C14 Medicinal Field

"Little brother," the Taoist priest said as he returned to the registration area, nodding at the visibly uneasy Wu Shanbao. "Here's what we'll do: I'll enroll you in the Outer Sect, and you'll be responsible for managing the herbal field on the back mountain."

Relief flickered in Wu Shanbao's eyes upon hearing that the True Dao was willing to take him in. However, he couldn't suppress his curiosity and asked, "Then, may I still learn the True Dao's Fist Technique and attend the Sect Master's teachings?"

"Of course, you are a disciple of the True Dao; there will be no issues with that," the Taoist priest assured him, nodding as he retrieved two sets of linen clothing from beneath the registration desk. "You'll be living near the herbal field, and someone will be there to show you to your quarters upon your arrival."

"Thank you," Wu Shanbao said, his heart finally free of any lingering anxiety.

He was just a child of ten, who, after enduring a family tragedy, had come to know the cold realities of the world. Now, with the True Dao offering him refuge instead of turning him away like the Great Dao had, Wu Shanbao felt a deep sense of gratitude and etched the kindness of the True Dao into his heart.

The Taoist priest watched Wu Shanbao for a moment, his young face brimming with joy. Considering the boy had just recently suffered the loss of his family, the priest's heart swelled with compassion, and he let out a soft sigh.

"Little brother, only through enduring the toughest hardships can one rise above the rest," he said.

With that, he gave Wu Shanbao a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Off you go now, don't miss out on your rest."

Wu Shanbao blinked, then bowed deeply to the Taoist priest, expressing his gratitude, "Thank you for your guidance, Senior."

Once Wu Shanbao had departed, a figure with white hair and beard emerged behind the Taoist priest – it was none other than Sect Master Ye Tian, who had previously urged the priest to take Wu Shanbao under his wing.

Watching Wu Shanbao's retreating figure, Ye Tian nodded with satisfaction. "Regardless of the boy's innate talent, his character alone qualifies him to be a disciple of the True Dao. You've done well. Continue to look out for him, but do so discreetly to avoid detection. This child has a sense of pride that's uniquely his own."

"Yes," the Taoist priest responded, bowing respectfully.

Ye Tian swept his long robe and vanished as if he were a ghost, just as he had appeared.

Wu Shanbao was completely oblivious to the conversation that had taken place behind him. He was basking in happiness, which had somewhat diluted the sorrow in his heart.

The senior was right: only through suffering can one become superior. Father, Mother, I will grow very strong and avenge you.

The journey from the square to the back mountain was not short, but Wu Shanbao, pausing occasionally, did not feel weary.

As he reached the midpoint of the mountain, a clamor of voices suddenly reached him. Instinctively, he looked up and locked eyes with someone exuding arrogance.

The disdainful figure averted his gaze and remarked to his companion, "I think we need to be more selective about who we admit as disciples in the future. We can't just take in any beggar who comes along."

"The boss is right; we can't keep every beggar," another chimed in.

"Exactly," agreed a third.

The youth deliberately raised his voice, ensuring that Wu Shanbao heard every word.

Wu Shanbao's grip on his clothes tightened as he passed by the group dressed in fine brocade. Ultimately, he released his clenched fist, resigning himself to the thought: only those who endure great hardships can become great people.

The young man at the center of the group noticed Wu Shanbao's lack of reaction to his taunts. He turned to watch Wu Shanbao walk away, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "This kid doesn't seem to know what's expected of him in my presence."

"Boss, should we teach him a lesson?" his peers whispered, gathering around.

"Just be careful. Let him suffer a bit, but don't go too far like last time," the brocade-clad youth instructed, waving his hand dismissively as his entourage scattered.

Clearly, this wasn't their first time causing trouble. They rarely faced serious repercussions, thanks to the influence of the brocade-clad youth.

Known as Ye Lang, he was the grandson of Sect Master Ye Tian and a favored child, blessed with talent and his grandfather's affection. Unfortunately, his grandfather's indulgence had made him somewhat tyrannical. Ye Tian, fond of his grandson, often overlooked his bullying within the True Dao, only offering a word of caution when his behavior became excessively out of line.

Wu Shanbao didn't dwell on Ye Lang's challenging behavior. Upon reaching the herbal field, he quickly dismissed the incident from his mind. Approaching an elderly man seated at the edge of the field, he inquired, "Excuse me, sir, do you happen to know where the new disciple's quarters are?"

The elder lifted his gaze, giving Wu Shanbao a look that sent shivers down his spine, before finally speaking, "The new disciple for this year, why have you been assigned to the herbal field?"

A flicker of anxiety crossed Wu Shanbao's mind, fearing the elder might send him away. He hastily responded, "A senior at the registration office directed me here, mentioning that someone would arrange a place for me to stay."

"What's your name?"

"Wu Shanbao."

Upon hearing the name, a spark of recognition lit up the elder's eyes. After a moment of contemplation, he seemed to piece something together. Pointing to a nearby thatched hut, he instructed, "There are two beds inside. The one that's bare is yours. Tidy it up and change out of those clothes before you come back out."

"Yes, sir," Wu Shanbao replied promptly, then dashed off toward the hut.

Once he had slipped into the new clothes he'd been given, Wu Shanbao returned to the elder and asked, "Sir, what duties should I attend to?"

"The herbal field is a significant part of True Dao's economic foundation," the elder explained, stroking his beard. "Since the Daoist priest sent you here, he must see potential in you. You'll be in charge of tending to these herbs, and I'll guide you through the process."

"Thank you, sir," Wu Shanbao said earnestly, committing the elder's instructions to memory and gazing out over the fragrant field. The scent of the herbs invigorated him, and he felt a surge of appreciation for the Daoist priest who had brought him here.

"The only other thing," the elder added, "is to gather some firewood from behind the courtyard for tonight's fire."

"Understood." Wu Shanbao nodded and strode off toward the back of the courtyard.

The elder watched Wu Shanbao's energetic departure, pondering thoughtfully.

Although the medicinal field was sparsely populated, a scattering of individuals stood behind the courtyard. Most were young men clad in linen, busying themselves with gathering firewood.

Wu Shanbao mulled over what might be the right amount to collect when an unfriendly voice reached him from behind, "You poor kid, you sure made it easy for us to find you."

Unsure who was being addressed and despite the voice sounding vaguely familiar, Wu Shanbao dismissed the idea that anyone would be looking for him. Opting to avoid trouble, he kept his head down and continued to pick up firewood.

The group of young men grew incensed when Wu Shanbao ignored them. The ringleader strode forward and delivered a kick to Wu Shanbao's rear, snarling, "You little pauper, pretending to be deaf? You're asking for it!"