A Record of A Mortal's Journey to Immortality

Chapter 4: Bone Tempering Cliff

Master Yue loudly addressed the crowd, “Listen carefully, everyone. From the small path in the bamboo forest ahead, you can reach the Bone Tempering Cliff of the seven mysteries sect. The first section of the journey is through the bamboo forest, then the rocky cliff area, and finally a mountain cliff. Only those who can reach the top of the cliff can enter the seven mysteries sect. If you fail to arrive before noon, although you cannot become a formal disciple, if your performance is noteworthy, you can be accepted as a registered disciple.”

Han Li naturally did not understand the exact meaning of “registered disciple,” only knowing that he had to keep moving forward and climb the mountain. Looking ahead, he saw a slope that wasn’t too steep, with many bamboo stalks of various thicknesses growing on it. It didn’t look too difficult to climb!

Han Li glanced at the others. He wasn’t willing to lose to kids his age. The atmosphere among the children suddenly grew tense.

Master Yue looked at the rising sun and said, “The time is almost right. Get ready to set off! Don’t be afraid; the senior brothers will protect you from behind and won’t let anything dangerous happen to you.”

Han Li turned to look at the young men behind him. These were the senior brothers—likely disciples admitted earlier. If he also joined, would he get to wear the same impressive clothes?

While lost in thought, Han Li noticed the other children had already rushed into the bamboo forest. Seeing this, he quickly followed behind.

The bamboo forest was very vast. The more than thirty children immediately scattered upon entering. Behind Han Li was a tall, thin senior brother with a cold expression who followed closely without saying a word. Han Li felt a bit scared and dared not speak to him, quietly lifting his feet and bending his body low as he slowly moved forward along the slope.

The bamboo forest didn’t look particularly difficult, but after walking for a long time, it became exhausting. His legs grew heavier and heavier. Gradually, Han Li had to pull himself forward by grabbing the bamboo stalks with one hand to save energy.

After persisting for quite a while, Han Li was utterly exhausted. He had to find a patch of dirt to sit down on and panted heavily.

Taking a moment, Han Li glanced back at the tall senior brother. Despite the steep ground, this brother stood completely still, not even a speck of dust on him. He was as upright as the bamboo stalks, quietly watching Han Li from just below.

Han Li felt frightened again by the senior brother’s cold gaze and quickly turned his head forward. He heard labored breathing coming from ahead and realized some children climbing faster than him were also resting. After a short pause, Han Li hurriedly pushed on.

The slope grew even steeper. Han Li’s strength was fading fast. To avoid collapsing while walking, he had to bend over and crawl with his hands and feet. Fortunately, his clothes were sturdy enough; otherwise, the joints around his knees and elbows would have been scraped raw.

Finally, he was about to leave the dense bamboo forest, but the last stretch seemed even harder. The ground had more and more rocks, while the bamboo became sparse.

Han Li could no longer pull himself forward using bamboo stalks. This last bit had to be moved inch by inch.

Emerging from the bamboo, he saw a vast area ahead. A huge mountain rock loomed straight before him. Several small, thin figures were slowly climbing it. Behind each was a senior brother dressed the same. Without hesitation, Han Li dashed toward the giant rock face.

The rock wall was made of layered sedimentary rock, badly weathered. Some parts would crumble at a touch, but many sharp flint-like fragments remained. After just one meal’s worth of climbing, Han Li’s hands were covered in cuts, and the fabric on his elbows and knees was torn, exposing many small wounds. Though the injuries were minor, tiny bits of rock debris had embedded themselves, intensifying the pain.