Chapter 3, Seven Mysterious Gates

Another group of people consists of the children who gather around Wu Yan. These individuals come from various backgrounds; some have families that run shops, some work as laborers, and others earn a living through their skills. However, they all share a common characteristic: they have grown up in towns and have naturally learned, to varying degrees, the ability to read people's expressions and act in pursuit of profit from the adults in their families. As a result, these individuals crowd around Wu Yan, addressing him alternately as "Young Master Wu" and "Brother Wu." Wu Yan appears to be quite accustomed to this and seems to enjoy these titles.

Cai Xia Mountain is the second largest mountain within Jingzhou, and aside from another mountain, Bai Mang Mountain, this mountain covers the most extensive area, with its ranges extending for several miles in all directions. This mountain boasts over a dozen peaks of varying heights, each presenting significant challenges, and thus all are occupied by the various branches of the Qi Xuan Sect. The main peak of Cai Xia Mountain, known as "Sunset Peak," is particularly treacherous; it is not only extraordinarily high and steep, but there is also only one path leading from the base of the mountain to the summit. After establishing their main hall here, the Qi Xuan Sect set up a total of thirteen checkpoints, both overt and covert, at critical points along this path, ensuring their security and peace of mind.

"Master Yue, I apologize for the delay on the road and appreciate your concern." Wang Hufa stood in front of the crowd, respectfully bowing to an elderly man with a red face, his previously arrogant demeanor transformed into a hint of flattery.

Hmph! This Master Yue looked at Han Li and the others with an air of arrogance.

Deliver them to the Qingke Courtyard, allowing them to rest well for the night. Tomorrow morning, we will begin the selection of qualified disciples. Those who do not pass will be sent down the mountain early to avoid violating the rules of the mountain

After waking up in the morning, Protector Wang did not allow everyone to have breakfast, but directly took them to a large slope filled with bamboo at the foot of the mountain. There, the Yue clan leader, whom m. hetushucomcom had met yesterday, along with several other young people whom he did not recognize, was already waiting.

The carriage set off from Qingniu Town, galloping westward. Along the way, it visited several places and picked up a few children. Finally, on the evening of the fifth day, it arrived at Caixia Mountain, the location of the Qixuan Gate's main entrance.

"As you command, Master Yue"

Walking up the stone steps, all the children were filled with excitement, yet no one dared to speak loudly. Although they were all young, they understood that this was the place that would determine their future destinies

Han Li surveyed his surroundings while following the person in front. Suddenly, the line ahead came to a halt, and a hearty voice rang out: "Brother Wang, why have you only just arrived? You are two days later than scheduled"

The seventeenth batch of personnel has been completed

Cai Xia Mountain was originally named Luo Feng Mountain. According to legend, in ancient times, a five-colored phoenix landed in this area and transformed into this mountain. Later, due to visitors discovering the mountain's extraordinary beauty at sunset, resembling a veil of colorful clouds, it was renamed Cai Xia Mountain. Of course, since this mountain has been occupied by the Seven Mysterious Sect, outsiders can no longer come here to freely enjoy such beautiful scenery.

The children participating in the entrance examination can be clearly divided into three categories based on their attire and background: the first category consists of the well-dressed youths, who are seated in the center of the carriage and are surrounded by the majority of the other children.

It is evident that individuals like Wu Yan, who come from wealthy and influential families and possess certain skills, naturally become the "big brother" for most of the children in the car

Wang Hufa led the way while smiling and greeting the people he encountered along the road, clearly showing that he had many acquaintances inside the door and was well-liked.

The odor inside the vehicle is evidently unpleasant, which is understandable, as a compartment designed to accommodate only a dozen passengers is crammed with nearly thirty children. Although children and books are significantly smaller than adults, the space remains exceedingly cramped.

The last category of people is represented by Han Li and those like him. These individuals typically come from remote and impoverished areas, where their families rely on the mountains for sustenance when near them and on water when available, living in extreme poverty. This group is the least numerous in the vehicle, with only five or six individuals present. Their demeanor is mostly timid and hesitant, refraining from speaking loudly, merely observing others who are laughing and talking boisterously, creating a stark contrast with the more vocal and raucous children.

The boy's name is Wu Yan, and he is thirteen years old, making him the oldest in the vehicle. Although he is already above the age limit, his cousin is married to a powerful figure within the Seven Xuan Sect, so the age issue is naturally not a problem. Wu Yan's family runs a martial arts school and is quite affluent. He has practiced some martial arts since childhood; although he is not particularly skilled, he is more than capable of dealing with a child like Han Li, who possesses only some brute strength and has never trained in martial arts.

Han Li and others were taken to a relatively low mountain peak, where there was a mud house at the top. They stayed there for a night. In his dreams that night, Han Li envisioned himself dressed in splendid robes, wielding a golden sword, and possessing unparalleled martial arts skills. He thoroughly defeated the blacksmith's son, whom he had never been able to overcome in reality, feeling quite majestic. Even the next morning, he still reminisced about the experience.

Han Li cleverly shrank his frail body into the corner of the carriage, secretly observing the other children inside.

Most of the people encountered along the way were dressed in blue satin garments, some carrying knives or swords, while occasionally, some bare-handed individuals had bulging waists, concealing unknown items. From their demeanor and actions, it was evident that these individuals were agile and possessed considerable martial skills.

How many batches of disciples have been sent to the mountain now

All the children, upon getting off the bus, were deeply captivated by the colorful sunset scenery of Cai Xia Mountain, and it was not until the urging voice of Wang Hufa broke the spell that they came to their senses and continued to move forward