Chapter 1 – Leaving Home
Tie Zhu sat by the side of a small village road, staring blankly at the blue sky. Tie Zhu wasn’t his real name, but rather a nickname. Due to his poor health as a child, his father feared he wouldn’t live long, so he was given this nickname as a tradition.
His real name was Wang Lin. The Wang family was considered a prominent family in the area, a family of carpenters. The Wang family was well-known in the area, and they owned several shops selling wooden products.
Tie Zhu’s father was the second son of the family. He was born to a concubine; therefore, he could not continue the family business, so he left home after marrying and settled in this village.
However, because his father was a skilled carpenter, Tie Zhu’s family was quite wealthy, never having to worry about food or clothing. They were highly respected in the village.
Tie Zhu was extremely intelligent since he was a child. He loved reading books and thinking deeply about things. Almost everyone in the village agreed that he was a child prodigy. Whenever his father heard someone praise Tie Zhu, the wrinkles on his face would fade and he would reveal a happy smile.
His mother loved him dearly. It could be said that he grew up surrounded by their love. He knew that they had high expectations for him. Other children his age worked in the fields, while he sat at home reading.
The more he read, the more he thought about it. He longed for the world outside the village. Tie Zhu raised his head and looked down the street. After a sigh, he closed his book, stood up, and walked home.
His father was sitting in the courtyard. Holding a pipe, he took a deep breath and asked, “Tie Zhu, how are your studies?” as Tie Zhu walked through the door.
Tie Zhu muttered a few words as he passed. His father brushed the ashes from his pipe, stood up, and said, “Tie Zhu, you must study well. Next year is the district exam. Whether you have a future or not depends on this exam. Don’t end up like me, spending my entire life in the village.”
“Enough, you complain about this every day. If you ask me, our Tie Zhu will definitely pass the exam!” Tie Zhu’s mother brought some food and placed it on the table. She beckoned the two of them to come and eat.
Tie Zhu answered in a low voice, then sat down and ate a few bites leisurely. His mother looked at him affectionately and gave him a few pieces of meat that were there.
“Father, is Fourth Uncle almost here?” Tie Zhu asked, raising his head.
“If you do the math, it should be within the next few days. Your fourth uncle is more successful than your father. Hey, Tie Zhu’s mother, are all the special dishes prepared for Fourth Uncle packed?” When Tie Zhu’s father mentioned Fourth Uncle, a hint of sadness flashed across his face.
His mother nodded and said with emotion, “Tie Zhu, your fourth uncle is a very kind person. Over the past few years, it’s been thanks to him that your father’s woodcarvings have been selling well. If you succeed, don’t forget to repay your fourth uncle.”
As Tie Zhu’s mother spoke, the sound of horse hooves could be heard outside the door. Joyful laughter followed the sound of the carriage.
“Second Brother, open the door!”
Tie Zhu was shocked. He immediately rushed to open the main gate. He saw a strong, middle-aged man with bright eyes standing outside. When he saw Tie Zhu, he laughed and patted Tie Zhu’s head. With a smile, he said, “Tie Zhu, I haven’t seen you for half a year, and you’ve grown taller again.”
Tie Zhu’s parents immediately stood up. His father smiled and said, “Fourth Brother, I think it’s time for you to come. Hurry and come in. Tie Zhu, why haven’t you prepared a chair for your fourth uncle?”
Tie Zhu happily agreed. He hurried back into the house, grabbed a chair, and placed it beside the dining table. He carefully wiped it with his sleeve as he looked expectantly at the middle-aged man.
The middle-aged man winked at him and joked, “Tie Zhu, since when have you become so diligent? I remember the last time I was here, you weren’t like this.”
Tie Zhu’s father glanced at Tie Zhu and said, “This little rascal was just asking when you would arrive.”
The middle-aged man saw Tie Zhu’s face turn red, then said with a laugh, “Tie Zhu, your fourth uncle has not forgotten his promise to you.” After he finished speaking, he took out two books and placed them on the table.
Tie Zhu cheered happily, then flipped through the book. He could hardly contain his excitement.
Tie Zhu’s mother glanced at her son kindly and said to the middle-aged man, “Fourth Brother, your brother is always thinking about you. This time, you should stay a few more days.”
The middle-aged man shook his head and said, “Second Sister-in-law, there are a lot of family matters to attend to these days. I have to go home tomorrow morning. After this busy time, I will come back and see you all.” He looked at his second brother regretfully.
Tie Zhu’s father sighed and said, “Don’t listen to my wife. Pack your things properly tomorrow. Family matters are more important. We can meet another time.”
The middle-aged man looked at Tie Zhu’s father and asked, “Second Brother, Tie Zhu is 15 years old, right?”
Tie Zhu’s father nodded and said, “After this year, this little boy will be 16 years old. In a flash, more than 10 years have passed quickly.” He looked at his son with affection.
The middle-aged man pondered for a moment and said in a serious tone, “Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, there’s something I want to tell you: the Heng Yue Sect is accepting disciples. This year, the family received three recommendation spots, and I received one of them.”
Tie Zhu’s father was stunned and said with a pale face, “Heng Yue Sect? The Heng Yue Sect that is full of immortals?”
The middle-aged man smiled, nodded, and said, “Second Brother, it’s that immortal sect! Our family is still one of the most prominent in this area and is qualified to recommend potential disciples. You know my son, he can’t really study, but he’s good with swords and knives. I doubt the immortal sect would accept my son. This place is truly precious. I know Tie Zhu has been very intelligent since he was little and has always loved to study. He might have a chance.”
Tie Zhu’s mother was pleased and said, “Fourth Brother, this… this…”
The middle-aged man stroked Tie Zhu’s head and said, “Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, settle this matter. Let Tie Zhu try; if he really gets accepted, it’s his good fortune.”
Tie Zhu stared at his parents and fourth uncle in confusion. He couldn’t comprehend what was happening. “Immortal? What is an immortal?” Tie Zhu asked softly and hesitantly.
The middle-aged man’s face turned serious. Staring at Tie Zhu, he said, “Tie Zhu, immortals are those who can fly in the sky. They are not something ordinary mortals can comprehend.”
Tie Zhu felt confused but became curious about immortals.
Tie Zhu’s father happily got up, pulled Tie Zhu’s mother, and was about to bow to the middle-aged man. The middle-aged man quickly pulled them away and said sincerely, “Second Brother, what are you doing? My mother passed away early. If it weren’t for Second Brother’s mother taking care of me, I wouldn’t be here today. Tie Zhu is my nephew, and this is the least I can do.”
Tie Zhu’s father began to cry. He patted the middle-aged man’s back hard, nodded his head, and said firmly to Tie Zhu, “Remember, Wang Lin, never forget what your fourth uncle has done for us, or I won’t consider you my son!”
Tie Zhu’s heart trembled. Although he knew nothing about immortals, he could tell from his parents’ expressions that they viewed this matter with great importance. He knelt before his fourth uncle and kowtowed several times.
The middle-aged man pulled Tie Zhu over and praised him. “Good boy. Get ready, and I’ll pick you up at the end of the month.”
That night, Tie Zhu went to bed early. He could still hear the voices of his father and fourth uncle. Father was very happy. Although he rarely drank, he had to have a few drinks with Fourth Uncle today.
“Immortals, what are they?” Tie Zhu’s heart was filled with joy. He knew in his heart that this was an opportunity, a chance to see the outside world!
Fourth Uncle left early the next morning. Tie Zhu and his parents saw him off at the village entrance. On the way home, he clearly saw that his father looked much younger. His eyes were filled with hope.
The hope in his eyes was much greater than when he wanted Tie Zhu to pass the district exam.
There were no secrets in the village, not even the number of puppies born. Everyone in the village would hear the news. Soon, everyone in the village heard the news from Tie Zhu’s mother, and all the neighbors came to visit. Everyone’s gazes toward Tie Zhu were different from before. Some were filled with envy, others with jealousy.
“The Wang family gave birth to a good son. He has been accepted as a disciple of the Heng Yue Sect.”
“I’ve been watching this kid, Tie Zhu, grow up! He’s been very intelligent since he was little. Now he’s a disciple of the Heng Yue Sect. He has a very promising future.”
“Tie Zhu, you have great talent! If you succeed in the future, don’t forget to come back and visit.”
This conversation filled Tie Zhu’s ears, as if Tie Zhu had already become a disciple of the Heng Yue Sect. Every time his parents heard it, they couldn’t help but smile. The wrinkles on their faces had significantly reduced.
Whenever Tie Zhu walked alone in the village, all the villagers would eagerly ask him about this and that. Some even told their children to follow Tie Zhu as an example.
Half a month passed quickly. News of Tie Zhu becoming a disciple of the Heng Yue Sect spread quickly. All the nearby villagers came to see Tie Zhu.
Everyone who came brought gifts. Tie Zhu’s parents couldn’t refuse, but as they left, Tie Zhu’s parents planned to give him a return gift. According to Tie Zhu’s father, “Our son will become an immortal in the future, so he doesn’t need to owe any favors. We will prepare return gifts for all the visitors.”
Soon, the Wang family learned that Tie Zhu’s fourth uncle had given his son’s place to Tie Zhu. One by one, they came to congratulate him.
Tie Zhu’s father placed great importance on the visiting relatives, as many of them had looked down on him and banished him from the family. Now that they had all come to visit him, he felt his years of sadness instantly melt away.
He and Tie Zhu’s mother discussed it briefly and decided to entertain everyone properly. They spent a lot of money hiring a village teacher to write invitations and send them to their relatives.
The village teacher didn’t want money; he wanted Tie Zhu to admit that he grew up studying under his tutelage. Tie Zhu didn’t object because it was the truth.
After invitations were sent to most of the Wang family members, the number of people was so large that Tie Zhu’s father had to move the party location to the village square and prepare a feast.
The villagers helped entertain the guests. While chatting, they praised Tie Zhu endlessly.
Tie Zhu’s father brought his wife and son to the village entrance to personally greet the guests and introduce Tie Zhu to each relative.
“This is your third grandfather. When Father left the family, your third grandfather secretly helped a lot. Tie Zhu, you must remember to repay his kindness,” said Tie Zhu’s father as he helped up a white-haired old man.
Tie Zhu nodded quickly. The old man looked at Tie Zhu and said, “Second Brother, time flies so fast. Your son is already this big! His future is already brighter than yours.”
Tie Zhu’s father’s face lit up. He smiled and said, “Third Grandpa, Tie Zhu has been smart since he was little. He’s definitely smarter than me. Don’t rush. Wife, help Third Grandpa.”
Tie Zhu’s mother immediately helped the old man walk towards the party.
Watching the old man leave, Tie Zhu’s father snorted and said to Tie Zhu, “That old man looked down on your father and forced me to leave. Now that you have a good future, he came to congratulate me. He’s just like that.”
Tie Zhu nodded without understanding and asked, “Is Fourth Uncle coming?”
Tie Zhu’s father shook his head. “Your fourth uncle sent a letter. He won’t be back until the end of the month.”
At that moment, another carriage arrived at the village entrance. A 50-year-old man got out. He looked at Tie Zhu’s father and said, “Second Brother, congratulations!”
Tie Zhu’s father’s face turned complicated and he said, “Brother!”
The old man’s eyes swept over Tie Zhu. He smiled. “Second Brother, so this is your son? Not bad! Maybe he really will be chosen.”
Tie Zhu’s father frowned, stretched, and said, “Tie Zhu may not have many achievements, but he is intelligent and loves reading books. He will definitely be selected.”
“That’s not necessarily true. When the immortal sect seeks disciples, there are very strict requirements. I see this child is very foolish. Going would be a waste of time for him,” said an arrogant voice from the carriage, then a 16 or 17-year-old boy stepped out.
The boy looked incredibly handsome. His eyebrows were like machetes, his face resembled Guan Yu, and his eyes were filled with contempt.
Tie Zhu’s father glared at him, and Wang Lin glared at him but said nothing.
The old man’s face changed color and he shouted, “Wang Zhuo, how can you be so rude?! This is your second uncle and your younger brother Wang Lin. Why don’t you greet them?!” He turned to Tie Zhu’s father and said, “My son’s words are bad. Second Brother, don’t mind him, but…” As he spoke, he suddenly turned around and said, “But Second Brother, it’s not a simple matter for these gods to accept a disciple—it’s a matter of fate. This time, because the Heng Yue Sect is so interested in my son, our Wang family was given three spots, including his.”
Tie Zhu’s father snorted and said, “If your son can do it, then my son will definitely be chosen!”
The young man laughed, unconcerned by the old man’s words. He said disdainfully, “So you’re Second Uncle. I advise you not to be too optimistic. The way of cultivation is extremely complex, and only one in ten thousand people can learn it. How can he compete with me, who, despite not being an official disciple yet, was personally selected by an immortal master?”
The old man’s face lit up with pride, then he “scolded” the young man and took him to the party.
“Tie Zhu, don’t worry. Even if you don’t get selected, it doesn’t matter. There’s still the district exam next year,” Tie Zhu’s father said solemnly after suppressing his anger.
Wang Lin whispered confidently, “Dad, don’t worry. I will definitely be chosen!”
Tie Zhu’s father patted his son’s shoulder gently, his eyes filled with hope.
One by one, they greeted their many relatives. Tie Zhu’s father led him back to the party. Before them stood a crowd of people celebrating.
Tie Zhu’s father exclaimed, “My dear brothers and fellow villagers, I, Wang Tianshui, am not a very cultured person and do not speak much, but today, I am very happy because my son has the opportunity to become a disciple of the Heng Yue Sect. This is the happiest moment of my life. I will not say anything more, but thank you all for coming.” He raised his cup and drained the wine inside.
“Second Brother, your son has been very intelligent since he was little. He will definitely be chosen, like Wang Zhu’s son, and become an immortal.”
“Second Brother, having a son like Tie Zhu means you haven’t lived your life in vain. In the future, all you have to do is wait and enjoy your good fortune.”
“Tie Zhu, you must make your father proud! You must enter the Heng Yue Sect no matter what!”
There were bright scenes everywhere. Sounds of celebration came from all sides. However, there were many people like Wang Zhuo’s father, who on the surface offered congratulations but inwardly looked down on Tie Zhu’s father and Tie Zhu himself. Wang Zhuo’s father looked at his son, and then at Tie Zhu. He felt extremely dissatisfied. Fourth Brother’s actions were beyond his expectations, but since the gods were not blind, there was no way Tie Zhu would be chosen.
People passed by, one by one. Tie Zhu’s father pulled Tie Zhu from table to table to toast him and introduce various relatives he didn’t know.
Today, Tie Zhu’s father had drunk a lot of wine. He had never been so respected before. The party lasted late into the night, and everyone began to head home. Before leaving, and still with a disdainful expression, Wang Zhuo, while no one was paying attention, whispered to Tie Zhu, “You idiot, you won’t be chosen. You’re not good enough.”
He left with his father, showing a smile full of contempt.
After returning home, Tie Zhu lay on his bed. He secretly decided in his heart that he must be chosen no matter what!
Half a month passed quickly. Today, Tie Zhu’s fourth uncle arrived in a horse-drawn carriage.
Tie Zhu’s parents immediately welcomed him in. The middle-aged man washed his face and hurriedly said, “Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, I can’t stay long this time. I’ll take Tie Zhu and leave. The Heng Yue Sect will come to pick up the prospective disciples tomorrow morning.”
Tie Zhu’s father was stunned. A trace of sadness appeared on his face. He said firmly, “Alright. Tie Zhu, follow your fourth uncle. If you’re chosen, study diligently at the Heng Yue Sect. However, if you’re not chosen, don’t worry and return home.”
Tie Zhu, unwilling to leave his parents, nodded heavily. His mother took out a package from the room and said lovingly, “Tie Zhu, listen to your fourth uncle and don’t cause trouble. The world outside is not the same as the world at home; you must be patient. Mother has prepared some new clothes for you. Also, there are some of your favorite roasted sweet potatoes. Mother will miss you. If you are not chosen, just go back.” As Tie Zhu’s mother spoke, tears began to form in her eyes.
Tie Zhu had never left the village in his entire life. This was his first time leaving.
Fourth Uncle said emotionally, “Tie Zhu, you must be selected to make your parents proud. Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, the family will be holding a big celebration in a few days, so I’m too busy today. Tomorrow, I’ll pick you all up. The results for the three candidates should be out by then.”
He immediately pulled Tie Zhu onto the carriage, whipped the horse, and set off.
With tears in their eyes, Tie Zhu’s parents stared at the horse carriage quickly disappearing into the distance.
“Tie Zhu has never left the house before. Will he be bullied?” Tie Zhu’s mother asked, biting her lip. Her eyes were filled with sadness.
“He’s grown up and has to face his own fate.” Tie Zhu’s father picked up his pipe and took a deep puff. More wrinkles appeared on his face.