Chapter Four: The Mission

Atop Mount Mao, the heights soared majestically, the riverbanks narrowed, and the mountains rolled in layer upon layer. From afar, the peaks looked imposing; up close, they were grand. Scattered across the slopes were hundreds of buildings, great and small—this was the sacred ground of Mao Mountain, a place of cultivation and spiritual practice.

Upon the summit, Master Shi, the head instructor, had been waiting since dawn for the arrival of his four final disciples. On Mao Mountain, the highest authority was the Grand Master, but as he spent most of his years in secluded meditation, removed from worldly affairs, the day-to-day management of the sect fell to Master Shi, assisted by the sect leader and the vice leader.

The eldest disciple, Zhang Zhiheng; the second sister, Zhou Ling’er; the third brother, Fang You; and the youngest, Lin Xiaoyue, were together the 136th generation of disciples to be personally instructed and admitted to the sect by the leader of Mao Mountain. They were taught the arts and methods, tested by Master Shi, and eventually sent down the mountain to temper themselves in the world.

“Why aren’t they here yet? Surely they haven’t been defeated by such a minor trial?” The sect leader voiced his concern, for he had personally guided them through their path.

“Old Hua, don’t worry,” Master Shi replied, seated at the center, with the leader and vice leader flanking him, “I reviewed their talents myself when we admitted them. They’re not lacking in aptitude; a little trouble like this won’t stop them.”

“That’s right, Old Hua. I believe in the arts you’ve taught them. They’re certainly enough to handle a few mischievous spirits,” the vice leader added, his tone unhurried.

“Zhong, Zhong, you always make light of things. The two of us assist Master Shi in managing all of Mao Mountain, but I’m the one who personally teaches the disciples the arts and methods, while you do little beyond your jests,” the leader said with a smile to the vice leader.

“Come now, I, Zhong Shankui, am still the vice leader! My responsibilities are hardly lighter than yours, right, Hua Chenzi?” Zhong Shankui replied with his usual irreverence.

At this, the sect leader, Hua Chenzi, turned to Master Shi with a trace of exasperation. “Master Shi, listen to him! He’s always at his ease, and now he wants to claim the credit as well.”

“Oh, Hua, I’m busy too! You just don’t notice. After all, I manage all of Mao Mountain’s finances and daily accounts. That requires a sharp mind, a task you scholars of arts and methods couldn’t handle,” Zhong Shankui retorted, half mocking, half proud.

“You—!” Hua Chenzi began.

“That’s enough,” Master Shi interrupted. “They should be arriving now. Remember to maintain your composure before the disciples. Be dignified.”

“Yes, Master Shi.”

As they spoke, Fang You and the others reached the summit.

“Third Brother, once we report the completion of our trial and head down the mountain, where will you go?” Lin Xiaoyue, the youngest, asked Fang You.

“I plan to return to my uncle’s paper effigy shop in the city for a while and help out. But mainly, I’ll continue to refine the Mao Mountain arts and uphold righteousness in the world,” Fang You replied, glancing at his younger sister. “And you?”

“I’ll go back home to live with my parents for a while. I haven’t made any plans for the future yet. Who knows, maybe I’ll come find you someday. Just don’t bully me!” she said, her words carrying a hint of reliance.

Fang You seemed to understand her feelings. After a thoughtful pause, he said, “Now that we’ve left the mountain, you need to learn to live independently. I may wander the world, rootless and alone. Why not find yourself a steady home? If fate allows, you too can defend the world from evil.”

She looked contemplative. “Can’t you take me with you? Roam the world together?”

“The world is vast, and I’m sure you’ll find a better place for yourself. I prefer to travel alone. Matters of love and longing—I have long since cast them aside,” Fang You replied with finality.

“Oh…” Lin Xiaoyue mumbled, her head bowed in discontent.

“So, what about Eldest Brother and Second Sister?” Fang You asked.

Zhang Zhiheng looked at Fang You, then turned away. “I plan to visit Taoist sects across the land, studying deeper arts and refining my skills as I travel.”

Zhou Ling’er, however, wore a troubled expression, her frosty and striking face shadowed with worry.

“What’s wrong, Second Sister?” Lin Xiaoyue asked.

“It’s nothing,” Zhou Ling’er replied.

“But you haven’t said what you’ll do next,” Lin Xiaoyue pressed, smiling up at her.

Zhou Ling’er’s brows furrowed. She glanced at her, then forced a faint smile. “I intend to seek out Penglai Island.”

“Penglai Island?”

The other three cried out in unison.

“That’s the legendary home of the immortals!” Fang You exclaimed. “Why seek such a hidden place?”

“And it exists only in legend; there’s never been a clue as to its location. Why do you wish to find it?” Zhang Zhiheng was equally perplexed.

“Do you want to become an immortal, Sister Zhou?” Lin Xiaoyue asked.

Just then, a commanding voice echoed from the summit. “What are you dawdling for? Get in here at once!”

It was unmistakably the sect leader. The four hurried toward the ancestral shrine.

All along the path, Zhou Ling’er’s brow remained furrowed.

A few minutes later, they entered the shrine, where Master Shi sat in the main hall, his expression severe. The leader and vice leader sat at his sides.

“Eldest disciple Zhang Zhiheng pays respects to the leader!”

“Second disciple Zhou Ling’er pays respects to the leader!”

“Third disciple Fang You pays respects to the leader!”

“And—and I, fourth disciple Lin Xiaoyue, pay my respects to the leader!” she added hastily.

“At last, you’re here,” Hua Chenzi, the leader, finally let out a breath of relief.

“What kept you? Hurry up and come in!” scolded Zhong Shankui, the vice leader, his face stern; he was the one who had summoned them with a voice that carried for miles.

“Reporting to the leader, the trial is complete!” the four replied in unison.

“Very good.” Master Shi rose from his seat and approached them. “In that case, today is the day you descend the mountain.”

He stopped beside Zhang Zhiheng. “You are the eldest of the group. Over these years, you have cared for your fellow disciples, and your mastery of physiognomy has reached a respectable level.”

“Thank you for your praise, Master Shi,” Zhang Zhiheng replied.

“Before you depart, I have a few gifts to present to each of you.”