Liu Chen followed Li Wenshan through winding paths and returned to the previously visited mountain peak. The main peak's grand hall was constructed to be more imposing than those on the other peaks, and it was here that the annual Jiuhua disciple gathering took place.
The purpose was twofold, first to increase the fellowship among the disciples, and second to compare progress with one another to see how much each had improved over the year.
Li Wenshan had long been looking forward to this year's gathering, for it was also the best time for him to test himself. Unlike others, who had numerous fellow disciples and the guidance of a master, he was alone. If not during this occasion, then when else would he have the chance to measure his progress?
