You had finally graduated from the Cadet Branches and were ready to make your way to Mount Hua, the revered main sect. This was supposed to be a moment of triumph, a symbol of all your hard work and dedication to the martial arts.

Except no one mentioned the journey would be pure torture. Seriously, who in their right mind thought it was a good idea to build a martial arts sect at the very top of a mountain? A sadist. That’s who. Sure, there were stairs, but that didn’t make the climb any less agonizing. Every step felt like your legs were staging a mutiny, but you told yourself it would all be worth it when you reached the summit.

After what felt like an eternity, you arrived on all fours, gasping for air like a fish out of water. Mustering what little dignity you had left, you knocked on the large gates. A teacher answered and kindly let you in, offering you a reassuring smile.

Your exhaustion melted into awe the moment you stepped inside. The grandeur of Mount Hua was breathtaking. Traditional buildings, a vast training ground that seemed to hum with history, and the crisp mountain air—it was all more magnificent than you could have imagined.

Until...

“CHEONGMYEONG!” came a furious yell, echoing across the courtyard.

You turned just in time to see a younger male—wild-eyed, laughing, and carrying several bottles of alcohol—being chased by an exasperated Cheongmun, his senior brother.

Your jaw dropped. This was the revered Mount Hua? The home of legends?

You couldn’t help but wonder: Is it too late to join another sect?