The air inside the carriage was clearly unpleasant, which made sense given that a cabin designed for only a dozen passengers had been packed with nearly thirty children. Though children were much smaller in stature than adults, they still made the space feel crowded. Han Li, being quick-witted, tucked himself snugly into a corner of the carriage and quietly observed the other children. The children attending the initial examination clearly fell into three distinct categories based on their attire and social backgrounds. The first group consisted of well-dressed youths seated in the center of the carriage, surrounded by the majority of the other children. One such youth, named Wu Yan, was thirteen years old and the oldest among the group. Although his age had surpassed the required limit, his status was secured through his sister's marriage into a powerful figure within the Qi Xu Sect, thus resolving the issue of age. The Wu Yan family established a martial arts academy, and they were quite affluent. Though their martial skills were not particularly refined, they were more than sufficient to handle children like Han Li—someone with only ordinary physical strength and who had never formally trained in martial arts. It was evident that figures like Wu Yan, who combined wealth, influence, and a few martial arts skills, naturally became the "big brothers" of most children in the carriage. Another group consisted of the children who gathered around Wu Yan. These children came from diverse backgrounds—some from families running shops, others from working-class households, some relying on their craft for livelihood—yet they shared one common trait: they had grown up in the town and, as a result, had learned, to some extent, the art of reading people and pursuing practical interests. Hence, they all gathered around Wu Yan, constantly addressing him as "Master Wu" or "Brother Wu." Wu Yan, in turn, had grown accustomed to these titles and found them deeply appreciated. The last group consists of people like Han Li. These individuals come from remote, impoverished rural areas where families traditionally rely on the mountains for mountain resources and on rivers for river-based livelihoods—living in constant poverty. This group is the smallest among the children in the carriage, numbering only five or six. They are usually reserved, hesitant to speak loudly, and often simply watch others laugh and chat freely, standing in sharp contrast to the more boisterous children who frequently shout and engage in loud conversation. Of course, since the Seven Immortal Sect established its hold over this mountain, outsiders have naturally been unable to come and freely enjoy such splendid scenery. Caixia Mountain, the second-largest mountain within Jingzhou, after the Bai Mang Mountain, spans the broadest area—its mountain ranges extend throughout a radius of over ten miles. It boasts more than a dozen peaks, each of which is particularly rugged and imposing, and thus has been fully occupied by the various branches of the Seven Immortal Sect. Its main peak, Luoshi Peak, is especially formidable—both exceptionally high and steep, with only a single path connecting the mountain base to its summit. After the sect's headquarters was established here, the sect further set up thirteen outposts—some visible, some concealed—strategically along this critical route, ensuring absolute security and allowing them to rest assured. Han Li, surveying the surroundings and observing the group moving forward, suddenly noticed the procession halt. Then, a hearty voice rang out. "Wang brother, how come you've only just arrived? We were expecting you two days earlier." "Master Yue, we've been delayed a bit on the way, so please forgive us for troubling you." Wang Huafu stood before the crowd, bowed respectfully to an elderly man with a red face, and shed his earlier haughty demeanor, now displaying a gentle, courteous expression. "How many batches of disciples have we sent to the mountain so far?" "Seventeenth batch." "Good." Master Yue glanced at Han Li and his companions with a composed air. "Have them delivered to Qingke Courtyard, where they can rest well overnight. Begin the selection process early tomorrow morning. Those who don't pass should be sent down promptly to avoid violating the mountain's customs." "Understood, Master Yue." Most of the people they encountered wore silk-draped robes, carrying swords or daggers at their sides, or sometimes, those with bare arms and open hands had bundles tucked snugly at their waists, as if holding scrolls or scrolls of some kind. From their mannerisms, it was evident that they were all physically fit and possessed solid martial skills.