A blush reddened Baili Bing's entire face. She released her embrace of Mo Qi, placing her hands lightly on his shoulders for balance.
As Baili Bing, perched on his back, occasionally threatened to slide off, Mo Qi, whether intentionally or not, would use his hands to lift her backside, propping her up.
Baili Bing's beautiful eyes rolled back repeatedly. She wanted to say something, but felt his actions were perfectly reasonable. Allowing him to maneuver her, a surge of anger inexplicably ignited within her.
Fortunately, this awkwardness didn't last long. The path ahead was easier, and they soon reached the foot of the mountain.
Before them lay a river, its width spanning several dozen feet. On the opposite bank, Han Yang stood, accompanied by another handsome young man. This must be the Sanggan River.
The sun had not yet set. As long as they crossed the river, the assessment would be complete, and they would officially embark on their cultivation journey.
Joy bloomed on everyone's faces; victory seemed within reach.
However, upon reaching the riverbank, they were once again faced with a dilemma. There was no bridge or boat. Of the four of them, only Mo Qi and Jin Dan knew how to swim, having grown up by the river. They knew its every detail.
Baili Bing asked Mo Qi to set her down. She stood with one foot on the ground, her other foot lightly on its tip, yet she remained steady.
Baili Bing instructed Jin Dan and Mo Qi to swim across first. Mo Qi shook his head, "It's not that simple."
With that, he picked up a stone and tossed it into the river. The previously calm water erupted with countless ripples. Numerous colossal, dark shapes swam in unison, surfacing from the riverbed and creating massive waves that spread in all directions.
Only small portions of their fins broke the surface, giving the impression of immense size. Their dorsal fins, sharp as cleavers, were starkly visible on their backs.
Everyone gasped, their hair standing on end.
Mo Qi pondered for a moment, looking at a large tree on the opposite bank. He sighed, "If only Shen Xiao were here. His bow and arrows would be useful."
Everyone understood his meaning almost simultaneously. Yu Ming immediately said, "I have a crossbow." He then took a small crossbow from his satchel and handed it to Mo Qi, along with an arrow.
Mo Qi examined it, feeling it was a long shot, but worth a try.
Baili Bing, meanwhile, had retrieved a bundle of ropes from her satchel. She had intended to use them for climbing the mountain but hadn't needed them. She hadn't expected them to be useful here.
Mo Qi loaded the crossbow bolt into the mechanism and tied one end of the rope to the arrow. He attempted a shot, but it fell far short. The group's hopes began to dwindle.
The range of the small crossbow bolt was limited, and the tension of the long rope further compromised its reach. Their initial attempt showed it couldn't even cross the river. The bank was still some distance from the tree.
Jin Dan looked at Mo Qi, full of anticipation, "Try throwing the arrow directly across?"
Mo Qi had the same thought. He began to coil the rope, pulling the arrow back, and holding the other end of the rope in his hand.
Then, gathering all his strength, he threw the arrow towards the tree. He missed. The distance was sufficient, but his aim was off.
Han Yang on the opposite bank cast a look of approval, thinking, "He should be the one."
The handsome young man, however, curled his lip and remarked, "Nothing special."
Mo Qi tried countless more times, his strength nearly depleted, before finally succeeding. The four on this side of the river clearly heard a "thud" as the arrow embedded itself deeply into the tree.
The group cheered. Jin Dan and Yu Ming climbed a tree on their side of the river and helped tie the other end of the rope. Then, Jin Dan and Yu Ming crawled across using the rope. Finally, Mo Qi, carrying Baili Bing on his back, also made his way across.
When they reported their names to Han Yang, the joy in their hearts was inexpressible, mingled with a myriad of emotions. Baili Bing, in particular, had tears welling in her eyes. Before dawn, she had almost given up.
Fortunately, Mo Qi hadn't abandoned her. Otherwise, she might have frozen to death on the mountain by now.
The handsome young man shook his head and poured cold water on their spirits, "Alas, the disparity between people is so great. I arrived yesterday, and you... you only came today, and in such a disheveled state."
Jin Dan, refusing to be outdone, retorted, "What are you bragging about? So many people died before you, and only you made it through. You stepped over everyone's corpses to get here. What's there to be proud of? I've seen lone wolves that, when enraged, even eat their companions. Are you that kind of person? Hahaha..."
Yu Ming joined him in laughter. There was nothing inherently funny, but they wanted to humiliate and provoke the other party to the greatest extent possible.
The handsome young man was indeed enraged. His fists clenched, almost squeezing water, and an unconcealed killing intent flickered in his eyes. However, fearing Han Yang's presence, he dared not act. But he remembered this grudge.
Everyone was filled with anticipation for the new journey. Yet, only Han Yang knew that their hardships had likely just begun. Therefore, his face remained expressionless, devoid of any praise or words of blessing.
He simply said, "Follow me to the Lingxiao Sect."
With a wave of his sleeve, a cloud of white mist instantly enveloped the five of them. They felt a blur before their eyes, a dizzying sensation, and a feeling of weightlessness. Looking around abruptly, they found themselves surrounded by vast emptiness, high in the sky.
All the newly admitted disciples, including the handsome young man, had never experienced such a sensation of flying on clouds. They found it incredibly novel and unbelievable.
Clouds drifted by occasionally, as did birds, seeming within reach.
Gazing down at the earth and mountains, feeling the howling wind in their ears and their robes fluttering in the breeze, a sense of heroic ambition rose within them.
It felt as if a grand door had opened before them, leading to an expansive world of boundless possibilities, where breathtaking scenery awaited, along with that which they would pursue their entire lives.
As their thoughts drifted, mountains loomed into view ahead. These mountains pierced the clouds, with only portions of their peaks clearly visible. The lower slopes were entirely shrouded in mist and fog.
Some of this mist draped the mountains like sheer veils, while other parts flowed like gentle rivers through the valleys.
Han Yang led them towards the largest peak. As they drew closer, the mist grew thinner, and the entire mountain's appearance became increasingly clear.
A plaza halfway up the mountain also became clearer and larger, until it enveloped them all.
After placing everyone on the plaza, Han Yang ascended into the air. As he departed, he said, "Gather here tomorrow morning. Rest individually tonight."
Where to rest? How to rest? Rest without eating?
The five stood there blankly, a string of questions swirling in their minds.
Yet, no one answered, not even a soul.
In the center of the plaza stood a stone tablet, inscribed with several powerful characters: "Uphold Justice, Guard All Living Beings!" Beyond the plaza, stone steps led upwards, flanked by grand structures.
To their right was a lush forest. Mo Qi faintly glimpsed eaves and red walls with green tiles peeking through the dense foliage. Compared to other buildings, this area most resembled residential quarters.
"Let's go take a look," Mo Qi gestured, calling for them to walk towards the buildings. Before he finished speaking, a figure had already dashed ahead – the handsome young man.
"How annoying this person is," Baili Bing muttered angrily, watching his retreating back.
Seeing Mo Qi and the other two walking ahead, completely ignoring her, she grew anxious, "Mo... Brother, I still can't walk."
Upon hearing this, Mo Qi adopted a stern demeanor and called out to Jin Dan, who was ahead, "Why are you running off? Let's help Miss Baili together."
Jin Dan turned back, looking incredulous, "Are you sure you want us to help together?"
Mo Qi narrowed his eyes, "Nonsense, won't it be easier with two people supporting her?"
Jin Dan was speechless but felt he couldn't refuse him. He dejectedly walked back.
Baili Bing was furious, "Forget it, I'll walk myself." With that, she hobbled forward. With every step she took on her injured leg, her mouth twitched in pain.
Jin Dan cast a disappointed glance at Mo Qi. Mo Qi returned an innocent look, as if he had no idea what was happening.
Jin Dan found him incorrigible, shook his head, and turned away. Mo Qi, still bewildered, followed behind.
They turned down a shaded path paved with bluestone, passed through a gatehouse, and entered a large courtyard. Red walls, green tiles, carved beams, and painted rafters adorned a row of buildings, each room connected yet independent.
Everyone immediately concluded that these were residences for cultivators.
Looking around, one room led to another, and it was impossible to count how many rooms there were. With multiple courtyards, who knew how many more rows lay beyond. It seemed the Lingxiao Sect was quite generous, allowing each person their own room.
Just as they were filled with joy, they saw a figure fall from a room like a broken kite, crashing heavily onto the ground. The sound of bones hitting the earth was almost audible. He remained unable to get up for a long time.
It was visible pain. The onlookers involuntarily gritted their teeth, exhaling sharply.
It was the handsome young man! Everyone was startled. What had happened? Hadn't he been acting so arrogant just moments ago? Seeing him in such a state, for some reason, brought them a sense of satisfaction.
At this moment, a person in a green daoist robe emerged from within. He appeared to be in his early twenties, slightly plump, walking with a swagger, his eyes sharp and piercing. "You cur! Who allowed you in? If you want to claim my room, you'll have to prove your strength. Without it, go to the caves behind."
The handsome young man struggled to his feet, his eyes filled with stubborn defiance. "That room is clearly unoccupied. Why can't I stay there?"
"I'm large-bodied and need two rooms. Others here use three or even four. What business is it of yours? If you're not convinced, come and fight me again!" the胖子 (fatty) declared authoritatively.
Seeing the handsome young man remain silent, he continued forcefully, "You've probably just arrived today and don't know the rules of the Lingxiao Sect. Let me tell you, there's no distinction between elder and junior here, only between the strong and the weak. In short, the strong speak, the capable get the good things, the capable get the good locations, and the capable get the good companions. Those without ability go to the caves behind."
With that, he turned and entered the room without another glance, slamming the door shut.
The young man wiped the blood from his lip, his eyes gleaming with a sinister light.
Then, he pointed around and declared, "Listen to me, all of you. My name is Leng Xiao. One day, I will drive all of you out. All these rooms will be mine."
With that, he turned and fled.
"Who is it? Who's so arrogant?" Roars erupted from various rooms. Immediately after, people of all sorts poured out like bees from a hive.
Seeing the four standing foolishly in the courtyard, they all converged on them simultaneously, their faces flushed with anger, as if they intended to devour them alive.
The collective anger was overwhelming. Jin Dan immediately caved, announcing his name with lightning speed, "My name is Jin Dan, not Leng Xiao."
The others followed suit, "My name is Mo Qi, not Leng Xiao."
"My name is Baili Bing, not Leng Xiao."
"My name is Yu Ming, not Leng Xiao."
"Who knows if you gave a false name earlier?" one person interjected.
"Or perhaps you gave your true name earlier, and this is the false one."
The four inwardly lamented. This was becoming impossible to clarify.
The plump man emerged again, "Those words were not spoken by them. If you want to vent your anger, you should find him in the caves behind."
The crowd exchanged glances. "We can't be bothered with him." In an instant, like a hundred bees returning to their hive, everyone retreated into their rooms. The courtyard was left with only the four of them standing there foolishly, appearing empty and somewhat desolate.
Finally, the newcomers understood. Their designated dwelling was in the caves behind the mountain. But Han Yang hadn't explained it clearly, causing all this trouble. It wasn't a big deal, really. What was so unspeakable about it? It was simply survival of the fittest, the strong preying on the weak.
Mo Qi also gestured around, but dared not speak. He then hastily led the other three away.
Initially, they assumed the caves behind the mountain would also be fiercely competitive. They remained apprehensive all the way. Only upon arrival did they realize their worries were unfounded. There were plenty of caves, but the clean and tidy ones were almost all occupied.
The remaining ones were mostly damp and dirty, some emitting foul odors.
After circling for a long time and making many comparisons, the four managed to find two relatively clean caves, which were adjacent. They decided that Baili Bing would stay in one alone, while the other three would squeeze into the other.
Mo Qi made a rudimentary bed and immediately went to the adjacent cave to check on Baili Bing's injuries.
A flicker of gratitude arose in Baili Bing's heart. "It seems he's not entirely useless after all."
Baili Bing said with some grievance, "I walked a few steps earlier, and now the pain has worsened."
Mo Qi thought for a moment, "I'll go see if there's anyone skilled in medicine in the nearby caves."
He then proceeded to visit the residents of the surrounding caves. Indeed, his efforts paid off, and he found someone knowledgeable in medicine. This person had white hair and beard, but a relatively smooth face, resembling the legendary "white hair and youthful complexion."
As soon as Mo Qi explained his purpose, the old man readily agreed and set off with his medicine chest.
They chatted as they walked towards Baili Bing's cave.
"Elder, may I ask your esteemed name?"
"Wang Duanwu."
"Why are you living in these caves? Shouldn't you be in those grand houses over there?"
Wang Duanwu's old face flushed slightly. "I, I also tried to stay in those places, but I was driven out."
Had he made no progress in his cultivation after decades? It seemed, as Lingxu had said, some people could never even begin.
Unexpectedly, Wang Duanwu added something that greatly surprised him. "I've only been here for about a year. Initially, my progress was quite rapid, but then I couldn't keep up with the younger generation."
So, he had passed the assessment only last year? Mo Qi was puzzled. "Elder, your stamina is quite good. You could pass such a demanding assessment."
Wang Duanwu felt somewhat belittled and said with a hint of defiance, "My martial arts are formidable! I am a renowned expert in the martial world, having opened the Ren and Du meridians and mastered the peerless martial art, the Eighteen Yin Yang True Sutra."
Mo Qi listened, utterly bewildered. Ren and Du meridians? Eighteen Yin Yang True Sutra? He had never heard of them.
But they sounded impressive.
However, Wang Duanwu immediately continued with a look of regret, "But all my martial arts are insignificant here. Even more frustrating is that despite my unparalleled martial arts talent, I find cultivation incredibly difficult. Have I truly grown old?"
"Senior Brother Wang, there's no need to worry. I've heard that all paths lead to the same destination. You are merely in a period of confusion. One day, you will break through the bottleneck, and then everything will become clear, falling into place naturally," Mo Qi quickly comforted him.
Wang Duanwu's brow remained furrowed, his eyes even showing fear. "I fear I may not live to see that day. Do you know that our cultivation is like a hellish ordeal? Every training session is a life-or-death test. You're new here, aren't you? Never mind, you'll find out tomorrow."
As they spoke, they arrived at Baili Bing's cave.