Iron Pillar sat by a narrow path in the village, gazing up at the blue sky with a vacant expression. Iron Pillar was not his real name—it was a childhood nickname given to him by his father, who, fearing the boy's frail constitution would not see him through, had followed custom and called him so from an early age.
His birth name was Wang Lin. The Wang surname was considered a prominent one among the surrounding villages, with ancestors who had been carpenters by trade. The Wang clan was especially well-known in the county town, where they owned several shops that specialized in wooden goods.
Iron Pillar's father was the second-born son of a concubine within the family, and as such could not take charge of the clan's affairs. After marrying, he left the county town and settled in this village.
Thanks to his exceptional carpentry skills, Iron Pillar's family was fairly well-off, with no shortage of food or clothing, and he was well respected even within the village.
Iron Pillar had been exceptionally bright from a young age — a voracious reader with no shortage of ideas, widely regarded by the village as a child prodigy. Whenever his father overheard others singing his praises, the wrinkles on his face would crease into a broad, delighted smile.
His mother doted on him even more. It could be said that from childhood to the present, Iron Pillar had grown up enveloped in his parents' tender love. He knew they held great hopes for him — children from other families his age were already out in the fields doing farmwork, yet here he was at home, studying.
The more he read, the more thoughts came to him naturally — and of the world beyond this mountain village, he was filled with longing. Glancing up toward the far end of the narrow path, Iron Pillar let out a sigh, closed the book in his hands, and rose to walk home.
Father sat in the courtyard, tobacco pipe in hand. After drawing a long, deep puff, he looked toward Iron Pillar, who had just pushed open the gate and stepped inside. "Iron Pillar," he said, "how are your studies coming along?"
Iron Pillar gave a few noncommittal replies. His father tapped out his pipe, rose to his feet, and said, "Iron Pillar, you've got to study hard. Next year is the county examination — whether you make something of yourself depends entirely on that one chance. Don't end up like me, spending your whole life stuck in this village. Ah…"
"Enough of your fretting—if you ask me, our Iron Pillar is sure to pass." Iron Pillar's mother carried the dishes out and set them on the table in the courtyard, calling the father and son over to eat.
Iron Pillar gave a grunt and sat down, shoveling a few hasty mouthfuls into his mouth. His mother watched her son with tender eyes and, one by one, transferred the few meager pieces of meat into his bowl.
"Father, Fourth Uncle should be arriving soon, right?" Iron Pillar looked up and said.
"Count the days and it should be any time now. Your Fourth Uncle has done better for himself than your father ever did. Aiyah—mother of the children, have you finished wrapping up the mountain vegetables we're sending to Fourth Brother?" Whenever Father spoke of Fourth Uncle, a wistful look would cross his face.
Mother nodded and said with feeling, "Iron Pillar, your Fourth Uncle is a good man. These past years, it's thanks to his help that the wood carvings your father made were able to fetch a decent price. If you ever make something of yourself, don't forget to repay your Fourth Uncle."
While they were still speaking, the sound of horses suddenly came from outside the door, followed by the rumble of carriage wheels rolling over the ground, and a bright, boisterous voice rang out from beyond.
"Second Brother, open the door!"
Iron Pillar was overjoyed and immediately ran over to push open the courtyard gate, only to see a sturdy middle-aged man standing outside, his eyes bright and sharp. Catching sight of Iron Pillar, the man burst into laughter, ruffled the boy's head, and grinned: "Iron Pillar, barely half a year and you've gone and grown taller again."
Iron Pillar's parents hurriedly rose to their feet. His father smiled and said, "Fourth Brother, I figured it was about time you'd arrive — come on in. Iron Pillar, why haven't you gone to fetch a stool for your Fourth Uncle?"
Iron Pillar gave a happy cry and dashed back into the room. He pulled out a stool, set it beside the dinner table, and wiped it carefully with his sleeve, then looked up at the middle-aged man with hopeful eyes.
The middle-aged man winked at him and teased, "Iron Pillar, how come you're so diligent this time around? I remember when I came by last time, you were nothing like this."
Iron Pillar's father shot him a glare, then laughed and scolded, "You little brat, I was just grumbling about whether you'd show up any time soon."
The middle-aged man noticed Iron Pillar's face flush slightly and smiled. "Iron Pillar, your Fourth Uncle hasn't forgotten what he promised you." With that, he reached into his robe and drew out two thread-bound books, setting them on the table.
Iron Pillar let out an excited cheer, picked up the book and flipped through it, unable to contain his delight.
Iron Pillar's mother cast a kind look at her son, then said to the middle-aged man, "Fourth, your brother always talks about you. Stay a few more days this time."
The middle-aged man shook his head. "Second Sister-in-law, there's a lot going on with the family right now. I have to head back first thing tomorrow morning. Once things settle down, I'll come see you all again." With that, he cast an apologetic glance at his second elder brother.
Iron Pillar's father sighed and said, "Fourth, don't listen to your sister-in-law. Tomorrow, get the goods loaded up and ready—family matters come first. We can always get together again another time."
The middle-aged man looked at Iron Pillar's father and said, "Second Brother, Iron Pillar is fifteen this year, isn't he?"
Iron Pillar's father nodded, sighing with feeling. "After the New Year, this little rascal will be sixteen—ah, over ten years have passed in the blink of an eye. How fast time flies." As he spoke, a look of doting affection crept into his eyes as he gazed at his son.
The middle-aged man fell briefly into thought, his expression turning solemn. "Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law," he said, "there's something I need to tell you. The Hengyue Sect is taking in disciples this year. The family has been given three recommendation slots, and one of them has been allocated to me."
Iron Pillar's father started, his face draining of color. "The Hengyue Sect? You mean *that* Hengyue Sect — the one filled entirely with immortals?"
The middle-aged man smiled and nodded. "Second Brother, I mean that immortal sect. Our clan is considered a prominent family in these parts, so we have the right to make a recommendation. My boy — you know him — he's no good at books, though he's handy enough with a blade. I figure the immortals won't take to him much. The quota is precious, so I thought of Iron Pillar. He's been sharp since he was little, always fond of reading. Might just work out."
Iron Pillar's mother was overcome with joy and hastily said, "Fourth, this… this…"
The middle-aged man patted Iron Pillar on the head and said, "Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, I think we should just settle this here and now—let Iron Pillar give it a try. If he truly gets taken in, then that will be his fortune."
Iron Pillar stared at his parents and Fourth Uncle in bewilderment. He could barely make sense of what they were saying. Immortal? What was an immortal? Iron Pillar hesitated for a moment, then asked softly.
The middle-aged man wore a solemn expression as he gazed at Iron Pillar and said, "Iron Pillar, Immortals are beings who can soar freely through the heavens. Each and every one of them possesses boundless divine powers—they are not something we mere mortals can fathom."
In his innocent bewilderment, Iron Pillar felt a faint stirring of curiosity toward immortals.
Iron Pillar's father rose to his feet in agitation, pulling Iron Pillar's mother along as they moved to bow before the middle-aged man. The man quickly stepped forward and raised them up, saying earnestly, "Second Brother, what are you doing? My mother passed away when I was young — if Second Aunt hadn't taken care of me as a child, I would never have gotten to where I am today. Iron Pillar is my nephew. It is only right that I do this."
Iron Pillar's father was overcome with emotion, tears welling in his eyes. He gave the middle-aged man a heavy pat on the shoulder and nodded, then turned to Iron Pillar with a stern expression and sharp words: "Wang Lin, remember this — no matter what happens in the future, never forget the kindness your Fourth Uncle has shown our family. If you do, I'll have no son to call my own!"
Iron Pillar's heart gave a sudden jolt. Though he still had only a vague understanding of immortals, he could see from his parents' expressions that they held this matter in the utmost gravity. And so he knelt before his Fourth Uncle and knocked his forehead against the ground in several deep, resounding kowtows.
The middle-aged man pulled Iron Pillar to his feet and said with approval, "Good child, pack your things over the next few days—I'll come for you at the end of the month!"
In the evening, Iron Pillar went to bed early, yet could still hear his father and Fourth Uncle talking in the courtyard. His father was in high spirits today — a man who rarely drank, yet insisted on sharing a few cups with Fourth Uncle.
"An Immortal? What exactly is that?" Iron Pillar's heart surged with excitement. His young mind sensed, however dimly, that this would be an opportunity for him — a chance to venture out into the world beyond!
The next morning, Fourth Uncle departed. Iron Pillar's parents walked him all the way to the village entrance, and on the return trip, Iron Pillar could clearly see that his father seemed to have grown much younger all of a sudden, his gaze falling on Iron Pillar now full of hope.
This look of expectation was far more intense than it had been when they sent him to sit the great examination in the county.
In a small mountain village, there were no secrets to speak of — even a dog giving birth to a litter could spread through the entire village in an instant. Word soon reached everyone through Iron Pillar's mother's lips, and the villagers came calling one after another. The eyes that turned toward Iron Pillar were all different: some held admiration, some held envy…
"The Wang family raised a fine child — their boy's been taken on as a disciple by the Hengyue Sect."
"I watched Iron Pillar grow up from the time he was small — that child has always been bright. Now that he has become a disciple of the Hengyue Sect, he is surely destined for great things in the future."
"Iron Pillar has real talent — once you've made a name for yourself, don't forget our village. Come back and visit more often."
Words of this sort came pouring into Iron Pillar's ears one after another, spoken with such confidence that they gradually made it sound as though he had already become a disciple of the Hengyue Sect. Every time his parents heard such talk, they would grin so wide their mouths could not close, and the wrinkles on their faces seemed to fade away.
Whenever Iron Pillar walked through the village alone, every villager who caught sight of him would eagerly pull him aside and shower him with questions. Some even went so far as to hold him up as a model before their own children, delivering a stern lecture on the spot.
Half a month passed quickly. News that Iron Pillar had become a disciple of the Hengyue Sect spread rapidly, and villagers from the surrounding countryside came one after another to offer their congratulations—though their true purpose was mostly to get a look at Iron Pillar himself.
Each visitor came bearing gifts, and Iron Pillar's parents, unable to decline, accepted them all. Yet whenever these guests departed, they would prepare a generous return gift in kind. As Iron Pillar's father put it, their boy was destined to become an immortal, exalted high above all others — they could not allow him to carry such a burden of human debt, so every villager who came to call would receive a gift in return.
By now, the members of the Wang clan had gradually come to learn that Fourth had given up his own child's spot in favor of Iron Pillar, and one after another they arrived to offer their congratulations.
Iron Pillar's father placed great importance on the clan members who came calling. Among them were many who had once looked down on him, and even some who had driven him out of the clan years ago. Now, seeing these very people come to his home one by one, he felt as though all those years of pent-up resentment were swept clean in an instant.
He consulted with Iron Pillar's mother, and the two agreed to host a proper reception. To that end, he spent a considerable sum to engage the village schoolteacher in writing out the invitations, which were then sent to members of the clan.
The schoolteacher refused to accept any payment no matter what, but insisted that Iron Pillar must acknowledge that he had studied under him since childhood. Iron Pillar had nothing to say to that—it was simply the truth.
After the invitations were sent out, most of the Wang clan's relatives came to offer their congratulations. With so many guests arriving, Iron Pillar's father chose the central square of the village as the venue, laying out hundreds of banquet tables.
The villagers helped with the hosting of their own accord, and as they conversed among themselves, every last one of them sang Iron Pillar's praises without end.
As for Iron Pillar's father, he personally came to the village entrance to welcome them, his wife and children in tow, and introduced each relative to Iron Pillar one by one.
"This is your Third Great-Uncle. When your father left the clan back then, Third Great-Uncle gave us a great deal of help in secret. Iron Pillar, you must remember to repay that kindness in the future." Iron Pillar's father supported a white-haired old man by the arm and spoke to Wang Lin.
Iron Pillar quickly and obediently agreed. The old man gazed at him and sighed, "Second Son, how time flies — your boy has already grown this big. He's a fine child, more promising than you ever were."
Iron Pillar's father beamed with delight, laughing: "Third Great-Grandfather, this child Iron Pillar has been clever since he was small — he's bound to outdo me, no question. Take it slow, Elder. Mother of the boy, come help Third Great-Grandfather over."
Iron Pillar's mother hurried forward and supported the old man, guiding him toward the banquet.
After watching the old man leave, Iron Pillar's father let out a snort and said to Iron Pillar: "That old codger — back then he looked down on your father, drove me away without a second thought. Now that you've made something of yourself, Iron Pillar, he shows up to offer his congratulations. That's relatives for you."
Iron Pillar nodded blankly and asked, "Father, is Fourth Uncle coming today?"
Iron Pillar's father shook his head. "Your Fourth Uncle sent word—he's away and can't get back in time. He won't be able to return until the end of the month, when he comes to pick you up."
At that moment, another carriage came racing up and halted at the village entrance. An elder of over fifty years stepped out, glanced at Iron Pillar's father, let out a soft sigh, and said, "Second Brother, congratulations."
Iron Pillar's father wore a complicated expression. After a long silence, he spoke: "Elder Brother…"
The elder swept his gaze across the room, looked at Iron Pillar, and smiled. "Second Brother, this must be your boy — not bad. Who knows, he might actually get chosen this time."
Iron Pillar's father furrowed his brow, then let it smooth. "That boy Iron Pillar doesn't have much going for him," he said, "except that he's been sharp since he was little, and he's always taken to his studies. This time, he's bound to be chosen."
"That's not necessarily so. Immortal sects are extremely strict when it comes to accepting disciples — what matters is whether one possesses an affinity for immortality. Look at that dim-witted boy; going there would only be a waste of time." The arrogant, insolent voice drifted over languidly, and stepping down from the carriage was a youth of sixteen or seventeen.
The young man was strikingly handsome, with sword-sharp brows and bright, starlit eyes, his complexion as fair and lustrous as jade, a look of contempt glinting in his gaze.
Iron Pillar's father glared with fury, while Wang Lin fixed him with a long, searching gaze but said nothing.
The elder's expression turned stern, and he barked, "Wang Zhuo, how can you be so rude? This is your second uncle, and this is your younger brother Wang Lin—why have you not greeted them yet?" He then turned to Iron Pillar's father and said, "My son speaks bluntly, Second Brother—please don't take offense. However…" At that point his tone shifted, and he continued, "However, Second Brother, for an immortal to take on a disciple is no simple matter—it is a question of affinity. This time, Daoxu the Immortal of the Hengyue Sect took a liking to my son, and that interest extended to our Wang clan as a whole. He has granted us three spots, one of which belongs to my son."
Iron Pillar's father gave a snort and said, "If your kid can make the cut, mine will definitely be chosen too!"
The youth sneered, utterly indifferent to the elder's rebuke, and said with contempt: "You must be Second Uncle. I'd advise you not to get your hopes up. A Cultivation aptitude like that—one in ten thousand would be flattering it. There's no way that dimwit can measure up to this Young Master. I've already been hand-picked by the Immortal Master himself as a personal disciple. What could he possibly compare to?"
A flicker of smug satisfaction crossed the old man's face. He scolded a few more words, then cupped his fists toward Iron Pillar's father and led the young man toward the banquet tables.
"Iron Pillar, don't put pressure on yourself. If you truly aren't selected, it's no great matter — taking the county examination next year is just the same." Iron Pillar's father had held his breath for a long while; only after some time did he slowly let it out, speaking with heartfelt sincerity.
Wang Lin's gaze was resolute. He said in a low voice, "Father, don't worry — I will definitely be chosen!"
Iron Pillar's father gently patted his son on the shoulder, a hopeful light shining in his eyes.
More relatives continued to arrive one after another. Iron Pillar's father finally led him back to the banquet, where the hall was packed with honored guests and the atmosphere was extraordinarily lively — everyone offering congratulations amid the cheerful, bustling crowd.
"Fellow clan members, elders and neighbors — I, Wang Tianshui, am no man of learning and have no fine words to spare. But I am happy today. My boy being given the chance to be chosen as a disciple by Hengyue Sect is the proudest moment of my life. I won't say much more — thank you all for coming to offer your congratulations. Thank you!" With that, Iron Pillar's father raised his cup and drained it in one go.
"Second Brother, your child has been bright and clever since he was little — he'll surely be chosen, just like that Wang Zhuo boy, and become an immortal."
"Second Brother, having a child like Iron Pillar — your life has not been lived in vain. From here on, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the good days ahead."
"Iron Pillar, make your father proud — no matter what, you must get into the Hengyue Sect this time."
The scene erupted into festive celebration, congratulatory voices rising on all sides. Yet beneath the surface, many looked on with a spectator's amusement — Wang Zhuo's father was one such person. He offered his congratulations outwardly, but in his heart he had never thought much of this second brother of his, and even less of the man's children. He glanced at his own son, then at Iron Pillar, and felt considerable contempt. He told himself: it was unexpected that the fourth brother would give up his spot this time, but so long as those immortals weren't blind, there was simply no way they would ever choose Iron Pillar.
The myriad aspects of human life were all on display here. Iron Pillar's father took him by the arm and went from table to table offering toasts, introducing him to one unfamiliar relative after another.
That day, Iron Pillar's father drank a great deal of wine — never in his life had he known such a moment of glory. The celebration stretched late into the night before the relatives began taking their leave one by one. As he departed, young Wang Zhuo still wore that same look of contempt. Seizing a moment when no one was watching, he leaned close to Iron Pillar's ear and murmured: "You fool. You won't be chosen. You're not made of the right stuff."
Having said his piece, he let out a contemptuous smile and walked away with his father.
Back home, Iron Pillar lay on his bed, silently vowing in his heart that no matter what, he would be chosen!
Half a month slipped by in a flash. On this day, Iron Pillar's Fourth Uncle arrived, driving a horse cart.
Iron Pillar's parents hurried to usher him inside. The middle-aged man splashed water on his face and said hastily: "Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, I can't stay long this time. I'll take Iron Pillar and leave right away — the Hengyue Sect is coming to collect him first thing tomorrow morning."
Iron Pillar's father was taken aback for a moment, a flicker of reluctance crossing his face. He spoke with resolve: "Alright, Iron Pillar, go with your Fourth Uncle. If… if you are chosen, settle down and do well at Hengyue Sect. If… if you are not chosen, carry no burden over it — just come home."
Iron Pillar gazed at his parents with reluctance, then gave a deep nod. His mother came out of the room carrying a bundle and said tenderly, "Iron Pillar, when you're out there, listen to Fourth Uncle and don't cause trouble. Outside is nothing like home—when things get difficult, be patient and give way. Mother has packed you a few new sets of clothes, and your favorite roasted sweet potatoes. Mother will miss you. If you don't get chosen, just come back…" As she spoke, tears began to stream down her face.
From childhood to adulthood, Iron Pillar had never once left the village. This time was his first.
Fourth Uncle sighed with feeling from the side, saying, "Iron Pillar, make your father and mother proud—you must be chosen. Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, the clan will be holding a grand celebration banquet in a few days. Things are rushed today, so I'll come by tomorrow to take you both along. By then, there will be word on the three children the clan has put forward."
With that, he pulled Iron Pillar along and hurried onto the carriage, cracked the whip, and drove off without a backward glance.
Iron Pillar's father and mother kept their eyes fixed on the carriage as it swiftly vanished from sight, tears streaming down their faces without end.
"His father, Iron Pillar has never once left our side — what if he gets bullied out there?" Iron Pillar's mother bit her lower lip, her eyes brimming with reluctance.
"Children grow up… they'll have their own blessings." Iron Pillar's father picked up his tobacco pipe and drew a long, slow breath. The wrinkles across his face seemed to multiply all at once.