Humble Peak

The Bamboo Slope of the Outer Sect was also known as the Ascending Heaven Platform among the factotum disciples.

This statement was not an exaggeration; stepping foot here signified truly entering the path of cultivation.

Only one hundred and three people came with Chen An’nian.

Like other factotum disciples, Chen An’nian felt both excitement and nervousness, with a hint of trepidation in his heart.

On the Bamboo Slope, six large flags fluttered in the wind.

The names of the main peaks of the Outer Sect were displayed on the flags.

Heavenly Martial Peak, Alchemy Peak, Artifact Refinement Peak, Formation Peak, Sunset Peak, and the Humble Peak.

These six main peaks, totaling seventy-two mountain peaks, formed the Outer Sect of Green Mountain Sect.

Today, the Outer Sect elders emerged from their seclusion to welcome this year’s new disciples.

Many Outer Sect disciples had already gathered here, preparing to welcome their junior disciples.

On the elevated platform of the Bamboo Slope.

“The Heavenly Martial Peak is the main peak for the martial arts. Whether it’s swords, staffs, or fists that you are interested in, you are all welcome!”

A swordsman carrying a long sword proclaimed loudly.

He appeared to be under thirty years old, and as he spoke, many Outer Sect disciples cheered along.

“The Alchemy Peak is the main peak of alchemy. The refinement of medicine and elixirs is an indispensable aspect of the fist technique. Those who enter our Alchemy Peak are esteemed guests of the sect.”

A bearded elder stroked his beard and spoke clearly, his voice reaching every factotum disciple’s ears.

“The Artifact Refinement Peak is the main peak of craftsmanship. Weapons are the lifeblood of warriors, and powerful warriors all cultivate their lives through them. Those who enter our Artifact Refinement Peak can obtain divine weapons.”

A muscular man with bulging biceps shouted loudly.

“The Formation Peak is the main peak of formations. Formations can overcome the strong with the weak, triumphing over many with few. Once a formation is deployed, ten thousand people retreat.”

A young man dressed in a Taoist robe adorned with the spoke with a smile.

“The Sunset Peak is the main peak for female cultivators.”

Among the elders, a middle-aged woman in palace attire spoke softly.

Chen An’nian was still waiting to hear about the Humble Peak.

But no one spoke up for a long time.

“No one from the Humble Peak came this year?”

The Outer Sect disciples began to discuss among themselves.

The elders on the platform shook their heads helplessly.

“What’s Shaodian doing? He never comes. How can the Humble Peak be revitalized with his attitude like this?”

The burly man grumbled.

“Perhaps he's still dwelling on that...”

The elegant woman in palace attire sighed.

The swordsman in the green robe addressed the factotum disciples below the platform, “Choose which peak you desire and go directly to the corresponding flag!”

“You have thirty minutes!”

As soon as the words fell, a joss stick of sky-blue incense was inserted into the side of the elevated platform.

On the Bamboo Slope, around a hundred factotum disciples were gathering around and whispering to each other.

“Which peak will you choose?”

“Definitely Heavenly Martial Peak. I want to cultivate and practice fist techniques. What else is there without fist technique?”

Some factotum disciples spoke first.

“I want to choose the Alchemy Peak. Just think about it, what do martial artists fear the most? It’s various external injuries, internal injuries, and hidden injuries, right? If I can refine pills and elixirs, I’ll be in demand wherever I go.”

Some factotum disciples countered.

“The Artifact Refinement Peak is also good. How much does a divine weapon enhance one’s strength? Even those from Heavenly Martial Peak, don’t they all want some fine weapons?”

“The Formation Peak is also formidable. Haven’t you heard? One formation can overcome ten thousand!”

Everyone expressed their opinions one after another.

This was truly a fantasy world.

Chen An’nian was filled with countless emotions, even the concept of one formation overcoming ten thousand was no longer a fantasy.

“Hey, buddy, which peak will you choose?”

A nearby factotum disciple nudged Chen An’nian.

Chen An’nian rubbed his chin and said seriously, “To be honest, I want to go to Sunset Peak.”

Silence fell upon the surroundings after his words.

“Genius choice, buddy. After you said that, I also want to go to Sunset Peak.”

Some factotum disciples winked and nudged each other.

“Unless you cut your thing off.”

Another factotum disciple laughed.

“By the way, why wasn’t the Humble Peak introduced? I want to know more about it.”

Chen An’nian looked towards the elevated platform, but unfortunately, no one on the platform continued speaking.

They were simply waiting for the factotum disciples to make their choices.

Time passed bit by bit.

The factotum disciples who had made their choices walked towards their chosen flags, where senior disciples of the same sect were already waiting.

Factotum disciples who had chosen their main peaks greeted their senior disciples.

The Bamboo Slope gradually became lively.

In the crowd, Lu Xiuwu looked at Chen An’nian among the factotum disciples, waiting silently.

“Which peak do you prefer?”

However, Chen An’nian remained motionless for a long time.

By the time the joss stick of sky-blue incense was almost burned out, everyone else had already made their choices.

Chen An’nian finally walked to the flag of the Humble Peak and raised his hand, asking loudly, “Elders, may I choose the Humble Peak?”

A sudden commotion filled the surroundings.

All eyes turned towards Chen An’nian, who stood alone beneath the grand banner of Humble Peak.

“Do you choose Humble Peak?” The swordsman in a green robe asked.

“Yes,” Chen An’nian replied earnestly.

He had chosen Humble Peak solely based on the words spoken by the outer disciple earlier.

No one had come to Humble Peak this year.

Looking at the choices made by the other factotum disciples only confirmed his speculation.

Humble Peak had almost no newcomers.

Such a main peak was exactly what Chen An’nian needed.

The other main peaks were bustling with people, which would undoubtedly bring distractions and the possibility of encountering unscrupulous individuals.

The fewer people, the more it aligned with his expectations.

This Humble Peak seemed to be the perfect fit.

The swordsman in the green robe’s gaze shifted.

“What is your name?”

“Chen An’nian.”

“You have achieved a three-star level in the assessment,” the swordsman in the green robe opened the assessment booklet.

“It indicates that your proficiency in fist technique is profound, and joining our Heavenly Martial Peak should be your best choice.”

“Thank you, Elder,” Chen An’nian respectfully bowed, but his feet remained unmoved.

The swordsman in the green robe furrowed his brow slightly, unwilling to see a promising talent go to waste like this.

A young man dressed in a Taoist robe smiled and broke the deadlock.

“No new disciples have joined Humble Peak in five years.”

“And the resources there are extremely scarce. If you join Humble Peak, your path in martial arts is likely to be neglected.”

“Even so, do you still insist to join Humble Peak?”

Upon hearing these words, the factotum disciples began to discuss among themselves.

Some even whispered to Chen An’nian, “Chen An’nian, don’t be foolish, choose another main peak quickly.”

“Yes, don’t go to the Humble Peak.”

...

The more Chen An’nian listened, the more satisfied he became.

The initial uneasiness in his heart finally dissipated.

Wasn’t this the place he had been looking for?

It was perfect.

Who needs anything else when he already had the best teacher - the Golden Book fragment?

With divine power, he could make great strides in his cultivation.

What more could he ask for?

Humble Peak, you are the one!

Chen An’nian bowed once again and earnestly said, “Elders, I’ve made up my mind; I want to choose the Humble Peak.”

“No regrets?”

“Absolutely no regrets!”

...

A paper kite messenger descended from the clouds and landed on the Humble Peak.

An elder, sitting in a rocking chair with a poetry book covering his face, slowly opened his eyes.

“Shouqiao.”

“Yes, Master.”

Not far away, a simple and honest farmer in a gray linen robe, around thirty years old, put down his carrying pole and walked over.

“Somebody is coming to our Humble Peak. Go and find out who this person is and where they come from,” the elder’s hair was gray, and his robe had a few patches, but it didn’t diminish his ethereal demeanor.

“I will go right away,” the farmer smiled slightly, honest and straightforward, and walked down the mountain with large strides.

In the third room, a refined scholar in white clothes pushed open the door.

“Master, could it be another test for us?”

“It shouldn’t be, right? No one has come since five years ago,” a young man carrying a sword and messy hair jumped out of the window from the fourth room.

This person wore the most luxurious crimson and golden robe among the four, although it had faded due to washing.

The elder shook his head.

“Let’s not jump to conclusions. We’ll wait until your eldest senior brother returns.”

After about two hours, the farmer returned and briefly explained what he had found out.

Upon hearing this, the elder sighed deeply.

“So, he is being pursued and sought refuge in our sect?”

“Yes, not many people know about it. I had to ask the former gatekeeper to find out,” the farmer nodded.

“Alas, he is a pitiful child,” the elder sighed, “barely an adult, yet witnessing the tragic death of his loved ones with his own eyes.”

“I’m afraid this is also the reason he chose Humble Peak.”

Saying that, the elder instructed his three disciples beside him, “You must treat your junior brother well.”

The farmer and the scholar nodded first.

Only the young swordsman had a look of despair on his face.

“Master, it’s not that I don’t want to take care of him, but with just these meager resources, it’s not enough for healing, let alone for this junior brother to cultivate.”

The elder’s expression froze for a moment, then he fiercely glared at the young swordsman.

“You don’t need to worry about that. I’ll make do with even less.”

“Make do!?”

The young swordsman directly opened his crimson and golden robe, revealing the patched inner garment underneath.

“Master, if it weren’t for this patch from my inner garment is still on your robe, I would be convinced.”

The elder suddenly coughed violently.

The farmer quickly pulled the young swordsman away.

“Alright, Third Junior Brother, go and bring Little Junior Brother back.”

“We can still make do with what we have here, right?”

“But we could hardly feed another one. Maybe we should just send that guy away,” the young swordsman continued unwillingly.

The refined scholar discreetly pinched the young swordsman and said, “Hurry, or else today’s meal for Little Junior Brother will be deducted from yours.”

Upon hearing this, the young swordsman turned around and left, saying, “Haven’t we always discussed matters rationally? Deducting meals is going too far.”

Although he grumbled, the young swordsman continued towards the Bamboo Slope.

Chen An’nian had been waiting at the Bamboo Slope for a long time, and the disciples from other main peaks had already dispersed.

Only Chen An’nian remained at the Bamboo Slope, holding his Outer Sect identity token, waiting for someone from the Humble Peak to pick him up.

The sun was already overhead, but still, no one came.

Chen An’nian felt satisfied. With this efficiency, Humble Peak must be a remote and sparsely populated place.

Feeling bored, Chen An’nian squatted on the ground, using his fingers to simulate fist technique moves.

Suddenly, a gust of wind swept by.

“Oh, you’re practicing quite well.”

“Just average, ranked third in the world...”

Chen An’nian instinctively replied, then quickly stood up, looking at the person before him, who carried a sword and had a cunning demeanor.

“I wonder, Senior...” Chen An’nian bowed and saluted.

The young swordsman quickly raised his hand and jokingly said, “Stop pretending, show me the brilliance of being ranked third in the world.”

Chen An’nian chuckled foolishly, “Senior Brother must have misheard.”

Is this guy playing tricks on me?

Am I seeing things?

The young swordsman circled around Chen An’nian a few times and said, “You seem earnest in your fist technique practice, not bad.”

“It’s this pretentious demeanor that needs to change.”

“Let’s go.”

“Where are we going?”

“To Humble Peak, isn’t that where you chose?”

The young swordsman rolled his eyes and walked ahead, carrying his sword.

“Remember, I’m your Third Senior Brother.”

Chen An’nian tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Where was the polite and harmonious atmosphere of the other main peaks?

Why did everything change completely at Humble Peak?

“Third Senior Brother.”

“Keep up!”

The young swordsman’s pace quickened.

Chen An’nian hurriedly jogged to keep up.

But the young swordsman’s speed increased even more, and in the end, Chen An’nian had to sprint to barely catch a glimpse of his back.

When they arrived at the Humble Peak, Chen An’nian was almost exhausted and collapsed on the ground.

And this was the result of him using his divine power.

“Weren’t you supposed to pick up Little Junior Brother? Why did he run back?”

The farmer approached, carrying a bowl of water.

“Do I have to carry him back? It’s not like we’re welcoming a bride!”

The young swordsman pouted.

“And besides, you used to call me Little Junior Brother.”

“Truly, one generation surpasses the next.”

“It’s a new generation replacing the old!”

The refined scholar smiled and walked out, looking at Chen An’nian, who was drenched in sweat and panting.

“So, this is Little Junior Brother?”

“Hello, Senior Brother.”

Chen An’nian hurriedly saluted, then also bowed to the farmer.

“Thank you, Senior Brother.”

“Little Junior Brother seems quite polite and well-behaved.” The farmer chuckled.

Second Senior Brother nodded, his smile was as refreshing as a spring breeze.

“Indeed, understanding etiquette is a good thing.”

Only the young swordsman pouted, “Don’t let him deceive you.”

“This guy definitely has a mischievous streak.”

“Third Junior Brother, don’t speak nonsense.”

The farmer patted the young swordsman and then introduced Humble Peak to Chen An’nian.

“Humble Peak is a solitary peak, usually with few visitors.”

“This is your second senior brother, Shen Chunqiu, the most knowledgeable.”

The farmer smiled.

Chen An’nian quickly paid his respects, “Second Senior Brother.”

Shen Chunqiu nodded slightly.

This was a formal greeting; he was the senior brother, and the necessary dignity had to be displayed.

“This is your third senior brother, Xia Longque, the strongest in swordsmanship and formidable in fights.”

“Third Senior Brother.”

“No need for formalities.”

Xia Longque finally took on a proper appearance and nodded.

“I am Xu Shouqiao, the master’s eldest disciple.”

The farmer introduced himself last.

Chen An’nian immediately bowed, “Eldest Senior Brother.”

“Good, now let’s all go and pay our respects to the master.”

After speaking, the three senior brothers, along with Chen An’nian, arrived in front of the first wooden house and knelt down together.

“Disciples Xu Shouqiao (Shen Chunqiu, Xia Longque, Chen An’nian) pay respects to Master.”

The wooden door creaked open, and an elder slowly walked out.

“Rise...”

“Bang!”

Before he could finish speaking, the wooden door fell heavily.

A cloud of dust rose.

Chen An’nian’s eyes almost popped out.

He clearly saw several holes on the inner robe of the master, who had once exuded an ethereal and dignified aura.

The image had completely collapsed.

Indeed, Humble Peak lived up to its reputation!

The elder blushed, then disappeared from his original spot, only to reappear next to Xia Longque, slapping him to the ground with a single palm.

“Boom!”

Chen An’nian’s urge to laugh vanished instantly.

Even if it were an elephant, it would be beaten to death, right?

Unexpectedly, Xia Longque got up as if nothing had happened, knelt down again, and said, “This is too much, Master. What does the fallen door have to do with me?”

“Do you think I can’t sense your sword energy?”

“Your dinner tonight belongs to An’nian.”

...

After a chaotic scene, Chen An’nian finally served tea to his master again.

"From now on, you shall be the fourth disciple of Humble Peak.”

“Humble Peak has few rules, only twelve words.”

“Respect your master, value the path, and never let down your fellow disciples!”

Chen An’nian felt an inexplicable sense of tranquility.

“Disciple will remember!”

As dinner began, Chen An’nian struggled to swallow as he watched his master and senior brothers devour their food.

His worldview shattered once again!

“Little Junior Brother, eat quickly.”

“Or it will be gone.”

Shen Chunqiu kindly reminded, but before he finished speaking, he continued eating with rice grains on his face.

Chen An’nian hesitated, and the chicken leg in front of him was snatched away by Xia Longque.

“Smack!”

The farmer casually slapped, and the chicken leg rolled back to Chen An’nian’s plate.

Xia Longque didn’t give up. He twisted his chopsticks and caused the chicken leg to spin rapidly on the plate.

In the next moment, the chicken leg meat flew directly into Xia Longque’s wide-open “bloodthirsty mouth”, while the bone continued spinning in the plate.

However, Xia Longque ended up empty-handed.

Master Li Shaodian’s chopsticks intercepted the chicken leg halfway and reluctantly placed it directly into Chen An’nian’s bowl.

“Come, An’nian, don’t be polite!”

Then, Li Shaodian cleared his throat.

The three of them, who had been fiercely competing for food and even resorted to various means, instantly sat up and put down their chopsticks.

“Let’s discuss the division of tasks.”

Li Shaodian said, “In the future, Shouqiao will teach An’nian fist and breathing techniques.”

“Chunqiu will teach An’nian general knowledge and other skills.”

“Longque will spar with An’nian. After all, in the martial path, if there’s no fighting, it’s better to do embroidery.”

After saying these words, Li Shaodian revealed a gentle smile and said to Chen An’nian, “An’nian, our Humble Peak has rather harsh conditions.”

“But rest assured, we will do our best to support your cultivation.”

Chen An’nian was about to nod.

“Let’s eat.”

Li Shaodian’s next two words directly ignited the second battle on the dining table.

The wind swept away the clouds, and the mist dispersed...

Chen An’nian had only eaten half a bowl of rice when the other four finished everything on the table, not even leaving a single leaf of vegetables.

Li Shaodian patted his belly and left first.

Xu Shouqiao smiled and said, “Our peak has harsh conditions. Today, we finally added a few dishes, so everyone ate quickly.”

Shen Chunqiu put down his chopsticks and resumed his elegant scholarly appearance, gracefully leaving.

Xia Longque stared at the half piece of chicken leg in Chen An’nian’s bowl.

“Eat quickly, or give it to me.”

“With your eating speed, can you even rank third in the world?”

Chen An’nian was utterly speechless.

Is this ever going to end? But he quickly finished everything in his bowl.

“Go wash the dishes.”

Xia Longque patted her belly contentedly.

“I used to be one in charge of the chores, but now I’ll leave it to you.”

“In the morning, fetch water. After meals, remember to wash the dishes. Cooking is the responsibility of the eldest senior brother. As for other matters, we’ll discuss them later.”

After Xia Longque left, Xu Shouqiao smiled and said, “Come, on the first day, let me show you around.”

“Starting tomorrow, it will be your responsibility.”

Chen An’nian followed Xu Shouqiao and walked through half of Humble Peak under the night sky.

“When the sun rises in the morning, you need to fetch water from the spring halfway up the mountain.”

"For washing dishes and clothes, we must fetch water separately and not dirty the spring.”

“You will be in charge of washing dishes, and each person washes their own clothes.”

“Oh, Little Junior Brother, do you know how to sew? If not, I’ll teach you later. We are self-sufficient here.”

...

Chen An’nian returned to the fifth wooden house that had been tidied up in advance and lay in the warm bed, feeling unexpectedly at ease.

“This will be our new home from now on.”

“Although it’s a bit worn-out and humble, this feeling is truly wonderful...”

That night, Chen An’nian didn’t practice his fist technique.

For the first time since his transmigration, he slept peacefully.

...

On the ninth mountain of Heavenly Martial Peak, Lu Xiuwu held the information he had just obtained from the Sect Hall.

“The three fellows from Humble Peak will have to go on a mission in two months.”

“Based on past experience, the three of them will go together and execute the same mission.”

“The opportunity... has come!”