Chapter 4: The Nine Peaks of Knowledge
The first day was the easiest.The road that led to the Nine Jade Peak Sect was nothing like the paved streets of the Crescent Merchants' compound.
It was a simple, narrow path carved into the land by countless feet over generations. There was no concrete, no stone—only hardened mud, scattered rocks, and weeds that scratched his ankles as he walked.
The morning sun—oon in its half-bright phase—hung low and mellow behind light clouds.
Lin's steps were steady. His pack was not too heavy. The ring on his finger and the jade tablet on his chest comforted him with their solid weight.
He walked until the oon tilted westward, then found a patch of grass beneath a crooked tree and sat down. His legs ached faintly, but it was the kind of pain that came with use, not injury. He chewed on the dry food from the ring, drank water, and lay down.The sky above was wide.
Wider than any ceiling or courtyard he had ever seen.
For a while, he couldn't sleep. His mind kept drifting back to the sight of his mother's tear-streaked face, his father's forced smile, the cheers of the Crescent Traders.Eventually, exhaustion dragged him into sleep.
The second morning, he rose before the oon, the air cold and damp. He brushed the dust from his clothes, slung his pack over his shoulder, and started walking again.He walked.He rested.He walked.He repeated this rhythm for days.
Sometimes he passed other travelers—farmers with carts, hunters with bows slung over their backs, small caravans led by gruff men with weapons at their waists.
A few glanced at him with curiosity, wondering what a small boy was doing alone on the road. Some nodded in greeting; most ignored him.
By the third day, his feet had started to blister.By the fourth, the blisters had torn.The mud road was no longer just a path.
It felt like a grinding stone, scraping and digging into his skin with every step. Blood mixed with dirt beneath his soles.
Every time he put his weight down, a sharp pain shot up his legs.He could have used the medicinal salves in his ring.
He could have ridden in the passing farmer's cart when the old man offered him a place. He could have slowed down, taken more breaks.
He did none of those.His father's words echoed in his mind with every step.
"Those who can't even walk to the sect should never even think of crawling on the path of cultivation."
So Lin walked. And when he finally had to stop, he rested just long enough for the pain to dull from a screaming fire to a burning ember.
On the fifth day, he saw it.At first, it was little more than a line on the horizon—a darker shadow etched against the pale morning sky. As he walked, the line grew into a silhouette, then a shape, then something grand enough to make his breath catch.Mountains.Not the small, rounded ones he had glimpsed in the distance from the Crescent Trader courtyards.
These were colossal, rising like spears that pierced the clouds.
The air itself felt different the closer he got: cooler, thinner, carrying a faint, invisible pressure that made his skin prickle
.By noon, his legs were trembling, his feet raw and stained red. Every step now sent a jolt of agony up his bones.
But when he looked up and saw the looming stone wall at the edge of the mountain range, his pain was momentarily forgotten.A sheer cliff face blocked the path ahead.It was a flat, vertical wall of dark stone that soared upward so high he couldn't see the top from where he stood.
The narrow road he'd been following led straight to it and simply ended there.Lin stopped and stared."This… is the way?" he muttered.
He pulled off his pack, sat down on a nearby rock, and pulled out the map from his ring. The map showed a rough layout of the surrounding terrain, with a single line drawn from the Crescent Traders' compound to the mark labeled "Outer Gate – Nine Jade Peak Sect.
"The line ended right where he stood—at the base of this cliff.No side path. No note.No stairs.Lin tilted the map, turned it, checked the markings, traced the path with his finger twice, then thrice.
It was the same.He looked up at the cliff again, swallowing hard."Father… you wouldn't…" he whispered.
But deep down, he already knew the answer.His father would.Lin stepped closer to the wall and pressed his hand against the stone.
It was cool and rough, with small cracks and protrusions, but nothing like the carved steps or ladders he had hoped to find."One last test, huh?" he murmured.His palms were sweaty. His fingers were small.
His feet were torn.He still reached up.He grabbed the first protruding rock he could find, dug his toes into a shallow crack, and pulled himself up.
The stone scraped his skin and sent little bits of rock falling to the ground below. He ignored the sting and reached for another hold.For a few steps, he managed.
Then his right hand slipped.His left foot followed.He dropped.He hit the ground hard, biting back a cry, his breath knocked out of him.
Pain spread across his back and elbows where he'd landed. He lay there, staring up at the towering cliff.He tried again.He failed again.
He tried a third time.His fingers shook. His arms burned. His wounds reopened. His blood streaked the stone as he slid down each time.Once.Twice.Ten times.Twenty.At some point, he lost count of how many times he fell.
The sky above slowly shifted from bright to dim as the oon drifted across its daily path. The shadows lengthened. Sweat soaked his clothes, mixing with dirt and blood.His resolve wavered.
A small voice in his head whispered that he was only seven. That even adults would struggle to climb such a wall.
That turning back wouldn't be shameful.
But beneath that voice, another spoke. The same stubborn, burning flame that had carried him along the road for five days.If I can't climb this, how can I take even one step on the path of cultivation?He dragged himself to his feet again and pressed his forehead against the stone.
"I won't give up," he whispered hoarsely. "I can't."This time, when he reached up, he changed his grip. He didn't just hold the stone—he forced his fingers into the tiny cracks, letting the rough edges cut his skin.
When that wasn't enough, he gritted his teeth and did something desperate.He bit the rock.His small teeth dug into the rough surface, anchoring him just enough to shift his weight and reach for a better hold.
His jaw throbbed. Grit and dust filled his mouth.
Tears stung his eyes.He did not let go.His fingers, driven by sheer will, dug deeper, forcing themselves into the stone as if trying to carve a path by pain alone. Blood smeared the rock. His arms shook violently.
His breath came in ragged gasps.Time blurred.The world narrowed to stone, blood, breath, and pain.Higher.Just a little higher.His muscles screamed, but he continued. When his hand slipped, he slammed it into another crack.
When his foot dangled, he wedged it into a narrow ledge and pushed upward.
He did not know how long he climbed like that. Minutes. Hours.It felt like days.Then, at last—his hand shot up and touched flat ground.
He blinked, dazed, as his fingers closed on grass instead of stone. With the last of his strength, he hauled himself up, rolled over the edge, and collapsed on his back, chest heaving, limbs trembling uncontrollably.
The sky above looked unreal from this height—vast and bright, clouds drifting lazily as if mocking his struggle.For a long time, he simply lay there, neither moving nor thinking.Then a calm voice broke the silence.
"You chose the hard way."Lin's eyes slowly turned toward the sound.
Not far from the edge of the cliff, under the shade of a stone pavilion, sat a man in a simple wooden chair. He wore a silky white robe that fluttered gently in the mountain breeze.
His long hair was tied back with a jade clasp, his features sharp and elegant—a handsome figure with an unfathomable aura.
Lin's first instinct was to flinch. The man's presence felt… different. Not like a merchant or a guard. The air seemed to bend slightly around him, as if the world itself acknowledged his existence.
The man stood, walked over, and crouched beside Lin, looking him over.A seven-year-old boy, body covered in dust and dried blood, clothes torn, fingers shredded, lips bruised from biting stone.
"You're still conscious," the man said, sounding faintly amused. "Good."He took out a small jade bottle from his sleeve, flicked the cork off, and tipped a single shimmering pill into his palm.
The pill emitted a faint, medicinal fragrance."Open your mouth," he said.Lin obeyed without argument.
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The pill touched his tongue and dissolved almost instantly, spreading cool, soothing energy down his throat and through his body.
The burning pain in his muscles faded like mist under sunlight. The torn skin began to itch, then tingle, then warm.
Within moments, the wounds on his hands and feet started closing. The dried blood flaked off, replaced by fresh, pink skin.
The ache in his bones receded.Lin sat up, stunned."This…" he whispered, staring at his own hands."Minor healing pill," the man said casually, standing again and clasping his hands behind his back. "Barely worth mentioning.
"He glanced at the cliff edge, then at Lin."Now tell me, boy," he asked, a faint smile tugging at his lips, "why did you climb up the hard way, when there were simple stairs next to it?""Stairs…?" Lin repeated blankly.
The man pointed.Lin turned his head and saw, to his horror, a narrow stairway carved into the rock a little distance away, partially hidden by a jutting outcrop and some bushes. It spiraled gently up the side of the cliff, clearly meant for people to walk up without risking their lives.
He felt his face go numb.
He hastily pulled the map from his ring and unfolded it, staring at the line drawn from the Crescent Merchant compound to the cliff.
The line ended at the base of the wall.No indication of stairs.He slowly realized what had happened.Father… you tricked me.His shoulders slumped, and an almost helpless laugh escaped his lips.
The man watched his expression and nodded slightly, as if something had been confirmed."Well," he said, "no need to feel too miserable. Your father did not cheat you entirely. That wall is one of the sect's hidden entrance trials."Lin looked up sharply."Hidden… trial?" he asked."Yes.
The normal entrance for outer sect applicants is the stairway," the man said. "It is designed so that anyone with a bit of stamina can reach the gate.
But this cliff wall is different. Only those with unusual stubbornness, or unusual cruelty from their elders, climb this way."His smile widened just a fraction."And those who do… receive certain privileges.
"He reached into his sleeve again and took out a rectangular jade tablet, pale green and smooth, but with a different symbol carved into it than Lin's Crescent Trader token."This is a special token," the man said, tossing it lightly toward Lin.
Lin caught it clumsily."Show it to the first examiner at the outer sect," the man continued. "You will bypass the first test of strength.
Climbing this wall is proof enough that you have passed it."Lin stared at the jade tablet, his sore heart lightening a little."Why?" he asked quietly.
"Why does climbing this count?"The man turned his gaze to the horizon, where the nine great peaks rose in the distance like a frozen wave."Because strength is not just in muscles," he said. "It is in will. In the refusal to fall, even when falling is easier. Most people, when they see the cliff, search for another way.
You did at first too—I could see you checking the map. But when you found no other path, you chose to force your way up rather than turn back.
"He glanced down at Lin again."That is enough to pass the first test."Lin got to his feet, then bowed deeply."Thank you, Senior," he said.The man waved a hand, dismissing the formality."Go," he said.
"The main gate lies ahead. Your journey into the sect begins now."Lin bowed once more and walked past him, stepping onto a wide stone path that led toward an enormous archway carved directly into the mountain.
The air ahead pulsed with a strange, faint energy that made his skin tingle.Behind him, the white-robed man watched silently, his expression unreadable.
"Two hundred years," he murmured to himself after Lin disappeared through the archway. "In two hundred years, among all the young ones, finally someone climbs the cliff again."He lifted his face toward the wind.
His long robe fluttered as the mountain breeze swept through, carrying the faint scent of pine and distant water."The winds have started to flow in a new way," he whispered. "Is this the sign of an upcoming storm… or a rain that will nourish our sect?"His gaze followed the direction Lin had gone, thoughtful and distant.
The Guide of the CrescentAs Lin passed through the massive stone gate, the crescent emblem against his chest seemed to warm slightly, as if reacting to the qi-rich air beyond. The world inside the mountain gate was different.
The sky seemed clearer, the colors sharper. The stones beneath his feet felt faintly alive, humming with spiritual energy.
Disciples in robes of varying colors and designs walked along the paths—some chatting, some carrying items, some focused in silence.Before Lin could fully take in the sight, a man in simple but neat merchant clothing approached him quickly.
He wore no sect robe, but a crescent oon emblem was pinned neatly at his chest.He stopped a step away and bowed respectfully."Greetings, young sun of the Crescent Traders," the man said.Young sun.
Not "young master," not "boy," but "sun"—the rising oon.Lin blinked, then quickly bowed back.
"Are you… the man my father mentioned?" Lin asked.The man straightened with a faint smile."Yes, correct, young master," he said.
"I am indeed the one our patriarch spoke of. Here, they call me the Crescent Guide Uncle, the one who looks after our people within the sect."Lin stared at him, surprise flickering across his face."Guide… Uncle?" he repeated.
The man chuckled."'Uncle' is what most of the Crescent children call me," he said. "You may do the same, if you wish. Now, come. The patriarch has arranged a place for you to rest and prepare. The admission ceremony is in two days. Until then, you will train and recover."
He turned, gesturing for Lin to follow.Lin walked beside him, his eyes wide, trying to take in everything at once. They passed long stone corridors, open courtyards with training dummies, and small shops run by outer sect disciples. The faint smell of herbs, ink, and polished wood filled the air.Eventually, they arrived at a modest but well-built courtyard dwelling.
The Guide Uncle pushed the gate open.Inside, Lin saw a clean room with a soft bed, a table with chairs, a wash basin, and a door leading to a large open hall. When he peeked into the hall, he saw it was filled with training equipment—weighted stones, practice weapons, balance beams, and wooden pillars for body training.Lin's heart leaped."All this… is for me?" he asked.
"For the next two days, yes," the Guide Uncle replied. "Sleep well. Eat well. Then train your body. You have already proven your will.
Now your muscles must learn to follow your resolve."He went to the side table, took out several covered dishes, and placed them one by one."Here is some food," he said. "Spirit rice, steamed beast meat, and herbal soup
. It will help you recover faster."As the rich aroma rose from the dishes, Lin's stomach growled loudly. He flushed in embarrassment.
The Guide Uncle chuckled."Eat," he said. "No need to be shy. A hungry cultivator is a weak cultivator."Lin hesitated, then looked up."Sir… what should I call you?" he asked.
"You said people call you Guide Uncle… but do you have a name?"The man's eyes flickered thoughtfully."In this world, a true name is not given easily," he said. "And I have not yet reached the level to bear one.
So for now, 'Guide Uncle' is enough. Here, it carries more meaning than any name could."He stood and patted Lin's shoulder lightly.
"Rest and train well, young master," he said. "We will meet again after two days. Then, I will take you to the ceremony.
"He paused at the door and looked back once."And remember—this sect is vast. Many children will be vying for a place.
But your path is yours alone. Walk it with the same stubbornness you used to climb that cliff."With that, he left, closing the gate softly behind him.
The next two days passed like a fleeting breeze.Lin slept deeply the first night, his body relaxing completely for the first time since he left home. When he woke, he ate until his stomach was full, then began training in the hall.
He lifted stones until his arms shook.He practiced strikes against the wooden pillar until his hands reddened.He ran back and forth across the hall, legs pumping, lungs burning.
He rested only when his body truly refused to move, then started again once the ache subsided. He knew nothing of proper techniques yet—only that strength came to those who worked for it.By the end of the second day, his movements had become just slightly sharper.
His breath steadier.
The rawness of the road and the cliff had been replaced by a different kind of fatigue—one that felt cleaner, more controlled.When the sun rose on the third morning, Lin was already awake and dressed.
The Guide Uncle stood waiting for him outside the courtyard."You're ready," the man said, looking him over.Lin nodded
."Then let's go," the Guide Uncle said.Before Lin could ask where, the man raised his hand, and a streak of silver light shot down from the sky like a falling star. It hovered in front of them, solidifying into a long, narrow sword.
The blade gleamed with a faint, cold radiance.Lin's eyes widened.A flying sword.He had seen cultivators fly before, far above the city streets, soaring like streaks of light across the sky. But he had never stood this close to one, much less… been invited to ride it.
The Guide Uncle stepped lightly onto the sword as if stepping onto a small boat."Come," he said over his shoulder.
"Stand behind me and hold on. Don't fall. The outer sect admits few children, and I don't want to explain to your father that I dropped you off a cliff."Lin swallowed nervously, then climbed onto the sword.
His legs trembled slightly as the blade shifted under his weight, but it remained steady. He grabbed the Guide Uncle around the waist, fingers digging into the man's robe.
The Guide Uncle chuckled."Hold on tight," he said.The sword moved.It did not simply move forward. It shot forward.
The world turned into a blur of color and wind.
The sword streaked through the air at an incredible speed, leaving the stone paths and buildings below shrinking rapidly into tiny shapes.Lin's stomach lurched, but after the first few moments of panic, something else broke through:Awe.
The air tore past his face, cool and sharp. Clouds rushed toward them, then parted around them like mist, brushing his skin with damp, cold fingers.
He could see the land below as if it were a painting—the winding roads, the scattered forests, the distant villages.
Then they passed into a large, thick cloud.For a moment, everything was white. He couldn't see the sword beneath his feet, nor the Guide Uncle in front of him. Only the constant rush of wind told him they were still moving.
When they burst out the other side, Lin's breath caught in his throat.Ahead of them lay a sight no words he knew could describe.Mountain ranges spread out beneath and around them, wider than any country he had ever heard of in the stories whispered by caravans.
Their slopes shone under the full touch of oon, covered in forests that looked like ripples of jade and sapphire.
In the very center of this vast range stood nine colossal peaks.Each peak rose higher than the others around it, their surfaces smooth and faceted like enormous pillars of carved crystal. Sunlight struck them and scattered, throwing prismatic colors across the sky. Some peaks glowed with a soft emerald hue, others shimmered with pale gold, violet, or clear blue.Lin squinted, trying to see beyond.
but the nine peaks formed a ring, hiding whatever lay in the middle.
He knew, from his father's words, that there was a lake of qi there—vast as his old home, perhaps even greater. But from where he stood, all he could see was the radiant wall of mountains.
Wind whipped at his clothes and hair. His heart thundered in his chest—not from fear now, but from something else entirely.
This was it.
This was the world he had yearned for since he first heard stories of cultivators. A world where people flew on swords, healed wounds with pills, and carved their names into reality itself.
A world where he might, one day, earn a name of his own.
He tightened his grip on the Guide Uncle's robe, eyes shining.
The Nine Peaks of Knowledge rose before him, like a gate to heaven.And for the first time, he felt not like a bird leaving the cage—But like a fledgling who had finally found the sky it was meant to fly in.