Reborn in a cultivation world with my Ex girlfriends

Night fell over the sect, bathing the mountain peaks in a silvery glow. Wang Li sat cross-legged in his modest courtyard, his thoughts swirling like the cool night breeze. The weight of the Sect Master's assignment still clung to him like a shadow.

"A delegation from the Azure Sky Sect," he muttered to himself. "Why do I feel like a pawn in some larger game?"

His musings were interrupted by the arrival of Feng Yuling. She moved with the grace of moonlight, her long silver-blue hair trailing behind her. In her hands, she carried a small jade box.

"Are you ready?" she asked softly, her gaze sharp as she knelt before him.

Wang Li exhaled, pushing aside his unease. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Feng Yuling opened the jade box, revealing a crystalline lotus petal shimmering with frost. "This is the Frostmoon Essence. It will help you begin the technique—but you must circulate your spiritual energy precisely. One mistake, and your meridians will freeze solid."

He swallowed the lump in his throat. "No pressure, huh?"

A rare smile touched her lips. "I wouldn't have offered if I thought you couldn't handle it."

Wang Li took the petal carefully, feeling the icy energy pulse through his fingertips. As he placed it on his tongue, a surge of cold burned down his throat and into his dantian. He immediately began to circulate his qi, following the precise instructions Feng Yuling had given him earlier.

A sharp chill spread through his body, each meridian feeling like it was being etched with frost. Beads of sweat formed on his brow despite the cold.

"Good," Feng Yuling murmured, watching closely. "Now, guide the frost energy to your core and compress it."

Wang Li grit his teeth as he pushed the energy inward. The world around him faded as he lost himself in the delicate, dangerous balance between life and death.

Minutes stretched into hours.

At last, the final thread of energy clicked into place. A powerful surge coursed through his body, leaving his meridians colder—but stronger. Wang Li opened his eyes, frost glinting in his pupils.

"I did it," he whispered.

Feng Yuling's shoulders eased. "You've only completed the first stage—but you're alive. That's a good start."

A warm sensation settled in his chest—not just from his success, but from her quiet concern.

"Thank you," he said softly.

For a moment, their eyes met beneath the moonlight, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Then, as swiftly as it came, the moment slipped away.

###

The next morning, Wang Li's new strength burned beneath his skin. His cultivation had risen by a full minor realm overnight—an impossible feat without the Frostmoon Essence.

Yet, no time remained for celebration. He had barely finished his morning training when Mu Qingling stormed into his courtyard.

"There you are!" she huffed, hands on her hips. "Did you forget? We're sparring today!"

Wang Li blinked. "I just nearly froze myself solid last night. Can I get a break?"

Mu Qingling snorted. "Please. You know you love a challenge. Besides—" Her tone turned sly. "—unless you want Feng Yuling to keep carrying you, you'd better keep up."

He groaned but couldn't hide his smile. "Fine, but I'm not responsible if you lose."

"Bold words." She cracked her knuckles. "Let's see if you can back them up."

They moved to the sparring grounds, drawing attention from passing disciples. Their rivalry had become infamous—an unpredictable clash between two talents who refused to yield.

As they squared off, Wang Li felt the Frostmoon energy stir within him. When Mu Qingling lunged, her fist shimmering with golden qi, he met her strike with icy precision. Their energies clashed in a dazzling burst.

Mu Qingling's eyes widened. "What did you do? You're faster."

Wang Li grinned, slipping past her guard and tapping her shoulder. "I got better."

She laughed, undeterred. "Good. It wouldn't be fun otherwise."

The match continued, a blur of motion and power. For all their banter, the truth lay in the rhythm of their strikes—a wordless conversation where trust and competition intertwined.

When they finally stopped, breathless and grinning, Wang Li realized that amid the chaos of cultivation and sect politics, some things remained simple.

Like the warmth of a friend who refused to let him fall behind.

###

His lighthearted mood didn't last.

By midday, Lin Ruoyan appeared—again—with another summons.

"Let me guess," Wang Li sighed. "More trouble?"

Lin Ruoyan's expression was unreadable. "The Sect Master wants to see you. Again."

His stomach twisted. "Did he say why?"

"No. But if I were you, I'd be worried."

The journey to the Sect Master's hall felt heavier this time. When Wang Li entered, the oppressive spiritual pressure felt like lead pressing on his bones.

The Sect Master's gaze pinned him. "The Azure Sky Sect has confirmed their arrival," he said. "You will personally guide their Young Mistress during their visit."

Wang Li's heart sank. "Why me, Sect Master?"

"Because," the Sect Master's voice sharpened, "their Young Mistress insisted on you—by name."

Cold realization swept through him. Only one person from the Azure Sky Sect knew him that well.

"Li Xueyan," he muttered under his breath, a mix of dread and disbelief churning in his stomach.

The ex-girlfriend he'd hoped never to see again.