Free Web NovelChapter 151: Chapter 151: Entering the Mountain
The thirty-six peaks of the Xuandao Sect’s outer sect.
Aside from a few collateral branches that had sealed off their mountains, Shui Ziming simply took Bai Mo on a tour of them all.
With the exception of Pill Peak, the disciples of the other peaks were either arrogant or aloof and easygoing, but none were as caustic as those from Pill Peak.
Each lineage’s peak had its own distinct character.
Elegant, majestic, peculiar, and perilous—peaks of all kinds were a common sight.
Some were even covered by immense formations that blanketed the entire mountain, shimmering with a myriad of colors and utterly impenetrable.
"Heh, Brother Shui, Junior Brother Bai. This isn’t a day when we open our gates to new disciples, so it’s not easy for outsiders to enter the mountain."
"Please forgive the simple reception."
The gentle and refined Cultivator, a smile on his face, led Bai Mo and his companion to a pavilion on the mountainside.
Hot tea sat waiting in the pavilion, letting off gentle wisps of steam.
"I heard the Defect lineage was interested in accepting you, Junior Brother. But you weren’t interested?"
As they sat, the Cultivator from the Guiyuan lineage lifted a pot and poured tea, his movements meticulous and precise.
Within the Xuandao Sect, Deficient Mountain was a lineage of extraordinary standing, holding significant weight in the inner sect.
Bai Mo had, of course, been tempted.
Unfortunately, the cultivation path on Deficient Mountain was too demanding.
They pursued mastery of a single path, upholding the principles of "one learns to know their own deficiencies" and "renew oneself daily, day after day" in their cultivation.
Deficient Mountain had taken an interest in Bai Mo because his insight and patience as a Pill Master were perfectly suited for their cultivation techniques.
However, the disciples there had also been blunt: Deficient Mountain disciples were mostly ascetics, and comprehending their techniques would take up sixty percent of one’s energy.
This would inevitably hinder Bai Mo’s progress in the Alchemy Dao.
Bai Mo could only refuse with regret.
"To be noticed by the senior brothers of Deficient Mountain was a great blessing, but its path does not align with my own..."
Shui Ziming, who was beside him, was not particularly surprised by Bai Mo’s decision.
"To become a Pill Master through self-study in the mortal world... Junior Brother, your talent in the Alchemy Dao is extraordinary."
"It would be a real shame to give that up."
"Brother Xiang, if he were to wait another three months for the day the gates officially open, do you think Junior Brother Bai would have a chance here?"
The fragrance of the tea wafted up, mingling with the rising steam.
Bai Mo held the cup in both hands, feeling his mind grow clear and serene as the distracting thoughts of the past few days vanished.
Xiang Yi considered this seriously for a moment.
"Normally, the elders appreciate those with exceptional insight like Junior Brother Bai."
"But as you know, Brother Shui, the Guiyuan lineage has always accepted those who are unburdened by worldly affairs."
He chuckled.
"Take me, for example. In six years, I’ve only left the sect gates a dozen times. The rest of my days are spent within the sect, peacefully comprehending our techniques."
"Whether Junior Brother Bai can join us will have to depend on fate!"
Shui Ziming sipped his tea, a thoughtful look in his eyes.
"In that case, there’s no need for Junior Brother Bai to wait. The elders may not accept someone with such worldly attachments."
Bai Mo understood this well and immediately nodded in agreement.
Seeing his two seniors chatting amiably, he felt it wasn’t his place to interrupt, so he simply raised his cup and took a small sip.
The tea slid down his throat and into his stomach, where a rich fragrance bloomed.
A cooling sensation spread through his body. Bai Mo shuddered slightly as a refreshing breeze seemed to sweep through his mind.
His thoughts were soothed, his mind forcibly emptied, and for a moment, Bai Mo simply sat there, dazed.
Shui Ziming glanced over at him, then quickly looked away.
"The Guiyuan lineage truly embodies the essence of cultivating the Dao. No wonder it produces so many enlightened cultivators."
"The Cultivators on Pill Peak are a mixed bag these days. They fall far short."
Xiang Yi seemed unconcerned.
"That matter is your responsibility as the most senior brother of the outer sect. We mere disciples can’t concern ourselves with such things."
"The Peak Master of the outer sect’s Pill Peak has been making quite a show of himself in recent years, which is why his disciples have grown so arrogant."
"If you truly want to get involved, Brother Shui, I’m afraid it will consume a great deal of your energy..."
The two continued their conversation.
A moment later, their voices registered in Bai Mo’s ears again as his mind finally returned to him.
Though nothing had changed on the outside, Bai Mo felt as if a great weight had been lifted from his mind.
"Junior Brother Bai, thank Brother Xiang for the tea. It’s time for us to go."
Shui Ziming finished his tea and stood up.
Bai Mo followed his lead, bowing to Xiang Yi in thanks.
After that experience, how could he not know that the tea was no ordinary brew?
Xiang Yi simply gave a faint smile and saw the two of them off.
Guiyuan Peak was immense, shrouded in clouds and mist that reached for the heavens.
Within moments, Xiang Yi’s figure was obscured by the thin mist.
"It’s rare for a new outer sect disciple to be appreciated by four different peaks," Shui Ziming said, turning to Bai Mo.
The peaks don’t accept disciples haphazardly. It’s not difficult to judge whether a Cultivator is compatible with their techniques.
Forcing a match would only be a fruitless waste of time—a thankless endeavor for all involved.
"Of the thirty-six outer sect peaks, only nineteen have a continuing lineage in the inner sect."
"Among the peaks that have taken an interest in you, only Broken Blade Peak and Defect Peak have a direct lineage into the inner sect."
"For the sake of your future cultivation, you should choose between those two. That way, you won’t have to change your cultivation method when you enter the inner sect, as you’ll be following a continuous lineage."
Bai Mo nodded.
’I wasted several days for nothing. I hope Brother Wei isn’t angry with me!’
A wry smile appeared on his face. After going around in circles, he still ended up back at Broken Blade Peak.
Shui Ziming said, "It’s a good thing, too. I have to go see the sect elders shortly, so I won’t have time to look after you."
"Once you’ve joined Broken Blade Peak, listen to Brother Wei. He can look out for you when you’re cultivating at Suspended Blade Cliff."
...
Wei Xianxing had indeed been waiting for a long time.
He had his sources. The disciples of Broken Blade Peak were quite popular and had good connections.
He had grown dejected after hearing that Defect Peak was interested in Bai Mo.
On several occasions, he had taken out his recruitment booklet, found Bai Mo’s name among the many listed, and considered crossing it out.
But since nothing was set in stone, he had held onto a sliver of hope.
So, when he heard that Bai Mo was coming back, he let out a hearty laugh, snatched a nearby jacket, and threw it on as he headed out to greet him.
The booklet, left behind in the mountain pavilion, lay amidst a snack of broad beans. A disciple hurried over to carefully put it away.
Before tucking it into his robes, the disciple was overcome with curiosity and couldn’t help but flip through it.
’It’s a roster...’
’Are these all disciples the elder specifically requested?’
Looking at the red lines drawn through most of the names, he couldn’t help but gasp.
’The vast majority of these have already been snatched up by other peaks. How are we supposed to gather twelve people?’
’What a miserable task. Brother Wei must have lost his mind to take on such a troublesome job...’
The already-regretful Wei Xianxing was extremely enthusiastic, pulling Bai Mo aside.
"So? Didn’t I tell you Broken Blade Peak was the place to be!?"
Bai Mo bowed to him respectfully.
"I’ve wasted your time for nothing, Senior Brother. If you’ll still have me, I hope to join your peak!"
"Say no more!"
Wei Xianxing slapped his chest with a THUD, then looked steadily at Shui Ziming.
"Brother Shui..."
Shui Ziming nodded.
"In that case, I’ll take my leave."
It was inappropriate for outsiders to be present during a lineage’s initiation ceremony.
Once Shui Ziming was out of sight, Wei Xianxing slung an arm around Bai Mo’s shoulders.
"Come on, Junior Brother Bai! I’ll take you to pay respects to the Patriarch. After that, we’ll truly be brothers of the same lineage."
Bai Mo struggled slightly, but after failing to break free, he gave up and let Wei Xianxing lead the way.
After being dragged along a few steps, Bai Mo suddenly grew curious.
"Joining a lineage is a major event. Shouldn’t I burn incense and bathe first?"
According to the rumors, when a Cultivator joined a sect to inherit its teachings, they had to perform such rituals, in addition to the three kneelings and nine kowtows, to show the proper solemnity and dignity.
Wei Xianxing looked even more surprised.
"Where did you get an idea like that?"
He recalled,
"When I joined, I had just finished training. I was drenched in sweat and a complete mess. The elder took one look at me, dragged me back to the mountain, and initiated me right then and there."
"And I never heard anyone complain about it."
He added seriously, "It was the same for most of the other brothers."
Bai Mo was embarrassed.
The horizons of a Loose Cultivator were limited; the rumors that circulated among them were often filled with wishful thinking and conjecture.
’It seems I overestimated the great sects,’ he thought.
