"As for Fug Province.... Umm... I don’t know... the western region of Segs Continent."
"Pffft—"
Gu Changsheng almost burst out laughing at that, covering his mouth just in time.
Though it was obvious it was a very poor attempt at a cover-up.
"What’s so funny?"
Ning Rongrong asked with a slight pout, dissatisfied by his sudden laughter.
"Nothing... It’s just... hehe... I remembered a funny joke."
Gu Changsheng struggled to say, the urge to laugh making him shake.
"Hmmph!"
Ning Rongrong rolled her eyes at him, though this time she didn’t press further.
And at that, Gu Changsheng just smiled wryly. If she were to ask again, what would he say? That I’m laughing at your funny province name.
He’d probably die from embarrassment.
As they chatted, the journey continued under the star-strewn canopy, tree leaves swaying with the wind.
...
5 days later.
As the distance lessened, so did the days remaining for travelling. Dawn had just broken through the sky when they continued their journey, stopping only for eating and rest.
Now, they had almost reached the Cloud Piercing Sect, which was located near an immortal city called Anala City.
Gu Changsheng gave salute to whoever named these cities, provinces, and even the continent.
Slowly, the view of Cloud Piercing Mountain came into view.
The mountain itself was a marvel, its peak shrouded in a perpetual sea of white clouds, as if it were a ’19$ all-you-can-eat buffet’ for the clouds.
The slopes were a tapestry of green, dotted with waterfalls that cascaded down the cliffs like silver ribbons.
A grand, white marble gate stood at the foot of the mountain, attached to the walls surrounding the sect. Its surface was carved with intricate runes that seemed to pulse with a faint, ethereal light. On the top was clearly written—
Cloud Piercing Sect!!
Two normal disciples stood guard, their postures lazy, not at all in the mood or having the energy to stand like guards.
Seeing two horses coming their way, they looked carefully and recognized the ★★ emblem on one of the women’s chests.
"Senior Sister!"
They both shouted in unison, their voices filled with respect. Even though they didn’t know either of them, they knew what the 2-star symbol signified.
The gates of the Cloud Piercing Sect slowly creaked open, revealing a world of wonder that made Gu Changsheng’s breath hitch.
Su Mingyue gave a slight nod without stopping, marching forward.
The path inside wound its way up the mountain, lined with flame trees that were in full bloom, their flower petals a vibrant blue against the white clouds.
Further up, Gu Changsheng could see numerous pavilions and pagodas. Their designs looked medieval European, carrying a hint of elegance.
They soon reached the building they needed to, the Management Affairs Building.
Stopping, Su Mingyue and Ning Rongrong jumped off their horses. Just as Gu Changsheng was about to do the same, Su Mingyue gestured for him not to, saying,
"Wait for us here. You aren’t allowed inside."
Gu Changsheng agreed, and as he waited, his gaze drifted from the building’s ornate doors to a nearby training yard.
There, a handful of disciples were practicing combat. The ones with blades drew their blades, while the ones without them drew their fists.
Near the training ground, an old man sat under a nearby willow tree, watching the disciples with a serious gaze. Every now and then, he would call out their mistakes.
There’s also an obese young man sweeping the floor with a broom. What gained Gu Changsheng’s attention were the wounds and bruises on Fatty’s body and the despondent look on his face.
Gu Changsheng sighed, shaking his head. This was none of his business to interfere with others, lest he anger someone who called the shots here.
So he returned his attention to the building. The sun was warm on his skin, a stark contrast to the cool mountain air.
He was in the middle of a thought when someone called him, pulling him back.
Ning Rongrong and Su Mingyue emerged, their expressions unreadable. They walked back to their horses without a word, their movements efficient and practiced.
Ning Rongrong was the one who broke the silence, her voice devoid of its usual teasing tone.
"Let’s go. We’ll show you the place you’ll live temporarily."
Gu Changsheng didn’t need to be told twice. Leaving the horses in the barn, they went through a different path from before.
A quarter of an hour later, they stopped in front of rows of small wooden buildings nestled together. They were of simple structure, with a wooden door and a single window.
A small plaque on the door read ’Guest Residence’.
"You’ll stay here for now."
Su Mingyue said, her tone formal, while Ning Rongrong, seemingly back to her usual self, added with a wink,
"We’ll come get you tomorrow for the assessment. In the meantime, try not to get lost, little brother."
With that, they turned and left, leaving Gu Changsheng standing alone in front of the door.
Gu Changsheng pushed open the door and stepped inside.
The room was sparse but clean, with a simple wooden bed placed in one corner, a small table and chair in the other.
A single window looked out onto the mountain, its view a breathtaking expanse of clouds and peaks.
Setting his bag on the table, he let out a long breath. The journey was over, but a new adventure was about to begin.
Tomorrow was the assessment. Even though he didn’t know the content of the assessment, Su Mingyue said he could pass because he was ’special’.
As for what this ’special’ was about, that was a mystery for now.
Walking over to the window, he leaned against the frame and looked out.
My panda would’ve loved the scenery!
...
The next morning.
The next morning, the sun cast long shadows across the Cloud Piercing Sect, as Ning Rongrong and Su Mingyue arrived at the guest residence, their expressions mirroring the morning’s glow.
"We are going to meet someone important, so be mindful of your actions."
Ning Rongrong said, her usual playful demeanor replaced by a serious focus.
Gu Changsheng nodded, puzzled by her two-faced attitude, adjusting the simple grey tunic he’d been given.