Meng Yi's eyes widened for a second before narrowing, her lips curling into a mocking smirk. "heart? how laughable. you really haven't changed, the same before. here, only the strong can survive. emotions are nothing but weaknesses. "power bends the heavens. power commands respect. what good is a heart when it can't protect you?"

Xing Yue's gaze softened, her expression almost pitying. and then she said, "that's why you'll never win. you fight to dominate, to control...but you really don't understand the true strength that comes from the fighting to protect, to love.."

her aura shimmered, glowing brighter..

she continued, "the heart gives you the courage to stand up even when you are broken, to keep going when the world turns against you."

Meng Yi scoffed, her eyes burning with contempt. "spare me from your lectures. I don't need courage, I need victory. and I will crush anyone who stands in my way.. even if it is you.."

Meng Yi's sneer deepened. "then, prepare yourself to be shattered in the competition." she moved outside to the front hall of academy. her figure blurred as her attack surged towards Xing Yue like a raging tempest.

Xing Yue murmured herself, "let's see who will..."