Year 658 of the Stable Era,

Fourteenth day of the fourth month

“Of all the sects that dotted the southern continent of Karano, the Teal Mountain Sect had the distinction of being considered by many to be one of the best middle sized ones around. Founded in the last quarter of the Age of Drought by their first patriarch, The Strongest Brain, the sect had begun its existence as a body tempering sect, with an emphasis on earth-based techniques. They were originally known as the Heavenly Stone Body Sect, but that name would soon change after a shocking discovery. While it is still a subject of debate as to whether the discovery of the veins of uniquely teal jade under the dojo’s first daochang was mere fortune, or if the founder had chosen the location because of the stone’s presence, the qi-rich stone fueled both the sect’s signature techniques and the first feud for their land.”

“The teal jade was jadeite of a remarkably pure quality which, as many of you know, is highly sought after by craftsmen for its superior ability in holding spells for powerful amulets and spatial rings. The fact that the mountain had only been under the Teal Mountain Sect’s stewardship for a mere half century prior to the jade’s discovery, compounded by the resource shortages endemic of the Age of Drought, lead a loose coalition of nearby sects to attempt to seize the stone for themselves.”

“Numbering a mere 14 students and 3 instructors at this time, the Teal Mountain Sect was thoroughly outnumbered by seven sects standing against them. However, in an act of uncommon solidarity among cultivators at the time, they were aided in their time of need by a trio of neighboring sects they had aided in the past: the Profound Hammers Sect, the Clear Pill Alchemists, and the Ancient’s Bones Mystics. They were also assisted by a local branch of the Li family, who still retains close ties with the sect to this day."

"By taking advantage of their familiarity with the terrain, they were able to buy time for The Strongest Brain to set a grand formation, one that threw the invaders back with great force and thunder. Across several further skirmishes the bonds of companionship grew among these unlikely allies, and by the end of their ordeal they were sworn brothers. They unified their sects with sworn oaths under the tree now known as the Founder’s Willow, and declared their new name to the heavens above. Yes, it was at this moment that they became known as the Teal Mountain Sect.”

“It is to be noted here that recently discovered records indicate that Senior Xiao Gang of the Profound Hammers Sect petitioned that ‘The Profound Sect of Clear Ancient Teal Jade’ be chosen as the sect’s title; a motion that was struck down by the representatives of all the other sects, including his own.”

“In the decades that followed, the Teal Mountain Sect slowly grew and expanded through the diligence of its disciples and founders alike. Throughout the remainder of the Age of Drought it served as a refuge for loose cultivators, small schools, and unaffiliated craftsmen seeking refuge from the constant conflicts that plagued the era. Many of these newcomers would end up officially joining the sect, bringing with them new techniques from all across the continent, and in several cases, across the Great Sea. This stew pot of different teachings and ideas lead the sect to develop a strong emphasis on broad study compared to its contemporaries, and is why it still boasts one of the most diverse libraries among sects of its size.”

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“Their plentiful veins of their signature teal jade served two purposes in these early days, as it was both a source of strength and a valuable commodity.”

“While initially traded as raw material, the sect would eventually begin to sell their signature stone primarily as finished works, preferring to entice artisans and artificers alike to their sect with the temptation of being able to work with this rare material. While the novelty of such materials has declined in our present era of stability, with the stabilization of the heavens causing the maturation of more and more heavenly treasures, at least two of the current heads of the Enchanter’s Department are believed to have joined the sect during this time period.”

“The sect’s core body cultivation techniques also make use of their signature material. The Teal Jade Body technique utilizes large blocks of teal jade to aid disciples in developing the ability to sense qi. In later stages of cultivation to it is also used to clear meridians and refine their blood vessels. Teal nephrite, the ore’s lesser known cousin, is also heavily used by the sect, as its weight and resilience make for excellent training implements. Many disciples share unfond memories of strengthening their fists against boulders of the stuff, but its effect on bone and muscle strengthening is undeniable.”

“During the founding of the Xan Empire the sect took a neutral stance, choosing to distance themselves from the conflict. While the topic of joining either side of the conflict was hotly contested by many members, the elders of the sect held firm in their belief that the sect existed to resist conflict rather than to seek it out. Following the Empire’s formation, the Teal Mountain Sect would remain an independent entity until little over a century ago, when their forty year negotiations with the Empire over retained autonomy reached an amicable conclusion.”

“Presently, the Teal Mountain Sect is made up of seven great mountains, three lesser mountains, a minor range of large hills, the Twelve Li River, 1000 li of farmland, half of Peach Valley, and a bit of beach. Now, does anyone have any questions?”

The guide looked expectantly around at his group of applicants, many of whom had begun to gaze around distracted after the middle of his routine. Clapping his hands sharply, he imbued just a bit of the sect’s palm techniques give the sound the piercing ring of struck jade, snapping the lollygaggers to attention.

“Ahem,” he coughed, “now if you’ll all form a line, this junior will be guiding the way to our position at the practice field. From there we’ll be distributing your test uniforms and registering personal belongings before the opening ceremony. Now, follow me.”

As the applicants began to form up behind him, and the inevitable squabbling about order began, Yeung Lin stared off into the sky and sighed. The sounds of progressively louder name dropping aside, it was a mostly peaceful day in the sect. He just hoped that it wouldn’t take too long to stop the brawl this year. He didn’t want to miss out on the opening ceremony baos a third year in a row.