The air inside the carriage was stifling, which wasn't surprising given that nearly thirty children were crammed into a space designed for barely half that number. While children were smaller than adults, the sheer number of bodies left the interior unbearably cramped.
Han Li, ever resourceful, curled his thin frame into a corner of the carriage, observing the other children discreetly.
From their clothing and demeanor, it was evident that the children aboard the carriage fell into three distinct groups based on their backgrounds.
The first group consisted of the well-dressed children, led by a boy seated prominently in the center, surrounded by most of the others. This boy, named Wu Yan, was thirteen—the oldest child in the carriage. Although technically over the age limit for recruits, Wu Yan's familial connections ensured this wasn't an issue; his cousin had married a powerful figure within the Seven Mysteries Sect.
Wu Yan's family owned a martial arts school, making them relatively affluent. Having trained in basic martial arts since childhood, his skills were sufficient to outmatch children like Han Li, who had only raw physical strength and no formal training. Naturally, someone like Wu Yan—wealthy, connected, and somewhat skilled—became the de facto "big brother" to most of the children aboard.
The second group comprised those who surrounded Wu Yan, vying for his favor. Their backgrounds were diverse: some came from families that owned small businesses, some were laborers, and others relied on various trades to make a living. Despite their differences, they all shared a common trait—they had grown up in towns and, through their families, learned how to read social cues and curry favor. Thus, they flocked to Wu Yan, addressing him with honorifics like "Young Master Wu" and "Big Brother Wu", which Wu Yan seemed to relish.
The third group, to which Han Li belonged, consisted of children from remote, impoverished villages. These families lived off the land or water, often struggling to make ends meet. There were only five or six of these children in the carriage, and their timid, reserved demeanor starkly contrasted with the boisterous chatter of the other groups.
The carriage departed Azure Ox Town, speeding westward. Along the way, it stopped at several locations to pick up more children. Finally, after five days, it reached the Seven Mysteries Sect's headquarters at Rainbow Glow Mountain just before sunset.
As the children disembarked, they were awestruck by the mountain's breathtaking scenery, bathed in the vibrant hues of the setting sun. It wasn't until Protector Wang's sharp voice urged them forward that they snapped out of their reverie and continued walking.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Rainbow Glow Mountain was originally named Falling Phoenix Mountain, according to legend. It was said that in ancient times, a five-colored phoenix descended here, transforming into the mountain itself. Later, people renamed it Rainbow Glow Mountain after discovering its unparalleled beauty at sunset. Since the Seven Mysteries Sect claimed the mountain as their domain, outsiders had been barred from admiring its natural splendor.
Spanning an extensive area, Rainbow Glow Mountain was the second largest in the Mirror Province, exceeded only by the vast Hundred Wilds Mountain. The mountain range stretched for dozens of miles and boasted over a dozen peaks, each rugged and imposing. The Seven Mysteries Sect occupied every peak, with its headquarters perched atop the main peak, Sunset Peak.
Sunset Peak was not only the tallest but also the most treacherous of the range. Its steep cliffs and towering height made it nearly inaccessible, with only a single path leading to the summit. The Seven Mysteries Sect fortified this path with thirteen checkpoints, both overt and concealed, making it virtually impenetrable.
Han Li, following the group, marveled at the surroundings while climbing the stone steps leading up the mountain. Suddenly, the procession halted, and a booming voice rang out from the front.
"Protector Wang, what took you so long? You're two days behind schedule!"
"Hall Master Yue, we encountered some delays on the road. My apologies for troubling you," Protector Wang replied deferentially, bowing deeply to an older man with a ruddy complexion. The arrogance he had displayed during the journey vanished, replaced by an ingratiating smile.
"How many batches have arrived so far?"
"This is the seventeenth." Protector Wang replied.
Hall Master Yue cast a cursory glance over the children, his expression indifferent.
"Take them to the Guest Courtyard for the night. Let them rest well, and we'll start the selection process tomorrow morning. Those who fail should be sent down the mountain immediately to avoid violating the sect's rules."
"Understood, Hall Master Yue."
The children continued their ascent, their excitement palpable. Though no one dared to speak loudly, they all knew that this mountain would decide their futures.
Protector Wang led the way, smiling and greeting others along the path. It was clear he was well-connected within the sect, exchanging pleasantries with ease.
Most of the people they encountered wore blue satin robes and carried weapons—some with swords strapped to their backs, others with blades at their waists. A few carried no visible weapons, but their bulging waist pouches hinted at hidden tools. Their agile movements and confident bearing left no doubt that they were skilled martial artists.
The children were taken to a smaller peak, where they spent the night in simple earthen houses. That night, Han Li dreamt vividly of himself dressed in luxurious clothes, wielding a golden sword, and mastering unparalleled martial arts. In his dream, he finally bested the blacksmith's son from his village, who had always bullied him. The dream left him feeling exhilarated, and even after waking the next morning, he was reluctant to leave it behind.
After waking, the children were not given breakfast. Instead, they were led to a large bamboo-covered slope at the base of the mountain. There, Hall Master Yue and several unfamiliar young men were already waiting.