<p>Layered rocks are widely encountered in underground engineering, and their mechanical behavior plays a critical role in determining the stability and safety of rock masses. To better understand layered rocks' failure mechanisms and energy evolution characteristics, this study investigates the mechanical responses and acoustic emission (AE) characteristics of slate with varying bedding angles under uniaxial and cyclic loading. The results show that cyclic loading alters the proportion of tensile and shear cracks, with the extent of this change varying with bedding angle. Strain energy evolution under cyclic loading follows the linear energy storage and dissipation (LESD) law, with the energy storage coefficient increasing during cycles. The proportion of transgranular crack correlates with energy storage capacity, while fracture surface slip corresponds to energy dissipation capacity. The energy storage coefficient varies with bedding angle, decreasing initially and reaching its minimum at 22.5°, then increasing to a peak at 90°. Bedding angles of 22.5°–67.5° notably reduce peak elastic energy density compared to 0° and 90°, highlighting weakened peak energy storage capacity. These findings provide a theoretical basis for optimizing bedding (or joint) configurations and improving structural stability in underground engineering.</p>