The Immortal Ascension

Chapter 3: The Seven Mysteries Sect

The smell inside the carriage was far from pleasant, which was hardly surprising given that nearly thirty children were crammed into a space meant for a dozen or so. Although children are smaller than adults, the carriage was still unbearably crowded.

Han Li cleverly squeezed his thin frame into a corner of the carriage, secretly observing the other children.

The children who had come to participate in the entrance examination were clearly divided into three groups based on their attire and backgrounds.

The first group consisted of a richly dressed young boy sitting in the center of the carriage, surrounded by most of the other children.

This boy, named Wu Yan, was thirteen years old, making him the oldest in the carriage. Normally, his age would have disqualified him, but he had a cousin who had married a powerful figure within the Seven Mysteries Sect, so his age was no longer an issue. Wu Yan’s family ran a martial arts school and was quite wealthy. He had also practiced some martial arts since childhood. Although his skills were not particularly advanced, they were more than enough to handle children like Han Li, who only had brute strength and no formal training.

Naturally, someone like Wu Yan, who came from a wealthy and influential family and had some martial arts skills, became the de facto "big brother" of most of the children in the carriage.

The second group consisted of the children who surrounded Wu Yan. These children came from a variety of backgrounds—some were from shopkeeping families, others from working-class households, and some were skilled craftsmen. However, they all shared one common trait: they had grown up in towns and cities, and as a result, they had learned to some extent how to read people and act in their own self-interest. Thus, they flocked around Wu Yan, addressing him as "Young Master Wu" or "Big Brother Wu." Wu Yan seemed quite accustomed to these titles and clearly enjoyed the attention.

The third group was made up of children like Han Li. These children came from remote, impoverished villages where families relied on the mountains or rivers for their livelihood. They were the smallest group in the carriage, numbering only five or six. They were timid and hesitant to speak loudly, a stark contrast to the other children who chatted and laughed boisterously.

The carriage had set out from Qingniu Town and traveled westward, stopping at several places along the way to pick up more children. Finally, on the evening of the fifth day, they arrived at Rainbow Cloud Mountain, the headquarters of the Seven Mysteries Sect.

As soon as the children stepped out of the carriage, they were captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the mountain bathed in the colorful hues of the setting sun. It wasn’t until Guardian Wang urged them to move along that they snapped out of their daze and continued forward.

Rainbow Cloud Mountain was originally known as Phoenix Fall Mountain. Legend had it that a multicolored phoenix had once descended here and transformed into the mountain. Later, when people discovered how stunning the mountain looked at sunset, as if enveloped in a rainbow, they renamed it Rainbow Cloud Mountain. Of course, since the Seven Mysteries Sect had taken possession of the mountain, outsiders were no longer allowed to freely enjoy its beauty.Rainbow Cloud Mountain is the second largest mountain in Jingzhou, surpassed only by the Hundred Savage Mountain in terms of area. It spans over a dozen miles in radius, encompassing numerous peaks, each of which is perilously steep. As a result, all these peaks have been occupied by various branches of the Seven Mysteries Sect. The main peak of Rainbow Cloud Mountain, known as "Sunset Peak," is particularly treacherous. Not only is it exceptionally high and steep, but there is only one path leading from the base to the summit. After the Seven Mysteries Sect established its headquarters here, they set up thirteen checkpoints, both overt and covert, along this perilous path, ensuring absolute security and peace of mind.

Han Li, while observing his surroundings, followed the group ahead. Suddenly, the procession came to a halt, and a hearty voice rang out.

"Brother Wang, why are you so late? You're two days behind schedule."

"Hall Master Yue, we were delayed on the road. I apologize for troubling you," Guardian Wang, standing at the front of the group, respectfully bowed to a red-faced elder, his previously arrogant demeanor replaced with a hint of obsequiousness.

"How many batches of disciples have been sent up the mountain so far?"

"This is the seventeenth batch."

"Hmm!" Hall Master Yue glanced at Han Li and the others with an air of authority.

"Take them to the Guest House and let them rest well tonight. The selection of qualified disciples will begin early tomorrow morning. Those who fail should be sent down the mountain promptly to avoid violating the mountain's rules."

"As you command, Hall Master Yue."

As they ascended the stone steps, all the children were filled with excitement, yet no one dared to speak loudly. Despite their young age, they all understood that this place would determine their future fate.

Guardian Wang led the way, smiling and greeting people he encountered along the path. It was evident that he had many acquaintances within the sect and was well-liked.

Most of the people they met along the way wore dark green satin robes, carrying either sabers or swords. Occasionally, some who were unarmed had bulging waistbands, concealing unknown objects. From their demeanor, it was clear that these individuals were agile and possessed considerable martial skills.

Han Li and the others were taken to a relatively low peak, where a cluster of earthen houses stood. They spent the night there. In his dreams, Han Li saw himself dressed in fine robes, wielding a golden sword, and possessing unparalleled martial arts. He dreamt of beating up the blacksmith's son from his village, whom he had never been able to defeat, feeling immensely proud. He savored the dream even after waking up the next morning.

The next morning, Guardian Wang did not allow them to have breakfast. Instead, he led them directly to a large bamboo-covered slope at the foot of the mountain. There, Hall Master Yue, whom they had met the previous day, and several unfamiliar young men were already waiting.

(End of Chapter)