The Jade Serpent Sect was a reclusive, elite cultivation order nestled high in the mist-cloaked mountains of the southern ranges.
Known for their poison arts, beauty-centric philosophy, and absurdly attractive inner disciples, they attracted both the talented and the tragically thirsty.
Naturally, Lin Fan had applied the moment he heard their lead instructor was a woman nicknamed The Venom Empress.
Because of course she was.
And of course he was going to make her fall for him.
His application had been rejected.
Twice.
So he forged a new identity: "Lin Feng, the wandering alchemist-savant from the Burning Wisteria Clan." (A clan that didn't exist, but he figured no one would check.)
He wore purple robes that were slightly too tight and a blindfold that served no purpose.
"Why the blindfold?" asked the gatekeeper monk.
Lin Fan lifted his chin dramatically. "So that my inner vision may remain unclouded by mortal beauty."
The monk stared at him.
Then slowly stamped his pass.
