Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

The morning bell rang, but the mist had not yet dissipated. All the inner disciples gathered below the lecture platform, the atmosphere different from usual, carrying a hint of solemnity and a subtle excitement.

Shen Mo stood on the stage, his blue robe fluttering slightly, his gaze sweeping over every young and resolute face below.

Shi Tie was eager to get started, Su Xiao remained calm, Han Lin stood stroking his beard, and Zhao Qingyan, Li Xiaocao, and others also had expectant glints in their eyes.

Even the three newcomers, Wang Hu, Sun Xiaolan, and Li Tiezhu, straightened their backs, sensing an unusual atmosphere.

"Everyone," Shen Mo began, his voice clear and melodious, piercing through the morning mist and reaching everyone's ears, "Since I took over the sect, thanks to the blessings of our founder and the concerted efforts of all of you fellow disciples, our Qingyun Sect has overcome numerous obstacles and finally gained a firm foothold."

"The Body Tempering Pool can strengthen muscles and bones, the Scripture Pavilion can enlighten the mind, the Lecture Platform can resolve doubts and questions, and the Contribution System can inspire progress. Now, the sect's foundation is initially established, and internal affairs are gradually stabilizing."

He then changed the subject, his tone becoming serious: "However, the path of cultivating immortality is ultimately like rowing against the current; if you don't advance, you fall behind. Confining yourself to a corner is never a good strategy."

"If our Qingyun Sect wishes to develop, we need to increase revenue and reduce expenditure, we need to make a name for ourselves, and even more so... we need to gain experience in the world!"

The four words "worldly experience" immediately stirred up ripples in the hearts of the disciples like a stone thrown into a calm lake.

Descend the mountain? To that legendary, complex, dangerous, and opportunity-filled world of cultivation?

"The reason I have gathered everyone here today is to announce that, for the first time, our Qingyun Sect will be sending disciples down the mountain on their own initiative!"

Shen Mo's voice rose a few decibels, carrying a decisive force.

"The purpose of this trip is threefold: first, to train our disciples, test their cultivation progress, and broaden their horizons; second, to promote the name of Qingyun Sect and let the outside world know that our sect is not one to keep to itself; and third, to exchange what we need, using the talismans and elixirs produced by our sect to acquire the resources we require!"

A barely suppressed commotion erupted from the audience. Down the mountain! The real down the mountain! To experience the adventures told in the stories!

Shen Mo raised his hand and waited for everyone to quiet down before continuing, "After discussing with Elder Han and Su Xiao, the location for this training exercise has been decided to be 'Black Mountain City,' which is a hundred miles to the northeast."

Black Mountain City? Many disciples looked thoughtful.

They had heard of this city before; it was a medium-sized gathering place for cultivators on the outskirts of the Blackwater Marsh. It rose to prominence because of the abundance of a low-grade refining material called "obsidian" in the vicinity, but it was a mixed bag with deeply entrenched forces.

Shen Mo briefly explained: "In Black Mountain City, the city lord's mansion is weak, and the city is mainly controlled by the Zhao, Wang, and Li families, who are constantly engaged in open and covert struggles."

"Recently, there have been rumors that monsters are disturbing the people outside the city, and the situation is not very peaceful. Although this place is chaotic, it is also an excellent place to temper one's character and experience the ways of the world."

Shen Mo's choice of Black Mountain City was a well-considered one.

The city is at a moderate distance, with a relatively "clear" power structure (three-way balance of power), and the monster incident serves as an entry point. This prevents novice disciples from being immediately drawn into the vortex of top-tier forces, while allowing them to fully experience the cruelty and complexity of the cultivation world.

"This time, Shi Tie and Su Xiao will lead the team down the mountain!" Shen Mo directly called out their names.

"I'm here!" Shi Tie took a step forward, his voice booming, his face full of excitement and eagerness. He had long wanted to go down the mountain and meet the "experts" outside!

Su Xiao bowed gracefully, her expression calm yet firm as she replied, "Su Xiao accepts the order and will do her utmost to protect my fellow disciples and complete the mission."

"Furthermore," Shen Mo's gaze swept over the three most outstanding new disciples, "Wang Hu, Sun Xiaolan, and Li Tiezhu, although you three have only been disciples for a short time, your character is resilient and your progress is remarkable. You are also accompanying us on this training trip, so you need to observe, learn, and think more. In all actions, follow the arrangements of Senior Brothers Shi and Su!"

Wang Hu and his two companions were both surprised and delighted, their faces flushed with excitement. They quickly stepped forward and loudly replied, "Disciples obey! We will certainly not fail the sect leader's expectations!"

A five-person training team consisting of Shi Tie, a peak Qi Refining Level 5 cultivator, Su Xiao, a Qi Refining Level 4 cultivator, and three new disciples at the Qi Refining Levels 1 and 2 was thus formed.

Their strengths aren't particularly high, but each member has their own unique characteristics: Shi Tie is brave and skilled in battle, Su Xiao is meticulous and good at socializing, Wang Hu is incredibly resilient, Sun Xiaolan is exceptionally quick-witted, and Li Tiezhu is calm and reliable.

"This journey is dangerous; you must remember three things."

Shen Mo's expression was serious as he admonished, "First, act discreetly and avoid conflicts with others, lest you tarnish the integrity of our Qingyun Sect; second, maintain unity and discuss matters together, never abandoning your fellow disciples; third, act within your capabilities, and if things become unmanageable, prioritize your own safety and withdraw promptly!"

"Yes! We will follow the sect leader's teachings!" The five responded in unison, their voices echoing through the valley.

Shen Mo then looked at Han Lin and said, "Elder Han, the safety of the sect is temporarily entrusted to you, Qingyan, Xiaocao, and the others. You must be vigilant and guard the mountain gate well."

Han Lin cupped his hands in greeting and replied in a deep voice, "Sect Leader, rest assured, as long as I am here, the sect will stand!"

Zhao Qingyan and Li Xiaocao also made solemn statements.

"Alright!" Shen Mo nodded, took out a storage bag that had been prepared beforehand, and handed it to Su Xiaodao. "Inside are a batch of low-level talismans (fireball talisman, lightness talisman, Vajra talisman, etc.) and pills (qi-restoring pill, hemostatic powder) made by the sect, as well as some spirit stones, which will serve as your travel expenses and items for trade on this trip."

"How you use it is up to you and Junior Brother Tie to decide. Also, take this communication jade talisman with you. If you encounter an emergency, you can crush it to call for help, and I will sense it."

"Thank you, Sect Leader!" Su Xiao accepted the storage bag with both hands, feeling its weight. It contained not only supplies, but also the sect's expectations and the Sect Leader's trust.

The next morning, as dawn broke, a thin mist lingered around the mountain gate. Shi Tie, Su Xiao, and the other four had all changed into ordinary blue cloth clothes, looking neat and energetic. Shen Mo and Han Lin led their disciples to see them off.

"Senior Brother Shi, Senior Sister Su, please be careful on your journey!"

"Junior Brother Wang Hu, always listen to your senior brothers and sisters when things happen!"

Come back soon!

The farewells were filled with concern and anticipation. Shi Tie, carrying his heavy iron rod, grinned and said, "Don't worry! I'll definitely bring all my junior brothers and sisters back safe and sound! And while I'm at it, I'll see what good treasures are out there!"

Su Xiao bowed to Shen Mo and Han Lin again: "Sect Leader, Elder Han, we're off."

Looking at the five young and vibrant faces before him, Shen Mo felt a mix of reluctance and worry, but even more so, anticipation. Young eagles must eventually leave the nest to soar through the skies. He waved goodbye.

"Go. Remember, Qingyun Sect is your strongest support."

The five turned around, their figures disappearing into the vast mountains at the end of the winding mountain path, stepping through the morning dew.

A hundred miles is not a long distance for cultivators, but it is by no means an easy journey. Along the way, the five of them kept the teachings in mind, traveling by day and resting by night, avoiding dangerous places, and their journey went smoothly.

Shi Tie took the lead, extending his divine sense to keep a watchful eye on his surroundings; Su Xiao provided support from the center, arranging the itinerary and managing supplies.

Wang Hu and his two companions followed closely behind, curiously observing the mountain scenery that was so different from that of their sect, while also personally practicing basic skills such as wilderness survival, navigation, and dealing with small wild animals.

Occasionally, when they encountered one or two ignorant first-tier demonic beasts, they became live targets for Shi Tie to practice on and teach his younger brothers and sisters.

The short trip of just a few days had already greatly benefited Wang Hu and his two companions, giving them a preliminary understanding of the dangers of the cultivation world.

Three days later, a city built against the mountain, with mottled walls and an aura of vicissitude and chaos, appeared at the edge of everyone's sight.

Patrolling soldiers could be vaguely seen on the city wall, while the city gate was bustling with people and vehicles. The air was filled with dust, the smell of sweat, and a faint... bloody stench.

That place is Black Mountain City.