As he wandered, four pavilions caught his attention. Each gave off the same grandeur as his master's pavilion, though they were small. He admired their detailed patterns and flowing banners that hung on top of the pagoda.
As he was appreciating the sight, his eyes landed on a lean, frail-looking disciple who was sitting by a stone bench and scribbling into a small scroll. The young man resembled the typical nerd from his school, lost in his own world of notes and exams.
Lin Mao smirked and approached him.
"Oi… What's up?"
The disciple flinched, and his widened in recognition.
"Brother Lin Mao?" His voice trembled slightly. After a gulp and a nervous breath, he stuttered, "W-what can I do for you?"
Lin Mao raised an eyebrow, and the boy immediately stood at attention.
"Who are you?" Lin Mao asked.
The boy straightened his posture and responded, "I am Ji Jin, outer disciple of Sky Moon Sect. I follow the Path of Society, senior."
Lin Mao nodded slowly, inspecting Ji Jin from head to toe. The poor boy swallowed hard and seemed visibly uncomfortable under the weight of Lin Mao's gaze.
Suddenly, Lin Mao's tone shifted to something deep and commanding.
"Your test starts now."
Ji Jin blinked in confusion, and he glanced around wildly.
"T-test?"
Before he could ask more, Lin Mao continued, gesturing toward the surrounding structures.
"What are these four pavilions?"
Ji Jin's expression became serious. "These are the Pavilions of the Four Elders."
Lin Mao narrowed his eyes. "Elders? Who are they?"
Ji Jin continued. "They are the senior scholars with the second-highest authority in the sect, second only to the Pavilion Master of Sky Moon."
"Each Elder leads a specialized path, guiding disciples in their studies and cultivation."
Lin Mao nodded with a smirk. "Good one. Now, tell me about these Elders."
Ji Jin rubbed the back of his neck nervously. He thought for a moment before speaking carefully.
"The Elder of the North is Elder Lin Fengxing. He has mastered the Path of Society and is popular for his wisdom in governance and human behavior."
Lin Mao raised an eyebrow. "Hmm, sounds useful."
Ji Jin continued, "The Elder of the South is Elder Feng Xixuan. She has mastered the Path of Poetry and is hailed as one of the finest poets in the entire nation."
Lin Mao leaned in slightly. "She?" His grin grew wider. "Go on."
Lin Mao's eyes lit up. "A master of words, huh? Poetic and dangerous."
Ji Jin nodded. "Indeed. The Elder of the East is Elder Yi Jinah. She..."
"She?" Lin Mao interrupted before his grin grew wider. "Go on."
Ji Jin swallowed again and continued with a respectful tone, "Elder Yi Jinah is the youngest senior scholar in the history of the nation. Her philosophical insights are so deep and impactful that she was granted a prestigious title by the Emperor himself—'The Mind that Illuminates Shadows.' Many seek her wisdom, but few can fully grasp the depth of her thoughts."
Lin Mao chuckled softly, grabbing his chin. "Impressive. Philosophy that even bends the Emperor's favor. Now, what about the West?"
Ji Jin adjusted his stance and spoke with renewed confidence, "The Elder of the West is Elder Xin Juanghing. Like Elder Lin Fengxing of the North, he has mastered the Path of Society. However, his specialty lies in diplomacy and politics rather than humanity. It's said that his influence has prevented countless conflicts."
Lin Mao gave a slow nod. "Quite the formidable lineup. A sect that values knowledge and its wielders as weapons."
He smirked. "This will be... interesting."
With that, Lin Mao straightened his back and deepened his voice again.
"Ji Jin, you have passed the test. You possess the qualifications to be a truly talented scholar."
Ji Jin's eyes widened as he felt a wave of relief and pride wash over him. Tears began to fall down his cheeks as he looked upwards at the sky.
"Mother... look at me. Your son has hope of making a name in this world!"
Lin Mao's lips twitched at the unexpected emotional reaction and forced a smile.
He took a step back, then another. Finally, without another word, he turned away and ran the fuck out of there before he got dragged into more drama.
The four elders, huh? Lin Mao thought as he made his way through the sect grounds.
Each of them is a master of different fields, and yet, all of them serve under the Sky Moon Pavilion Master.
"At least I have some status in this sect," he said to himself with a smirk.
The thought of being connected to such a reputed scholar filled him with confidence. It seems the gods have showered me with luck.
"Let's see what other surprises the Sky Moon Sect has in store for me." He said as he continued walking, hoping to see something more interesting.