Tie Zhu sat on the side of a small road in the village and stared at the blue sky in a daze.
Tie Zhu was not his real name. His father was afraid that he would not be able to survive, so he followed the customs and called him by his nickname.
His real name was Wang Lin. The surname Wang was considered a common surname in the surrounding villages. His ancestors were carpenters, especially in the county. The Wang family was quite famous and owned several shops that specialized in selling wood products.
Tie Zhu's father was the second son of a concubine. He could not take over the family's business, so he left the county after getting married and settled in this village.
Because of his excellent carpentry skills, Tie Zhu's family could be considered well-off. They did not have to worry about food and clothing. Even in the village, they were respected.
Tie Zhu was extremely smart since he was young. He liked to read and had many ideas. He was recognized as a child prodigy in the village. Every time his father heard someone praise him, the wrinkles on his face would open up and he would reveal a happy smile.
His mother was very concerned about him. It could be said that Tie Zhu had lived in the love of his parents since he was young. He knew that his parents had high expectations of him. Other children at his age would already be working in the fields, but he was still studying at home.
The more he read, the more ideas he had. He was full of yearning for the world outside the village.
Tie Zhu looked up at the end of the small road and sighed. He closed the book in his hand and got up to walk home.
His father was sitting in the courtyard with a tobacco pipe in his hand. After taking a deep breath, he said to Tie Zhu, "Tie Zhu, how are your studies?"
Tie Zhu replied with a few words. His father knocked on the tobacco pipe and got up. "Tie Zhu, you have to study well. Next year is the county's exam. Whether you will be successful in the future will depend on this exam. Don't be like me, staying in the village for the rest of my life. Sigh."
"That's enough. You talk about it every day. In my opinion, our Tie Zhu will definitely pass the exam."
Tie Zhu's mother placed the food on the table in the courtyard and called the father and son over to eat.
Tie Zhu responded with an "oh." After sitting down, he randomly took a few bites. His mother lovingly looked at her son and picked up a few pieces of meat for him.
"Father, will Fourth Uncle be here soon?" Tie Zhu raised his head and asked.
"Calculating the time, it should be in a few days. Your Fourth Uncle is more promising than your father. Ai, my mother, have you prepared the mountain vegetables for Fourth Brother?" When his father mentioned Fourth Brother, his face revealed a regretful expression.
His mother nodded and sighed, "Tie Zhu, your Fourth Uncle is a good person. Thanks to his help these past few years, your father's wood carvings can be sold for a good price. If you become successful in the future, don't forget to repay your Fourth Uncle."
Just as he was speaking, the sound of horses came from outside the door, followed by the sound of a carriage rolling on the ground. A hearty voice sounded from outside.
"Second Brother, open the door."
Tie Zhu was pleasantly surprised. He immediately ran over and opened the door to the courtyard. He saw a strong middle-aged man standing outside the door with bright eyes. When he saw Tie Zhu, he laughed and rubbed his head. "Tie Zhu, I haven't seen you for half a year, but you've grown taller again."
Tie Zhu's parents quickly stood up. His father smiled and said, "Fourth Brother, I've estimated the time. You should be here soon. Quickly come in. Tie Zhu, go get a stool for your Fourth Uncle."
Tie Zhu happily answered and quickly ran back to the house. He took out a stool and placed it next to the dining table. He carefully wiped it with his sleeves and looked hopefully at the middle-aged man.
The middle-aged man winked at him and jokingly said, "Tie Zhu, why are you so diligent this time? I remember you weren't like this the last time I came."
Tie Zhu's father glared at Tie Zhu and jokingly scolded, "This little bastard, he was just talking about whether or not you would be here soon."
When the middle-aged man saw Tie Zhu's face turn red, he smiled and said, "Tie Zhu, your Fourth Uncle didn't forget what he promised you." After saying that, he took out two books and placed them on the table.
Tie Zhu excitedly cheered and picked up the books. He couldn't help but be happy.
Tie Zhu's mother kindly looked at her son and said to the middle-aged man, "Fourth Brother, your brother always talks about you. This time, you should stay for a few more days."
The middle-aged man shook his head and said, "Sister-in-law, there are a lot of things to do in the family these days. I have to go back early tomorrow morning. When I'm done, I'll come back to see you." After saying that, he apologetically looked at his second brother.
Tie Zhu's father sighed and said, "Fourth Brother, don't listen to your sister-in-law. Tomorrow, pack the goods. Family matters are the most important. We can meet again later."
The middle-aged man looked at Tie Zhu's father and said, "Second Brother, Tie Zhu is 15 this year, right?"
Tie Zhu's father nodded and said, "After the new year, this little bastard will be 16. Ai, in a flash, more than 10 years have passed. How fast." As he said that, his eyes revealed a doting expression as he looked at his son.
The middle-aged man pondered for a bit and said with a serious expression, "Second Brother, Sister-in-law, I have something to tell you. This year, the Heng Yue Sect is accepting disciples. The family has three recommendations, and I have one."
Tie Zhu's father was startled and said, "Heng Yue Sect?
The Heng Yue Sect that is full of immortals? "
The middle-aged man smiled and nodded. "Second Brother, it is that immortal sect. Our family can be considered a prominent family nearby, so we have the qualifications to recommend. My son, you know, is not good at studying, but he is good at using swords and sabers. I don't think the immortals will accept my son, so this recommendation is very precious. I see that Tie Zhu has been smart since he was young and likes to study.
Tie Zhu's mother was overjoyed and quickly said, "Fourth Brother, this … this …"
The middle-aged man rubbed Tie Zhu's head and said, "Second Brother, Sister-in-law, I think this matter is settled. Let Tie Zhu try. If he really is accepted, then it is his good fortune."
Tie Zhu looked at his parents and fourth uncle in confusion. He didn't understand what they were talking about. Immortals?
What are immortals?
Tie Zhu hesitated for a bit and softly asked.
The middle-aged man's expression was serious. He looked at Tie Zhu and said, "Tie Zhu, immortals can fly in the sky. Each of them is powerful and is not something we mortals can understand."
While Tie Zhu was confused, he became curious about immortals.
Tie Zhu's father excitedly stood up and pulled Tie Zhu's mother to bow to the middle-aged man. The middle-aged man quickly helped them up and sincerely said, "Second Brother, what are you doing?
My mother died early. If it wasn't for Second Mother taking care of me when I was a child, I wouldn't be where I am today. Tie Zhu is my nephew, so this is what I should do. "
Tie Zhu's father was moved to tears. He heavily patted the middle-aged man and nodded. Then, he sternly said to Tie Zhu, "Wang Lin, remember, no matter what happens in the future, don't forget your fourth uncle's kindness to our family. Otherwise, I won't have you as my son!"
Tie Zhu's heart trembled. Although he was still ignorant about immortals, he could tell from his parents' expressions that they attached great importance to this matter. So, he knelt in front of his fourth uncle and heavily kowtowed a few times.
The middle-aged man pulled Tie Zhu up and praised, "Good child, pack up for a few days. I will 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 in the courtyard. His father was very happy today. He rarely drank, but no matter what, he had to drink a few cups with his fourth uncle.
"Immortals?
What is it? "
Tie Zhu was very excited. His young mind vaguely knew that this was an opportunity for him to go to the outside world!
The next morning, Fourth Uncle left. Tie Zhu's parents walked him to the entrance of the village. On the way back, Tie Zhu could clearly see that his father seemed to have become much younger. His eyes were filled with hope as he looked at him.
This kind of expectation was much stronger than when he was asked to go to the county exam.
There were no secrets in this small mountain village. Even if a dog gave birth to a few puppies, the news would spread throughout the village in an instant. Soon, everyone in the village heard the news from Tie Zhu's mother and came to visit. Everyone looked at Tie Zhu with different expressions: envy, jealousy …
"The Wang family gave birth to a good child. He was accepted as a disciple by the Heng Yue Sect."
"I watched Tie Zhu grow up. This child has been smart since he was young. Now that he has become a disciple of the Heng Yue Sect, he will definitely have a bright future."
"If Tie Zhu has the ability, don't forget about our village in the future. Come back more often."
These kinds of words entered Tie Zhu's ears. Gradually, it became as if he had already become a disciple of the Heng Yue Sect. Every time his parents heard this, they couldn't stop smiling. The wrinkles on their faces seemed to have lessened a lot.
Every time Tie Zhu walked alone in the village, all the villagers who saw him would enthusiastically pull him aside and ask him questions. Some people even used Tie Zhu as a role model in front of their children and lectured him.
Half a month quickly passed. The news of Tie Zhu becoming a disciple of the Heng Yue Sect quickly spread. The villagers in the surrounding villages all came to congratulate him. Their main purpose was to see Tie Zhu.
When everyone came, they would prepare a gift. Tie Zhu's parents couldn't refuse, so they accepted it.
However, when these people left, they would prepare a generous gift for them. According to Tie Zhu's father, their child would be a high and mighty immortal in the future. They couldn't let him owe so many favors. All the villagers who came to visit, they would give them a gift in return.
At this time, the members of the Wang family gradually learned that their fourth child had given his spot to Tie Zhu, so they all came to congratulate him.
Tie Zhu's father attached great importance to his own family members. Many of these people used to look down on him, and some even forced him out of the family many years ago. Now that these people came to his home one by one, he felt as if all of his years of grievance had been swept away.
He discussed with Tie Zhu's mother and decided to properly entertain them. Thus, they spent a lot of money to ask the village teacher to write an invitation and send it to the family.
The teacher didn't accept any money. He only asked Tie Zhu to admit that he had been studying here since he was young. Tie Zhu didn't have anything to say about this. This was the truth.
After the invitation was sent, most of the relatives of the Wang family came to celebrate. Because there were too many people, Tie Zhu's father chose the square in the center of the village and set up hundreds of banquet tables.
The villagers helped to entertain the guests. When they talked to each other, they all praised Tie Zhu endlessly.
As for Tie Zhu's father, he personally brought his wife and child to the village entrance to greet them and introduce them to Tie Zhu.
Tie Zhu's father supported a white-haired old man and said to Wang Lin, "This is your third grandfather. When I left the family, your third grandfather secretly helped me a lot. Tie Zhu, you must remember to repay him in the future."
Tie Zhu's father looked at Tie Zhu and said with emotion, "Second Brother, time really flies. Your child is already so big. You are a good child, more promising than you."
Tie Zhu's father's face was flushed and he said with a smile, "Third Grandfather, Tie Zhu has been smart since he was young. He is definitely better than me.
Please walk slowly. My son's mother, help Third Grandfather over. "
Tie Zhu's mother quickly came forward and helped the old man to the banquet table.
After seeing the old man leave, Tie Zhu's father snorted and said to Tie Zhu, "This old man looked down on your father and forced me to leave. Now that you've grown up, he's here to congratulate you. Ah, this is how relatives work."
Tie Zhu nodded in confusion and asked, "Father, is Fourth Uncle coming today?"
Tie Zhu's father shook his head and said, "Your Fourth Uncle sent a letter saying that he is outside and can't come back. He will come back at the end of the month to pick you up."
At this time, another carriage came and stopped at the village entrance. An old man in his fifties walked out and looked at Tie Zhu's father. He sighed and said, "Second Brother, congratulations."
Tie Zhu's father's expression was complicated. After a long time, he said, "Big Brother …"
The old man's eyes swept over Tie Zhu and smiled. "Second Brother, this is your child. Not bad, maybe he will be chosen this time."
Tie Zhu's father frowned and then relaxed. He said, "Tie Zhu doesn't have any good points, but he is smart and willing to study. This time, he will definitely be chosen."
"That's not necessarily true. Immortal sects have very strict requirements for accepting disciples. They pay attention to whether or not they have an immortal affinity. I see that this child is a fool. Even if he goes, it will be useless." An arrogant voice leisurely came and a sixteen-year-old boy walked down from the carriage.
The boy was handsome with sword-like eyebrows and a jade-like face. His eyes revealed a look of contempt.
Tie Zhu's father glared at him while Wang Lin gave him a deep look. He didn't say anything.
The old man's expression became serious and shouted, "Wang Zhuo, how can you be so rude? This is your second uncle and this is your little brother, Wang Lin. Hurry up and greet them."
Then he said to Tie Zhu's father, "My son's words are unpleasant to hear. Second Brother, don't mind him, but …" Then he changed the topic and said, "But Second Brother, the immortal accepting a disciple is not a simple matter. It depends on fate. This time, the Heng Yue Sect's High Immortal Dao Xu took a liking to my son, so he was interested in my Wang family and gave me three spots."
Tie Zhu's father snorted and said, "Since your child can do it, then my child will definitely be chosen!"
The boy sneered and didn't care about the old man's scolding. He contemptuously said, "You are my second uncle, right? I advise you not to think too highly of it. Although it is not said that a cultivator's body is one in ten thousand, it is close. This silly boy can't compare to this young master. This young master is the disciple of the Immortal Master, how can he compare?"
The old man's face flashed with pride. He scolded a few more words, then cupped his hands towards Tie Zhu's father and brought the boy to the banquet.
Tie Zhu's father held in his anger for a long time before he slowly relaxed and said, "Tie Zhu, don't feel pressured. If you really don't get chosen, it doesn't matter. Next year, you can still go to the county's exam."
Wang Lin's eyes were firm as he whispered, "Dad, don't worry, I will definitely be chosen!"
Tie Zhu's father gently patted his son's shoulder with a look of expectation.
After welcoming many more relatives, Tie Zhu's father finally brought him back to the banquet. At this time, the seats were full of friends and the scene was bustling with people celebrating.
Tie Zhu's father loudly said, "My relatives and fellow villagers, I, Wang Tianshui, am not very cultured and don't know how to say any words, but today I am very happy. My child has the opportunity to be chosen by the Heng Yue Sect. This is the happiest thing in my life. I won't say too much, but thank you all for coming here to congratulate me. Thank you!"
"Second Brother, your child has been smart since he was young. He will definitely be chosen and become an Immortal like Wang Zhuo."
"Second Brother, you have a child like Tie Zhu. This life is not a waste. In the future, just wait to enjoy happiness."
"Tie Zhu, fight for your father. This time, no matter what, you must enter the Heng Yue Sect."
For a moment, the scene was very lively, and sounds of celebration could be heard everywhere. However, there were also many people who were secretly watching the show, such as Wang Zhuo's father. On the surface, he congratulated Tie Zhu, but in his heart, he had always looked down on his second brother, and this was even more so for his child. He looked at his son, and then at Tie Zhu. In his heart, he was quite disapproving. Although his fourth brother giving up his spot this time was beyond his expectations, as long as those immortals were not blind, they would not choose Tie Zhu.
Everyone here could see the various forms of life. Tie Zhu's father pulled Tie Zhu to each table to toast, introducing him to unfamiliar relatives one by one.
On this day, Tie Zhu's father drank a lot of wine. He had never been so honored before. It wasn't until late that the relatives left one after another.
Before leaving, the young Wang Zhuo still had that look of disdain on his face. When no one was paying attention, he whispered in Tie Zhu's ear, "Silly boy, you won't be chosen. You don't have the talent."
After saying that, he smiled contemptuously and left with his father.
Back home, Tie Zhu laid on his bed. He secretly decided that no matter what, he had to be chosen!
Half a month quickly passed. On this day, Tie Zhu's fourth uncle arrived in a carriage.
Tie Zhu's parents quickly welcomed him into the room. The middle-aged man washed his face and hurriedly said, "Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, this time we can't stay for long. I'll pick up Tie Zhu and leave immediately. Tomorrow morning, the Heng Yue Sect will come to pick him up."
Tie Zhu's father was startled. His face revealed a trace of reluctance, and he decisively said, "Okay, Tie Zhu, go with your fourth uncle. You … if you are chosen, then stay at the Heng Yue Sect. If … if you are not chosen, don't have any burdens and come home."
Tie Zhu looked at his parents reluctantly and nodded. His mother took out a package from the room and lovingly said, "Tie Zhu, when you go out, you have to listen to fourth uncle. Don't cause trouble. Outside is not like home, you have to be patient. Mother has prepared a few new clothes for you, as well as your favorite roasted sweet potatoes. Mother will miss you. If you are not chosen, then come home …" As Tie Zhu's mother spoke, tears flowed down her face.
Tie Zhu had never left the village since he was a child. This was the first time he had left.
On the side, fourth uncle sighed and said, "Tie Zhu, fight for your parents. You must be chosen.
Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, the family will have a large celebration in a few days. It's a bit urgent today, so I'll come pick you up tomorrow. The three children recommended by the family will have results at that time. "
After saying that, he pulled Tie Zhu into the carriage, whipped the horse, and left.
Tie Zhu's parents watched the quickly disappearing carriage with tears streaming down their faces.
"Tie Zhu's father, Tie Zhu has never left our side before. Will he be bullied this time?" Tie Zhu's mother bit her lower lip, her eyes filled with reluctance.
"The children have grown up and will have their own fortune …" Tie Zhu's father picked up his tobacco pipe and took a deep breath. The wrinkles on his face suddenly increased.
— —
Brother, don't forget to collect it!