Volume One, Chapter 12: Joining the Sect

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The dawn was just breaking, and the early autumn air carried a slight chill.
A strange beast broke through the clouds, landing amidst a range of mountains.
Jiang Mu had already awakened and, as before, cradled the little one in his arms while standing atop the beast's back, gazing out over the magnificent mountain scenery.
In the distance, Jiang Mu vaguely discerned buildings of varying heights nestled among the peaks, and countless ordinary people bustling about like ants.
“Young Master, this is where our sect is located. The entire mountain belongs to the Xuanyuan Dao Sect!”
Xianyun appeared beside Jiang Mu without him noticing, her voice tinged with pride.
Jiang Mu nodded slightly; his mindset had undergone a profound transformation after a night of reflection. In the past, he had been a destitute young master, dependent on others and forced to read their moods.
Now, with an extraordinary background, whether it was his ever-unassuming father or his several generous and doting elder sisters, they all stood as powerful support for him to ascend to the pinnacle step by step.
Naturally, Jiang Mu could no longer act with his old mentality. Having lived two lives, he understood better than anyone how to seize opportunities!
Lost in thought, the strange beast landed in a plaza, immediately drawing the attention of many nearby disciples who gathered to watch.
Murmurs filled the air.
“That's Elder Xianyun! Who are those people with her?”
“Hmph, you haven’t heard? Elder Xianyun was sent by the Sect Master to recruit gifted disciples from various kingdoms. Those must be prodigies from different realms—soon they will be our fellow disciples!”
“Prodigies from different kingdoms? Doesn’t that mean the Outer Gate rankings will be shaken up again?”
“Most likely. Every time the sect admits new disciples, the rankings stir up. But this time, I wonder if anyone can challenge Senior Brother Qin Tian’s position?”
“With them? You’re overestimating them. Senior Brother Qin Tian is the top disciple in the Outer Gate. I heard he recently broke through to the Qi Sea realm. In any kingdom, that would be enough to be a city lord. These newcomers have just entered the sect; how could they compare to Senior Brother Qin?”
…
The voices were neither too loud nor too soft, just enough to reach Jiang Mu and his companions’ ears.
Xianyun led the group down from the beast’s back onto the plaza, where two middle-aged men approaching in uniform soon appeared—elders of the sect.
“Elder Xianyun!”
The two bowed respectfully to Xianyun. Though she was merely the Sect Master’s attendant, her status was considerably higher than theirs as Outer Gate elders.
Xianyun nodded and gestured to the newcomers behind her. “These are new disciples who have just joined the sect. Please take them to complete their registration.”

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After saying this, Xianyun looked toward Jiang Mu. “Young Master, I will first take you to the Inner Gate. Once the Sect Master emerges from seclusion, we will arrange your residence.”
Jiang Mu nodded and followed Xianyun toward the Inner Gate, leaving the others staring at his retreating figure in confusion.
Young Master?
Since when did the Xuanyuan Dao Sect have a Young Master?
No one could answer their questions.
Meanwhile, Jiang Mu observed his surroundings as he walked behind Xianyun.
The Xuanyuan Dao Sect was undoubtedly vast. The plaza they had been on was likely where Outer Gate disciples practiced daily, but beyond it, numerous paths branched out in all directions, with plank roads connecting to other peaks—truly a magnificent sight.
Now, Xianyun led Jiang Mu onto one of these plank roads, winding upward toward a towering peak.
After half an hour, Jiang Mu finally saw the full view of the mountain, which concealed a wondrous secret.
The entire peak towered above the clouds, with a mountain gate blocking the plank road’s exit. Two magnificent, multicolored tigers stood guard in front of the gate, each bearing three eyes and a pair of wings on their backs, exuding an aura of fierce guardianship.
Yet now, the two beasts spoke human words upon seeing Xianyun.
“Elder Xianyun, you have returned!”
Jiang Mu’s eyes widened, captivated by the strange beasts, while Xianyun introduced them in time.
“Young Master, these are the Zhihu tigers, rumored to carry the bloodline of the ancient ferocious beast Qiongqi. They are the sect’s guardian beasts, and no one may enter the Inner Gate without their permission.”
Then Xianyun turned to the tiger brothers and introduced Jiang Mu.
“This is the Sect Master’s younger brother, also the Young Master of the Xuanyuan Dao Sect. From now on, no one shall block his entry into the Inner Gate!”
“Yes!”
Although the Zhihu tigers possessed intelligence, they cared little for such complicated relationships. They simply guarded the gate as ordered. Since Xianyun had spoken, they did not hinder Jiang Mu.
“Young Master, let us go.”
Following Xianyun, Jiang Mu stepped into the Inner Gate.
The Inner Gate resembled the Outer Gate’s scenery, but the air here seemed denser, making Jiang Mu feel slightly breathless.
Xianyun did not seem to notice and continued her introductions.

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“Young Master, the Xuanyuan Dao Sect currently has 516 members: four Inner Gate elders, 181 Inner Gate disciples, six Outer Gate elders, and 322 Outer Gate disciples.”
“The sect comprises four great peaks. We first arrived at Yunshou Peak, where the Outer Gate disciples reside. This peak, named Xuanji Peak, is where Inner Gate disciples live. Besides these, there is Xuanyuan Peak, home to the Sect Master and Inner Gate elders.”
Xianyun’s explanations gave Jiang Mu a rough understanding of the sect, but he sensed she had omitted something and asked,
“What about the last peak?”
“The final peak is called Zangshen Peak, the sect’s forbidden ground. Even I am not allowed to enter.”
Jiang Mu was startled; he had not expected a place even Xianyun could not access within the sect. Curiosity stirred within him.
“Young Master, the Sect Master is currently in seclusion on Xuanyuan Peak. The spiritual energy there is too dense. Since you have not yet begun cultivation, prolonged exposure might harm your body. I will first settle you in the Inner Gate. When the Sect Master emerges, I will bring you to Xuanyuan Peak.”
With that, Xianyun led Jiang Mu to a separate courtyard.
“Young Master, this courtyard is where the Sect Master usually instructs Inner Gate disciples. You may stay here for now. Later, I will arrange for disciples to deliver your daily necessities.”
“Thank you, Sister Xianyun. If you have other matters, please attend to them.”
Jiang Mu nodded, understanding that Xianyun must be busy arranging things for him. He did not ask further.
Xianyun acknowledged and hurried away after giving a few instructions.
Watching her leave, Jiang Mu began examining the courtyard.
It was small but immaculate, with only a fruit tree planted within and a stone table with several stone stools—very sparse.
Around them stretched an endless dense forest, evoking a serene and secluded mountain valley.
Jiang Mu smirked and thought, “Well, since Third Sister is still in seclusion, I’ll stay here for now and see if any of the items I brought from home are suitable for early practice.”
With that in mind, he turned to enter the house.
But just as his hand touched the door, a sharp voice rang out from behind him.
“Stop! Who are you, daring to trespass into the Sect Master’s residence?”