Three years later.
Spring, Ming year 480.
Pure Yang Hall, Flat-Top Mountain.
"Sect Master, I have a matter to report."
A voice requesting an audience came from outside the hall.
"Enter."
Inside the hall, Cheng Xinzhan held a spirit slip, concentrating on its contents.
A middle-aged Daoist entered and, after bowing, said,
"Sect Master, this year's Jiazi Daoist children from Kuaiji have arrived. As usual, Cinnabar Glow Mountain, Hundred Herbs Mountain, and Purple Mist Mountain are receiving them. However, there is a child with two hearts among this year's group. Both Cinnabar Glow Mountain and Hundred Herbs Mountain want him, and neither side will yield. They have already started arguing, leaving the disciple admission ceremony unable to conclude. Do you think you should go there in person?"
"Twin Hearts?"
Cheng Xinzhan was somewhat surprised, then said,
"Come, let's take a look."
Though he said to go, he did not move. The next instant, however, the space before him twisted, a point of light appeared, and a flash of radiance brought forth another Cheng Xinzhan.
This newly appeared Cheng Xinzhan strode out of the hall.
The middle-aged Daoist who had brought the report was accustomed to the sight and hurried after him.
The sect's large-scale disciple admission ceremonies were all held on the Three Dragons Emerging from the Sea Peaks, beyond Gathered Spirit Mountain at the sect's entrance and south of the starting stretch of Eastern Heaven Road. The location was both far from the sect's core and chosen for its auspicious symbolism.
Cheng Xinzhan arrived atop First Dragon's brow. A great plaza lay here above the sea of clouds, with a sweeping view. Five or six thousand Daoist children sat cross-legged in its center, the youngest five or six, the oldest fifteen or sixteen.
Three Pure Ones Mountain had