C5 Apprenticeship

Shortly thereafter, Hsiao Zhi led a bewildered Hsu Mu out of the grand hall. As they departed, Hsu Mu couldn't resist casting several lingering glances at Sheh Yu, seemingly puzzled over his choice not to accompany her.

Reading Hsu Mu's mind, Hsiao Zhi offered a reassuring comment, "Stop fretting over your fellow disciples. Anyone with talent surpassing three spiritual roots is bound to be accepted into the Outer Sect."

"And you, my friend, have stumbled upon some incredible fortune. When you meet Uncle Liu, keep your words to a minimum; he's known for his short fuse."

Hsu Mu simply nodded, holding back any further conversation.

Observing the unremarkable youth before him, Hsiao Zhi felt a twinge of envy. Despite possessing what many considered a worthless spiritual root, Hsu Mu had secured a place as an Inner Sect disciple.

"Up you get!" Hsiao Zhi called out.

Hsu Mu looked over to see Hsiao Zhi perched atop a long sword, its emerald hue gleaming as if carved from jade itself.

A smirk appeared on Hsiao Zhi's face as he noticed Hsu Mu's fascination with the flying sword. With a surge of spiritual power, the sword transformed into a streak of green, vanishing into the sky.

Startled, Hsu Mu nearly lost his balance on the flying sword. He quickly crouched down, gripping the blade tightly.

Hsiao Zhi shook his head, a mix of amusement and resignation in his gaze. Without further ado, he steered them toward their destination.

Before long, the flying sword began its descent, touching down on a desolate mountaintop. Had Hsu Mu not trusted Hsiao Zhi implicitly, he might have doubted they were still within the bounds of Liverlam Rise. The area was nothing more than a barren hillside, overgrown with weeds and littered with deadwood.

In the distance, a ramshackle hut bustled with activity, and the sound of metal on stone echoed around them, reminiscent of a quarry.

"Who dares visit my Red Fire Peak?" a gruff voice boomed. A moment later, a muscular man emerged, bare-chested and clad in a tiger skin loincloth, a gourd swinging from his waist.

This was Liu Yan, the Peak Master of Red Fire Peak at Liverlam Rise, a formidable figure in the Middle Period of the Foundation Stage and a master craftsman. The majority of the sect's disciples wielded magic tools forged by him and his apprentices.

"Uncle Liu, it's me. I've brought you a new disciple," Hsiao Zhi announced with a sycophantic grin.

"A new disciple? I don't recall asking for one!" Liu Yan retorted, uncorking his gourd to take a hearty swig of what smelled unmistakably like potent liquor.

Hsiao Zhi quickly clarified, "You jest, Uncle Liu. Weren't you seeking a disciple with five spiritual roots? This newcomer is precisely that, sent by Elder Lu himself."

"Five Spiritual Roots?" Liu Yan's interest was piqued, and he scrutinized Hsu Mu with wide, bell-like eyes.

Stepping closer, he peered into Hsu Mu's eyes and inquired, "You truly possess five spiritual roots?"

"Indeed, Martial Uncle," Hsu Mu replied with due respect.

"Ha! My patience has finally paid off! The ancestors must be smiling down on us!" Liu Yan bellowed with such force that Hsu Mu winced in pain.

Seizing the opportunity, Hsiao Zhi made a swift exit, leaving Hsu Mu to endure the ear-splitting howl alone.

Eventually, Liu Yan ceased his exultation and, looking pleased, clapped Hsu Mu on the shoulder. "What's your name, lad?"

Hsu Mu, nursing his sore shoulder, responded, "Hsu Mu, Martial Uncle."

"Hsu Mu? What was your father thinking? Hoping for a prodigy with a Wood Spiritual Root?" Liu Yan inquired with a hint of curiosity.

"No, it's because my second brother is named Xu Lin," Hsu Mu explained, sensing that this elder was quite unlike what he had expected.

"And your older brother, is he Xu Sen?" Liu Yan probed further.

"He's Xu Shan," Hsu Mu replied, his eyes betraying a touch of melancholy.

Liu Yan chuckled at the response, dismissively adding, "Well, your father's choices are none of my concern. From now on, you're my sixth disciple. As for your Daoist name, let's go with Huomuzi!"

"Thank you, Master!" Hsu Mu bowed deeply, his address shifting from 'Martial Uncle' to 'Master,' though his face couldn't hide his thoughts on the rather arbitrary Daoist name.

"Come along. I'll introduce you to your senior brothers." Liu Yan seemed indifferent to the Daoist name's lack of appeal and led Hsu Mu towards a cave.

Inside, Hsu Mu discovered that Red Fire Peak was truly a hidden gem. Beyond its unassuming exterior lay an inner sanctuary, a veritable paradise concealed within the mountain.

Considering the scale of the cave, it seemed as though the mountain had been hollowed out by nearly half. The entire cavern was nestled within the mountain's interior, complete with numerous hanging springs and waterfalls, surrounded by flower gardens and lush greenery. Coupled with the cool air, the place was virtually indistinguishable from a mythical paradise.

Yet occasionally, a mysterious surge of heat would emanate from somewhere deep within the mountain, as if something lay hidden in its core. This was, in fact, the location of the fire vein of Red Fire Peak.

Liu Yan guided Hsu Mu through a series of twists and turns, and they quickly arrived at a stone doorway. Liu Yan pushed the door open and strode in, with Hsu Mu following close behind.

As Hsu Mu stepped through the stone entrance, he was taken aback. The room was strikingly similar to a mortal world's mourning hall.

At the center of the hall stood five memorial tablets. Hsu Mu examined the names inscribed upon them and felt a chill run down his spine.

The memorial tablet of the eldest disciple, Huo Yan.

The memorial tablet of the second disciple, Huo Miao.

The memorial tablet of the third disciple, Huo Tuo.

The memorial tablet of the fourth disciple, Huo Lin.

The memorial tablet of the fifth disciple, Huo Jin.

The awkwardness of the names made it clear that these tablets belonged to his senior brothers and sisters. And though it wasn't explicitly stated, it appeared that all five had met their end simultaneously.

"Master, this..." Hsu Mu stammered, his voice tinged with fear.

"Hmph, did you really think I'd harm you?" Liu Yan shot Hsu Mu a stern look.

Hsu Mu quickly responded, "Of course not!"

"Let it go. It's understandable that you're frightened. To be honest, it even gives me a bit of a scare when I think about it now," Liu Yan admitted with a resigned sigh, pulling out a flask from his belt and taking a swig.

"Alright, pay your respects to your senior brothers first, then I'll tell you what really happened back then."

Upon hearing this, Hsu Mu knelt down reverently and bowed deeply to the five memorial tablets. He bore no resentment; after all, they were deceased fellow disciples, and it was only proper to honor them with a bow.

Liu Yan observed the scene with approval, nodding in satisfaction. "Come with me," he said, leaving the hall with a gesture for Hsu Mu to follow.