The Council’s Dilemma

A crimson-faced elder, his brow furrowed in displeasure, rumbled, “Elder Li, must our esteemed Heng Yue Sect stoop to such depths? To grant exception for the fate of a mere mortal? Is the Sacred Mandate so easily swayed?”

Elder Li’s eyes, ancient and wise, flickered open, his voice edged with frost. “Elder Ma, the Sect Master has entrusted this matter entirely to us. Should we mishandle it, and this worthless whelp attempt self-destruction a second time, his parents will cry foul, claiming Heng Yue drove their child to his demise. Would that not be a greater shame? Are you prepared to bear this burden, Elder Ma? If so, I shall recuse myself.”

A middle-aged figure, radiating an aura of practiced diplomacy, interjected smoothly, “Gentlemen, let us not squabble over such a trifle. I propose we take him as a disciple of the Outer Sect for the time being. After a decade or so, should he prove unfit for the path of cultivation, we can return him to his kin. Thus, we avoid future complications, and all is well, no?”

An elder garbed in silken robes, his eyes gleaming with arcane knowledge, spoke from the shadows, “And what if others, denied entry, were to emulate this drastic act? What then?”

The middle-aged figure chuckled softly, a sound like wind chimes. “An easily remedied situation. Henceforth, all youths failing the initial trials shall receive a blessing of the Spirit-Soothing Arts. We shall instill in their hearts a profound aversion to ending their own lives. As for this Wang Lin, since the matter has reached such heights, let us simply accept him. An Outer Disciple is a small price to pay for peace.”

Save for Elder Li, the remaining two elders exchanged glances, their meanings unspoken but understood.

The middle-aged figure maintained his serene smile, his thoughts turning inward. *”Wang Lin, Wang Lin… I have extended my aid to the furthest extent possible. The essence-forged iron ingot your uncle gifted me… well, I shall accept it with gratitude. I find it curious, though, that a mere mortal could obtain such rare material.”*

The elder was unaware that Wang Lin’s fourth uncle had acquired the ingot by chance from a simple blacksmith. Though not a cultivator himself, the uncle possessed a discerning eye and recognized the metal’s unusual properties. In a desperate attempt to secure Wang Lin’s entry into Heng Yue Sect, he presented it, unaware of its true value or potential.

An essence-forged ingot, a simple act of desperation, and a twist of fate forever altered Wang Lin’s destiny. When the news reached his ears, he could scarcely believe that he had, through such a bizarre chain of events, become a disciple of the Outer Sect.

Two days later, he saw his parents descend the slopes of Heng Yue Mountain. Watching their faces, flushed with joy and relief, Wang Lin felt a warmth bloom within his chest. He resolved to dedicate himself to cultivation, to master the arts of the Immortals.

However, this resolve began to crumble as soon as his parents departed. Wang Lin was summoned to a utilitarian structure, a place dedicated to assigning tasks to the Outer Disciples. A youth clad in yellow robes, his eyes sharp and cunning, appraised him with undisguised contempt. “So, you are the one who became an Outer Disciple through attempted self-destruction, Wang Lin?”

Wang Lin met his gaze, saying nothing. The yellow-robed youth’s lips curled into a sneer. “Boy, from tomorrow onward, you will report here at sunrise each day. Your task is to carry water – ten vats full, or you shall receive no sustenance. Should you fail for seven consecutive days, I shall inform the elders and have you cast out from Heng Yue Sect. Here are your garments. Remember, Outer Disciples are permitted only grey robes. It is only upon becoming a true disciple that you will be granted robes of other colors.” With a dismissive gesture, he tossed a set of coarse clothing and a wooden token aside and closed his eyes, turning his back on Wang Lin.

Wang Lin picked up the robes. “Where do I reside?”

The youth, without opening his eyes, replied with bored nonchalance, “Head north. You will find a row of humble dwellings. Present your token to the disciple in charge there, and they will allocate you a room.”

Wang Lin memorized the directions, then turned and headed north. As he departed, the youth opened his eyes, spitting out words of scorn. “Heh, relying on suicide to force his way in. Truly a waste of space.”

As Wang Lin traversed Heng Yue Sect, he saw that most disciples wore the drab grey robes, moving with purpose and wearing hardened expressions. Some carried tools, their faces etched with exhaustion.

After traveling north for what felt like an age, he finally came across a row of low, unassuming buildings. Here, the number of grey-robed disciples was greater than anywhere else he had seen thus far, but all carried on in their own way, very few acknowledging one another.

He gave his token to the yellow-robed disciple in charge of the dorms, who merely pointed to a vacant shack without so much as a word of welcome.

Wang Lin was now accustomed to the general cold demeanor of the Sect, and walked to the designated room, pushing the door open. The room was small, containing two wooden beds and a small table, but it was clean and well-kept, much like his old home.

He chose a seemingly unoccupied bed, set down his meager belongings, and lay down, his mind awash with thoughts. He had finally entered Heng Yue Sect, but it was not the paradise of cultivation he had envisioned. According to the yellow-robed youth, his task was to carry water.

With a sigh, he reached into his tunic and touched the smooth surface of the stone bead. This was his most prized possession, and Wang Lin was well read enough to understand that some treasures were better kept secret. He pledged to himself that he would never reveal to anyone the existence of this unique bead.

Before long, night descended. A gaunt, grey-robed youth, his face drawn with fatigue, pushed open the door. He paused upon seeing Wang Lin, giving him a curious once-over before collapsing onto the other bed, sinking into a heavy slumber.

Wang Lin paid him no mind. Knowing that he had to rise early, he rummaged through his bag and took out a few sweet potatoes. His parents had brought these with them in case they needed to search for him, but had given them to him upon learning of his acceptance into Heng Yue Sect.

The sweet potatoes were delicious, and Wang Lin took a few bites. As he did, the youth on the opposite bed stirred. He sat up, his eyes fixated on the sweet potatoes. He swallowed heavily. “Could…could I have a piece?” he asked tentatively.

Wang Lin smiled, and immediately handed him a few. “I have plenty. Take as many as you want.”

The youth snatched them up and devoured them, then quickly grabbed a cup of water, gulping it down in one go. “Damn, I haven’t eaten in two days, brother. Thank you. What’s your name?”

Wang Lin gave his name. The youth’s eyes widened in shock. “You’re Wang Lin? The one who tried to kill himself to get into Heng Yue Sect… the trash…” Realizing his tactlessness, he coughed and said, “My name is Zhang Hu. Frankly, everyone in the Sect knows about you. Don’t think I’m judging you, I admire you. I think it’s awesome that you were able to get in using that method.”

Wang Lin forced a smile, said nothing, and handed him some more sweet potatoes.

Zhang Hu accepted them gratefully, eating a few before saying apologetically, “Wang Lin, you should save some for yourself. You’re new here, you don’t know what the weasel in the support staff office is like. You’ll learn what he’s like tomorrow, he doesn’t treat us outer disciples like people!”