Chapter 123: The Seven Profound Sect

Ever since Lin Yang handed the jade pendant to Fatty Han, the latter had passed it on to an elder of the inner sect. Upon receiving the item, the elder, with his discerning eye, immediately recognized it as a rare and precious treasure. He promptly guaranteed that the position Lin Yang desired would be his, and as a reward, he promoted Fatty Han to the status of an outer sect disciple.

Today was the day Lin Yang was to depart for the Seven Mysteries Sect. The journey by carriage from their current location would take at least five days. Early that morning, Fatty Han knocked on the door of Lin Yang’s room.

"Little brother, the carriage is here. It’s time to go."

"Understood, brother. I’ll be right out."

Lin Yang stood up, opened the door, and stepped out to greet Fatty Han. "Ah, brother, I’m ready. Where is the carriage?"

Fatty Han turned at the sound of his voice, noting that Lin Yang was already prepared with his wicker basket slung over his shoulder. He walked over and said, "Follow me, the carriage is right outside."

The two walked out to find a spacious carriage waiting. After lifting the curtain, they climbed inside. There were others already seated, their attire rather worn; it seemed those with money had little interest in shared transport. Lin Yang tucked his basket into the corner, then leaned out from under the carriage flap to bid Fatty Han farewell.

"Brother Han, I’m off. I will come back to visit you when I have the chance."

"Wait a moment, take this for your travel expenses." Fatty Han reached into his robes and produced a cloth pouch, pressing it into Lin Yang's hand. As he took it, Lin Yang felt the weight and realized it contained several taels of silver.

"Many thanks, brother. I will be sure to repay you in the future." As he took the silver, Lin Yang felt a genuine respect for Fatty Han’s sense of loyalty. Such a gesture was truly impressive, especially considering that a few taels of silver represented a full year’s worth of expenses for an ordinary family.

"No need to repay me. It is I who should thank you. If not for that jade pendant of yours, I never would have attained the status of an outer sect disciple. How could I have the audacity to take your money? By the way, take this letter of introduction. When you arrive at the Seven Mysteries Sect, be sure to give it to the elder there, and he will arrange a good position for you."

As they spoke, the carriage driver urged them to hurry, as they were about to depart. After a few hurried final words, the two parted ways.

"We’re moving out! Everyone sit tight!"

The driver checked on the passengers once Lin Yang had settled in, warning the young children nearby to sit still and not fidget. The roads in this small town were narrow and dilapidated, making for a slow, bumpy, and jolting ride. Fortunately, Lin Yang’s physical constitution was exceptional, so he felt no discomfort. The children, however, were struggling, nearly vomiting from the motion. Lin Yang quietly used a trace of spiritual energy to soothe them, which brought them great relief.

These children were all from impoverished families, and rarely had anyone shown them such kindness. They looked at Lin Yang with immense gratitude. Seeing them timid and shy, Lin Yang began to tell them stories to liven up the atmosphere. It was in a child’s nature to be lively; after a while, they all opened up. They spent the journey playing and bickering, occasionally tugging at Lin Yang’s sleeve to ask for more stories, as the carriage swayed and rattled toward the Colorful Cloud Gorge, where the Seven Mysteries Sect was located.

Perhaps because their group was smaller than usual, the journey that was supposed to take five days in the original accounts took them only four. By the time they arrived, the sky was already dim. In the glow of the sunset, the entire Colorful Cloud Mountain radiated a multi-colored light, shimmering in the sky like a rainbow—a truly beautiful sight.

Legend had it that the mountain was once called Falling Phoenix Mountain, named for a five-colored phoenix that had descended upon it, causing the mountain to shine with colorful light whenever the sun hit it. Later, people noticed this seven-colored radiance and renamed it Colorful Cloud Mountain. Before the Seven Mysteries Sect took control, it had been a popular tourist destination, but once the sect moved its headquarters there, outsiders were naturally no longer allowed to wander freely.

Colorful Cloud Mountain, the second largest mountain in Jing Province, was a sprawling range consisting of over ten peaks. The terrain was treacherous, and the entire sect was built upon the summits. The various halls were perched atop the peaks, forcing disciples to traverse narrow, rugged paths that connected them. The main peak, Sunset Peak, was particularly precipitous; there was only one narrow path leading from the bottom to the top, passing through thirteen checkpoints along the way. This meant the main peak was effectively impenetrable, allowing the sect to hold its ground from a superior height—a primary reason why the stalemate between the Wild Wolf Gang and the Seven Mysteries Sect had persisted for so long.

When Lin Yang stepped off the carriage with the children, he noticed the area was filled with other carriages; it was clearly the time of year for recruiting new disciples. The driver left them there, and a sect disciple stepped forward to guide the group. The disciple looked at Lin Yang, who stood out like a crane among chickens, with a hint of confusion; after all, the recruits were all children, and here stood a scholar.

"Who are you? How did you come to be here?" The disciple approached and inquired.

"Brother, this is my letter of introduction." Lin Yang produced the letter and handed it over. Upon seeing the official seal on the document, the disciple’s attitude softened immediately.

"So, you are the one arranged by Hall Master Yue. Please forgive my earlier offense. Follow me."

With that, the disciple handed the children over to another attendant and led Lin Yang upward. They ascended the narrow path, climbing until they reached a magnificent building at the summit, adorned with a plaque that read "Mission Hall."

The disciple brought Lin Yang inside and presented him to an elder. "Elder Pan, this is the bearer of the letter of recommendation."

The disciple handed the letter to the elder sitting at the counter.

"You are the one sent by Hall Master Qiu?" Elder Pan inspected the letter. He noticed a banknote tucked inside and quietly tucked it away—a bribe Lin Yang had prepared in advance, as he had managed to procure some common currency.

"What position does this disciple seek?"

"I have been well-versed in the Four Books and Five Classics since childhood. I believe I am well-suited to be a teacher." Lin Yang had decided that working as a tutor would be the best way to gain access to Han Li.

"Very well, you may go to the village school at the foot of the mountain to teach the disciples how to read and write."

Elder Pan was slightly curious about why someone would choose to come here to teach. He had seen many wealthy young masters pay to come to the Seven Mysteries Sect to learn martial arts, but he had never seen anyone pay to come here to teach. It was a strange world indeed, but it was none of his concern as long as the money was good.