Chapter 1

Tiezhu sat by the side of a small road in the village, gazing at the azure sky, lost in thought. Tiezhu was not his real name; it was a nickname given to him by his father when he was a child because of his frail health, in the hope that he would survive.

His real name was Wang Lin. The Wang surname was a prominent one in the surrounding villages, with a lineage of carpenters. In the county town, the Wang family was quite well-known, owning several shops that sold wooden products.

Tiezhu's father was the second son of a secondary branch of the family and could not take over the family business. After getting married, he left the county town and settled in this village.

With his exceptional carpentry skills, Tiezhu's family lived a comfortable life, free from worry about food and clothing. They were also respected in the village.

Tiezhu was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, loved reading, and had many ideas. He was almost universally recognized as a prodigy in the village. Every time someone praised him, his father's wrinkles would smooth out, and he would smile broadly.

His mother was especially caring, and from a young age, Tiezhu grew up in the loving embrace of his parents. He knew that his parents had high expectations for him. At his age, other children were already working in the fields, but he was still at home reading.

The more he read, the more ideas he had. He was filled with longing for the world beyond the mountain village. Looking at the end of the small road, Tiezhu sighed, closed his book, and stood up to walk home.

His father was sitting in the courtyard, holding a tobacco pipe, and after taking a deep puff, he asked Tiezhu, who had just entered, "Tiezhu, how's your reading going?"

Tiezhu responded casually, and his father tapped his pipe, stood up, and said, "Tiezhu, you must study hard. Next year is the county exam. Your future depends on this. Don't end up like me, stuck in the village all my life, sigh."

"That's enough, you nag every day. I say our Tiezhu will definitely pass," Tiezhu's mother said, placing the food on the table in the courtyard and calling them to eat.

Tiezhu responded with a "hmm" and sat down, eating a few mouthfuls. His mother looked at him lovingly and passed him the few pieces of meat.

"Father, is Uncle Si coming soon?" Tiezhu asked, looking up.

"Judging by the time, he should be here in a few days. Your Uncle Si is more successful than me, sigh. Wife, have you packed the mountain vegetables for Uncle Si?" Father's face showed a hint of melancholy when he mentioned Uncle Si.

Mother nodded and said, "Tiezhu, your Uncle Si is a good person. Thanks to his help over the years, your father's wood carvings have sold well. If you succeed in the future, don't forget to repay your Uncle Si."

As she spoke, the sound of a horse came from outside, followed by the rumbling of a carriage. A cheerful voice called out, "Second Brother, open the door."

Tiezhu was delighted and ran to open the courtyard gate. He saw a robust middle-aged man standing outside, his eyes bright. Seeing Tiezhu, he laughed and patted his head, saying, "Tiezhu, you've grown taller in just half a year."

Tiezhu's parents quickly stood up, and his father said with a smile, "Fourth Brother, I figured you'd be here soon. Come in, Tiezhu, go get a stool for your Uncle Si."

Tiezhu happily responded and ran back to the house, bringing a stool to the table and wiping it clean with his sleeve, looking hopefully at the middle-aged man.

The middle-aged man winked at him and teased, "Tiezhu, why are you so diligent this time? I remember the last time I came, you weren't like this."

Tiezhu's father gave him a stern look and laughed, "This little rascal has been talking about whether you're coming soon."

The middle-aged man saw Tiezhu's slightly red face and said, "Tiezhu, your Uncle Si hasn't forgotten what he promised you." He then took out two bound books from his chest and placed them on the table.

Tiezhu cheered and picked up the books, flipping through them with excitement.

Tiezhu's mother looked at her son affectionately and said to the middle-aged man, "Fourth Brother, your brother always talks about you. Stay a few more days this time."

The middle-aged man shook his head and said, "Second Sister-in-law, the family has a lot going on these days. I have to leave early tomorrow. I'll come back to see you after things settle down." He then looked at his second brother apologetically.

Tiezhu's father sighed and said, "Fourth Brother, don't listen to your sister-in-law. Load the goods tomorrow. The family's business is the most important. We can always get together later."

The middle-aged man looked at Tiezhu's father and said, "Second Brother, is Tiezhu fifteen this year?"

Tiezhu's father nodded and said with a sigh, "After the New Year, he'll be sixteen. Time flies, it's been over ten years. Sigh." He looked at his son with affection.

The middle-aged man pondered for a moment, then said seriously, "Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, I have something to tell you. The Hengyue Sect is accepting disciples this year, and our family has three recommendation slots. One of them is assigned to me."

Tiezhu's father was taken aback and said, "The Hengyue Sect? The one with all the immortals?"

The middle-aged man smiled and nodded, "Second Brother, yes, that immortal sect. Our family is a prominent one in the area and has the right to recommend. My son, as you know, isn't good at reading but is skilled with swords. I don't think the immortals will take him. This slot is precious. I think Tiezhu is smart and loves reading, so he might have a chance."

Tiezhu's mother was overjoyed and said, "Fourth Brother, this... this..."

The middle-aged man patted Tiezhu's head and said, "Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, let's decide this. Let Tiezhu try. If he's accepted, it will be his good fortune."

Tiezhu looked at his parents and Uncle Si, confused. He didn't understand what they were talking about. Immortals? What are immortals? He hesitated and asked softly.

The middle-aged man looked at Tiezhu seriously and said, "Tiezhu, immortals can fly in the sky. Each one has great powers that we mortals can't comprehend."

Tiezhu, still confused, felt a bit curious about immortals.

Tiezhu's father stood up excitedly, pulling his wife to bow to the middle-aged man. The middle-aged man quickly helped them up and said sincerely, "Second Brother, what are you doing? My mother died early, and if it weren't for your wife taking care of me when I was young, I wouldn't be where I am today. Tiezhu is my nephew, and it's my duty to do this."

Tiezhu's father was moved to tears, patted the middle-aged man heavily, and nodded. He then sternly told Tiezhu, "Wang Lin, remember, no matter what, never forget the kindness of your Uncle Si to our family. Otherwise, I won't have you as a son!"

Tiezhu's heart trembled. Although he was still confused about immortals, he could see from his parents' expressions how important this was to them. He knelt before his Uncle Si and bowed deeply.

The middle-aged man pulled Tiezhu up and said approvingly, "Good boy, get ready in the next few days. I'll come to pick you up at the end of the month."

That evening, Tiezhu went to bed early, still hearing his father and Uncle Si talking in the courtyard. His father was very happy and, despite rarely drinking, insisted on having a few cups with Uncle Si.

"Immortals? What are they?" Tiezhu was very excited. He sensed that this was an opportunity, a chance to see the outside world!

The next morning, Uncle Si left, and Tiezhu's parents accompanied him to the village entrance. On the way back, Tiezhu clearly saw that his father seemed much younger, and his eyes were filled with hope.

This hope was much stronger than when they were preparing for the county exam.

In the small village, there were no secrets. Even the birth of a puppy could spread throughout the village instantly. Soon, everyone in the village knew the news from Tiezhu's mother. People came to visit one after another, and their looks at Tiezhu were different—some were envious, some were jealous...

"The Wang family has a good child. He's been accepted as a disciple by the Hengyue Sect."

"I've watched Tiezhu grow up. He's been smart since he was little. Now he's a disciple of the Hengyue Sect, he's sure to have a bright future."

"Tiezhu is capable. When he succeeds, don't forget our village. Come back and visit often."

Such comments flooded Tiezhu's ears, gradually making it seem as if he had already become a disciple of the Hengyue Sect. Every time his parents heard this, they smiled broadly, and the wrinkles on their faces seemed to lessen.

Whenever Tiezhu walked alone in the village, all the villagers would greet him warmly, asking him questions. Some even used him as an example to their own children, giving them a lecture.

Half a month passed quickly, and the news of Tiezhu becoming a disciple of the Hengyue Sect spread rapidly. Villagers from the surrounding areas came to congratulate him, mainly to see him.

Each visitor brought a gift, which Tiezhu's parents couldn't refuse and accepted. However, when these people left, they would receive a generous return gift. As Tiezhu's father said, "Our child will be a high-ranking immortal in the future. We can't owe so many favors. We must return the gifts to everyone who visits."

At this time, the Wang family members gradually learned that Uncle Si had given his child's slot to Tiezhu, and they came to congratulate him one after another.

Tiezhu's father took this very seriously. Many of these people had looked down on him before, and some had even forced him out of the family. Now, seeing them come to his house, he felt that years of frustration had been washed away.

He and Tiezhu's mother discussed it and decided to treat them well. They spent a lot of money to have the village teacher write invitations, which they sent to the family.

The teacher refused to take any money, only requiring that Tiezhu acknowledge that he had studied with him since childhood. Tiezhu had no objections, as this was the truth.

After the invitations were sent, most of the Wang family relatives came to celebrate. Due to the large number of guests, Tiezhu's father chose the village square as the venue, setting up hundreds of tables.

The villagers helped with the reception, and everyone praised Tiezhu, speaking highly of him.

As for Tiezhu's father, he personally greeted guests at the village entrance, introducing each relative to Tiezhu.

"This is your third grandfather. When I left the family, he secretly helped a lot. Tiezhu, you must remember to repay him." Tiezhu's father supported an elderly man with white hair and said to Wang Lin.

Tiezhu quickly agreed, and the old man looked at Tiezhu and said, "Second Brother, time flies. Your child is so grown up. He's a good child, better than you."

Tiezhu's father's face glowed, and he said, "Third Grandfather, Tiezhu has been smart since he was little. He's definitely better than me. Please walk slowly, wife, help Third Grandfather to the table."

Tiezhu's mother quickly came forward to support the old man to the table.

After the old man left, Tiezhu's father hummed and said to Tiezhu, "This old man looked down on me before, forcing me to leave. Now that you've succeeded, he's come to congratulate us. That's how relatives are."

Tiezhu nodded, confused, and asked, "Father, is Uncle Si coming today?"

Tiezhu's father shook his head and said, "Uncle Si sent a message saying he can't come from out of town. He'll be back to pick you up at the end of the month."

At this moment, another carriage arrived at the village entrance. An old man in his fifties got out and looked at Tiezhu's father, sighing, "Second Brother, congratulations."

Tiezhu's father's face was complex, and after a long pause, he said, "Elder Brother..."

The old man scanned the crowd and looked at Tiezhu, smiling, "Second Brother, this is your child, right? He's good. He might be selected this time."

Tiezhu's father frowned and then relaxed, saying, "Tiezhu doesn't have many strengths, but he's smart and loves reading. He'll definitely be selected."

"That's not certain. The immortal sects have very strict requirements for selecting disciples, emphasizing destiny. I think this child is a bit foolish. It will be a waste of time." A haughty voice came from the carriage, and a teenager around sixteen or seventeen stepped out.

The teenager was handsome, with a sharp brow and bright eyes, and a face like jade. His eyes showed disdain.

Tiezhu's father glared, and Wang Lin looked at him deeply but said nothing.

The old man's face turned serious, and he scolded, "Wang Zhuo, how can you be so impolite? This is your second uncle, and this is your younger brother Wang Lin. Bow to them." He then said to Tiezhu's father, "My son spoke rudely, Second Brother, don't take it to heart. However..."

He paused and continued, "However, Second Brother, selecting disciples is not a simple matter. It requires destiny. This time, the Hengyue Sect's Daoxu Immortal has taken a liking to my son, which is why our family is interested and has been given three slots, including my son's."

Tiezhu's father grunted and said, "If your child can make it, mine will definitely be selected too!"

The teenager sneered, ignoring the old man's scolding, and said, "You're my second uncle, right? I advise you not to get your hopes up. The cultivation path is almost one in a million. This foolish child can't compare to me. I'm the chosen disciple of the immortal master. How can he compare?"

The old man's face showed a hint of pride, and he scolded a few more times before bowing to Tiezhu's father and leading the teenager to the table.

"Tiezhu, don't feel pressured. If you're not selected, it's not a big deal. You can still take the county exam next year," Tiezhu's father said after holding his breath for a long time, speaking earnestly.

Wang Lin's eyes were determined, and he said softly, "Father, don't worry. I will definitely be selected!"

Tiezhu's father gently patted his son's shoulder, his eyes filled with hope.

After greeting many more relatives, Tiezhu's father finally brought him back to the table. The scene was lively, with many guests celebrating, and the atmosphere was bustling.

"Relatives, villagers, I, Wang Tian Shui, am not well-educated, but I'm very happy today. My child has a chance to be selected as a disciple by the Hengyue Sect, which is the happiest thing in my life. I won't say much more. Thank you all for coming to congratulate us," Tiezhu's father said loudly, raising his cup and drinking it all in one go.

"Second Brother, your child has been smart and clever since he was little. He will definitely be selected, just like Wang Zhuo, to become an immortal."

"Second Brother, with a child like Tiezhu, you've lived a fulfilling life. Just wait and enjoy the good times."

"Tiezhu, bring honor to your father. No matter what, you must enter the Hengyue Sect."

The scene was lively, with cheers and congratulations, but secretly, many people were watching the spectacle, like Wang Zhuo's father. He congratulated them on the surface but never respected his second brother, and he looked down on his child even more. He looked at his own son and then at Tiezhu, feeling disdain. He thought that even if the immortals weren't blind, they wouldn't select Tiezhu.

Human nature is complex, and this was evident in the crowd. Tiezhu's father led Tiezhu to each table, introducing him to one unfamiliar relative after another.

That day, Tiezhu's father drank a lot. He had never been so honored. It was late when the relatives finally left. As they left, Wang Zhuo still had that look of disdain and whispered to Tiezhu, "Foolish child, you won't be selected. You don't have what it takes."

He then sneered and left with his father.

Back home, Tiezhu lay in bed, determined to be selected no matter what.

Half a month passed quickly, and one day, Uncle Si arrived in a carriage.

Tiezhu's parents quickly welcomed him into the house. The middle-aged man washed his face and said hurriedly, "Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, I can't stay long. I'll take Tiezhu and leave immediately. The Hengyue Sect will come to pick up the selected children early tomorrow."

Tiezhu's father was taken aback, his face showing a hint of reluctance, but he said decisively, "Alright, Tiezhu, go with your Uncle Si. If you're selected, stay in the Hengyue Sect. If you're not... don't feel any burden, come back home."

Tiezhu looked at his parents with reluctance and nodded heavily. His mother took out a package from the room and said lovingly, "Tiezhu, listen to your Uncle Si and don't cause trouble. The outside world is different from home. Be patient and tolerant. I've packed some new clothes and your favorite roasted sweet potatoes. I'll miss you. If you're not selected, come back..."

As she spoke, tears streamed down her face.

Tiezhu had never left the village before. This was his first time.

Uncle Si sighed and said, "Tiezhu, bring honor to your parents. You must be selected. Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, the family will have a grand celebration in a few days. I'm in a hurry today, but I'll come to pick you up tomorrow. The results for the three children recommended by the family will be known then."

He then pulled Tiezhu onto the carriage, whipped the horse, and left.

Tiezhu's parents watched the carriage disappear, tears streaming down their faces.

"Father, Tiezhu has never been away from us. Will he be bullied outside?" Tiezhu's mother bit her lip, her eyes filled with reluctance.

"Children grow up and have their own destiny..." Tiezhu's father picked up his tobacco pipe, took a deep puff, and the wrinkles on his face deepened.

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