Zixiao Mountain, towering and steep, surrounded by ranges of mountains.
Gazing from afar, one could see nine peaks situated between the mountain foothills, rising from the ground, their majesty so overwhelming that even from a hundred miles away one would be shaken to the core by the splendid view.
Clouds and mists twined around, with the mountain tops appearing ethereal, and although he had been here for a full three days, the youth would still spend a long while staring into the distance whenever he had a mont of leisure.
Even though his current realm was modest, the faint aura of immortality atop the Nine Peaks was truly captivating.
He had rummaged through Wang Qi’s mories for many things, and the final image that fixated in his mind was that of the man carrying his bundle, unwilling to look back, facing the towering immortal mountain that rose into the clouds.
His gaze retracted.
Underfoot was an ordinary town situated at the edge of Zixiao Mountain, with a not-so-small scale of about five thousand households; such towns were quite common, with one at practically every direction, and the one he was currently in was at the southeast corner.
Inside the tea house, many eyes lingered on the youth.
"Does anyone know this kid?"
"Never seen him before. Looks to be only about twenty or so, didn’t expect he’s already achieved Foundation Establishnt."
"Why don’t you try to recruit him, third brother?"
"No need, the lad does have so talent, but he seems to have just achieved Foundation Establishnt, dreaming of getting in is a tall order; might stand a chance after another five years or so."
"Third brother speaks truth. You don’t know, but a few days ago, there were two at the Core Formation Stage looking for comrades, also aiming for entry into the mountain; we need to recruit those who are at least Mid Grade Foundation Establishnt."
"But this kid seems to have so family wealth, look..."
Made a moue with his mouth.
Even though their voices were hushed, the group of six did not speak entirely behind the youth’s back; the least accomplished among their small group was at the peak of Qi Refinent, and the highest had reached Mid Grade Foundation Establishnt, so naturally, they felt no intimidation.
One of them glanced at the Longsword on the youth’s back.
The sword hilt was all silver-white, smooth and rounded, and although the scabbard was wrapped in tattered cloth, soone with good eyesight could still tell at a glance that it was of extraordinary quality—a fine treasure not easily found.
And on his waist, he also had a Qiankun Bag; although this item was such that at least a Foundation Establishnt practitioner could use it smoothly, it didn’t an that everyone above that level had one.
Among the group of six, only one possessed this treasured item.
"Could this kid be from one of those great families..."
"Daydreaming. If he were anything noteworthy, his family would have taken him directly up the mountain, no need to fuss with sect examinations."
"Indeed."
The group chattered in the corner but still dismissed the idea of recruiting the youth, mainly because he looked far too young and his eyes occasionally betrayed a hint of greed.
After all, beyond the archway, whatever happened, Purple Cloud Palace would not interfere; looking to skim so profits inside was only natural.
But the youth appeared completely unconcerned, leisurely enjoying his tea.
It had been three days since he arrived at Mountain Foot East Town, the journey quicker than expected; or perhaps Yu Ying had intentionally advanced their itinerary by a few days to give everyone a chance to breathe.
The journey from Fengzhou to the sect was long, even with mounts to ease the travel; they rushed for well over a month to finally arrive without mishap.
Initially, the group from Fengzhou thought Yu Ying would lead them to understand the sect a bit, or at least find a place to report to.
However, there was no news.
She simply vanished into thin air, leaving them without any indication of who to report to or how to enter the sect, not even informing them of the rules before disappearing.
"Quick to run away, leaving us here without any explanation. And the folks yesterday were just as confused."
"Lazy? No, not with her personality. There must be another intention. Co to think of it, she deliberately didn’t reveal any information. Despite a month’s ti, not a single word."
"Is it the sect’s rule? Or... are there no rules at all?"
His brows raised, and an idea quickly ford in his mind; but just then, there was a movent behind him.
A sowhat hoarse yet rather gentle female voice erged.
"Young Master Jiang’s guess is not bad, worthy of soone Pavilion Master esteems."
Behind him, a woman around her thirties slowly stepped forward, her body was covered tightly by a pale yellow dress, though not stunning, she had a charm that made her appealing to look at over ti.
Furthermore, there were two adult n behind her, also looking to be around thirty, all of them familiar faces; Jiang Feng imdiately recognized them as the people Yu Ying had brought from Fengzhou.
"May I ask if Young Master Jiang has a free seat here?"
"None. Please, be at ease, you are... Miss Qiao, right?"
He shook his head, then made a welcoming gesture.
Though not well-acquainted, at the very least they were from the sa southeastern region, definitely more familiar than others, having spent most of the journey in cultivation, but also with tis of rest.
It was during one of those tis he heard soone addressing her as "Miss Qiao."
Her expression revealed a bit of surprise, yet she still nodded with a smile.
"Qiao Yuan, I extend my greetings."
"Jiang Feng."
He bowed his hands in greeting and also bowed towards the two n behind her.
With Jiang Feng’s experience, it was not difficult to see that the two n at the early stages of Foundation Establishnt must have partnered up with the woman to ensure their smooth entry into the Mountain Gate.
The two n looked similar and were probably brothers; their realms were roughly the sa, both just at Low Grade Foundation Establishnt. They returned the greeting with a bow and then seated themselves on either side of the square table.
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