a journey into immortal cultivation

Chapter I: Parting from Home

Chapter One: Leaving Home

Tiezhu sat by the narrow lane that ran through the village, staring up at the azure sky, lost in thought. Tiezhu was not his given name; he’d been a frail child, and his father, fearing he wouldn’t survive, had followed custom and given him a sturdy childhood nickname.

His real name was Wang Lin. The Wang clan was a large one in the neighboring villages; their ancestors had been carpenters, and in the county seat the family was fairly well-known, owning several shops that sold wooden wares.

Tiezhu’s father was a secondary son born of a concubine and thus could not take up clan affairs. After marrying, he left the county town and settled here in the village.

Thanks to his exquisite carpentry, the family lived in modest comfort, wanting for little, and even in the village they were treated with respect.

From an early age, Tiezhu was strikingly clever and loved to read. His quick mind and many ideas made him the acknowledged prodigy of the village. Each time his father heard others praise the boy, the furrows of his face would open into a wide, unguarded smile.

His mother doted on him even more. One could say that from birth to now, Tiezhu had grown up in his parents’ kindness. He knew they had high hopes for him. Children his age in other households were already working the fields, but he was allowed to study at home.

The more he read, the more thoughts he had; and about the world beyond the mountains, he was filled with longing. He lifted his eyes to the end of the little road, sighed, closed the book in his hands, and rose to go home.

His father was sitting in the courtyard with a pipe, drawing a deep breath. Seeing Tiezhu push the door open, he asked, “Tiezhu, how’s your reading today?”

Tiezhu answered a few words. His father tapped the pipe clean, stood, and said, “Tiezhu, you must study hard. The county examinations are next year. Whether you amount to anything depends on this. Don’t end up like me, spending a lifetime in the village—ai.”

“All right, all right, you nag every day. If you ask me, our Tiezhu is sure to pass,” his mother said, setting the dishes on the table in the courtyard and calling the two of them to eat.

Tiezhu grunted assent and, after sitting down, shoveled down a few mouthfuls. His mother watched him with tender eyes and picked out the few pieces of meat to place in his bowl.

“Dad, Uncle Fourth should be here soon, right?” Tiezhu asked, looking up.

“By my count, these few days should be about right. Your fourth uncle is more promising than your old man.” His father’s face showed a wistful look. “Wife, those mountain vegetables we set aside for Old Fourth—are they all packed?”

Mother nodded, then sighed. “Tiezhu, your fourth uncle is a good man. If not for his help these past years, your father’s woodcarvings wouldn’t fetch a decent price. When you make something of yourself someday, don’t forget to repay your fourth uncle.”

As she spoke, a horse neighed beyond the gate. Wheels rattled on the ground, and a hearty voice called from outside:

“Second Brother, open up!”

Delighted, Tiezhu ran to push the gate wide. A sturdy middle-aged man stood there, eyes bright. Seeing Tiezhu, he laughed, rubbed the boy’s head, and said, “Tiezhu, only half a year gone and you’ve shot up again.”

Tiezhu’s parents hurried to their feet. His father grinned. “Old Fourth, I’d just reckoned you’d be along. Come in. Tiezhu, go fetch a stool for your fourth uncle.”

“Right!” Tiezhu cried, running back into the house. He brought out a wooden stool and set it by the table, then carefully wiped it with his sleeve and looked at the man with eager eyes.

The man winked at him and teased, “What’s this, so diligent today? Last time I came you weren’t like this.”

Tiezhu’s father shot the boy a glare and scolded with a smile, “You little rascal—he’s been muttering all morning about whether you’d make it.”

The man saw Tiezhu’s cheeks redden and laughed. “Tiezhu, your fourth uncle hasn’t forgotten what he promised you.” He drew two thread-bound books from his jacket and laid them on the table.

Tiezhu whooped with joy, snatched them up, flipped through a few pages, and could not hide his delight.

His mother looked fondly at her son, then said to the man, “Old Fourth, your brother’s always thinking of you. Stay a few days this time.”

The man shook his head. “Second Sister-in-law, the clan has much on its hands these days. I must head back at first light tomorrow. Once the busy spell passes, I’ll come again.” He gave an apologetic glance at his second brother.

Father sighed. “Don’t mind your sister-in-law. Load up tomorrow and go. Clan affairs come first. We’ll gather another time.”

The man looked at Father. “Second Brother, Tiezhu’s fifteen this year?”

Father nodded, moved. “After the New Year the little rascal will be sixteen. Heaven, how the years fly.” He looked at his son with eyes full of love.

The man considered a moment, then grew solemn. “Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, there’s something I must tell you. The Hengyue Sect is recruiting disciples this year. Our clan has three recommendation slots, and one has fallen to me.”

Father started, color draining a little. “Hengyue Sect? You mean the sect of immortals?”

The man smiled and nodded. “Yes, that very one. Our family counts as a respected house in these parts, and we’ve the right to recommend. You know my lad—books aren’t his strength, though he’s handy with a sword. I reckon immortals won’t fancy him much. The quota is precious, and I’ve always thought Tiezhu is bright and loves to read. Perhaps he has a chance.”

Mother’s joy spilled out. “Old Fourth, this… this…”

The man patted Tiezhu’s head. “Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, let’s settle it so. Let Tiezhu try. If he’s chosen, it will be his good fortune.”

Bewildered, Tiezhu looked from his parents to his fourth uncle. He didn’t quite understand. Immortals? What are immortals? He hesitated, then asked softly.

The man’s face turned grave. “Tiezhu, immortals are people who can fly through the sky. Each of them is possessed of great arts beyond what we common folk can grasp.”

A thread of curiosity about immortals took root in Tiezhu’s heart.

Father, overcome, rose and pulled Mother with him to bow, but the man quickly lifted them up. “Second Brother, what are you doing? My mother died young—had it not been for Second Aunt looking after me, I wouldn’t be where I am. Tiezhu is my nephew. This is only right.”

Tears pricked Father’s eyes. He clapped the man’s shoulder hard and nodded, then turned to Tiezhu with sudden sternness. “Wang Lin, remember this. No matter what, never forget what your fourth uncle has done for our family—or you are no son of mine!”

A shiver ran through Tiezhu. He still didn’t truly understand immortals, but from his parents’ faces he could see how much this mattered. He knelt and knocked his head to the ground several times before his fourth uncle.

The man lifted him up and said approvingly, “Good child. In a few days, get your things in order. I’ll fetch you at month’s end!”

That evening, Tiezhu went to bed early. From the courtyard came the murmur of Father and Uncle talking. Father was in high spirits; he rarely drank, but tonight he insisted on a few cups with Old Fourth.

“Immortals? What are they, really?” Tiezhu’s heart beat fast. In his young soul he sensed dimly that this was an opportunity—his chance to see the world beyond.

At first light the next day, Fourth Uncle departed. Tiezhu’s parents walked him all the way to the village gate. On the road back, Tiezhu clearly saw that his father seemed suddenly younger by years, and the way he looked at his son brimmed with hope.

That hopeful gaze was far weightier than when he’d urged Tiezhu to sit the county exam.

In a little mountain village there are no secrets; even a dog whelping pups is known by all in an instant. Soon everyone had heard the news from Mother’s lips and came calling. The looks they gave Tiezhu were varied—envy, jealousy…

“The Wangs have a fine lad—going to be taken by the Hengyue Sect as a disciple.”

“I’ve watched Tiezhu grow up. Bright as a button, that one. Now that he’s to become a disciple of Hengyue, he’ll surely make his mark.”

“Tiezhu’s capable. When you make it big, don’t forget our village—come back and see us.”

Words like these flooded Tiezhu’s ears, until it was almost as if he’d already been accepted. Each time his parents heard such talk, their smiles ran from ear to ear, and the wrinkles on their faces seemed to smooth away.

Whenever Tiezhu walked alone through the village, folks would stop him with warmth and pepper him with questions. Some even held him up as an example to their children on the spot.

Half a month passed swiftly. The news that Tiezhu would become a disciple of Hengyue spread far and wide. Villagers from ten, even twenty li away came to offer congratulations—their true purpose, to catch a glimpse of the boy.

Everyone brought gifts. Tiezhu’s parents could not refuse and so accepted them, but sent each visitor away with a generous return gift. As Father said, “Our boy is to be a lofty immortal. We can’t let him owe favors all over the place. We’ll return every courtesy given.”

By now, clan members of the Wang family had also heard that Old Fourth had given his own son’s slot to Tiezhu, and they began to arrive with congratulations.

Father valued kin most of all. Many of these people had once looked down on him—some had even driven him out of the clan years ago. Now, watching them come to his door, he felt the bitterness of many years wash clean in a moment.

After consulting with Mother, he resolved to host them properly. He spent a good sum to have the village teacher write invitations to send throughout the clan.

The teacher refused all payment, asking only that Tiezhu acknowledge he had studied with him since childhood. Tiezhu had no objection—after all, it was true.

Once the invitations were delivered, most of the clan relations came to celebrate. As there were too many guests, Father chose the village square for the feast and set out hundreds of tables.

The villagers helped host of their own accord, chatting and praising Tiezhu to the skies.

As for Father, Wang Tianshui, he brought his wife and child to the village gate to welcome guests, introducing kin to Tiezhu one by one.

“This is your Third Granduncle. When I left the clan, he helped us quietly more than once. Tiezhu, remember to repay him someday.” Father supported a white-haired elder and spoke to Wang Lin.

Tiezhu answered obediently. The elder looked at him and sighed. “Second, time flies. Your boy’s grown. He’s a good lad—better prospects than you.”

Father beamed. “Third Granduncle, the child’s been clever since he was small. He’s bound to surpass me. Careful now—wife, see Granduncle to his seat.”

Mother quickly stepped forward, taking the elder’s arm and leading him toward the tables.

When the old man had gone, Father snorted and muttered to Tiezhu, “That old codger looked down on me back then and drove me out. Now that you’re going places, he turns up to offer blessings. That’s kin for you.”

Tiezhu nodded vaguely. “Dad, will Fourth Uncle come today?”

Father shook his head. “He sent word—he’s away and can’t make it. He’ll be back at month’s end to fetch you.”

Just then another carriage rattled up and stopped at the village gate. A man in his fifties alighted, glanced at Father, and sighed. “Second, congratulations.”

Father’s face grew complicated. After a long moment, he said, “Big Brother…”

The newcomer’s gaze swept over Tiezhu and softened with a smile. “Second, this must be your boy. Not bad. He might truly have a chance this time.”

Father’s brow drew tight, then smoothed. “The child hasn’t many advantages, only that he’s clever and loves his books. He’s sure to be chosen.”

“Not necessarily. The immortal sects are very strict in accepting disciples. It all turns on whether one has fate with the Way. This brat looks dull to me—going would be for nothing.” The drawl came from the carriage as a youth of sixteen or seventeen stepped down.

Handsome, sword-browed, bright-eyed, the boy’s fine features were marred by open disdain.

Father glared. Wang Lin merely gave the youth a long look and held his tongue.

The elder’s face hardened. “Wang Zhuo, mind your manners. This is your Second Uncle, and this is your younger cousin, Wang Lin. Pay your respects.” Then to Father he added, “My son’s tongue is sharp—don’t take offense. But…” He shifted tack. “But, Second, it isn’t easy to enter an immortal sect. One needs the proper affinity. This time, Immortal Dao Xu of the Hengyue Sect has shown favor to my son, which is why the sect took notice of our clan and granted three slots—including his.”

Father snorted. “If your boy can do it, mine certainly can.”

The youth sneered, heedless of his father’s rebuke. “Second Uncle, don’t get your hopes up. Entry into cultivation is one in ten thousand, if that. This fool can’t compare with this young master. I’ve already been preselected by an immortal master. How could he measure up?”

A flicker of pride crossed the elder’s face. He scolded a few more words, then clasped hands to Father and led the boy toward the feast.

“Tiezhu, don’t feel pressured,” Father said after holding in his anger a long while. “If you aren’t chosen, it’s no great matter. You can still sit the county exam next year.”

Wang Lin’s eyes were steady. “Don’t worry, Dad. I’ll be chosen.”

Father patted his shoulder, the look in his eyes full of hope.

After receiving many more relatives, Father finally brought Tiezhu back to the feast. The place was packed and lively—chatter and laughter everywhere.

“Kinsmen and fellow villagers,” Father—Wang Tianshui—raised his voice. “I haven’t much learning and can’t speak fine words. But I’m happy today. My boy has a chance to be chosen by the Hengyue Sect. It’s the happiest day of my life. I won’t say more—thank you all for coming to share our joy!” He drained his cup in one swallow.

“Second, your boy’s been clever since the cradle—he’ll surely be chosen, just like Wang Zhuo, and become an immortal.”

“Second Brother, with a son like Tiezhu, your life’s been worth it. Now it’s time to enjoy your blessings.”

“Tiezhu, do us proud—no matter what, get yourself into the Hengyue Sect this time.”

The scene was all bright clamor and congratulations, though in the shadows many watched for sport. Wang Zhuo’s father was among them. Outwardly gracious, he had never thought much of his second brother—or his brother’s child. He glanced at his own son, then at Tiezhu, inwardly dismissive. Old Fourth yielding the slot had surprised him, but so long as those immortals weren’t blind, they would never choose Tiezhu.

Such are the hundred postures of human life; all could be seen that day. Father led Tiezhu table to table, toasting and introducing one unfamiliar relative after another.

He drank more that day than ever before in his life, and only late at night did the guests begin to disperse. As he left, Wang Zhuo still wore that same contemptuous look. Seizing a moment when no one was watching, he whispered in Tiezhu’s ear, “Fool, you won’t be chosen. You’re not cut from the right cloth.”

He smirked and went off with his father.

Back home, lying on his bed, Tiezhu made a quiet vow: whatever it took, he would be chosen.

Another half month slipped by. One morning, Fourth Uncle arrived with his cart.

Tiezhu’s parents hurried him inside. The middle-aged man washed his face and spoke quickly: “Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, I can’t stay long this time. I’ll take Tiezhu and leave at once. The Hengyue Sect will be selecting at first light tomorrow.”

Father started, a look of reluctance crossing his face. Then he steeled himself. “All right. Tiezhu, go with your fourth uncle. If—if you’re chosen, set your feet firm in Hengyue. If not… if not, don’t carry any burden in your heart. Come straight home.”

Tiezhu gazed at his parents, unwilling to part, and nodded hard. Mother brought out a bundle from the room and, with aching tenderness, said, “Tiezhu, mind your uncle on the road. Don’t stir up trouble. The world outside isn’t like home—when things come, endure them. I’ve packed a few new clothes and your favorite roasted sweet potatoes. I’ll miss you. If you aren’t chosen, come back…” Her words trailed into tears.

Tiezhu had never left the village in all his years. This was to be his first journey away.

Fourth Uncle sighed at the side. “Tiezhu, do your family proud—make sure you’re chosen. Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, the clan will hold a grand celebration in a few days. I’m in a rush today; I’ll come tomorrow to fetch you both. By then we’ll have the results for the three youngsters we recommended.”

With that, he pulled Tiezhu up onto the cart, cracked the whip, and they rattled away down the road.

Tiezhu’s parents stood watching until the cart vanished, tears streaming.

“Husband, Tiezhu’s never left our side. Will he be bullied out there?” Mother bit her lip, eyes full of sorrow.

“Children grow up; they have their own fortunes.” Father raised his pipe and drew a deep breath. The lines on his face seemed, all at once, to have multiplied.