ATPnovel 51. Entering the Mountain Gate
51. Entering the Mountain Gate
The undulating Tianjue Mountain Range stretches across the land like a sleeping dragon, with its main peak, Qijue Peak, piercing the clouds. Amidst the swirling mist, one can vaguely see flying eaves and brackets, creating a magnificent sight. At the foot of the mountain, a wide mountain path paved with bluestone slabs winds its way up, serving as the only route to the gate of the Qijue Sect.
At this moment, beneath the massive archway at the start of the mountain path, a large crowd had gathered, numbering in the hundreds, drawn by martial artists from all corners of the land. They wore diverse clothing and wielded various weapons, some conversing in small groups, others standing alone with their eyes closed in meditation. A tense yet expectant atmosphere permeated the air. Every glance was frequently drawn to the mountain gate nestled deep in the mist, and to the several imposing disciples of the Seven Absolutes Sect, dressed in their robes, standing solemnly guarding the gate.
Lin Mo, dressed in a blue robe and carrying a book box, blended into the crowd unnoticed. From afar, he spotted the imposing archway and the two characters "Seven Absolutes" written on it in a flamboyant style. The closer he got, the more he could feel the profound foundation of the Seven Absolutes Sect, accumulated over hundreds of years. The archway alone exuded an invisible pressure, inspiring awe in those with weak wills.
He approached with the flow of people, his gaze calmly sweeping over the crowd. Just as he had heard in the teahouse, it was a melting pot of all sorts: there were burly lone travelers, as well as richly dressed scions of noble families surrounded by attendants; he could even spot a few monks in their robes and straw sandals, and Taoist priests with their hair piled high. He lingered briefly on a few people who seemed to come from the direction of the four great families, their eyes particularly sharp, before looking away.
Just as he was preparing to find a secluded corner to wait for the mountain gate to open, a slightly mocking voice rang out beside him:
"Tsk, since when did even a penniless, powerless scholar dare to join the Seven Absolutes Sect's fun? He truly doesn't know his own limitations!"
Lin Mo turned his head and saw that the speaker was a young man dressed in brocade armor and with a long sword at his waist. He had an arrogant expression and was accompanied by several equally well-dressed followers who were looking Lin Mo up and down with disdain. Many people around, hearing the commotion, also turned to look with curiosity or curiosity.
Seeing Lin Mo looking at him, the young man in the brocade robe became even more smug and sneered, "What are you looking at? I'm talking to you! Kid, this isn't a place for you to study the classics. You'd better get out of here, or you might wet your pants in fear when the assessment starts, or get accidentally killed by some hero. Then no one will be there to collect your body!"
His entourage joined in the laughter, their words dripping with sarcasm.
Lin Mo's expression remained unchanged, his eyes calm and unwavering, as if the other party wasn't mocking him at all. In his two lifetimes, this level of provocation wasn't even a breeze. He spoke calmly, his voice low but clear enough to reach everyone present: "The Seven Absolutes' invitation clearly states that they are recruiting guest elders, regardless of background, only based on talent. You judge people by their attire; do you perhaps think your judgment is superior to the rules set by the Seven Absolutes Sect?"
Upon hearing this, the young man in the brocade robe froze. A few low chuckles and whispers arose from among the onlookers.
"That kid's got a sharp tongue." "That Zhao kid's really messed up, haha." "But he's right. The Seven Absolutes Sect doesn't even have any entry requirements, so why should the Zhao family look down on scholars?"
The young master surnamed Zhao clearly hadn't expected this seemingly ordinary "scholar" to be so sharp-tongued, instantly putting him in a difficult position. Enraged and humiliated, his face flushed red, he snapped, "Sharp tongue! Rules are rules, but talent? With your frail, easily blown away, what talent do you have? You probably wouldn't even be able to get through this mountain gate!"
Lin Mo was too lazy to argue with him, so he simply shook his head slightly, ignored him, and turned to leave.
This dismissive attitude made the young master Zhao feel extremely insulted. He snorted coldly, a sinister glint flashing in his eyes, and suddenly stepped forward, his right hand forming a sword-like gesture, silently striking the "Lingtai" acupoint on Lin Mo's back! This strike was extremely fast, carrying a sharp finger wind, clearly a superior acupoint striking technique passed down in his family, intended to embarrass Lin Mo in public, such as by making him suddenly freeze or trip over.
As the fingertip approached, Lin Mo, as if he had eyes in the back of his head, seemingly casually shifted his foot half a step to the left and back just as the fingertip was about to touch his clothes. It was this slight difference that perfectly dodged the finger.
The young master Zhao pointed at empty air, using too much force, and his body involuntarily staggered forward, almost losing his balance. Startled, before he could react, he suddenly felt something lightly trip him.
"Ouch!"
A gasp rang out as the young master surnamed Zhao tripped over his own feet, stumbling forward several steps in a rather disheveled manner. Had it not been for a quick-thinking attendant beside him catching him, he would likely have fallen flat on his face.
This happened extremely quickly. To most people, it seemed that Young Master Zhao had launched a sneak attack, but the scholar had simply turned his body slightly, and he himself had inexplicably almost fallen over.
"Pfft!" "Haha, did Young Master Zhao lose his footing?" "His sneak attack failed and he's now showing cowardice; what a disgrace!"
The surrounding laughter grew louder. The young master surnamed Zhao steadied himself, his face alternating between pale and flushed, glaring at Lin Mo with a mixture of shock and anger. He had clearly felt his foot tripped by a clever twist; it wasn't an accident! But how could the other person, with his back to him, have done that?
Lin Mo then slowly turned around, his gaze still calm, and looked at the young master surnamed Zhao, saying indifferently, "You'd better stand firm, sir. This mountain path is rugged; don't twist your ankle."
His tone was calm, but the implication in his words made the young master Zhao feel even more ashamed.
"You...you cheated!" The young master surnamed Zhao was furious, pointing at Lin Mo, but he couldn't say anything.
"That's enough!"
A deep shout, like a muffled thunderclap, boomed over the noise of the scene. Among the Seven Absolutes Sect disciples guarding the mountain below the archway, a disciple of about thirty years old with a cold face stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the young master surnamed Zhao and Lin Mo like lightning.
"Private duels are strictly prohibited before the Seven Absolutes Mountain Gate! Any violator will be disqualified from the assessment and expelled from the sect!" The disciple's voice was icy, carrying an unquestionable authority. "Friend," he turned his gaze to Lin Mo, a hint of barely perceptible surprise flashing in his eyes, "Such impressive movement techniques. May I ask your name?"
As an inner disciple of the Seven Absolutes Sect, his insight was naturally exceptional. Lin Mo's seemingly casual step just now actually contained extremely high-level movement skills and precise timing, something no ordinary scholar could achieve. This made him abandon his previous slight contempt.
Lin Mo bowed respectfully, neither humble nor arrogant: "I am Lin Mo, a recluse, who has come to apply for the position of guest elder."
"Lin Mo..." The disciple nodded slightly, noting the name down. "The assessment is about to begin. Please remain calm and maintain order."
After this commotion, the way everyone looked at Lin Mo changed. Their previous disdain and curiosity mostly turned into astonishment and scrutiny. To be able to so effortlessly humiliate the young master of the Zhao family, renowned for his finger techniques, this "scholar" was definitely a hidden master!
Having suffered a loss and been warned by the Seven Absolutes Sect disciples, the young master surnamed Zhao, though resentful, dared not act recklessly again. He could only glare fiercely at Lin Mo before slinking away with his entourage to the side.
Lin Mo seemed completely unconcerned, as if nothing had happened. He found a quiet spot and turned his gaze back to the misty mountain peak. This little incident was hardly an appetizer. His real goal was the assessment beyond the mountain gate and the clues in the library.
About an incense stick's time later, the clouds behind the archway churned, and a loud voice swept down like a tide, clearly reaching the ears of everyone below the mountain:
"The time has come, the mountain gates open! Those who wish to apply for the position of guest retainer, please bring your invitations and enter!"
As soon as the words were spoken, the enormous archway seemed to come alive, emitting a hazy, clear light. The clouds parted to the sides, revealing an even wider stone staircase that stretched deep into the clouds.
The crowd stirred immediately, with people pulling out their invitations and scrambling towards the archway. The disciples guarding the mountain lined up on both sides, checking the invitations and maintaining order.
Lin Mo followed the flow of people, walking forward at a leisurely pace. As he passed the archway, he felt an invisible wave sweep over his body, seemingly verifying the authenticity of the invitation, or perhaps probing something. His heart tightened slightly, but his expression remained calm. His inner energy circulated naturally, completely concealing the aura of the dark gold pagoda he kept close to his body.
Having successfully passed through the archway, we embarked on the long stone steps leading to the main hall of Seven Absolutes Peak. Ancient trees towered on both sides of the mountain path, and strange rocks lay scattered about. From time to time, we could hear the clear chirping of birds and the faint sound of waterfalls. The higher we climbed, the more concentrated the spiritual energy in the air seemed to become.
Looking back, the crowd below the mountain appeared minuscule. Lin Mo took a deep breath, his gaze resolute as he looked ahead. He was determined to obtain the position of guest elder of the Seven Absolutes Sect. This was not only to find a way to rescue Qinglan, but also the first step for him to return to his peak and unravel the mysteries of his past life.