Chapter Nine: Sword-Hidden Peak

On the elevated platform above the Qingyang Sect’s square, Elder Zhou Qing appeared before the crowd in a flash.

“Today is the most significant day in the century-long history of Qingyang Sect... For two gifted girls with unique spiritual roots have joined us, a blessing for our sect. Moreover, the Sect Leader and the chief elders of each main peak will personally select disciples today...” Zhou Qing announced in a clear voice.

Hearing his words, those who had passed the trials erupted in smiles and laughter. To be chosen by the Sect Leader or a chief elder was akin to ascending to the heavens in one leap—one would immediately soar to greatness.

Soon, streaks of light flashed across the platform, and five leaders of the Qingyang Sect appeared.

The disciples below hurriedly bowed in respect:

“Greetings, Sect Leader, greetings to all ancestral uncles.”
“Greetings, Sect Leader, greetings to all ancestral uncles.”
“Greetings, Sect Leader, greetings to all ancestral uncles.”
...

The Sect Leader of Qingyang Sect raised his hand slightly and said:

“Our sect has stood for three thousand years, ever abiding by the founder’s teachings: none who cultivate in our sect shall burn, kill, rob, or commit vile acts. As you have passed rigorous examinations and become Qingyang Sect disciples, you must uphold these teachings...”

“We shall obey the Sect Leader’s guidance!”
“We shall obey the Sect Leader’s guidance!”
“We shall obey the Sect Leader’s guidance!”
...

At that moment, one of the five—a woman—stepped forward. Her gaze fell upon Xu Xin’er and Xiao Cui, and she spoke gently:

“I am Tian Hui, chief of Jade Maiden Peak. Are you two willing to follow me and cultivate?”

Xu Xin’er and Xiao Cui answered in unison:

“I am willing.”
“I am willing.”

Tian Hui smiled lightly, stunning everyone in the square with her beauty.

As the two girls were personally led away by the chief of Jade Maiden Peak, the remaining candidates unconsciously straightened their backs, hoping to be the next lucky ones. Only Lin Cheng and Fat Lin showed indifference; Lin Cheng genuinely did not care, while Fat Lin knew no one would choose him.

On the platform, Master Funiu looked at the spirited young ones below and recalled his own youth. He grabbed the wine gourd at his waist, took a hearty swig, wiped his mouth, and said:

“Brothers, who will go first?”

“Hahaha, then I shall not be polite...”

Seeing no one else speak, Master Funiu strode forward laughing, scrutinizing the crowd. His eyes narrowed, and he pointed to a burly, honest-looking boy in the crowd.

“Hey, youngster, are you interested in joining my Funiu Peak?”

Lin Cheng followed Master Funiu’s finger and saw that it was the boy named Pang Bo—the first to reveal his spiritual root in Qingyang Town during the initial test.

Pang Bo was momentarily stunned, scratching his head in disbelief, grinning, “I am willing, I am willing...”

“This silly lad.”

Master Funiu shook his head, scanned the rest, paused briefly on Lin Cheng, then looked away, thinking this was surely Senior Zang Feng’s preference. When his gaze landed on Fat Lin, he sighed and shook his head, though he admired the boy’s perseverance and felt a pang of sympathy.

Yet he said nothing, turning his attention to the brown-clad boy who had been the first to pass the trials, and asked,

“Would you like to become my disciple?”

The brown-clad boy hesitated, softly asking, “If I join Funiu Peak, can I learn swordsmanship?”

Master Funiu raised an eyebrow, turning to Zang Feng, “Seems he’s after your Hidden Sword Peak…”

Zang Feng replied with silence.

“In terms of swordsmanship, Hidden Sword Peak is indeed the best, but entering Senior Zang Feng’s tutelage is no easy feat. Actually, Funiu Peak also teaches swordsmanship…”

“And besides, I am the only alchemist in the entire Qingyang Sect. Young man, why not consider Funiu Peak?” Master Funiu coaxed gently.

The leaders behind him looked at Master Funiu in silent exasperation.

“Senior, I...I still wish to join Hidden Sword Peak...” The brown-clad boy replied with some embarrassment.

At this, Zang Feng stepped forward, regarded the boy, and pondered aloud:

“To join Hidden Sword Peak is possible, but the path of a sword cultivator is far harder and more arduous than most. Are you still willing?”

“I am willing!” The brown-clad boy replied with joy.

Zang Feng nodded, then suddenly appeared before Lin Cheng in a flash, grasping his arm.

After a brief inspection, he looked up at Lin Cheng in astonishment:

“Third stage of True Qi Realm!”

The Sect Leader and elders all looked at Lin Cheng in surprise.

“What is your name, youngster?”

“Disciple Lin Cheng, from Lin Family Village in Qingyang Town,” Lin Cheng answered cautiously.

“Have you ever cultivated before?” Zang Feng asked, his gaze intense.

“Disciple has never cultivated, but after Elder Zhou tested my spiritual root, I awoke the next day feeling light as a swallow, full of energy, as if I had endless strength.”

“Moreover, every night since, I feel countless streams of energy entering my body as I sleep, though I do not know what it means...”

Lin Cheng had hidden his Five Element Sword Body and golden sea of elixirs with the Heaven-Deceiving Array, but had not concealed his cultivation realm just now. He quickly replied with the explanation he had prepared.

“Hahaha... Excellent, excellent! Did you know you have already opened your dantian and reached the third stage of the True Qi Realm?”

“Apparently, your physique is unique. What you sensed was actually True Qi. Lin Cheng... would you like to become my personal disciple and follow me in cultivation?”

Master Zang Feng was overjoyed, stroking his beard and laughing.

Upon hearing his words, all eyes fixed on Lin Cheng, each filled with shock and disbelief.

The Sect Leader and elders exchanged looks, astonished.

They knew, since the death of Zang Feng’s son, he had not taken a personal disciple for many years.

“Disciple Lin Cheng, greets Master!”

Lin Cheng knew this was a great fortune and quickly bowed.

Zang Feng was momentarily stunned—this little fellow!

“Master, the one beside me is my best friend...”

Before Lin Cheng could finish, Zang Feng waved his hand, “I know your intent, but I am powerless regarding his spiritual root, and… the sword path is not for him…”

After a moment’s thought, Zang Feng turned to Master Funiu.

“Funiu, why not let this lad serve as a medicine boy at your cauldron?”

Master Funiu laughed, “No problem. Since you ask, I shall oblige. He’s got great perseverance—I actually admire him.”

Thereafter, the remaining disciples who passed the trials were taken under the wings of the elders of each peak, their faces all brimming with excitement.

Lin Cheng followed Master Zang Feng to the back mountain, traversing a winding path along jagged cliffs and ascending several stone steps.

Before him stood a grand hall, its facade engraved with the words Hidden Peak Hall.

Lin Cheng noticed that the spiritual energy here was several times stronger than outside. The entire Hidden Sword Peak was set upon the sheer cliffs, and looking out, clouds billowed and swirled, as if they were living within the clouds themselves.

“So this is Hidden Sword Peak. It truly is the world of sword immortals I imagined—amazing...”

The brown-clad boy beside Lin Cheng looked around with excitement.

Lin Cheng glanced at him and asked,

“Brother, what’s your name?”

“My name is Niu Shisan. Haha, and you, big brother?” the boy replied with a grin.

“Niu Shisan—such a bold name. I am Lin Cheng.”

Lin Cheng repeated Niu Shisan’s name several times in his heart, growing more and more fond of its strength.