"Fine poetry, fine poetry!"
The crane-like elder clapped in delight, while the other two nodded repeatedly.
And Li already had her head tilted toward the sky.
"I never imagined that, besides your profound magical power, you possessed such outstanding literary talent."
The crane-like elder praised him again and again.
Cheng Xinzhan waved a hand bashfully.
"I merely composed it upon entering the mountains and being moved by their splendid scenery. It was truly the scenery that was fine; the poem hardly deserves praise."
Seeing Cheng Xinzhan's modesty, the elder grew still more convinced that he was a refined recluse. Utterly satisfied, he smiled and said,
"Whether your poem is good will be judged by others once it spreads in the days to come. But for now, this old Daoist believes it more than qualifies you to pass the literary examination and enter the mountains to cultivate."
Joy appeared on Cheng Xinzhan's face.
"Thank you for granting my wish, Daoist!"
The elder replied,
"This old Daoist also has a favor to ask. I hope you will grant my wish as well."
Cheng Xinzhan nodded.
"Please, speak freely."
The elder said,
"The Jade Capital you spoke of is actually formed by twelve lofty mountains stretching from north to south. Outsiders collectively call them White Dragon Banner Mountain, but each of these twelve mountains has its own name, and their boundaries are quite distinct.
"The people here choose a mountain to live on according to their inherited methods, temperaments, and preferences. As their numbers increased over time, these twelve lofty mountains truly became twelve separate domains."
By this point, Cheng Xinzhan understood, but he said nothing, waiting for the elder to make his proposal himself.
"Generally speaking, the southern mountains favor martial pursuits. Their residents often venture out and contend with others. Even