Chapter One: A Kind Lady
Peaceful Xi Fang town was bustling with people for almost over a month. It's not without reason, though. Immortal Dragon sect started recruiting new cultivators a week ago. As the nearest town to this sect, it would be surprising if tons of people didn't show up here.
As it was the last day for recruiting, people arriving from the Immortal Dragon sect were obviously the ones who failed the test.
When it was around noon, a young boy entered a small tea shop near the main road. He looked handsome from every angle if you ignore his disheveled clothes and hair. As if he was unaware of this, he ordered a cup of tea and waited patiently.
The shopkeeper of this inn was a middle-aged lady. When she looked towards the boy, her motherly spirit couldn't help but feel bad for him.
Once in every 3 years, the Immortal Dragon sect would open its doors for new cultivators, and every time, more than a hundred thousand people would come to try their luck. Rich-poor, young-old, men-women, or even people with chronic illnesses.
If one has the aptitude, nothing can stop you. But if you don't, even the emperor of an empire could do nothing about it. From one hundred thousand people, hardly a thousand could join the sect. So, it was not surprising that this child failed the test.
Although it is natural to feel down about it, knowing is one thing, but accepting such facts is quite heavy on young hearts.
That lady took the tea and also added two tea eggs to the plate. After serving, she sat opposite the youth and filled his cup with water.
"Don't be sad, child. Not all people can become cultivators. It's okay if you can't; we still have our lives to live. I also tried two decades ago, but I have 5 spiritual roots. Still, aren't I living well now? I found a good husband and decided to support him by running this shop. Now when I look back, I don't feel any regret. You should find your pursuit too."
Han Shaoyan took a sip of tea. It was really fragrant and luscious. He didn't interrupt the lady and listened to her kind words while tasting a tea egg, thinking this lady was really considerate and kind.
When she mentioned her life, he smiled at her and nodded. Indeed, life is not only about being a cultivator. Happiness could be achieved even by a farmer who works hard just to eat enough three times. But, a powerful cultivator may not feel this satisfaction after living for centuries.
"You are right, madam. Cultivation is an approach, not the destination. Life is the open sky, not a narrow window. Although I agree with you, I have yet to test my fate. I have just arrived in the town, and I'm going to the Immortal Dragon sect after drinking this tea."
Han Shaoyan unhurriedly explained as he finished the first egg. The shopkeeper lady was stunned for a few seconds before she understood his meaning.
"Aiyo! Child, has someone robbed you? Do you want to fix your clothes? You can't go there like this! I initially thought the test was hard on you, but who would have thought you would meet such a tragic fate?! Don't worry, this aunty will help you."
Looking at the woman who was worrying over him, Han Shaoyan was genuinely grateful. It's not every day that you find good people. So, when you do, you must learn to return the kindness.
Han Shaoyan looked at himself. 'I'm looking really messy. No wonder she thought I was robbed.' He shook his head and casually waved his right hand.
Almost instantly, a gentle light spread through his palm and traveled along his whole body. In a flash, his hair was tied without a single strand out-of-place. His clothes now looked neat and pristine.
The shopkeeper lady lost her voice. Just now, this boy clearly used spiritual energy! There is no doubt about that! He only looks about 13-14 years old, but he can already use spiritual energy!
Now she was somewhat embarrassed to talk to him. Ordinary people respected and feared the cultivators. They would feel insignificant in their presence, and this lady was no exception. She offered help to a person who could ' fix' her entire shop in a minute!
Han Shaoyan noticed her uneasiness. No one could blame her. After receiving her kindness, he was not ungrateful to spoil it. He searched in his sleeves and caught something that struggled under his hand. After taking it out, he showed it to that lady.
It was a tiny, white and fluffy bird who looked extremely unhappy about being suddenly pulled out.
"Chirp chirp! Chirrrrrrp!"
Little birdy was really unhappy, and he escaped from Han Shaoyan's hand. He flew and landed on his head, then, with anger, messed up his neatly arranged hair.
The shopkeeper lady suddenly realized the truth behind his 'robbed' appearance. It must be little birds doing. Looking at that cute bird and Han Shaoyan's indulgence towards it, her heart suddenly calmed down. Although this person is not ordinary and would definitely become a cultivator, he is a good person.
"My name is Li Jing. You can call me Aunt Li. If someday you come back to this town, remember to drop by."
The shopkeeper lady gave her name, and she showed her goodwill to him. Destiny forges the bonds between people. Karma decides the outcome of bonds. The bonds connect people, and these ties will either provide strength or harm that person.
"Okay, aunt Li. My name is Han Shaoyan, and this little guy is my friend, Tian Xue. We'll both come here next time as well. I really liked this tea."
He politely gave his name and promised to come later. This time, Li Jing suddenly remembered that he was here to join the sect, but it was the last day of the test, and there were not even 5 hours left!
"Child! Hurry up! Immortal Dragon sect is still too far from here! If you don't arrive there on time, they will refuse to even test your spiritual roots!"
Li Jing's heart was almost sinking in worry. She even forgot that this youngster could already use some spiritual power. Han Shaoyan took out the money and placed the coins on the table, no less than triple the amount of the bill.
Li Jing didn't pay any attention to it as she almost dragged him out. Along the way, she took some grains that birds like to eat and handed a water bottle of bamboo to him. Not aware that Han Shaoyan has an interspatial ring with all daily necessities in it.
Han Shaoyan didn't refuse and took those things with him. In the meantime, Tian Xue created a small nest on his head and sat there like the landlord. He chirped twice towards Li Jing and closed his eyes.
Just as Han Shaoyan took one step, Li Jing called him back.
"Han Shaoyan! I didn't mention it earlier because I thought you'd failed the test, and later I forgot. Look for Wei Yi after entering the sect. He is my son, and he joined the sect three years ago! Give him my name, and he will take care of you; he is a good child!"
"I will. Take good care of your health, aunt Li. I will be leaving now."
Han Shaoyan bid farewell to Li Jing and started his journey towards the Immortal Dragon sect. He held vague anticipations for this new venture.