Drafts being written RN

The four of them descended the mountain and arrived in the capital of the most prosperous country at its base.

Qin Sang emptied all the gold and silver from the mustard bag and gave them to Song Ying. These alone were enough to secure a life of wealth and comfort. After ensuring all matters were settled, Qin Sang took Song Ying back to Wenyue Market, where they proceeded to the Song family ancestral tomb.

To retrieve the sword intent and decree, the bloodline of the Song family was necessary, along with a unique talisman.

Using the talisman given by Song Ying, Qin Sang added a drop of her blood and infused it with spiritual power. The talisman floated into the air and sank into the tomb of the Song family's ancestors.

Moments later, the tomb split open, and a green light burst into the sky.

Qin Sang extended his hand to catch the green light, discovering it to be a small sword talisman.

"Is this the sword intent and decree of Shaohua Mountain?" Qin Sang murmured.

Curious, he probed the talisman with his spiritual sense. The sword talisman trembled, releasing a dazzling light and an intensely sharp aura. Qin Sang's face paled slightly, prompting him to withdraw his spiritual sense.

He secured the sword talisman and turned to Song Ying. "Miss Song, please accompany me to Shaohua Mountain once more."

Qin Sang activated his flying shuttle, bringing Song Ying to the gates of Shaohua Mountain.

Previously, he had only observed the mountain from afar. Now, up close, he noted that Shaohua Mountain's entrance was veiled in mist, protected by a powerful formation.

Refraining from entering uninvited, Qin Sang placed the sword talisman at the edge of the formation and waited.

Soon, a beam of light emerged from the formation, paused mid-air, and approached them, revealing a white-haired old man.

Foundation Establishment cultivator!

Qin Sang's heart tensed, and he quickly adopted a respectful demeanor.

The old man examined the pair before his gaze settled on Qin Sang. "Were you the one who sent in the sword intent and decree just now?"

Qin Sang bowed deeply. "Yes, Senior. It was me."

The old man nodded. "Are you both descendants of the Song family?"

"No, Senior," Qin Sang clarified. "I am Qin Sang, not of the Song family. This is Miss Song Ying, a direct descendant of the Song lineage."

The old man frowned slightly and turned to Song Ying. "Raise your hand."

After taking a drop of Song Ying's blood and confirming the authenticity of the sword intent and decree, the old man addressed her sternly. "Miss Song, what is your relationship with this man? Why did you give the sword intent and decree to an outsider? Did he coerce you?"

Qin Sang opened his mouth to respond, but the old man's icy glare silenced him, leaving him drenched in cold sweat.

Song Ying bowed gracefully. "Respected Senior, Brother Qin did not force me. Instead, he extended a helping hand in Wenyue Market and alleviated my troubles. I am the last of the Song family, and I willingly entrusted the sword intent and decree to Brother Qin."

Qin Sang silently exhaled in relief.

The old man remained skeptical and stated earnestly, "If you are under duress or fear reprisal, speak freely. Now that you are at the mountain gate, Shaohua Mountain will ensure you receive justice."

Song Ying shook her head firmly. "Honored Senior, I assure you, my actions are of my own volition."

The old man's expression softened. "Very well, but know that once given, the sword intent and decree cannot be reclaimed. Do you understand?"

Song Ying nodded in agreement.

With a wave of his hand, a green phoenix materialized from the clouds in the old man's palm. "Ride this phoenix. It will safely escort you down the mountain."

Qin Sang bowed. "Miss Song, farewell for now."

After seeing Song Ying off, the old man led Qin Sang into the formation.

Inside, the scenery transformed dramatically. Majestic peaks appeared, as if split by a colossal sword, with a narrow gap forming the sky's frame. Both sides of the slopes were adorned with peach trees in full bloom, their blossoms carpeting the ground like vibrant confetti. The air was perfumed with the sweet scent of flowers, and petals fluttered about like colorful butterflies.

Passing through the mountains, Qin Sang spotted young women laughing and playing amidst the peach trees. Their carefree demeanor added to the serene beauty of the scene.

These women will be my senior sisters, Qin Sang mused.

Upon noticing their approach, the women stifled their laughter and curiously observed Qin Sang. They respectfully bowed to the old man. "Disciple greets Uncle Wen," they said in unison.

The old man acknowledged them with a kind smile, his demeanor far warmer than with Qin Sang.

Beyond the mountain, the view opened up to reveal an expanse of pristine waters dotted with sword-like peaks. Below, cranes soared gracefully, koi leaped from the water, and monks floated mid-air, exchanging greetings.

Shaohua Mountain's gate was as ethereal as a dream.

A poem from Qin Sang's previous life surfaced in his mind, perfectly encapsulating the scene:

"Someone asked me about Penglai. The clouds are in the green mountains, and the water is in the sky."

...

After landing on the largest and most unassuming peak, Uncle Wen led Qin Sang to a wooden hall. Upon inspecting Qin Sang's spiritual roots, Uncle Wen raised an eyebrow. "Five-element spiritual roots? For your age, your cultivation isn't bad, but your chances of breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage are slim. Are you certain you wish to use the sword intent and decree?"

Qin Sang hesitated briefly. "May I pass it to future generations instead?"

Uncle Wen nodded. "It is possible. The essence and blood of the Song family ancestor can be exchanged for yours. If your descendants display exceptional talent, they may use the sword intent and decree to join Shaohua Mountain."

Taking a deep breath, Qin Sang responded resolutely. "Thank you, Uncle Wen, but I have no second thoughts. My heart is set on the immortal path!"

Uncle Wen ceased persuading him and prepared a waist badge from the essence and blood, before summoning a disciple to guide Qin Sang through his initiation into the sect.

...

The mundane formalities of initiation were similar to those of Yuanzhao Sect. Qin Sang's senior, Brother Zhuang, only a year older than him, was already at the tenth level of the Qi Refining Stage and preparing for Foundation Establishment.

Shaohua Mountain's policy provided a free Foundation Establishment Pill to disciples who reached the tenth level before the age of forty.

This was an unexpected boon for Qin Sang, though he knew that with his talent, breaking through with a single pill was unlikely. His best hope lay in cultivating to the peak of the Qi Refining Stage.

"Junior Brother Qin," Brother Zhuang explained, "this mountain is Daomen Peak, symbolizing that once you enter the sect, you embark on the immortal path. Remember not to let worldly distractions hinder your practice."

Qin Sang nodded in acknowledgment.

As they soared over Daomen Peak on their flying swords, Brother Zhuang pointed ahead, his tone reverent. "That is Jianmen Pass, split open by a single sword from a senior. It's a testament to the might of immortality."

"That senior's Dharma name was Qingzhu, and his experience was quite similar to Junior Brother Qin's.

He was originally a wandering cultivator who later joined Shaohua Mountain. After Senior Qingzhu established his foundation, he successfully formed a core within just forty years, an exceptional feat in the sect. No one has ever broken this record. However, for unknown reasons, he later became half-mad and was confined by the sect.

It is said that Senior Qingzhu, driven by anger for his beloved, split the mountain with a single sword, broke through the formation, and left behind Jianmen Pass. The exact details of his story remain a mystery—rumors and legends abound, but no one truly knows the truth.

Interestingly, after that incident, all the spiritual herbs and flowers on the mountain were devastated by the lingering sword energy. Yet, the red jade peach tree not only survived but thrived with even greater vitality.

That year, during the season of bitter frost, the peach blossoms bloomed in full splendor and defied the winter chill. They took three years to bear fruit. Although the red jade peach is an ordinary fruit, it is sweeter than most spiritual fruits. Whenever it ripens, even elders in retreat emerge to savor its taste."

Senior Brother Zhuang stood atop his magical weapon, gazing at Jianmen Pass with admiration, deeply engrossed in the legend of Senior Qingzhu. Qin Sang, however, was more envious of Senior Qingzhu's extraordinary talent. To progress from foundation establishment to core formation in just forty years was an astonishing achievement.

Even those born with natural spiritual roots, unburdened by bottlenecks during the core formation stage, often require years of preparation and cautious retreat to succeed.

Unexpectedly, Qin Sang found this seemingly composed Senior Brother Zhuang quite romantic. "Is Senior Qingzhu still in the sect?" Qin Sang asked.

Senior Brother Zhuang shook his head regretfully. "Senior Qingzhu split the mountain and left the sect. He never returned. The elders and ancestors have kept his circumstances secret. There are rumors that Senior Qingzhu was spotted in the ancient battlefield, but nothing has been confirmed. To this day, there has been no news of him. If he failed to form a nascent soul, then..."

Qin Sang fell silent. The path of immortal cultivation is fraught with peril—glory for the few, ruin for many. Even with Senior Qingzhu's unparalleled talent, all that remains is the legend of Jianmen Pass. If he has indeed perished, perhaps his story will fade into obscurity, forgotten with time.

"This is Pagoda Peak," Senior Brother Zhuang said, gesturing toward a mountain in the distance.

The mountain was remarkable for its massive stone pagoda carved from its summit, with several smaller pagodas dotting its slopes.

Pagoda Peak serves as Shaohua Mountain's repository for techniques, spells, and various cultivation texts. Qin Sang made a mental note to visit it later, especially to identify the mysterious orchid he'd previously encountered.

"Qi Refining disciples can access the first floor of Pagoda Peak using their sect badges, but they must pay with spirit stones. Taking books out of Pagoda Peak incurs additional fees. Similarly, attending lectures by the elders at Daomen Peak requires spirit stones. However, Junior Brother Qin need not worry—disciples earn a stipend from performing sect tasks, enough to cover basic cultivation expenses. It's one of the many benefits of being in a sect. Surely Junior Brother Qin understands this better than most, given the hardships of a wandering cultivator's life."

Qin Sang asked about the tasks available in Shaohua Mountain, mindful of his past experience with tedious jobs in Yuanzhao Sect. This time, he resolved to avoid overly burdensome chores.

Having looted Zhao Yan's mustard seed bag, Qin Sang now considered himself well-off. Keeping a medium-grade spirit stone in reserve, he calculated that his savings should comfortably sustain his cultivation.

Senior Brother Zhuang reassured Qin Sang and continued showing him around Shaohua Mountain. The pair flew from Daomen Peak, touring the surrounding peaks as Zhuang provided introductions.

In Shaohua Mountain, Qi Refining disciples are largely confined to Daomen Peak and its vicinity. The inner peaks are mostly forbidden, accessible only to higher-ranking members.

"That is Jingyue Peak, where Fairy Chenyan is in seclusion," Zhuang said, pointing to a small, unassuming mountain.

Jingyue Peak was lush with forests and bamboo groves, its clear springs gleaming like jewels.

Senior Brother Zhuang had mentioned Fairy Chenyan repeatedly, and Qin Sang was beginning to grow weary of the topic.

According to Zhuang, Fairy Chenyan possessed unparalleled beauty and celestial grace, rivaling the heavens themselves. Her talent was equally extraordinary; a natural spiritual root had enabled her to reach the late core formation stage. Now over a century old, she had been in seclusion at Jingyue Peak for over two decades, preparing to break through to the nascent soul stage.

Qin Sang couldn't help but smirk. How strange that this "serious" Senior Brother Zhuang, who had earlier urged him to focus on cultivation, was so enamored by someone he'd only seen in a portrait.

After completing their tour, Zhuang escorted Qin Sang back to Daomen Peak, where he arranged accommodations for him in a modest hut.

"Junior Brother Qin, if you have no other plans, come with me to select a sect task," Zhuang offered.

The two returned to Daomen Peak. Along the way, they passed several senior brothers and sisters, all hurrying toward the lecture hall. A senior elder known for his expertise in spellcraft was scheduled to teach that evening.

As they conversed, a sudden gust of wind came from behind. Qin Sang swiftly sidestepped as a streak of light darted past him.

Frowning, Qin Sang said nothing. Moments later, the light circled back. A square-faced young man descended, standing atop his magical weapon.

"Ah, Junior Brother Zhuang Yan!" the man exclaimed, grinning. "And who is this unfamiliar face?"

"This is Senior Brother Sun De," Zhuang said, introducing the newcomer. "Senior Brother Sun, this is Junior Brother Qin Sang. He recently joined the sect under Uncle Wen's guidance. It's no wonder you haven't met him yet."

Sun De nodded in understanding. "Ah, I see. I was wondering why someone would join the sect at this time. Junior Brother Qin, I was in a rush to reach Daomen Peak for Uncle Wen's lecture. My recklessness nearly caused a collision. Please forgive me."

Bowing apologetically, Sun De appeared genuinely remorseful.

Qin Sang returned the gesture politely. "No offense taken, Senior Brother Sun."

Grinning mischievously, Sun De asked, "Junior Brother Qin, have you chosen your sect task yet?"

Qin Sang shook his head.

Zhuang chimed in, "Not yet. I'm just about to take him to Daomen Peak to decide."

"Well, Junior Brother Qin," Sun De said with a sly smile, "don't let Zhuang here trick you into picking one of those dull, time-wasting jobs. If you're not short on spirit stones, avoid them like the plague—you'll thank me later!"

Laughing, Sun De took off, leaving Zhuang visibly annoyed but speechless.

Here's the revised version with improved grammar and clarity:

After Sun De left, Qin Sang looked at Zhuang Yan with suspicion. "Brother Zhuang, what are the pitfalls that Brother Sun mentioned?"

Zhuang Yan sighed softly and shook his head. "Brother Qin, the chores within the sect are indeed tedious and straightforward, but they are generally fair. Heavier chores pay more each month, and some may even bring unexpected opportunities, though they can take up significant time for cultivation. Because of this, many disciples are unwilling to choose them.

"However, someone has to do these chores, and the sect often assigns them forcibly to new disciples. This has caused a lot of dissatisfaction. Since we get along well, I'll give you a list later so you can choose for yourself. But keep in mind that once you've chosen, you can't change your mind. You'll be required to do the job for five years unless you break through to the Foundation Establishment stage. What do you think?"

Qin Sang knew that Brother Zhuang was doing him a favor by giving him a choice, and pressing further would be ungrateful. He said gratefully, "Thank you, Brother Zhuang."

As they walked and talked, Qin Sang learned more about the chores in Shaohua Mountain. They weren't limited to the sect itself but also included assignments beyond the mountain gate.

For instance, monks from Shaohua Mountain oversaw several large marketplaces around the sect to ensure that unruly rogue cultivators behaved. Such tasks were quite profitable, but Zhuang Yan candidly told Qin Sang that these coveted jobs would not be assigned to him unless he could earn the favor of a senior master.

There were also mortal capitals under Shaohua Mountain's jurisdiction. Some were managed by cultivation families attached to the sect, while others required Shaohua Mountain disciples to monitor them. The primary purpose was to prevent rogue cultivators from causing trouble or demonic beasts from wreaking havoc. The sect strictly forbade disciples from interfering in mortal affairs or exposing their presence unless necessary, with severe punishment for violations.

After much deliberation, Qin Sang decided to try for an assignment outside the mountain gate. During his search for the Song family in various marketplaces, he had heard rumors of places where evil spirits might be present. He had noted these locations, all in remote wilderness, but had yet to investigate.

As long as he had access to spirit pills, his cultivation speed wouldn't lag behind others. The slightly less abundant spiritual energy outside the sect wouldn't hinder him much. Being stationed away from the sect might even be more convenient for his purposes.

Back at the wooden hall, Zhuang Yan handed Qin Sang a jade slip. Qin Sang used his spiritual sense to examine it and quickly realized why many chores were left unchosen.

The first option was to become an alchemy assistant at Jiuding Peak, which involved refining medicines. The jade slip extolled the success of past disciples who had gained master alchemists as mentors and become renowned in the art of alchemy. However, it also mentioned the downside—spending at least six hours daily watching over the alchemy furnace.

Skipping over the internal chores, Qin Sang focused on the external ones and found a task to guard the Sinkhole.

The jade slip described the Sinkhole as a bottomless pit filled with malevolent energy. Shaohua Mountain had placed a powerful seal on it, requiring constant vigilance by disciples. Any changes in the Sinkhole had to be immediately reported to prevent the malevolent energy from spreading and causing catastrophic harm.

Qin Sang was surprised by Shaohua Mountain's caution. Could the malevolent energy in the Sinkhole be even more potent than in Yin Sha Abyss? Retracting his spiritual sense, he asked Zhuang Yan, "Brother Zhuang, is there still a vacancy for guarding the Sinkhole?"

Zhuang Yan gave him a strange look. "You want this job?"

When Qin Sang nodded, Zhuang Yan clapped his hands and said cheerfully, "Great! The Sinkhole will be yours to guard from now on. Let me update your waist badge immediately."

Qin Sang handed over his badge but questioned with a dark expression, "Brother Zhuang, tell me honestly—does guarding the Sinkhole count as one of those infamous 'pitfalls'?"

Zhuang Yan seemed relieved, as though a heavy burden had been lifted from him. Smiling, he replied, "Well, the Sinkhole is indeed one of the sect's recognized difficult assignments. The environment is dark, cold, and isolated. Anyone with a weak mind wouldn't be able to endure it. However, if you can tolerate the solitude, it's one of the least demanding tasks."

Qin Sang nodded thoughtfully, though he suspected Zhuang Yan wasn't telling him everything. Still, as long as there was no immediate danger to his life, the task suited his needs.

The decision made, Zhuang Yan took Qin Sang to the Hall of Transmissions. The senior uncle giving a lecture had already arrived. Since Qin Sang was a new disciple and didn't need to pay spirit stones within his first month, he joined the lecture.

Qin Sang was immediately captivated. The senior uncle's expertise in spells, especially in the five elements, was unparalleled. Even a casual comment provided Qin Sang with significant insight. It was far beyond what Yue Wu could offer.

After the lecture, Qin Sang realized why most disciples avoided guarding the Sinkhole. The remote location and year-round stationing meant missing countless opportunities to attend such enlightening sessions.

With his decision made, Qin Sang resolved to spend the next month attending as many lectures as possible before leaving for the Sinkhole.