After a while, Han Li suddenly felt a tightness around his waist, followed by a sense of weightlessness. Before he could react, his body was lifted effortlessly upward.

Turning his head, Han Li saw the cold-faced senior brother behind him holding him securely with one arm while using the other hand and his legs to climb swiftly up the cliff. As Han Li glanced at the sky, the sun was already hanging high, marking midday.

Realizing he hadn't completed the climb on his own, Han Li felt a pang of disappointment. He had given it his all—why was it still not enough compared to the others?

At the top of the cliff, only six children were resting nearby. Wu Yan stood among them, speaking with an elderly man in his fifties wearing a deep blue outer robe. The man carried himself with the composure of authority, his hands clasped behind his back. Beside him were Hall Master Yue and Protector Wang, along with a few others waiting for the remaining disciples to be brought up by their senior brothers.

When all the children finally gathered at the summit, Hall Master Yue stepped forward, his expression serious.

“This time, seven individuals have passed. Of these, six will enter Hundred Refinements Hall and officially become inner disciples of our sect.” His voice was calm but commanding.

“The other, Wu Yan, displayed exceptional skill and reached the cliff first. He will be directly admitted to Seven Absolutes Hall to train in the sect's ultimate techniques.” Hall Master Yue cast a glance at the elderly man in blue, who nodded approvingly while stroking his beard.

“As for the rest…” Hall Master Yue scanned the group of children who hadn't met the requirements, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. After a brief pause, he announced:

“Zhang Tie and Han Li. Though neither of you reached the summit in time, your determination stood out. You two will stay to train under the guidance of instructors. After six months, you will be reevaluated. If you pass, you will formally join the inner sect. If not, you will be assigned as outer disciples.”

Han Li looked at Zhang Tie, the other boy chosen alongside him. He remembered Zhang Tie trailing close behind him, clinging to the rope like he had been just a step away from reaching the summit.

“Protector Wang, give the rest some silver and send them back home,” Hall Master Yue said coldly, addressing the children who hadn't been selected.

“As you command!” Protector Wang stepped forward, bowing respectfully before leading the disqualified children down the mountain.

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“Zhang Jun, Wu Mingrui,” Hall Master Yue continued, “escort the selected disciples to Hundred Refinements Hall. Hand them over to Deputy Hall Master Gu and Instructor Li.”

Two senior brothers stepped forward to take the groups. Among them was the cold-faced brother who had followed Han Li earlier. As they descended the mountain, Han Li couldn't help but glance back at Wu Yan. The boy was still chatting with the blue-robed elder, showing no signs of leaving.

“He's not like you. He's being sent to Seven Absolutes Hall as a core disciple. Once he completes his training, at the very least, he'll hold the rank of Protector,” Wu Mingrui explained, sensing Han Li's curiosity. His tone carried a mix of envy and bitterness.

“Only because he has a relative married to Vice Sect Leader Ma. Without that connection, he wouldn't even qualify for Seven Absolutes Hall,” Zhang Jun added coldly. His words left a chilling atmosphere, even under the bright sunlight.

“Zhang Jun! Do you have a death wish? Vice Sect Leader Ma isn't someone we can speak ill of! If others hear us, we'll both be punished with days of meditation in confinement!” Wu Mingrui exclaimed, scanning the surroundings nervously.

Realizing his mistake, Zhang Jun snorted but fell silent. Han Li, however, pieced together bits of their conversation and gathered that Wu Yan's entry into Seven Absolutes Hall wasn't solely based on his talent. Instead, it seemed his family ties played a crucial role.

The group continued in silence until they passed through a dense forest. There, a tall, thin elderly man emerged, his sallow complexion contrasting with his long, shoulder-length white hair. He walked slowly, coughing heavily with every step, as if he might collapse at any moment.

Despite the elder's frail appearance, Zhang Jun and Wu Mingrui immediately approached him with deep respect, bowing low.

“Doctor Mo, greetings. Is there something you require of us?” Zhang Jun's frosty demeanor melted away, replaced by reverence for the elder.

“Are these the new disciples?” Doctor Mo asked in a hoarse voice after his coughing subsided.

“Yes, sir. Among them are six inner disciples and two outer disciples,” Zhang Jun replied earnestly.

“I need help. One to collect herbs and one to assist with alchemy. These two will do.” Doctor Mo pointed directly at Han Li and Zhang Tie without hesitation. His tone left no room for argument.

“Yes, sir. It is their great fortune to be chosen by you, Doctor Mo,” Wu Mingrui said eagerly, his voice dripping with flattery. “Learning even a fraction of your skills would be a blessing for their entire lives.”

Han Li and Zhang Tie had no say in the matter. With their senior brothers offering no objections, the two boys followed Doctor Mo into the forest.

The elder led them along winding paths until they emerged in a lush green valley brimming with life. To the left lay a sprawling herb garden, the air thick with the scent of medicinal plants. To the right stood a cluster of wooden buildings, large and small, all interconnected.

“This is Spirit Hand Valley. Aside from those who live here, outsiders rarely visit unless they're sick or injured. You two will reside here from now on. Rest for now, and meet me in the main hall tonight. I have instructions for you,” Doctor Mo said as he pointed to a small hut.

“You may call me Doctor Mo… or simply Mo Elder,” he added before coughing his way toward a larger, more elaborate house.

Exhausted beyond measure, Han Li didn't even bother greeting Zhang Tie. He stumbled into the hut and collapsed onto the wooden bed, falling into a deep sleep. For him, this marked the start of his new life as a half-member of the Seven Mysteries Sect.