Chapter 2

The next morning, Uncle left the house early. Hanje's parents and Hanje saw him off to the edge of the village. In such a small village, where people knew even how many spoons each household had, the rumor that Hanje might become a disciple of the Daesan Sect spread quickly.

"Is it true that the Lee family's son is going to become a disciple of the Daesan Sect?"

"He's been sharp since he was little; he's bound to make it big!"

"Hanje, even if you become a great person, don't forget the village and come back often."

Even though nothing was decided yet, people already treated Hanje as if he were a disciple of the Daesan Sect. Everyone who passed by said something about him, and each time, Hanje's parents beamed with joy.

By the middle of the month, the rumor had spread to nearby villages, and everyone came to Hanje's house to congratulate him. As the congratulatory procession continued, Hanje's father held a feast in the village square to entertain the guests.

The rumor soon reached the ears of other members of the Lee family. Many of them, who had not been fond of Hanje's family, hurried over to offer their congratulations.

"Hanje, greet this person. This is your third great-uncle. He helped me a lot when I left home. Don't forget to repay him greatly!"

"Second son, time flies. That small child has now surpassed you in success! Hahaha!"

An elderly man with white hair patted Hanje's father on the shoulder with a broad smile and then returned to the square where the feast was in full swing. After the old man left, Hanje's father snorted.

"Hmph! When they were trying to drive me away, where were they? Now that Hanje seems to be on the rise, they come to flatter him. What kind of relatives are they..."

"By the way, Father, is Fourth Uncle coming back today?"

Hanje's father shook his head.

"Fourth Uncle sent a letter. He said he still has some business to attend to and won't be back until the end of the month."

At that moment, a man who looked to be about fifty entered the village. He approached Hanje's father with a joyful expression and said,

"Second son, congratulations."

Hanje's father looked at the man with a complicated expression and then spoke quietly.

"No, it's not that Hanje is particularly outstanding, just that he was lucky, Brother."

"The Daesan Sect doesn't take just anyone. I understand that they don't easily accept disciples unless there's a special connection. But from what I can see, it would be fortunate if he doesn't get rejected right away."

A young man, about Hanje's age, who looked arrogant, got off a carriage and said mockingly,

"Isan! How can you be so rude? This is your second uncle, and that's your cousin, Hanje! Can't you show some respect?"

The man who had spoken turned his head and said to Hanje's father,

"My son is still young, so don't take it to heart. Anyway..."

The man hesitated for a moment before continuing,

"Taking on a disciple is not a simple matter; it requires a special connection. It seems that Daoist Master Daohexiang of the Daesan Sect likes my son, and he has asked us to recommend three people from our family, including this one."

Hanje's father snorted.

"If your son can become a disciple, mine certainly can too."

The young man who had gotten off the carriage looked even more arrogant and said,

"You are my second uncle, right? I should tell you not to have high hopes. Moreover, the seat is chosen by the Daoist Master himself. How can your son be compared to mine?"

The man who had been listening scolded his son again, bowed to Hanje's father in apology, and then led his son to the feast.

"Hanje, don't feel too much pressure. What if you don't become a disciple? You still have the imperial examination next year, so don't worry too much."

"No, Father. I will definitely pass."

Hanje's father patted his son's shoulder lightly and headed for the square.

Standing in the center of the square, Hanje's father cleared his throat and said loudly,

"Thank you all for coming to congratulate us. I am very happy that my son has the opportunity to become a disciple of the Daesan Sect. I won't speak for long. Let's raise our glasses. I hope you all have a pleasant time. Thank you!"

After finishing his speech, Hanje's father raised his glass and drank it in one go.

The feast continued until late at night. The relatives gradually left the village square. However, Isan still looked displeased. As he passed by Hanje, he whispered mockingly,

"That outfit doesn't suit you. Don't get your hopes up; you'll probably be rejected."

Then he sneered and left with his father.

That day, as Hanje walked home, he made a firm resolution.

'I will definitely pass!'

★ ★ ★

The promised day finally arrived, and Hanje's uncle came to take him away.

"Brother, Sister-in-law, I have to take Hanje and leave immediately. Someone from the Daesan Sect is coming tomorrow morning."

"Understood. Hanje, follow your uncle. If you pass, do your best to adapt. If you don't, there's no need to be ashamed."

His mother added,

"Hanje, listen to your uncle and don't cause any trouble. I've packed some extra clothes in your luggage. Come back safely. I'll miss you."

Tears were streaming down her face.

Hanje had never left the village since he was a child. His parents seemed very worried about their son, who knew little about the outside world.

"Then I will go and come back safely."

As Hanje bowed, the horses began to pull the carriage. His parents watched the carriage as it moved away, wiping away their tears.

Examination

The carriage moved without stopping. Hanje, hugging his luggage, watched as the village where he had lived for 15 years grew distant.

"Hanje, how do you feel about leaving the village for the first time?"

"A little scared. I'm afraid the Daoists won't accept me."

"Haha, don't worry too much. We've arrived. This is my house. Rest today, and we'll go tomorrow morning."

Hanje entered the room, put down his luggage, and lay on the bed. However, he couldn't sleep due to nervousness.

The next morning, Hanje followed his uncle to the Lee family's mansion.

Standing in front of the mansion, his uncle said solemnly,

"Hanje, don't stand there dazed. Understand?"

Hanje nodded with a determined expression.

The two entered the mansion, and a man was standing in the courtyard. It was the man Hanje's father called "Brother." He nodded slightly when he saw Hanje.

"The Daoists will arrive soon. Don't be afraid or nervous. If you're unsure, just follow what Isan does. Understand?"

Hanje silently looked around. Besides Isan, another boy was standing there. The boy with dark skin looked as if he was carrying something heavy, as his clothes were bulging.

The boy approached Hanje with a playful expression.

"You must be Hanje from the second uncle's house. I'm Ihyeon."

Hanje smiled and nodded.

Suddenly, clouds gathered in the sky, and a burst of light shone down. In the middle of the light stood a young man in white. He looked at the three boys and asked in a cold voice,

"Are these the three people the Lee family recommends?"

Isan's father hurried forward and bowed.

"Great Daoist, these three are the ones we recommend from our Lee family."

The young man nodded slightly.

"Who is Isan?"

Isan's father quickly pulled Isan forward and said,

"This is my unworthy son, Isan."

The young man looked Isan up and down and nodded.

"Indeed, he has an unusual aura. Daoist Master Daohexiang will likely be pleased."

The young man rolled up his sleeves and, with a puff of smoke, disappeared with the three boys.

Hanje's uncle looked up at the sky and said softly,

"Hanje, you must pass."