Chapter 16: Life 50, Age 16, Martial Disciple Level 1
I arrived at an expansive square where thousands of sect hopefuls had already gathered. Unlike most of the town, the ground of the square was cobbled with dull white stones whose cracks and pitting showed the wear of ages.
On the far side of the square was a raised dais where a middle-aged man sat, examining everyone as they milled about. To either side of this dais were large paifang arches. Each arch crossed over a cobbled road. The two roads each stretched off in the direction of one of two mountains that rose up behind the scene. These mountains were where the Twin Mountains Sect resided. All I could see from here was dense foliage. Large forests covered both mountains, and the peaks looked to be nothing but barren stone.
I waited in the square as more people gathered. The man on the dais was in no rush to start the proceedings. He waited until some appointed time. I had rushed there, expecting to be late, but over an hour after I got there, I was still waiting.
Finally, when the sun was high in the sky, the man stood up and addressed the crowd.
“Welcome, all, to the Disciple Selection of my Twin Mountains Sect. Though it is only a small sect, and there are many of you here, we do not turn away anyone who is worthy of joining us. If fortune favors both you and us, then everyone here may become new disciples.”
At this announcement, there was mild cheering throughout the crowd. For many here, joining this sect was their only hope for the future. Others, though, stood with smirks on their faces as they looked at the more excited members of the crowd.
“In front of you are two archways,” the man continued, gesturing to both his left and right. “These arches lead to the two different branches of the sect. If you follow the path to your right, you will find the Martial Peak. This is where the fighters of the sect learn and train. If you wish to become a hero in the future, this is the path of your destiny. If you follow the path to your left, you will find the Alchemy Peak. This is where our alchemists work for the betterment of the entire sect.”
He held his arms wide with each one pointed at one of the two arches by his side.
“Each selection, you may only attempt a single path. If you fail, as long as you still meet the requirements, you may try again in the future. Anyone may try to become a sect alchemist. To become a sect warrior, however, you must be no older than 18 and at the level of at least Martial Disciple 6, preferably stronger. If you do not meet these requirements, please leave now. We will not question anyone who does so, but if you try to sneak in, you will be punished.”