Chapter Seventeen: Baptism by Fire

Tianmai Peak towered with sheer cliffs, majestic and imposing. Green pines clung to the cliffs in daring defiance, while strange rocks vied for beauty upon the bizarre summits. Mist and clouds drifted among the peaks, and rays of colorful light played across the rock faces. A fine drizzle had begun to fall, adding a unique charm to the landscape.

At this moment, Mo Bai and Wu Luohua were wandering amid the mountains of Tianmai, admiring the boundless beauty. Wu Luohua sighed, “This place is truly a paradise on earth. No wonder spiritual energy gathers here—it is indeed a blessed land for cultivators. What’s more, the disciples of the Cloudsky Sect are most courteous. No one hindered us along the way, and we easily reached Tianmai Peak.”

Mo Bai chuckled softly. “Perhaps it’s not that they’re courteous, but that news of our arrival has already spread. I suspect we’ll soon be ‘welcomed.’”

No sooner had he spoken than dozens of Cloudsky disciples soared through the sky, their leaps and movements showing formidable skill. They took up positions with swords gleaming, crossing and aligning in ordered formation, forming a great Sword Pavilion Array that blocked the path ahead.

Wu Luohua smiled wryly. “Indeed, they’ve come to greet us—just with a little more flourish than expected.”

Suddenly, a man in white flew from the Sword Pavilion, landing steadily before them. He clasped his hands in salute. “Jiu Xi, chief disciple under Sect Master Yun Jin of the Cloudsky Sect, greets you.” Bowing deeply, he continued, “May I ask why you two have brought my senior brother Shun Qing to our sect?”

Mo Bai looked up and observed the man—star-bright eyes, a head of black hair cascading down his back, exuding an air of elegance and grace. So this was Jiu Xi, the most outstanding figure among the third generation of Cloudsky disciples.

Jiu Xi frowned, immediately perceiving that Shun Qing must have committed some unspeakable act and been apprehended by these two. Clearly, they had brought him here to answer for his crimes. Jiu Xi, famed for his strictness—said to be even sterner than Master Yun Fa, the sect’s arbiter of punishment—currently served as the head of the Disciplinary Hall, overseeing the sect's disciplinary matters on behalf of Master Yun Fa. No wonder Shun Qing looked so disheartened on seeing him. Perhaps if it were Third Uncle Yun Fa, there might be room for leniency based on past ties, but this junior brother was notorious for his severity; Shun Qing’s prospects were grim.

Mo Bai returned the salute. “I am Mo Bai, and this is my brother Wu Luohua.” He pointed to Shun Qing. “I believe Senior Brother Jiu Xi knows him as well. Shun Qing was meant to protect the peace and prosperity of Yun Jian Town, but he committed an unforgivable crime. Thus, I subdued him and brought him to the Cloudsky Sect to face the judgment of Master Yun Fa at the Disciplinary Hall, which is also his own wish.”

Jiu Xi nodded. “Since that is the case, please accompany our welcoming disciples into the peak. I will inform Uncle Yun Kong, the vice sect master, and Uncle Yun Fa to meet you in the Tianmai Hall.”

Mo Bai smiled. “Then I’ll trouble you, Senior Brother.”

Shun Qing, hearing this, finally regained some strength and breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, he was now an inner disciple; disciplinary matters would be decided by Uncle Yun Fa. Had he still been an outer disciple, Jiu Xi would likely have executed him on the spot for such a crime.

Mo Bai placed a hand on Wu Luohua’s shoulder, channeling a stream of spiritual energy to ease his friend's discomfort. “Since you have this wish, I will help you fulfill it.”

Wu Luohua smiled bitterly. “Brother Mo, you’re not planning to abandon me, are you?”

Mo Bai laughed. “If you truly become the supreme cultivator, I doubt I’d have the strength to abandon you even if I wanted to.”

Dong, dong, dong—three sonorous bell tolls echoed from afar. Mo Bai said, “The Cloudsky Sect is assembling. We should hurry. Shun Qing, you know your crime deserves death, but since you’re here, you can only hope for mercy.”

Shun Qing, having regained his composure, bowed in gratitude. “Great Hero Mo, you have saved my life. I am profoundly grateful. As for my punishment, I accept whatever Uncle Yun Fa deems fitting.”

Mo Bai sighed. “If you knew this day would come, why make such choices? There are countless paths for a cultivator, yet you chose the most grievous one.”

Shun Qing looked at Mo Bai, his expression conflicted, as though wanting to speak but holding back. At last he sighed, “Ah, it’s fate. My impatience for quick gains is to blame.”

Suddenly, a voice rang out, distant yet as clear as if right beside them: “Young friends, thank you for bringing our sect’s wayward disciple here to be punished. You have endured much.”

Shun Qing said softly, “That’s Second Uncle. So the Grandmaster really has gone into seclusion.”

Wu Luohua, puzzled, asked, “Shun Qing, I don’t understand. You call Master Yun Fa Third Uncle, and that person Second Uncle, while the sect master is your Grandmaster. Whose disciple are you, really?”

Shun Qing smiled bitterly. “I am merely an inner disciple. How could I be so fortunate as to be accepted by any of the uncles or grandmasters?”

Wu Luohua realized then that not all Cloudsky disciples were direct disciples of the six elders. “So you’re not among their personal disciples. With your spiritual strength, I thought you’d have chosen a master by now. You’re not getting any younger—you should strive harder.”

These words seemed to touch a sore spot for Shun Qing, whose face turned ashen.

Mo Bai noted this but said nothing more. In his heart, ripples stirred—not every cultivator was as fortunate as he, nor had all suffered as much. To reach the pinnacle, a cultivator must endure countless trials.

Looking up, they beheld a grand palace—imposing yet devoid of vulgarity. Exquisitely carved motifs adorned the structure, captivating all who beheld it. Three glazed characters shone with boundless brilliance: Tianmai Hall.

By now, the hall’s forecourt was filled with cultivators—of varying ages and stature, but all standing in orderly ranks. Clearly, the Cloudsky Sect maintained strict hierarchies of rank and seniority.

One man stepped forth, regarding Mo Bai. “I am Yun Kong, vice sect master of the Cloudsky Sect. Welcome, young friend, to our humble abode.”

Mo Bai bowed deeply to the elderly man, whose demeanor was that of a true immortal. “The Six Sons of Cloudsky, great figures among cultivators—your name, Master Yun Kong, is legendary. To meet you today is a blessing beyond measure.”

Yun Kong smiled. “Such praise is unwarranted. Though the Six Sons of Cloudsky are somewhat known in the cultivation world, it is only thanks to my elder brother and junior brothers. I dare not claim the title of ‘great figure.’” He paused, then continued, “I hear you have brought a disgraced disciple of ours. Who is he, and what crime has he committed?”

Wu Luohua stepped forward, pushing Shun Qing out. Shun Qing fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face, unable to speak. Wu Luohua nudged him. “What, do you want us to reveal your disgraceful deeds for you?”

Yun Kong’s enigmatic eyes glanced at Shun Qing. “So it is you, Qing’er. What grave mistake have you made?”

Shun Qing stammered, “Disciple... disciple was momentarily overcome by greed, wishing to attain powerful spiritual energy quickly, and so I strayed... I studied... I studied...” He dared not continue.

A black-faced elder with a square jaw and imposing presence stepped forward. With stern authority, he demanded, “Studied what, exactly?” It was none other than Yun Fa, head of the Disciplinary Hall.

Shun Qing collapsed, unable even to kneel, mumbling, “The Yang Cultivation Technique.” At these words, shock rippled among the Cloudsky disciples, all clearly aware of the nature of this forbidden art.

Yun Fa flicked his sleeve with a cold snort, then looked to Yun Kong.

Yun Kong sighed heavily. “Shun Qing, you were not especially gifted, but you were diligent. After twenty-eight years of cultivation you became an inner disciple—not too late. The sect master assigned you to gain experience to help you improve your skills, but who would have thought you’d do such a thing? Truly heartbreaking, heartbreaking.” His face showed profound regret.

Shun Qing wept, “Disciple knows his mistake and begs Uncle Yun Kong for a chance to repent. I am willing to spend twenty years in repentance on the Cliff of Remorse, never leaving the Cloudsky Sect.”

Yun Kong shook his head in sorrow. “If only you’d considered this before. Alas, it is too late. Yun Fa, I leave him to you.” Waving Mo Bai over, he said, “Young friend, come inside with me. I must thank you for the sake of Yun Jian Town’s people.”

Mo Bai nodded silently. He and Wu Luohua followed Yun Kong, but then a sudden anguished cry rang out behind them. “Third Uncle, I may have committed a grave crime, but I do not deserve the torment of the Fire Furnace! Have mercy, Third Uncle, have mercy!”

Yun Fa bellowed, “You unfilial disciple! To commit such a shameful, lecherous crime—what mercy do you expect? Jiu Xi! Open the Heavenly Fire Furnace—burn Shun Qing!”

[End of Chapter]