Just under half a month later, at the Auspicious Ward on Nine-Wan Island, Shu Changsheng boarded a boat to leave, dressed in white and holding a folding fan like a scholar of the mortal world.
As he left the harbor, another treasure ship happened to sail slowly in, following the pilot flags toward a berth on the eastern side of Nine-Wan Island.
The ship flew a conspicuous apricot-yellow flag and soon passed the other vessels, receiving priority entry into the harbor.
It was a treasure ship carrying new disciples.
The Incense Accumulation Sect held its major examinations in June. Shu Changsheng had taken the examination here, undergone the review, and then stayed at home for a while to make thorough preparations for his travels. Before he knew it, more than two months had passed, and August had arrived.
This was when a new batch of children entered the sect and joined its Outer Sect.
During this period, people from all quarters brought children who had traveled far to study. The Incense Accumulation Sect's Ascension Court was busier than ever, registering successful applicants and entering them into the sect's rolls, while the Civil Administration Court was busy arranging the new disciples' daily lives.
Some disciples who had completed their studies had to bustle between the Auspicious Ward and the academy, ensuring that these young newcomers adapted to their new lives.
Life was hard in the mortal world, however, and among these children of suitable age were many orphans, children from impoverished families, and children born to concubines.
The Incense Accumulation Sect only needed to ensure that they had food and clothing. There was little interference from their families or other outside influences.
Within a month or two, the children could settle into their new lives and begin easing into their studies.