Chapter 3: The Seven Mysteries Sect

The carriage reeked of sweat and dust, crammed with nearly thirty children in a space meant for a dozen. Han Li squeezed himself into a corner, quietly observing the others.

The children were divided into three groups:

1. **The Privileged**: At the center sat **Wu Yan**, a thirteen-year-old boy in luxurious robes. Though past the age limit, his influential family—owners of a martial school—secured his spot. Skilled in basic martial arts, he easily dominated the other children.

2. **The Opportunists**: Clustering around Wu Yan were town-born children—shopkeepers' kids, apprentices, and craftsmen's sons. They flattered him with titles like "Young Master Wu," adept at currying favor.

3. **The Outsiders**: Han Li and five others from remote villages, timid and silent, contrasted sharply with the boisterous majority.

The carriage traveled westward, picking up more children before arriving at **Rainbow Cloud Mountain**—the sect's headquarters—on the fifth evening.

The children gaped at the mountain's sunset glow, its peaks bathed in hues of gold and crimson. Legend claimed a phoenix once transformed into this range. Now, its beauty was reserved for sect members alone.

As they ascended, the group halted abruptly. A booming voice called out:

"Guardian Wang! You're two days late!"

Guardian Wang, previously arrogant, bowed obsequiously to a red-faced elder:

"Elder Yue, delays on the road. These are the seventeenth batch of candidates."

Elder Yue scanned the children. "Take them to Qingke Lodge. Rest tonight; trials begin at dawn."

Rainbow Cloud Mountain, Jingzhou's second-largest range, sprawled across miles of treacherous terrain. Its main peak, **Sunset Peak**, hosted the sect's headquarters—accessible only via a single path guarded by thirteen checkpoints.

As they climbed, the children whispered in awe. Guardian Wang greeted fellow disciples warmly, revealing his broad connections. Most wore green silk robes, armed with swords or daggers, their movements betraying martial prowess.

The group stayed overnight in a cluster of humble huts on a lower peak. Han Li dreamed of golden swords and humiliating the blacksmith's son—a fantasy of power and revenge.

At dawn, without breakfast, they were led to a bamboo-covered slope. Elder Yue and several stern-faced youths awaited.

"Today determines your fate," Elder Yue declared. "Pass, and you join the sect. Fail, and you leave before sunset."

The children stiffened. Han Li clenched his fists, thoughts racing. This was his chance—to escape poverty, to become someone *more*.