As the Twelve Mountains slowly rose from the horizon and ascended to the heavens right before their eyes, other disciples came into view. The children of the Empire walked in Daoist robes, making their way to the stairs that led up to the mountains peaks. Large birds glided above them, carrying immortals and captivating the newcomers. The surrounding cliffs that shaded them held no shortage of herbs, flowers, and other greenery. As for the others, while Ming Ran and Cang Mu did wear white for the occasion, they still stood out among the others, as they were the only faces that did not come with the others. A group of boys— clearly nobles from the way they carried themselves— pointed and whispered amongst themselves. A tall, thin child with sharp eyes glared over at them. Ming Ran swallowed hard,
If looks could kill… Cang Mu chuckled, ruffling his hair. He moved forward with an unbothered arrogance. He did not fall behind the stride of the other boys, but did not hurry ahead either. Like a predator exerting his dominance over his territory. Ming Ran observed all of this with a tinge of amusement. Cang Mu only smiled, cupping his chin and pulling him closer. A light peck on the cheek warmed Ming Ran's face, a creeping blush filled with excitement, delight, and a little nervousness spread across his face. The other group of boys blanched at their display, the tall boy fuming, and only then did Cang Mu move forward without even a glimpse in their direction.
Is he…
"Is my wife looking at other men in front of me?"
We're not married though?
"We've been married for three years, remember?"
No. We've been engaged for three years.
"Sigh. Fine, should I consummate our union right here, then? Those bushes give us a slight bit of privacy." Cang Mu looked at him cooly. Ming Ran shuddered, what a bully! Cang Mu had only gotten more shameless over the years. He was barely able to sleep together in the tent with Ming Ran without some sort of nervousness for the first year! Ming Ran looked down, feeling rather helpless.
So, we need to be married here?
"Not willing?" Cang Mu asked, voice low and dangerous.
How can wife not be willing? Ming Ran looked away, feeling like he just sold a bit of himself for a little bit of peace. Cang Mu pulled him closer, seemingly pleased by this statement. Ming Ran looked away.
I hope you're prepared for what's going to happen if we proceed this way…
Cang Mu grinned, "Ah, yes. My frightening in-laws." he murmured. Ming Ran pinched his arm, glaring at him as only a kitten could do.
I am serious.
"I am too."
Are you really? Ming Ran gave him a look. Cang Mu for some reason looked rather pleased at Ming Ran's nagging.
"Do you really think that I would come all the way here just to screw it up?" Cang Mu asked. Ming Ran felt a sense of foreboding in his voice and quickly shook his head. Best to let the sleeping dogs lay. They began to descend the stairs, quickly leaving behind the mundane world.
Hundreds of young men and women entered a great coliseum where thirteen elders sat high above watching them closely on their dais'. Some buckled a bit under the collective pressure, others broke out a sweat as they continued forward, and some— like Cang Mu— strode forward without a hint of weakness. Ming Ran looked around at the elders sitting high above and felt only warmth.
"Are you okay?" Cang Mu's voice startled him. Ming Ran nodded, looking at him confused, "You're crying." Ming Ran lifted his fingertips to his eyes and realized that he had indeed been crying. Cang Mu wiped his eyes affectionately. Ming Ran leaned into his touch.
"Silence!" There was an orderly voice that rang down from above. Meng Qi stared down at the group with cold eyes, her eyes seeming to poke and prod every single last one of them until her eyes found Ming Ran. Meng Qi started, visibly surprised; Ming Ran looked right back at her. Unsure of what else to do, he smiled up at her. Meng Qi looked away and continued to intimidate the others. Finally, she spoke, something inside of her assured of what she saw.
"Many of you are only here to take what the Empire has taught you to believe belongs to you, but you are wrong in assuming that anything here is yours. Whether you cultivate a golden core or not is squarely up to you and your dedication. Some of you will have natural talent, while others will be sorely lacking. Those who are worthy shall be given the chance to stay longer, while those unworthy will be asked to leave." she stared down at them with imperious finality, "Those who have brought coffers, keep them close, no elder will stoop to bargaining with you for your worldly gains. Any disciple worth their salt already knows the penalty for accepting such bribes. At minimum you will be granted three years here, should you wish to pursue a higher ascension, you may fight for your right to remain. Some of you will stay for seven years before descending again to the mortal realm. Should you descend, you will not be welcomed again on these peaks. Do not think that your few years affiliation with your masters will grant you their favor once you leave. Should you stay to become true cultivators, you will be tested to see how far your dedication and will takes you. However, we shall start the beginning of your three years. In a moment, each and every one of you will be tested to find the peak you belong to. Some will belong at the Rat peak where you will learn leadership, some will belong to the Dragon Peak where you will learn governance. Some will belong to the healing peak under the Rabbit Immortal. Some will be suited to defense either physical or mystical— the Ox and Horse Peaks will welcome you. Others are crafters like the Monkey Peak Immortal or the Rooster Immortal. Some are born merchants like the Boar Immortal. Some will be born for combat like the Tiger and Dog Peak disciples. Some might be more inclined to watching their opponents wither away under your gaze, expert strategists like those at my peak. Depending on which peak you—"
"Ahem." The thirteenth peak lord, cleared his throat, earning him a withering gaze from Meng Qi. Cang Yuan could only hold back his laughter at the forced endurance that the Snake Immortal had etched on her face every time she was forced to look at his face.
"…is there something meaningful you'd like to add?" her voice trembled at the forced civility she had to feign in front of the new students.
"You forgot my peak." Cang Yuan tried not to laugh. Meng Qi trembled with annoyance,
"You haven't taken a disciple in years and claim to have no interest in newbies, why would I bother introducing your nameless peak?"
"I might have some interest this year." Cang Yuan smiled, and he added, "And Qi-er, can't we be more civil? Our two favorite disciples are friends after all." His fox tails wagged back and forth in the light, but seemed to disappear under further inspection. Ming Ran rubbed his eyes, trying to see them again.
His memories of Cang Yuan were sparse to say the least. The only thing keeping them alive was the memory of his advice years ago. Cang Yuan took a look down at him, meeting his eyes and winking. Ming Ran flinched, feeling a small bit of bloodlust coming from the Cang next to him. Ming Ran sighed, peaking over at Cang Mu. The two of them had the same surname, and sometimes he wondered if they were related. Yet, there was none of Cang Yuan's playful air, if Cang Mu was truly his kin… he'd definitely be a dark fox… Ming Ran thought, shuddering as he tried not to stare openly at his "husband". Ming Qi growled and forced out,
"Finally, we have the peak that seldom takes in any students at all and refuses to accept any new students… mysticism and trickery… and pranks. Do not sully yourselves." Ming Qi growled. The new students shrunk away in fear, but Ming Ran smiled. Cang Mu sighed,
"First you cry and now you're giggling. I'm starting to think that a peak filled with trickery and mischief is right up your alley." he whispered. Ming Ran glared at him, pinching his arm.
I bet he's talking about you. Cang Mu, are you sure you're not related at all to Cang Yuan? Cang Mu chuckled.
"No. I'll tell you a little later what family you married into." he whispered. Ming Ran sighed.
Every student made their way up to the platform and was chosen by one of the peaks. Cang Mu was placed at the Dragon Peak. Ming Ran was relieved, at the very least the Rabbit Peak seemed nice, he naively ascended the podium, forgetting his own misfortune. A fox symbol shown at his feet. Ming Ran stared emptily down at his feet for a while, the fox insignia almost seemed to grin at him.
…there is no God…
...
Ming Ran followed Cang Yuan to the thirteenth peak. They crossed a rickety bridge and he thought for a moment that he should re-think certain life choices, such as choosing the Rabbit Immortal for a master instead. Cang Yuan failed to notice his hesitance and continued on carefree and chattering away.
"… I have to be honest, it was interesting to see you together with that child. You seem to have been a good influence on him. I have never seen him smile like that. Wei Ning just lacks the facial muscles, but that child has developmental issues, I'm sure of it! Anyhow, Wei Ning has just about gone crazy, it's a good thing that I made a deal and whatnot with the Honglu chief! A war might have broken out! Anyhow, your brothers are probably going to make life living hell for Mu-er. Well deserved, I must say! Kidnapping you like that! Was it hard? You can tell me, and I'll make sure to—" Ming Ran tugged on his sleeve,
"..? Hm? What is it you're doing with your hands?" Cang Yuan tilted his head. Ming Ran quickly looked down and moved on silently. Cang Yuan was silent for a while, and allowed his new disciple walk along to the mountain in peace.
Two students stood ready to welcome their newest shidi. Meng Yu sat against a pillar cleaning his blade, every once and a while looking up to see Wei Ning fidget or pace about or sigh. Finally, he heaved a sigh of his own.
"Would you calm down already, Ning-shidi? Master has gone to pick up your lost—" He looked over to see Cang Yuan walking together with a short, skinny little thing who continued to walk as though the world had ended. "Oh, great. He's already here. At least our new shidi looks decent. Shifu hasn't fucked up yet."
"Aiyo! Meng-Meng! How could you say such heartless things about your master?" Cang Yuan pouted, and turned to Ming Ran, "Don't listen to him. Both of my disciples are simply cold blooded!" Wei Ning rushed over to Ming Ran, checking him over short of stripping off his clothes. Ming Ran signed to him, before flinching and dropping his hands, his expression defeated. Wei Ning sighed, ruffling his hair. Cang Yuan smiled, a sense of melancholy spreading over his face.
"Well, enough standing out in the cold! Time to go inside!" Cang Yuan ushered them inside.
...
The dinner table that night felt awkward as Ming Ran realized how limited his world was without someone who could understand him. He glanced out the window again and again, as if he was waiting for someone. Cang Yuan watched him with eyes tinged with amusement.
"So... what is your relationship with that boy? Should I invite him over tomorrow night?" Cang Yuan asked, "It shouldn't be too hard stealing him away from the Tiger Immortal for a meal, hm?" Wei Ning sighed,
"Please don't joke, Shizun." Cang Yuan pouted.
"I'm not joking. Ming Ran! Just nod your head and Shizun will kidnap him right now!" Cang Yuan looked over at Ming Ran.
"Tomorrow will surely be sufficient, Shizun." Meng Yu rolled his eyes. Ming Ran nodded in agreement. He ate a little faster at the prospect of seeing Cang Mu tomorrow.