Elder knows best

The Seven Color Treasure Sect is located near the port of Golden Gate city. A large river flows through there from north to the oceans in the east. Feng Mo and Kong Ling approach a gate that was taller than five men and was made of white stones. On top of the gate was a black plaque that holds the words "Seven Color Treasure Sect". As soon as they reach the gate it opens, welcoming their return.

"Senior Feng Mo, Senior Kong Ling, you're back." The group of juniors that were guarding the gate immediately greets them by cupping their hands in respect. Feng Mo and Kong Ling both gave back a nod of acknowledgment before Kong Ling ask "Where is Elder Hao Zhen?"

"Ah, Elder Hao Zhen should be in the lecture hall. If I remember correctly, Elder is teaching the first volume of Fire Painting today to the new disciples."

Thanking the juniors, Feng Mo and Kong Ling headed towards the lecture hall. The interior of the lecture hall was tall, wide and extremely spacious. The floor was a dark wood color and there were rows of short tables with green cushions. Light pours in from the large windows on the wall giving the whole room a calming feel to it.

Elder Hao Zhen was standing in front of the room with ten young disciples listening to him talk. "The first technique that all members of the Seven Color Treasure Sect learn is Elemental painting. The most brilliant cultivators of our Seven Color Treasure Sect can bring out intentions with just words, but for starters, we will master our will through painting it." Flipping the page of the book he was holding, Elder Hao Zhen was about to talk again when Kong Ling and Feng Mo came into the room. They formed a respectful bow before greeting him. "Elder Hao Zhen, we have returned."

Elder Hao Zhen waves his hand at them and turns back to his book. "Wait in my study room, I'll be there after I finish the lesson."

Waiting in Elder Hao Zhen's room Feng Mo and Kong Ling checks on the baby who is sleeping soundly inside the basket. After almost an hour's time, Kong Ling decides to mess with the sleeping child to appease his boredom. Poking the baby's cheeks, Kong Ling continues to poke his stomach until he felt a lump underneath it. "Feng Mo, there's something inside the blanket."

Reaching his hand inside the blanket Kong Ling found a pair jade bracelets. Feng Mo took the bracelets from Kong Ling and looks it over. "The size is for infants, his parent must have bought it for him...so his name is Liu Shi Meng?"

"There's a name engraved on the bracelets?" Taking one of the bracelets from Feng Mo's hand Kong Ling confirms that indeed the bracelet has a name engraved on it.

"Who is this Liu Shi Meng?" Elder Hao Zhen asks as he steps into the room. Elder Hao Zhen has the appearance of a handsome man in his early thirties although his age is older. With his hair loose except for a scholarly bun, he gives off a gentle aura of maturity and wisdom.

Elder Hao Zhen notices the child in the basket and gave the two of them a chuckled. "I sent the two of you to investigate "Hell Fallen Village" and you brought me back a child?"

"We found this child in the village alone. His parent probably perished so we brought him back." Feng Mo explained the condition of the village, the traces of demonic aura, and how Liu Shi Meng was perfectly fine despite the rain of fire.

'Nearly a hundred died but a newborn survived?' Elder Hao Zhen mused over this fact. "The matter of the village I will check into further myself, and as for this child...he can stay in the sect. When he is older the road of cultivation would be opened to him if he has the aptitude. If not, I would ensure that he gets a job in the city. Oh, and since you two are the one who brought him back, he would naturally be under your responsibility."

Hearing this Kong Ling froze up and Feng Mo's face darken with an unreadable expression.

"This matter will be settled like this. You may go now." Laughing secretly in delight from their expression, Elder Hao Zhen watch as the two of them reluctantly walk out of his room.