The Seven Mysteries Sect

The smell inside the carriage was far from pleasant. It was no surprise, since a compartment meant for a dozen people had been stuffed with nearly thirty children. Though children were much smaller than adults, the space was still cramped.

Han Li quietly squeezed his thin body into a corner, secretly studying the other children.

From their clothes and demeanor, the children who had come for the entrance examination clearly fell into three categories.

The first category sat in the center of the carriage, surrounded by most of the other children. This was the richly dressed young man.

His name was Wu Yan, thirteen years old, the oldest in the carriage. By age, he should have been over the limit, but he had a cousin who had married an influential figure in the Seven Mysteries Sect, so the age problem naturally ceased to exist. Wu Yan's family ran a martial arts school; they were quite wealthy. He had even learned some basic boxing and kicking techniques since childhood. Though not particularly impressive, they were more than enough to deal with children like Han Li, who had only raw strength and no martial training.

It was clear that children like Wu Yan, with money, connections, and some martial skill, naturally became the "big brother" of most children in the carriage.

The second category consisted of those who clustered around Wu Yan. These children came from all walks of life—some from shop-keeping families, some from laborers, some from craftsmen—but they all shared one trait: they had grown up in towns, and had more or less learned from their parents how to read expressions and chase after profit. So they surrounded Wu Yan, calling him "Young Master Wu" and "Brother Wu." Wu Yan seemed accustomed to this and quite enjoyed the titles.

The last category were children like Han Li. They came from remote, impoverished villages, living off the land and water. They were the fewest—only five or six—and most appeared timid and afraid to speak loudly. They formed a sharp contrast with the loud, talkative children.

The carriage started from Qing Niu Town, heading west. Along the way, they stopped at several places to pick up more children. Finally, on the evening of the fifth day, they arrived at Cai Xia Mountain, the headquarters of the Seven Mysteries Sect.

As soon as they got off the carriage, the children were captivated by the colorful sunset scenery of Cai Xia Mountain. It was only when Protector Wang urged them that they snapped back to reality and continued forward.

Cai Xia Mountain was originally named Falling Phoenix Mountain. According to legend, an ancient five-colored phoenix once landed here and transformed into the mountain. Later, people discovered that the mountain was exceptionally beautiful at sunset, as if bathed in rosy clouds, so it was renamed Cai Xia Mountain (Rosy Cloud Mountain). Of course, since the mountain was now occupied by the Seven Mysteries Sect, outsiders could no longer freely enjoy such a view.

Cai Xia Mountain was the second largest mountain in Jingzhou, second only to Bai Mang Mountain. It covered an area of more than ten li in radius and had over a dozen peaks, each extremely steep. All of them were occupied by various halls of the Seven Mysteries Sect. The main peak, Sunset Peak, was particularly treacherous. Not only was it extremely high and steep, but there was only one path from the base to the summit. After placing the sect's main hall there, they had set up thirteen sentry posts—both visible and hidden—along the path at strategic points, ensuring absolute security.

Han Li looked around as he walked, following the group ahead. Suddenly, the front of the line stopped, and a hearty voice rang out.

"Brother Wang, you're finally here? You're two days late."

"Hall Master Yue, we were delayed on the road. Please forgive me for troubling you." Protector Wang stood before the crowd, respectfully bowing to a red-faced old man. His usual arrogant attitude was completely gone, replaced by a fawning expression.

"Is this the seventeenth batch of disciples sent to the mountain?"

"Yes, the seventeenth."

"Hmm." Hall Master Yue cast a casual glance over Han Li and the others.

"Send them to the Guest Quarters. Let them rest well tonight. Tomorrow morning, begin the selection of qualified disciples. Those who fail should be sent down the mountain promptly, so as not to break the mountain's rules."

"Understood, Hall Master Yue."

As they walked up the stone steps, all the children were excited, but no one dared to speak loudly. Though young, they all understood that this was where their futures would be decided.

Protector Wang led the way, greeting people he met with a smile. It was clear he knew many people in the sect and was well-liked.

Most of the people they encountered wore blue silk clothes and carried either blades or swords at their waists. Some, unarmed, had bulging pouches at their belts. From their movements, it was obvious they were agile and skilled in martial arts.

Han Li and the others were taken to a shorter peak, where a cluster of earthen buildings stood. They stayed here for the night. In his dreams, Han Li saw himself dressed in brocade, holding a golden sword, possessing peerless martial arts, and beating up the blacksmith's son he could never defeat in the village. It was a triumphant dream, and he savored it until he woke up the next morning.

The next morning, Protector Wang did not let them eat breakfast. He directly led everyone to a large bamboo-covered slope at the foot of the mountain. There, the Hall Master Yue they had met yesterday, along with a few other unfamiliar young men, were already waiting.