Ye Wen turned back, glancing at the Xu family mansion he had just exited, his feelings unreadable. Old Master Xu was far more resolute than he had anticipated; he wondered if his visit had been the right course of action.

Shaking his head, he dismissed the encounter as having knocked on the wrong door, and strode toward the bustling town center. Yet, not long after leaving the Xu residence, shouts erupted behind him.

“Mr. Ye! Mr. Ye!”

Ye Wen looked left and right; the street seemed empty save for him, so these calls must indeed be for him. Turning around, he saw an elderly woman being supported by several servants and maids, chasing after him. The servants were shouting "Mr. Ye!" and waving their hands frantically, as if Ye Wen possessed eyes in the back of his head capable of seeing their gestures.

However, their actions confirmed to the turned Ye Wen that they were indeed calling for him. He stopped moving, standing still to await the group.

In moments, they reached him. Ye Wen noted the leading woman’s temples were streaked with white; she was clearly advanced in years. He immediately cupped his fists in salute: “May I ask, madam, what business you have calling upon me?”

He did not recognize the old woman, and judging by her attire and the attendants beside her, she was no ordinary person, which only deepened his confusion as to why she sought him out.

The old woman took a moment to catch her breath, regulating her breathing before speaking: “Mr. Ye, is it true what you said today—that my son, Xu Xian, will soon be entering your esteemed master’s sect?”

Ye Wen instantly understood. This woman was Xu Xian’s mother, and upon learning the whereabouts of her younger son, who had been cast out by his father, she had rushed out in a panic.

It turned out that early that morning, the disciples of the Shu Shan Sect had gathered only a few supplies, drafted a meticulous shopping list, and descended the mountain en masse.

Since the rebuilding of the Shu Shan Sect, this was the first time the entire contingent had left the mountain, leaving no one behind to guard the premises. This was necessitated by the sheer volume of items they needed to procure; going together would ensure the tasks were completed more swiftly.

After wandering the market district for a time, Ye Wen located the same team of craftsmen who had previously constructed the buildings for the Shu Shan Sect. He instructed them to pack up their belongings and prepare all necessary tools and materials, informing them they would ascend the mountain with him that afternoon. It was another major construction project—modifying the existing structures—and he estimated they would be fortunate to finish before the New Year.

Such a substantial commission naturally delighted the craftsmen. They vehemently slapped their chests, guaranteeing they would arrange everything in the shortest possible time before following Ye Wen back up to the mountain.

It was no wonder the craftsmen were pleased. The New Year was fast approaching, yet work was becoming increasingly scarce, and many worried how they would manage the coming holiday season. Then, Ye Wen appeared with this opportunity. They held a deep, positive impression of this young man.

More than six months prior, this man had forcibly claimed a significant tract of land on the mountain, erecting two grand halls and several ancillary structures before halting construction. It appeared now they were going to resume building more residences and similar structures.

Though they had to travel up the mountain in the dead of winter, this young man was exceedingly generous. This venture was clearly another massive undertaking; they guessed that once this job was done, they would be secure for the entire winter. They immediately prepared their things; those with families hurried home to make arrangements, ready to leave for the mountain with Ye Wen.

As for Ye Wen, after concluding his business, he observed that the day was still young. He could not simply wait there for the craftsmen to finish their preparations. With nothing else pressing, he wandered over to the Yue Shan Escort Agency.

By now, everyone at the Yue Shan Agency knew that Ye Wen had accepted their eldest young master as a disciple and that his relationship with the Chief Escort, Yue Hang, was quite amicable. Thus, after a brief greeting, Ye Wen was invited into the main hall for tea. Soon after, Yue Hang himself arrived to personally host Ye Wen.

After a few pleasantries, Ye Wen stated, “As I happened to be down the mountain on business today, I wished to inform Chief Escort Yue that Ning’er’s initiation ceremony will take place in four days. Should you be free, you are welcome to ascend to our mountain gate to observe the rite.”

Yue Hang was momentarily taken aback. He had seemingly not expected his son’s acceptance into a sect to warrant an official initiation ceremony. Had Ye Wen not immediately sensed Yue Hang’s confusion and elaborated, Yue Hang might never have understood why his son was held in such high regard.

“Ning’er is the first disciple I have ever taken, and he is the first of the next generation to enter the Shu Shan Sect.”

With these words, Yue Hang immediately grasped the situation. Martial sects place paramount importance on succession, and the entry of the first disciple of a new generation is naturally a major event concerning the sect’s continuity. It was no wonder the Shu Shan Sect treated it with such solemnity.

“So, that means…”

“Yes, Ning’er is the chief disciple of the next generation of the Shu Shan Sect.” Originally, Ye Wen had calculated that he was the first generation of the newly established Shu Shan Sect, and his disciples would thus be the second. However, after dinner the previous evening when discussing Xu Xian’s initiation with his junior martial sister, Ning Ruxue had argued that they—Ye Wen and his peers—should count as the seventh generation, meaning any disciples they took would belong to the eighth generation, taking into account all previous lineages of the Shu Shan lineage before it settled on the mountain.

After consideration, Ye Wen conceded to Ning Ruxue’s logic. Although his Shu Shan Sect was newly founded, it ultimately stemmed from the original sect. He agreed: he was the seventh generation master of the Shu Shan Sect, and his disciples were the eighth generation.

Yue Hang was overjoyed to learn his son would be the next generation’s Chief Disciple. In any sect, the difference between a Chief Disciple and ordinary disciples is vast. Often, when instructing arts, the Chief Disciple might even receive private, specialized tutoring from the master to ensure their position remained unchallengeable, thereby preventing internal strife from resentful junior brothers.

Learning this news, Yue Hang’s joy was boundless, his face nearly splitting into a grin. After another round of warm exchange with Ye Wen, he guaranteed he would personally attend the ceremony, then personally escorted the departing Ye Wen to the main gate. Afterward, he instructed Gongsun Mu: “Since my son has become the next Chief Disciple of the Shu Shan Sect, our Yue Shan Agency must offer something proper. Go quickly and prepare a gift.”

The Yue Shan Agency immediately descended into a flurry of activity. Yue Hang spent considerable time meticulously debating what kind of gift would be truly suitable for the Shu Shan Sect. He dedicated the entire day to these preparations.

Leaving the Yue Shan Agency, Ye Wen paused to reconsider, finally making inquiries until he found the Xu family mansion again, to pay a call upon Old Master Xu. Given their prior brief acquaintance and Ye Wen’s past assistance in the family’s affairs, Old Master Xu Zhan granted him an audience, showing him considerable respect.

The initial conversation remained cordial, but the moment the topic shifted to Xu Xian, Old Master Xu’s infamous temper flared, giving Ye Wen an eye-opening experience.

“Whether that unfilial son lives or dies has nothing to do with my Xu family.”

When conversation ceases to yield fruit, even a few words are too many. Seeing Old Master Xu’s reaction, Ye Wen knew further discussion was pointless. Furthermore, he was not the sort to force pleasantries upon someone clearly unwilling to offer them. Thus, he stated plainly, “If that is the case, I, Ye, shall take my leave.” In truth, he had merely felt a father should not bear such deep resentment for his son, and his obligation was fulfilled simply by informing the Xu family of Xu Xian’s current status. Whether they appreciated the gesture was now immaterial to him, so he turned and departed the residence.

However, while Old Master Xu might remain indifferent, Old Madam Xu cared deeply about the matter. A young maidservant, overhearing the discussion about Xu Xian while serving tea, rushed immediately to inform the Old Madam, prompting the urgent chase Ye Wen had just experienced.

“Where is Mr. Ye’s sect located?”

After a few exchanges, the Old Madam learned of Xu Xian’s current situation. Knowing he was not far from home brought her some relief, yet she remained concerned for her son, even fearing he might lack proper food or comfortable lodging.

“It is upon Shushan Mountain. Follow the path upward; you will see the gate of my Shu Shan Sect near the summit.” There was no need to conceal this information. Since the Shu Shan Sect had opened its gates to accept disciples, the location of their base would eventually need to be publicized.

The Old Madam made no comment, then inquired about the date of her son’s initiation ceremony. Upon receiving the precise answer, she said, “In the days to come, I ask that Master Ye extend further care to my unworthy son.” Then, she slowly turned back with her attendants.

After this exchange with Old Madam Xu, Ye Wen noticed the light was fading. He turned once more to locate the craftsmen. He found they had already packed their belongings and had even hired several porters to help transport the construction materials and tools—a step Ye Wen had anticipated, as building residences required a considerable amount of supplies, too much for just a few men to carry.

With everything ready, Ye Wen led the large contingent up Shushan Mountain. Along the way, many small households saw the procession of people carrying goods uphill. Those quicker to understand immediately realized someone was establishing a sect on the mountain and was building structures. Those slower asked those around them.

With Ye Wen leading the way, almost everyone understood that Ye Wen was re-establishing his domain. Some who were slightly familiar with Ye Wen—those who had transported goods with the Yue Shan Agency or had witnessed him defeat Yu Dahai with a single palm—came forward to offer congratulations, even promising to attend the opening ceremony when Ye Wen formalized his sect.

Ye Wen smiled and corrected them: “It is not an opening ceremony; the sect has always been on the mountain. We are simply building a few more residences this time, as the original accommodations are no longer sufficient.”

“Not enough room?”

No one present was foolish enough to misunderstand; they immediately realized that the man’s influence was expanding once more.

“Are you perhaps preparing to take on many new disciples?”

Before their speculation could settle, Ye Wen provided the answer: “In four days, we will hold a disciple initiation ceremony at the gate of my Shu Shan Sect. If you are free, you are welcome to ascend the mountain to observe. My Shu Shan Sect will certainly prepare fruits, wine, and refreshments for all guests.”

Having resolved to announce his sect’s presence, Ye Wen no longer concealed its existence. He channeled his inner energy to project his voice, and although his internal power was limited, everyone in the immediate vicinity heard him clearly, especially the words ‘Shu Shan Sect,’ which rang distinctly in everyone’s ears.

Upon hearing this name, the expressions of several individuals changed drastically. They exchanged glances, and one of them immediately turned and departed in a hurry, clearly rushing off to find someone.

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