Stonewall barked instructions.
Zhang Huan corrected Ruolan's stance with sharp, precise movements.
Ling Xueyin watched the three of them like a silent warden.
Lin Xuanji, meanwhile, was close to tears as he held a weighted training staff.
"…Stonewall… why is this heavier than yesterday?"
"I placed stones inside it," Stonewall replied.
"WHY?!"
"For improvement."
Ruolan timidly whispered, "S-Sect Master… maybe you should rest—"
Zhang Huan grabbed Ruolan's sleeve.
"Do not interrupt the Sect Master's training."
"I-I wasn't trying to, I just—"
"You were."
Lin Xuanji groaned, "I'm right here, you know."
Before anyone could say more, a booming voice echoed up the mountain:
"Hahaha! SO THIS IS HEAVENLY PEAK?! Where's the guy who threw a Bai Clan scout down the mountain?! I wanna fight him!"
Everyone froze.
Stonewall straightened.
Ling Xueyin's eyes sharpened.
Zhang Huan's hand moved toward his sword.
Ruolan panicked, "S-Sect Master… you… didn't throw him, but… this might still be bad…"
A tall figure burst through the mist—
barely-buttoned shirt, wrapped fists, wild hair, and the grin of a man who believed fists solved everything.
Wei Jin.
He stomped into the clearing and pointed dramatically at Lin Xuanji.
"You! Are YOU the one who beat up that Bai Clan dog?! If so—FIGHT ME!"
Lin Xuanji blinked.
"…Why does everyone assume I'm strong?"
Wei Jin laughed.
"Who else would send a trained scout rolling down the mountain like a cabbage?!"
Ruolan whispered, "S-Sect Master didn't do that… Stonewall did…"
But Wei Jin wasn't listening.
His eyes locked onto Stonewall.
"Ohhh. YOU. You're the monster who did it! Fight me!"
"No," Stonewall said.
"One punch!"
"No."
"Half a punch?!"
"No."
Wei Jin pouted, then spotted Zhang Huan.
"Oh? A sword guy? You look breakable!"
Zhang Huan stared flatly.
"You cannot afford to find out."
"WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?!"
Lin Xuanji finally stepped forward.
"Why did you even come here?"
Wei Jin puffed out his chest.
"I heard a rumor in town! They said a fearless sect on this mountain stood up to the Bai Clan and slapped their scout down the slope!"
He grinned.
"So I came to challenge the strongest here!"
Lin Xuanji sighed.
"Well… that's not me."
Stonewall nodded.
"Very true."
Zhang Huan added,
"Extremely true."
Ruolan whispered,
"S-Sect Master… you're very brave for admitting it…"
Wei Jin scratched his head.
"So if I wanna join this sect, who do I beat?!"
"No beating!" Lin Xuanji said quickly.
"We don't select disciples by violence!"
Wei Jin deflated.
Ling Xueyin quietly stepped forward.
"If you truly wish to join Heavenly Peak, you must prove your determination. Not through battle… but endurance."
Wei Jin blinked.
"How do I endure?"
Lin Xuanji pointed at Stonewall.
"You stand still while he tests you."
Wei Jin brightened.
"That sounds EASY! Come on, big guy!"
Stonewall nodded once.
"I will begin with a gentle tap."
Wei Jin frowned.
"Define gent—"
BOOM
Stonewall tapped his shoulder.
Wei Jin flew ten meters and rolled across the ground.
Ruolan screamed,
"H-He's dead!!"
But Wei Jin leapt back up instantly.
"I'M ALIVE! AGAIN!"
Stonewall nodded.
"Good spirit."
Ten taps later—each sending him flying—Wei Jin crawled forward.
"S-Sect Master… did I… pass…?"
Lin Xuanji placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Yes. Welcome to Heavenly Peak."
Wei Jin laughed triumphantly—then fainted on the spot.
Zhang Huan sheathed his sword.
"He is noisy."
Ling Xueyin said,
"He will be useful."
Ruolan whispered,
"S-Sect Master… he might break the mountain…"
Lin Xuanji sighed.
"Heavenly Peak just got a lot louder."