Tie Zhu sat by the village path, gazing blankly at the azure sky. Tie Zhu wasn’t his real name, but a childhood nickname given by his father, who feared the frail boy wouldn’t survive.

His real name was Wang Lin. The Wang surname was common in the surrounding villages, and the family had a history as carpenters, particularly well-known in the county town, where the Wang family owned several shops selling wooden products.

Tie Zhu’s father was a secondary son, born out of wedlock, and unable to inherit the family business. He left the county town after marrying and settled in this village.

Possessing excellent carpentry skills, Tie Zhu’s family was comfortably well-off, never lacking food or clothing, and highly respected in the village.

Tie Zhu was exceptionally bright from a young age, loved to read, and had many ideas. He was practically recognized as a child prodigy in the village. His father’s wrinkles would smooth out into a joyful smile whenever he heard people praising his son.

His mother cared for him even more. Tie Zhu had always lived surrounded by his parents’ love. He knew they had high expectations for him. Other children his age were already working in the fields, but he was at home reading.

The more he read, the more his thoughts wandered, and he longed to see the world outside the mountain village. He looked up at the end of the path, sighed, closed his book, and got up to go home.

His father was sitting in the courtyard, a pipe in his hand. After taking a deep puff, he said to Tie Zhu, who was coming through the door, “Tie Zhu, how is your studying going?”

Tie Zhu answered vaguely. His father tapped the ashes from his pipe and stood up, saying, “Tie Zhu, you must study hard. The county exam is next year. Your future depends on it. Don’t end up like me, stuck in this village your whole life. Alas.”

“Alright, you’re always going on about it. I’m telling you, our Tie Zhu will definitely pass,” Tie Zhu’s mother said, placing the food on the table in the courtyard and calling them over to eat.

Tie Zhu grunted in agreement, sat down, and ate mechanically. His mother looked at her son with affection and gave him the few pieces of meat.

“Father, Fourth Uncle will be here soon, right?” Tie Zhu asked, looking up.

“Judging by the time, it should be these next few days. Your Fourth Uncle is more successful than me. Ah, Mother, are the mountain vegetables prepared for your Fourth Brother?” His father’s face showed a hint of regret as he mentioned his younger brother.

His mother nodded, sighing, “Tie Zhu, your Fourth Uncle is a good man. We’ve managed to get a good price for your father’s wood carvings these past few years, thanks to his help. If you’re successful in the future, don’t forget to repay your Fourth Uncle.”

Just then, the sound of horses came from outside, followed by the creaking of carriage wheels. A hearty voice called out.

“Second Brother, open the door!”

Tie Zhu was delighted and immediately ran to open the courtyard gate. A strong, middle-aged man with bright eyes stood outside. He saw Tie Zhu and laughed, patting his head and saying, “Tie Zhu, you’ve grown taller since I last saw you half a year ago.”

Tie Zhu’s parents stood up quickly. His father smiled and said, “Fourth Brother, I figured you’d be here soon. Come in. Tie Zhu, go get a stool for your Fourth Uncle.”

Tie Zhu happily agreed and hurried back into the house, carefully wiping a stool clean with his sleeve and placing it next to the table. He looked at the middle-aged man expectantly.

The middle-aged man winked at him and teased, “Tie Zhu, why are you being so diligent today? I don’t remember you being like this when I came last time.”

Tie Zhu’s father glared at Tie Zhu and jokingly scolded, “This little rascal was just talking about you, wondering when you’d arrive.”

Seeing Tie Zhu’s face turn slightly red, the middle-aged man laughed and said, “Tie Zhu, your Fourth Uncle didn’t forget what he promised you.” He then took out two thread-bound books from his coat and placed them on the table.

Tie Zhu cheered excitedly, picked up the books, and flipped through them, overjoyed.

Tie Zhu’s mother looked at her son with a kind smile and said to the middle-aged man, “Fourth Brother, your brother is always talking about you. Stay for a few days this time.”
The middle-aged man shook his head. “Second Sister-in-law, the family has been busy lately, and I need to head back first thing tomorrow. I’ll come visit you again when things settle down.” He then glanced apologetically at his second brother.

Tie Zhu’s father sighed and said, “Fourth Brother, don’t listen to your sister-in-law. Load the goods tomorrow; family matters are the most important. We can always get together later.”

The middle-aged man looked at Tie Zhu’s father and asked, “Second Brother, Tie Zhu is fifteen this year, right?”

Tie Zhu’s father nodded, lamenting, “He’ll be sixteen after the New Year. Time flies; it’s been over a decade already.” He looked at his son with affection.

The middle-aged man paused thoughtfully, his expression becoming serious. “Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, I have something to tell you. The Heng Yue Sect is recruiting disciples this year, and the family has three recommendation slots, one of which I have.”

Tie Zhu’s father was taken aback, exclaiming, “The Heng Yue Sect? You mean the Heng Yue Sect full of immortals?”

The middle-aged man smiled and nodded. “Second Brother, yes, that immortal sect. Our family is considered a prominent one around here, so we have recommendation qualifications. You know my boy; he’s not good at studying but excels at martial arts. I doubt the immortals will accept him. This slot is valuable, and I think Tie Zhu has always been clever and enjoys reading, so maybe he has a chance.”

Tie Zhu’s mother was overjoyed and quickly said, “Fourth Brother, this… this…”

The middle-aged man patted Tie Zhu’s head. “Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, let’s just decide on this. Let Tie Zhu try it out. If he’s truly accepted, it will be his good fortune.”

Tie Zhu looked at his parents and fourth uncle in confusion. He didn’t quite understand what they were talking about. Immortals? What are immortals? Tie Zhu hesitated and asked softly.

The middle-aged man’s face was serious as he looked at Tie Zhu. “Tie Zhu, immortals are people who can fly in the sky. Each one of them is incredibly powerful, beyond the comprehension of ordinary mortals like us.”

Tie Zhu, still somewhat confused, felt a flicker of curiosity about immortals.

Tie Zhu’s father excitedly stood up, pulling his wife along, and began to bow to the middle-aged man. The middle-aged man quickly helped them up, saying sincerely, “Second Brother, what are you doing? My mother died early. If it weren’t for Second Sister-in-law taking care of me when I was young, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Tie Zhu is my nephew; this is the least I can do.”

Tie Zhu’s father was moved to tears, patting the middle-aged man heavily on the shoulder and nodding. He then turned to Tie Zhu, his voice stern. “Wang Lin, you remember this. No matter what happens in the future, never forget your fourth uncle’s kindness to our family, or I’ll disown you!”

Tie Zhu felt a tremor within. Although he was still unclear about immortals, he could tell from his parents’ expressions that they considered this matter extremely important. He knelt before his fourth uncle and kowtowed several times.

The middle-aged man helped Tie Zhu up, saying appreciatively, “Good child. Pack your things these next few days, and I’ll come pick you up at the end of the month!”

That evening, Tie Zhu went to bed early. He could still hear his father and fourth uncle talking in the courtyard. His father was very happy today. Even though he rarely drank, he insisted on having a few cups with his fourth brother.

“Immortals? What are they really?” Tie Zhu felt excited. His young heart vaguely knew that this would be an opportunity for him, a chance to go to the outside world!

The next morning, his fourth uncle left. Tie Zhu’s parents escorted him all the way to the village entrance. On the way back, Tie Zhu clearly saw that his father seemed much younger and looked at him with an expectation that was even stronger than when he encouraged him to take the county exam.

Secrets were nonexistent in their small village. Even the news of a dog giving birth to puppies would spread throughout the village in an instant. Soon, everyone in the village heard the news from Tie Zhu’s mother that he had been accepted as a disciple by the Heng Yue Sect. Everyone’s eyes looked at Tie Zhu differently, filled with envy and jealousy…

“The Wang family has a good child. He’s been accepted by the Heng Yue Sect as a disciple.”
“That Iron Pillar, I’ve watched him grow up. He’s been bright since he was a child, and now he’s become a Heng Yue Sect disciple. He’s bound to have a great future.”

“Iron Pillar is capable. Don’t forget our village when you succeed in the future. Come back and visit often.”

Words like these flooded Iron Pillar’s ears, gradually giving the impression that he was already a Heng Yue Sect disciple. Every time his parents heard them, they grinned from ear to ear, and the wrinkles on their faces seemed to lessen.

Whenever Iron Pillar walked alone in the village, all the villagers who saw him enthusiastically pulled him aside to ask questions. Some even used Iron Pillar as a role model in front of their own children, lecturing them.

Half a month passed quickly. The news of Iron Pillar becoming a Heng Yue Sect disciple spread rapidly, and villagers from the surrounding villages within ten miles came one after another to offer congratulations. Their main purpose was to see Iron Pillar.

Everyone brought gifts with them, which Iron Pillar’s parents couldn’t refuse, so they accepted them. However, when these people left, they would prepare a generous return gift for them. According to Iron Pillar’s father, their son would be a high and mighty immortal in the future, and he couldn’t owe so many people favors, so they would give a return gift to every visiting villager.

At this time, the members of the Wang family also gradually learned that the fourth brother had given up his son’s spot to Iron Pillar, and they came to offer their congratulations one after another.

Iron Pillar’s father attached great importance to his own family. Many of these people had looked down on him before, and some had even forced him out of the family years ago. Now that these people were coming to his house one by one, he felt as if years of resentment had been swept away.

He discussed it with Iron Pillar’s mother, preparing to treat them well. So, he spent a lot of money to hire the village teacher to write invitations and send them to the family.

The teacher refused to accept any money, only requesting that Iron Pillar admit that he had studied with him since he was a child. Iron Pillar had nothing to say about this, as it was indeed the case.

After the invitations were sent, most of the Wang family relatives came to celebrate. Since there were too many people, Iron Pillar’s father chose the village center square as the reception location, setting up hundreds of tables for the banquet.

The villagers voluntarily helped with the reception, praising Iron Pillar and complimenting him as they chatted.

As for Iron Pillar’s father, he personally greeted the guests at the entrance of the village with his wife and children, introducing Iron Pillar to each relative.

“This is your third grand-uncle. He secretly helped a lot when your father left the family, Iron Pillar, you must remember to repay him in the future,” Iron Pillar’s father said to Wang Lin, supporting an old man with white hair.

Iron Pillar quickly and obediently agreed. The old man looked at Iron Pillar and said with emotion, “Second brother, time flies so fast. Your child is so big. He’s a good boy, more promising than you.”

Iron Pillar’s father beamed with pride, saying, “Third grand-uncle, Iron Pillar has been smart since he was a child. He’s definitely stronger than me. Please walk slowly, Mother, help the third grand-uncle over there.”

Iron Pillar’s mother quickly stepped forward to help the old man to the banquet.

After seeing the old man leave, Iron Pillar’s father snorted and said to Iron Pillar, “That old fellow didn’t think much of your father back then and insisted on forcing me out. Now that you’ve succeeded, he’s coming to congratulate us. That’s how relatives are.”

Iron Pillar nodded ignorantly and asked, “Father, is Fourth Uncle coming today?”

Iron Pillar’s father shook his head and said, “Your fourth uncle sent a letter, saying that he can’t come back because he’s away. He won’t be back until the end of the month when he comes to pick you up.”

At this time, another carriage came rushing over and stopped at the entrance of the village. An old man in his fifties stepped out, looked at Iron Pillar’s father, sighed softly, and said, “Second brother, congratulations.”

Iron Pillar’s father’s expression was complicated. After a long time, he said, “Big brother…”

The old man glanced around, looked at Iron Pillar, and smiled, “Second brother, is this your boy? Not bad. This time, he might really get selected.”

Iron Pillar’s father frowned, then relaxed, and said, “Iron Pillar doesn’t have many strengths, but he’s been smart since he was a child and willing to study. This time, he’s sure to be selected.”
“That’s not necessarily true. Immortal sects have very strict requirements for accepting disciples, focusing on whether they possess the aptitude for immortality. I think this kid is dull-witted; it’s a waste of time for him to go.” An arrogant voice drifted over, and a sixteen or seventeen-year-old boy stepped down from a carriage.

The boy had handsome features, with sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, and a face like jade. Disdain was evident in his eyes.

Tie Zhu’s father glared angrily, but Wang Lin merely gave the boy a deep look, remaining silent.

The old man’s expression turned stern, and he scolded, “Wang Zhuo, how can you be so impolite? This is your second uncle, and this is your younger brother, Wang Lin. Show some respect!” After saying that, he turned to Tie Zhu’s father and said, “My son speaks harshly. Second Brother, don’t take it to heart. However…” Here, his tone shifted. “However, Second Brother, the selection of disciples by immortals isn’t so simple. It requires fate. This time, Immortal Dao Xu of the Heng Yue Sect took a liking to my son, which is why he became interested in our Wang family and granted us three slots, including my son.”

Tie Zhu’s father snorted and retorted, “If your child can make it, then my child will surely be selected too!”

The boy scoffed, completely disregarding the old man’s scolding, and said with contempt, “So you’re my second uncle? I advise you not to get your hopes up. The cultivation system is a one-in-ten-thousand chance, at best. This idiot can’t compare to me. I’m a disciple chosen by the immortal master himself. How can he compete?”

A look of triumph flashed across the old man’s face. He scolded the boy a few more times, clasped his fist towards Tie Zhu’s father in greeting, and led the boy towards the banquet.

“Tie Zhu, don’t feel pressured. It’s not a big deal if you’re not selected. You can take the county exams next year as well,” Tie Zhu’s father finally said after holding it in for a long time, speaking with heartfelt sincerity.

Wang Lin’s gaze was firm as he said quietly, “Father, don’t worry. I will definitely be selected!”

Tie Zhu’s father patted his son’s shoulder gently, his eyes filled with hope.

More relatives arrived in succession, and Tie Zhu’s father eventually led him back to the banquet. It was now crowded with guests, the atmosphere lively and bustling as people congratulated each other.

“Relatives, neighbors, I, Wang Tianshui, don’t have much education, so I don’t know what to say, but I’m happy today! My child has the chance to be selected as a disciple by the Heng Yue Sect. It’s the happiest thing in my life. I won’t say any more. Thank you all for coming to congratulate us. Thank you!” Tie Zhu’s father said loudly, then drained his wine glass in one gulp.

“Second Brother, your child has been smart since he was young. He’ll definitely be selected, just like Wang Zhuo. He’ll become an immortal.”

“Second Brother, you haven’t lived this life in vain, having Tie Zhu as your son. You can look forward to enjoying your old age.”

“Tie Zhu, make your father proud. You must enter the Heng Yue Sect this time, no matter what.”

The scene became even more lively, filled with celebratory cheers. However, in the shadows, many people held a “wait and see” attitude, such as Wang Zhuo’s father. While he outwardly offered congratulations, he had always looked down on his second brother, and even more so on his son. He glanced at his own son, then at Tie Zhu, his heart filled with skepticism. He thought that while his fourth brother had surprisingly given up a spot, as long as the immortals weren’t blind, they couldn’t possibly choose Tie Zhu.

The myriad aspects of human nature were on full display. Tie Zhu’s father pulled Tie Zhu along, toasting at each table and introducing him to one unfamiliar relative after another.

Tie Zhu’s father drank a lot of wine that day. He had never been so honored before. It wasn’t until very late that the relatives began to leave. As he was leaving, the boy Wang Zhuo still wore his disdainful expression and whispered in Tie Zhu’s ear when no one was paying attention, “Fool, you won’t be selected. You don’t have what it takes.”

After saying that, he smiled contemptuously and left with his father.

Back at home, Tie Zhu lay in bed, secretly resolving in his heart that he would be selected, no matter what!

Half a month passed quickly. On this day, Tie Zhu’s fourth uncle arrived in a carriage.

Tie Zhu’s parents quickly welcomed him inside. The middle-aged man washed his face hastily and said, “Second Brother, Sister-in-law, I can’t stay long. I’ll pick up Tie Zhu and leave immediately. The Heng Yue Sect will be coming to pick people up tomorrow morning.”
Tie Zhu’s father paused, a hint of reluctance showing on his face, before resolutely saying, “Alright, Tie Zhu, go with your fourth uncle. If you are chosen, settle down at the Heng Yue Sect. If… if you are not chosen, don’t worry about it and come back home.”

Tie Zhu looked at his parents with reluctance and nodded firmly. His mother brought out a package from the room and said lovingly, “Tie Zhu, listen to your fourth uncle and don’t cause trouble. It’s not like home out there. Be tolerant in all things. I’ve prepared some new clothes for you, and your favorite roasted sweet potatoes. I’ll miss you. If you aren’t chosen, come back…” She trailed off, tears streaming down her face.

Tie Zhu had never left the village before. This was his first time leaving.

His fourth uncle sighed beside him. “Tie Zhu, make your parents proud and get chosen. Second Brother, Second Sister, the family will have a grand celebration in a few days. We’re in a rush today, but I’ll pick you up tomorrow to go together. The results for the three children the family recommended will be announced then.”

With that, he pulled Tie Zhu into the carriage, cracked the whip, and they sped away.

Tie Zhu’s parents watched the rapidly disappearing carriage, tears streaming down their faces.

“Father,” Tie Zhu’s mother said, biting her lip, “Tie Zhu has never left our side before. Will he be bullied out there?”

“The boy is grown, he will have his own fortune…” Tie Zhu’s father picked up his pipe, took a deep puff, and the wrinkles on his face seemed to deepen.

—
Friends, don’t forget to collect!

If you like Xian Ni, please collect: (novelonl.com) The 20 Novels website of Xian Ni updates the fastest on the entire network.