His deep, sunken eyes were like two huge spirals that pulled everything into them; light, space, and even time. In them, it was as if everything was meaningless. With just a glance, Chui Yim and Kam Chin Kee lost their souls to the spirals and their minds went blank, losing their ability to think.
“Kneel, we’ll start the ceremony.” Sung Tsz Hin’s voice pulled the both of them back magically, which left the both of them in a cold sweat. Even in their past lives, they had never once come across such an overwhelmingly powerful person.
The boys knelt in front of the elderly man.
“First, bow to the heavens to express gratitude for the gifts bestowed.
“Second, bow to the earth to express gratitude for the blessings bestowed.
“Third, bow to the master to express gratitude for the knowledge bestowed.”
Kam Chin Kee and Chui Yim finished the ceremony respectfully. If they were still unable to sense the terrifying capability of the old man after locking eyes with him, the boys would be idiots.
“The ceremony is finished.” Sung Tsz Hin wore a smile, happiness was evident in his voice. “We are officially senior and junior brothers from now on.”
The old man was similarly looking at them gently. “I’m the Seven-Star Elder. If you find yourself in any dangerous situations that you’re unable to escape from, you can try calling my name. There might be a miracle.”
These words made Chui Yim shudder. He might’ve been making a casual statement, but his confidence was overflowing.So he’s the palace master of Cloud Palace, the strongest man in the world today?
The Seven-Star Elder looked at them with satisfaction. “I do not guide my disciples hand in hand. I’ll only teach what I need to, your cultivation is dependent on you.
“All seven disciples of mine will learn three powerful styles taught by me in total. Come to me after breaking through the one, two, and three-chambered states. I’ll teach them to you.
“Since it’s your first day here, you might have other errands. Come here again seven days later, that will be your first lesson.
“Siu Hin, I’m getting tired, Bring your junior brothers back to rest first,” The Seven-Star Elder told Sung Tsz Hin and turned around once again, fishing for nothing in the clouds.
“Let’s go, Junior Brothers.” Sung Tsz Hin heeded his words and left with the boys.
Chui Yim spared the Seven-Star Elder a weird look. The old man seemed terrifying from his back, a huge mountain yet mysterious like the fog at the same time. However, Chui Yim also felt a hint of loneliness from him.
Is this what the world means by “it’s cold standing at the top of the world?”
Time flew by. The boys did not seem to have done much, but half a day had already passed. They reported in at noon and it was now evening, the sun dying the entire mountain orange.
It might’ve been due to them being in the mountains that gave Chui Yim and Kam Chin Kee the privilege of watching such a clear sunset. They stared at the scenery in a daze.
The Wandering Son’s Lake residence was located on the outskirts of South Imperial City, but it was still in the city after all.
In the mountains, the orange ball that was the sun was so big that it seemed within their reach. Chui Yim and Kam Chin Kee were awestruck by the beautiful scene while Sung Tsz Hin watched from the back with a gentle smile, gasping at how precise his master’s judgments were.
The trio returned to the village, where it was currently bustling with activities.
The doors to every residence were now open.
Wong Kei was still busy pondering under the old banyan tree;
Wat Suen sat on the stairs in front of her house with a guqin on her knees;
Yim Mo Chiu was outside her house moving rhythmically. They were unable to identify what she was doing;
Meanwhile, Hui Sai Cheong was running around busily along with Lam Ming Sum.
Only now did the boys realise the houses were placed in an interesting layout; the doors of all houses were facing each other so that one would see the other houses the moment they exited their own. There was an empty spot in the layout – where the boys would build their houses.
When their houses were done, the houses would face each other with a big space in the middle like a huge square.
“Junior Brother!” Hui Sai Cheong saw them from afar and welcomed them. “I’m still preparing dinner; you can do your stuff first!”
“Elder Brother Chui, Brother Chin Kee! Food will be ready later!” Lam Ming Sum yelled like how Hui Sai Cheong did, but she was out of breath soon and ended up coughing badly.
Cloud Palace was more like a close-knit village that spent time together rather than an institution. All of them led peaceful lives.
Chui Yim and Kam Chin Kee were feeling emotional. Who would have expected this from Cloud Palace, the place that shook the world?
As if able to read their minds, or perhaps because every junior experienced the same emotion on their first day, Sung Tsz Hin flashed them a smile. “Cloud Palace only cares about the mysteries of the Heavenly Realm, and the only way to achieve this is to stay out of worldly affairs.
“Fifth Junior Sister’s Mirror Lake and Fourth Junior Brother’s Fear Dragon tested one’s characteristics and determination.
“Third Junior Brother’s Cleanse tested the physical body, while Second Junior Sister’s Six Steps was on your capability.”
Sung Tsz Hin turned to the sunset, which left a beautiful orange glow on his fair skin. “As for my Bridge, it was all about letting go. Sixth Junior Brother could let go of the temptations of the Cloud Palace enrollment to save Lee Bak, while Seventh Junior Brother saved Sixth Junior Brother and Mung Si.
“Moreover, you have strong passions and goals; puppetry for Sixth Junior Brother and forging for Seventh Junior Brother.
“To Cloud Palace, following your heart is the only thing that matters. Every disciple of Cloud Palace is an elite and has great talent, but that’s not the most important factor to Master. Instead, the most important thing is the heart to search for truth.
“Without such a character, one would never fit in with us.”
Chui Yim and Kam Chin Kee were in deep thought. Indeed, overly ambitious cultivators who only cared about the outcome would never be able to live in such a minimalistic environment where only peace and harmony mattered.
“C’mon, my junior brothers. Let’s enjoy your welcome party.”
The natural black sky hugged the entire mountain. In the square, there was a bonfire.
Wong Kei was finally not looking at his game of Go but enjoying the food on his plate. Wat Suen was playing melodious pieces that echoed across the clouds while Yim Mo Chiu was dancing to the piece.
The petite woman looked just like a flaming human, dancing energetically like a ball of flame. Chui Yim and Kam Chin Kee also finally understood why her Six Steps during the enrollment seemed connected; they were the steps to a dance routine.
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