Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

Then, Shen Mo walked up to the other disciples one by one.

He said to Wang Lie, "The art of tracking in the mountains is also a skill. The back mountain of the sect is vast, and in the future, patrolling and guarding it may require your keen senses."

A glint flashed in Wang Lie's eyes, and he nodded silently.

He said to Li Xiaocao, "Being close to plants is a blessing. The sect's medicinal garden is the starting point for your cultivation. Feel it with your heart, and the world will have its own logic."

Li Xiaocao smiled憨厚ly and gave a loud "Mmm".

He cautioned Sun Xiaohou, "Being clever is a good thing, but it must be used for the right purpose. On the path of cultivation, being down-to-earth is more important than playing tricks."

Sun Xiaohou stuck out his tongue and repeatedly agreed.

He encouraged Zhou Xiaoya, saying, "You are quick and meticulous, which is rare. Doing the little things around you well is a form of self-cultivation."

Zhou Xiaoya was flattered and her face turned bright red.

Finally, it was Qian Xiaodou's turn. Shen Mo squatted down to look him in the eye and said gently, "Xiaodou, it's okay that you're young. Your senior brothers and sisters will help you. Here, no one will bully you. Grow up well, okay?"

Looking at Shen Mo's gentle smile so close to her, Qian Xiaodou finally relaxed, bursting into tears. Between sobs, she nodded and said, "Mmm...mmm...thank you, Sect Leader..."

These brief conversations, tailored to each individual's characteristics, were like a gentle spring breeze, quietly dispelling the last trace of estrangement and unease in the hearts of the new disciples.

What they felt was not an aloof authority, but a sense of concern and expectation from their elders.

At this moment, they truly felt that they were seen and recognized. This place called Qingyun Sect may be dilapidated, but the people here are warm.

After a simple ceremony and conversation, the new disciples, led by Shi Tie and Su Xiao, headed towards their new "home" with excitement and anticipation.

Although it was just a simple dwelling, it shone brightly in their eyes at that moment.

Shen Mo stood alone in front of the hall, watching their departing figures, looking at the list in his hand with eight ordinary names written on it, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

Several days have passed since the new disciples entered the sect. On Qingyun Mountain, the once lifeless and dull atmosphere has been replaced by a busy and vibrant hustle and bustle.

The clanging of repairing buildings, the rustling of weeding the herb garden, the shouts of new disciples practicing basic martial arts, and Shi Tie's rough instructions all intertwined to create a sect morning song that was not pleasant to the ear, but full of hope.

However, as Shen Mo stood at the entrance of the nearly half-renovated main hall, his gaze sweeping over the scene that was beginning to show signs of vitality, he felt little relief.

He could clearly see that although the new disciples were full of enthusiasm, there was still a trace of confusion and unease between their brows.

After all, Qingyun Sect was too dilapidated and resources were too scarce. What was the future path for them?

This uncertainty, like an invisible haze, hangs over everyone's heart, and it is difficult to truly gather strength through daily work and shallow breathing techniques alone.

People's hearts need a place to rest; beliefs need an anchor.

On the morning of that day, after the routine breathing exercises were completed, Shen Mo did not let the disciples immediately disperse to work. Instead, he summoned everyone—including the three senior disciples Shi Tie, Su Xiao, and A Yuan, as well as the eight new disciples including Zhang Daniu—to the open space in front of the main hall.

The disciples looked at each other, wondering what important matter their sect leader had to announce, their faces filled with curiosity and a little nervousness.

The new disciples, in particular, stood up straight and proper, and even the most mischievous Sun Xiaohou didn't dare to breathe loudly.

Shen Mo's gaze slowly swept over the crowd, his face bearing a calm yet undeniable authority, and he spoke in a deep voice:

"You have been with my Qingyun Sect for several days now, and your diligence is very gratifying to me. However, the path of cultivation is not merely about physical exertion and breathing exercises, but also about cultivating one's mind and seizing opportunities."

He paused, then raised his voice slightly, carrying a guiding mystery: "Today, I will take you to a place, a place blessed by my Qingyun Sect's founder."

"The blessings of the patriarch?"

These words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly causing ripples in the hearts of all the disciples!

Surprise and inquiry were evident in Shi Tie and Su Xiao's eyes; the new disciples widened their eyes, their faces filled with disbelief, excitement, and curiosity!

The Grandmaster! He's a legendary figure!

The Qingyun Sect has fallen into ruin, yet it still has a blessed land left by its founder.

"Sect Leader, where...where is it?" Su Xiao couldn't help but ask softly. She was in charge of the sect's records (although there weren't many), but she had never heard of this matter before.

A mysterious smile appeared on Shen Mo's face as he looked toward the back mountain of the sect and said, "Follow me."

After saying that, he turned around and walked towards the overgrown, deserted path leading to the back of the mountain.

The disciples were both surprised and suspicious, but dared not ask any questions. They quickly held their breath and followed in single file with a mixture of piety and intense curiosity.

Shi Tie took the lead, wielding his machete to clear the thorns blocking their path. Su Xiao and A Yuan carefully looked after the group, especially the youngest, Qian Xiaodou.

The new disciples followed behind, stumbling along, their eyes darting around, both afraid of missing something and feeling an instinctive fear of the deep, quiet back mountain.

The path meandered, becoming increasingly secluded. Ancient trees towered all around, vines entwined, the light dimmed, and the air was filled with the damp scent of earth and decaying leaves.

The occasional cries of unidentified birds and beasts added to the sense of primitive desolation.

"Sect Leader...where are we going?" Zhang Daniu couldn't help but ask in a muffled voice. Although he was strong, it didn't mean he was brave. The dark and secluded environment made him feel a little uneasy.

Shen Mo didn't turn his head, his voice calm yet carrying a strange soothing power as he said, "Don't rush, we're almost there. The Ancestral Master's blessed land must be in a quiet, secluded place."

After walking for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a steep mountain wall covered with moss appeared in front of them. Below the mountain wall, there was a cave entrance that was almost completely covered by dense vines!

The entrance to the cave was pitch black, barely wide enough for one person to pass through. It looked unremarkable, even somewhat eerie.

"We've arrived." Shen Mo stopped in front of the cave.

The disciples all stopped and looked at the unremarkable cave with puzzlement.

Is this the blessed land left by our ancestor? It looks like an ordinary wild animal den! Even Shi Tie scratched his head, looking puzzled.

Shen Mo ignored everyone's doubts. His face showed a complex expression of reminiscence and reverence. His gaze was fixed on the deep cave entrance, as if he could see through time and into the distant past.

"This place is called—Enlightenment Cave." Shen Mo's voice became deep and resonant, slowly echoing in the silent valley.

"Enlightenment Cave?" All the disciples pricked up their ears.

"Not bad," Shen Mo said slowly, beginning his carefully crafted "story":

"According to the records of the sect, thousands of years ago, the founder of our Qingyun Sect, Master Qingyunzi, traveled here and saw that although the mountain scenery here was inconspicuous, it was in accordance with the principles of nature and the earth veins contained spiritual energy."

"However, at that time, the patriarch's skills were not yet complete, and he was plagued by inner demons. He lingered at the bottleneck of cultivation for several years and was almost driven into demonic possession."