Mount Hua Reincarnation - Chapter 8: Lotus Pavilion Entrance Examination

Chapter 8: Lotus Pavilion Entrance Examination

The Lotus Pavilion examination was held.

The examination was divided into two parts: intelligence and martial arts.

In terms of intelligence, it wasn’t particularly difficult.

After all, the candidates were all below the age of adulthood.

What can one expect from children who aren’t even adults yet?

In the examination, martial arts were more important than academics.

There was a buzz of conversation.

“Ugh, my stomach hurts.”

“Hmph, they’re all nothing special.”

Above the practice arena prepared in the Lotus Pavilion, there were bustling fourth-generation disciples, some as young as seven or eight, and the oldest around twelve.

There were about a hundred of them.

All these people were young warriors attempting the examination.

Being young, the atmosphere was noisy and reactions varied.

Some were extremely tense, on the verge of tears, others were as stiff as rocks, or on edge, wary of their surroundings.

Zhou Xuchuan casually took a spot in an inconspicuous corner and waited for his turn.

“Who is that?”

“An unfamiliar face.”

While Zhou Xuchuan was waiting, he received some unwanted attention.

“Isn’t he a bit old to be attempting the examination?”

Thanks to the cliff climbing and overflowing internal energy, he had grown unrecognizably.

Though only ten years old, he looked about fourteen.

Because of this, there were murmurs that he didn’t fit the Lotus Pavilion’s examination criteria.

“Why care so much? He’s going to fail anyway.”

Someone snorted in derision.

A clear mockery.

“We’ve already researched potential competitors.

If he’s not in my memory, he’s definitely insignificant.”

The Lotus Pavilion allowed for re-examination if the age was right.

Fifteen was the age of adulthood in the central plains.

Even if one enters the Pavilion at fourteen, there are many advantages.

The honor of being a Lotus Pavilion graduate is indisputable, and more importantly, one could receive superior training.

Even if it was for only a year, it didn’t matter.

Thus, many prepared for entrance into the Lotus Pavilion, and their efforts were considerable.

Though the examination format varied each year, martial competitions were common, and thorough research on each other was conducted.

It was to find any possible advantage.

However, there was almost nothing known about Zhou Xuchuan in these pre-examinations.

Partly because he didn’t mix with others, but also because he hadn’t been noticed until recently.

“Wait a minute,”

Someone recognized Zhou Xuchuan.

“That face, I saw it recently…

Ah, yes. He’s the disciple of the Gentle Smiling Blade.”

Recently, a visitor had come to congratulate Liu Zhengmu.

There were internal members of the Mount Hua Sect involved.

Apparently, it was a disciple related to that visitor.

At the mention of the name Gentle Smiling Blade, several children stirred.

“Hmph!”

A snobbish child sneered.

“His master’s reputation may be growing, but I’ve never heard that his disciple is anything special!”

‘Hmm, fine. I’ll let it pass.’

Had there been any slander against his master, he would have crushed them on the spot, but since it was almost a compliment, he let it go.

He wasn’t too displeased.

“Instead of worrying about that guy, it’s better to move our bodies a bit more!”

“You’re right, let’s go.”

Two chatterboxes left.

“Hmm, they all look like they’ll fail.

I can easily pass.”

Zhou Xuchuan smiled, seemingly relieved.

Exactly an hour later, the fourth-generation disciples awaiting the examination were in despair.

“No, it’s all over!”

Screams erupted here and there.

The fourth-generation disciples who had mocked Zhou Xuchuan and chattered away were now pale-faced.

“How can we win against that?”

Some children lost their will to fight before even beginning.

“I knew a genius would appear someday…”

“Who would have thought it would be today!”

A child next to him lamented with a resentful voice and then walked away, shoulders slumped.

“Next!”

The examiner called the names of the fourth-generation disciples waiting for their turn.

However, most returned with powerless steps.

“Huh!”

Zhou Xuchuan looked at the examination field with a surprised face.

In the center, in front of the examiner, stood a young beautiful girl.

‘Luo Xiao Yue!’

A fourth-generation disciple of the Mount Hua Sect, she was a year younger than Zhou Xuchuan, only nine years old.

She was also a well-known figure in the Mount Hua Sect.

Information about Luo Xiao Yue floated into Zhou Xuchuan’s mind.

She was a figure who remained vivid in his memory even before his reincarnation.

‘Plum Blossom Sword Phoenix…!’

Plum Blossom Sword Phoenix, Luo Xiao Yue.

She was the granddaughter* of the famous Iron-blooded Plum Sword who is renowned as a transcendent master and the sole female among the current Mount Hua’s Five Elders.
*T/N: I’m not sure if they’re blood related, or whether she’s simply a disciple in the martial lineage. In traditional Chinese and Korean martial arts culture, it’s common for non-biological relationships to be described in familial terms.

Her background is extraordinary, but she herself is also a figure who cannot be ignored.

While not a talent to shake an era, she had shown unusual qualities from a young age.

With her qualities, efforts, and having a member of the Mount Hua Elders as her grandmother, her future was almost guaranteed.

In his previous life, Luo Xiao Yue grew at a terrifying rate and made a name for herself as Plum Blossom Swordswoman.

Later, she was recognized as the ‘Phoenix,’ one of the top figures in the righteous martial world.

Not only was she powerful, but around the age of adulthood, she was also known as one of the most beautiful women in the martial world.

But as they say, beauty often leads to a tragic fate.

After the era of turmoil began, Luo Xiao Yue became a hero but tragically died before reaching thirty.

She was one of the heroes Zhou Xuchuan had admired.

“Ah, just my luck…”

He had planned to take the examination leisurely, like a walk.

None of the candidates around him posed a threat.

Except for one, Luo Xiao Yue.

“Next!”

“Ugh!”

There were still challengers.

Some were attempting their last chance today.

Determined not to waste their efforts, they stepped up to challenge Luo Xiao Yue.

Ching!

“Ahh!”

With a swing of her sword, Luo Xiao Yue knocked down the challengers like leaves in the wind.

It was a foregone conclusion.

Several examiners shook their heads, signaling there was no need to see more.

Luo Xiao Yue was a granddaughter of a Mount Hua elder.

Since childhood, she had been taught excellent teachings and martial arts.

Her own talent was exceptional, and the outcome was obvious.

The variety of emotions such as anxiety, hope, and enthusiasm vanished.

Only despair was visible.

The challengers were not weak.

Rather, they were among the top of the fourth-generation disciples.

The Lotus Pavilion was an elite group before adulthood.

Being a gathering of prodigies, the level of challengers was naturally high.

It was just bad luck with the opponent.

“Heroes really are different from the root…”

Zhou Xuchuan chuckled and stood up.

“Next!”

The examiner looked around and raised his voice.

But no one stepped forward.

“This year is over… there’s always next year…”

“I’m still young… why this year…”

Sighs of resignation and despair echoed around.

It seemed the Lotus Pavilion examination was about to end.

“There’s still one more.”

But then an unexpected figure appeared.

‘Isn’t that the disciple of Gentle Smiling Blade?’

The examiner recognized Zhou Xuchuan.

“That stupid guy!”

A fourth-generation disciple who had belittled Zhou Xuchuan half an hour ago laughed incredulously.

A clear mockery.

The outcome was obvious.

There were no challengers who could beat Luo Xiao Yue.

Honestly, the question was how long they could last, regardless of the outcome.

Moreover, Zhou Xuchuan was not even on the list of potential competitors to watch out for.

Most candidates were puzzled, wondering, ‘What’s he doing?’

“Does he want to embarrass himself?”

“No, he’s just clueless.

He doesn’t know much about Luo Xiao Yue, so he dares to do this.”

Murmurs around him reached his ears.

“Can we start now?”

Zhou Xuchuan asked the examiner.

Instead of answering, the examiner nodded his head.

“Please take care.”

Luo Xiao Yue bowed politely.

Despite being only nine years old, she was well-mannered.

Zhou Xuchuan responded with a bow and slightly bent his knees, ready to spring into action.

He gripped his sword and looked straight ahead, his expression unchanged.

Luo Xiao Yue looked at Zhou Xuchuan curiously.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen someone look so calm in front of me.”

“You’re quite mature for a nine-year-old, aren’t you?”

Zhou Xuchuan chuckled in disbelief.

Her ingrained manners and the way she spoke so calmly were astonishing.

Usually, children, regardless of gender, are innocent, but Luo Xiao Yue seemed different.

“The more I look, the more interesting you are.

You speak like an old man.”

“Really?”

‘Hmm, nice to be seen as young.’

He didn’t show it, but he was pleased inside.

In reality, he was more of a grandfather.

“I’ll give you the first move.”

Luo Xiao Yue showed her generosity.

“Thanks.”

Zhou Xuchuan smiled broadly, a sly grin spreading across his face.

‘I must pass the Lotus Pavilion examination without drawing too much attention.’

Considering the opponent, a victory would have significant repercussions.

It could even make him famous beyond the martial arts world.

But losing wasn’t an option either.

He wasn’t sure if he could pass.

So, he had to win, but not overwhelmingly. It should look like he struggled.

‘How did it get so complicated from the start?’

If it weren’t for Luo Xiao Yue, he could have easily adjusted his skills among the average candidates and passed without doubt.

But, unfortunately, Luo Xiao Yue, a so-called genius, was causing him a headache.

Waiting another year wasn’t an option; he didn’t have that kind of time.

“Here I go.”

Zhou Xuchuan directed the flow of energy in his bubbling spring point.

“It seems it will end in three moves?”

An examiner muttered, reflecting the spectators’ thoughts.

Everyone thought the same.

But then…

“Hup!”

He inhaled sharply, muscles tensing.

His legs, with a sudden contraction and expansion of muscles, pushed off the ground.

Whoosh!

In the blink of an eye, Zhou Xuchuan closed the distance to Luo Xiao Yue.

“…!”

Luo Xiao Yue was startled by the unexpected speed of her opponent.

“Whoa!”

The spectators, especially the examiners, who had seemed bored, now showed a significant change in expression.

Zhou Xuchuan executed the first form of the Plum Sword technique with a well-suited iron sword.

Luo Xiao Yue quickly raised her sword to block.

Clang!

A tremble ran through her slender wrist.

‘Incredible internal energy!’

Though Zhou Xuchuan looked older, he was still a boy, not yet a young man.

It was unlikely for one to have such raw physical strength.

It meant his internal energy was immense.

Luo Xiao Yue regretted giving him the first move and quickly retreated, strategizing her next move.

‘Calm down.’

She stepped back, her mind racing to formulate a plan.

‘It’s curious how he possesses such internal energy, but that’s not important.’

Luo Xiao Yue, though young, had a mature mindset akin to an adult.

A true prodigy.

Her understanding of martial arts, situational judgment, and knowledge seemed beyond her nine years.

Her greatest strength was considering various possibilities in a short span.

‘I need to think about how he will attack next…’

Plum Blossom Sword, Six Harmonies Sword, Falling Blossom Sword Technique, Plum Blossom Luminous Sword, Five Elements Plum Blossom Sword

These were the martial arts he could have learned at his age.

She wasn’t sure which one he had mastered, but she was confident he would attack with one of them.

Luo Xiao Yue knew these five martial arts and had prepared countermeasures in her mind.

But…

“…What?”

Her plans crumbled in that short moment.

None of them were right.

He didn’t use any Mount Hua martial arts.

In fact, it didn’t even seem like a martial art.

“Take this!”

Zhou Xuchuan shouted boldly, swinging his sword.

Literally just swinging it.

It wasn’t Plum Blossom Sword technique.

It was a random swing without any form or technique, from the upper left to the lower right, diagonally.

It wasn’t even a Plum Blossom Sword move.

“What…!”

She was caught off guard.

Though Luo Xiao Yue could formulate multiple plans in an instant, this became her downfall.

In a way, she overthought things, and when faced with something unexpected, she was thrown off.

As Zhou Xuchuan swung his almost embarrassingly simple sword technique, Luo Xiao Yue blocked it absentmindedly, her expression dazed.

“Again!”

Zhou Xuchuan shouted, as if showing off.

He recklessly pulled up internal energy from the Dantian.

Whooosh!

His body, energized by internal energy and well-trained muscles from cliff climbing, moved swiftly.

Each swing of the sword produced a heavy sound, as if cutting through the air.

The air seemed to split as he aimed for Luo Xiao Yue.

But again, it wasn’t a sword technique.

Just a swing.

Clang!

Sparks flew as their swords clashed.

“Ah!”

Luo Xiao Yue let out a small cry.

The shock from the sword, traveling from her hand to her whole body, was non-trivial.

“Hah!”

With a short shout, a heavy sound followed.

Luo Xiao Yue raised her sword to block Zhou Xuchuan’s attack.

Clash!

The back-and-forth continued.

Zhou Xuchuan pushed forward with brute force of internal energy, swinging his sword wildly.

Luo Xiao Yue blocked every strike.

Initially flustered, she adapted with her innate reflexes.

His wild swings were irregular but not unblockable.

In fact, it was simpler.

The movements were so monotonous, lacking any sophisticated technique, it was like he was openly signaling his next move.

It was like a child swinging a wooden sword wildly without knowing anything. That was the feeling.

“Ah!”

Eventually, a final scream erupted.

The sword path was blatantly obvious.

So obvious it was almost yawn-inducing.

One could dodge it even with an eye closed.

But that was only about the expected path of the sword.

The actual power and speed of the incoming sword were entirely different.

Being able to predict the path meant nothing if the body couldn’t keep up.

It was an overwhelming, brute-force use of internal energy!

In the end, Luo Xiao Yue admitted defeat before this power.

“I lost…”

Luo Xiao Yue dropped her sword, her face not bright.

The ease she had earlier was nowhere to be seen.

“Winner, Zhou Xuchuan!”

The examiner announced the end of the duel, but his expression was not pleasant.

“What was that!”

“Is that even allowed!”

Jeers came from all around.

Not towards the loser, Luo Xiao Yue, but the winner, Zhou Xuchuan.

“Accept that as a win?”

“Worse than third-rate!”

“Are you even a disciple of Mount Hua!”

The Mount Hua Sect, no, the righteous factions, value honor above life.

Especially the Mount Hua Sect, which was strict about swordsmanship.

According to their ideology, Zhou Xuchuan’s actions deserved ridicule and scorn, even if he won.

This was no ordinary place but the examination of the Lotus Pavilion, renowned for its long history.

Here, he won not with swordsmanship, nor even something worthy of being called martial arts.

It wasn’t as dishonorable as rolling on the ground or throwing dirt, but it was close enough.

‘I expected this, anyway.’

Zhou Xuchuan brushed off the jeers and insults nonchalantly.

‘Being too strong is also a problem.’

This applied to both Luo Xiao Yue and himself.

To defeat a martial artist like Luo Xiao Yue, ordinary methods wouldn’t suffice.

He had to display his martial prowess with the Plum Blossom Sword Art.

But that would have made him too powerful.

Even trying to act weak, his body, enhanced by the physical exercise, was a problem.

Even just displaying the basic Plum Blossom Sword technique, his overflowing internal energy made it surpass third-rate power.

Showing this would have the examiners reporting to the sect leaders and to the five Mount Hua Elders in shock.

However, reducing his skills too much wouldn’t have been enough to defeat Luo Xiao Yue.

So this was the solution he came up with.

To win against Luo Xiao Yue but avoid unnecessary rumors and evaluations about being a genius.

Fighting with just internal energy and physical power.

This way, he could hide his true skills and still win.

“You should be ashamed!”

However, the consequences were a bit bitter.

‘If it weren’t for the era of turmoil, I couldn’t have faced such disgrace.’

He was a typical member of the righteous factions.

Normally, he wouldn’t have forgiven such actions, let alone consider them.

But after the era of turmoil, the rigid mindset of the righteous factions significantly changed.

Upholding traditions and customs became difficult in the dire circumstances of the martial world.

Even the secret Violet Mist Divine Cultivation Method and Violet Mist Sword Arts being known to the Mount Hua Elders stemmed from this.

For the survival of their sects, the righteous factions became quite progressive.

The era of turmoil changed much in the martial world, and Zhou Xuchuan was one of those changed by the flow of time.

‘As unavoidable as it was, it’s troubling to tarnish my master’s honor.’

Zhou Xuchuan sighed quietly.

***

“The evaluation at Lotus Pavilion had ended, but it couldn’t be said to have concluded smoothly.

There were no injuries or deaths, but the controversy was due to a particular martial arts contest.

It involved Zhou Xuchuan and Luo Xiao Yue.

“I disapprove,” said a middle-aged woman around fifty years old who had a cold and icy appearance.

She was Shen Yu Lian, the ‘Iron-blooded Plum Sword’ and one of the Mount Hua Five Elders.

“Elder Shen, I understand your point, but shouldn’t we at least hear him out?” said a small-framed, elderly man with a kind smile, who was also one of the Mount Hua Five Elders, Xue Song the ‘Wise Sword Elder’. Even among the second-generation disciples he was second only to the sect leader.

‘It’s not even worth discussing, Elder Xue. To accept into the Lotus Pavilion someone who has insulted the swordsmanship of Mount Hua?’ Shen Yu Lian spoke calmly but pointedly, mainly about Zhou Xuchuan’s mistakes and etiquette.

Indeed, Zhou Xuchuan’s actions were not favorable from the perspective of Mount Hua, or even the righteous factions.

“As Elder Shen says,” agreed the tallest among those seated in the upper hall, Zhao Wu Yang, also known as ‘The Great Palm’, another of the Mount Hua Five Elders.

It is worth noting that the Mount Hua Five Elders, unless from the same master, do not use fraternal titles. Even if they belong to different generations, they prioritize and respect the status of being a Mount Hua Five Elder. However, in the case of Xue Song, being of a particularly high age and seniority among his fellow disciples, he was an exception.

“Ha-ha-ha, please don’t make it too hard for Elder Xue. I would like to hear the story,” said You Riwen, stroking his white beard and shifting his gaze.

‘And shouldn’t we also hear the opinions of the other two?’

Xue Song showed gratitude for the Sect Leader’s help.

“I heard that the disciple of Gentle Smiling Blade took spiritual medicine. Is that true?” inquired Elder Ling Zhen the ‘Alchemist’, his eyes sparkling.

The movement displayed by Zhou Xuchuan in the examination was beyond what a nine-year-old could achieve. Strength and speed come from internal energy, which would require at least twenty years of cultivation. The Mount Hua judges and warriors knew this and reported accordingly.

There was also questioning about Zhou Xuchuan. He mixed truths and lies about receiving the Spirit Medicine. He said he found it by accident when Liu Zhengmu went out for a regular meeting and sneaked out to enjoy a deviation.

Once in Lotus Pavilion, unlike in the training hall, each person is carefully observed by an instructor. His internal energy was bound to be discovered. However, this was not a major issue. Unless it was a spiritual medicine of Mount Hua, it was ambiguous to discuss right or wrong about using something without an owner. It might have been different if there were prior instructions to report immediately upon finding and not to consume the medicine.

Thus, the issue of consuming the spirit medicine was reluctantly passed over. However, he was punished for sneaking out and enjoying a deviation when Liu Zhengmu was away. The punishment was not severe, just about a month of menial tasks like cleaning the latrines.

“I can’t extract the spirit medicine he consumed, but I would like to know its effects,” implied Ling Zhen, wanting to keep him in Lotus Pavilion for observation. Ling Zhen, as his title implies, was both a warrior and an alchemist specializing in medicinal herbs.

With this, there were two in favor and two against. Everyone’s gaze naturally turned to one person.

Wei Zhi Jie, the ‘Plum Blossom Sword General’, another of the Mount Hua Five Elders.

In Mount Hua sect, there are titles like the North Sea Palace master, which have been passed down through generations. A person who can independently execute the Twenty-Four movements alongside the Sect Leader. It was the Plum Blossom Sword General, a title in itself. This name was especially significant among the Mount Hua Five Elders, and it also held strong external authority.

‘Let him join.’

‘Elder.’

Shen Yu Lian’s eyebrows trembled slightly.

Wei Zhi Jie continued without blinking.

‘A mere ten-year-old child harbors 30 years worth of internal energy. Regardless of his nature, if he is taught, even if forcibly, he will be a sufficient force. It may be a bit troublesome, but not unmanageable.’

Each of the Mount Hua Five Elders has their own area of expertise, and authority is granted accordingly.

For elite groups like the Lotus Pavilion or the Plum Blossom Swordmasters, the authority of the Plum Blossom Sword General takes precedence.

Even if there are two in favor and three against, if the Plum Blossom Sword General raises his hand, that side gains more weight.

Clap!

You Riwen clapped his hands, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Then let’s conclude this meeting. The ones to join Lotus Pavilion will be Zhou Xuchuan and Luo Xiao Yue, two people in total.”