As the setting sun went down, the last beam of sunlight was drawn back from the horizon, and darkness was about to envelop the land.
After dinner, Wang Shun had just entered his room when his father followed him in.
Upon seeing his father, Wang Shun subconsciously asked, "Dad, do you need anything?"
Wang Tianwei did not immediately respond. He kept silent for a moment before counter-questioning, "Shun, after New Year's, you'll be fifteen, isn't it?"
"I will be fifteen after the New Year and from then on, I can help you and mom cultivate Flame Grass in the fields," Wang Shun answered.
"Whether you go to the field or not doesn't matter. There's something I want to discuss with you," Wang Tianwei waved his hand, changed the course of the conversation suddenly, and with a nostalgic look in his eyes, he earnestly said, "I am planning to take you to a place. Get your clothes packed, preferably even your winter clothes; we don’t know when we will be coming back."
Wang Shun was stunned. He had never heard his father mention relatives in other places before. Where were they going?
With curiosity, Wang Shun asked, "Dad, where are we going?"
"We are going to the Five Elements Sect. You'll understand when we get there," Wang Tianwei's voice wasn't loud, but it held an incontestable tone. It was clear that the decision was unalterable.
Five Elements Sect!
Upon hearing these three words, Wang Shun widened his eyes, filled with astonishment.
"Dad, why are we going to the Five Elements Sect? Are the legends true?" Wang Shun was breathing a bit hastily. He had heard rumors about the Five Elements Sect a few years ago, and had thought of it as a legendary existence.
"Legends?" Wang Tianwei chuckled, and proudly stated, "Those are not legends. Would you believe me if I told you that I've been to the Five Elements Sect?"
Of course, Wang Shun didn't believe him. The Five Elements Sect was a legendary cultivation sect. His father was just a simple and honest farmer; how could he have been to such a place?
Wang Tianwei knew his son didn't believe him. Even he found his own words seemed like a dream. Thinking back to the events of those years, he slowly started, "When I was your age, through a fortunate coincidence, I met a young master from a wealthy family. Together we traveled to the Five Elements mountain range dozens of miles away. Initially, I didn't know what we were going to do. Out of curiosity, I accompanied him to see the world."
"It wasn't until later that I realized that guy had actually led me into the legendary cultivator's sect to become a disciple. At the time, I, like you, had also heard tales of immortals and naturally assumed that once taken as a disciple, my life would be like conjuring winds and summoning rain, living comfortably." Wang Tianwei spoke, a look of regret briefly flashing in his eyes.
Listening intently and excitedly, Wang Shun asked when his father suddenly stopped, "And then what happened?"
"And then?" Wang Tianwei gave a bitter laugh and sighed. "It didn't go as I wanted. My spiritual root did not meet the requirements and I was eliminated. I had no choice but to return to Wuxing Town to cultivate Flame Grass."
This wish had lasted in Wang Tianwei's heart for over a decade, and as his son grew, his long-held hope of his son becoming an immortal grew stronger. He hoped that one day his son could become a mighty immortal and bring glory to their family, rather than being as they were now, laboring each day to survive.
"You are of suitable age, I'm thinking about taking you to the Wuxing Sect to try your luck. I may not have the required spiritual roots, but perhaps you do!" Wang Tianwei declared.
Though he had often heard tales of cultivators since he was young, and longed for it, Wang Shun had never thought of being part of this world.
Becoming a cultivator depended on one's spiritual root aptitude; fewer than one in ten thousand met the standards. Especially for ordinary children, they often lacked the necessary spiritual roots and would face elimination even if they entered a cultivator sect, becoming the laughingstock of the town. Like others, Wang Shun had heard stories of children who couldn't cultivate and subsequently committed suicide, or were so struck they went mad.
Because of this, without having to ponder, he immediately refused his father. "Dad, I don't want to cultivate."
Wang Tianwei didn't expect his son's decisive refusal. "Shun, you have to think carefully. Many people wish to become cultivators, but lack the opportunity. They don't know where to go to learn. Now the opportunity is before you. As long as you nod, I will take you to the Wuxing Sect tomorrow."
"Dad, you don't need to say anymore. While immortals are indeed powerful, those of our status, they wouldn't accept me as a disciple." Wang Shun had thought about cultivating but he was self-aware. Since it's certain he couldn't be accepted as a disciple of the Wuxing sect, it's better not to go so as not to become the butt of jokes.
"How would you know if you don't try? Perhaps the immortals now prefer children just like you," said Wang Tianwei, his old face turning red. Even he didn't quite believe those words.
Wang Tianwei, having some words stuck, knew his son liked a girl from the village and the girl seemed to feel the same. Privately, he had tried to arrange a marriage but because he couldn't provide a hefty dowry as requested, he had to give up. This was something he kept from his son.
"You know our family situation. If you won't try to cultivate or take a chance, it may even be hard for you to marry," Wang Tianwei said seriously.
A look of hesitation flashed through Wang Shun's eyes, but he quickly shook his head and said, "Dad, I never think unrealistic thoughts. Let's not talk about this. When I turn fifteen, I will work with you in planting Flame Grass. I do not believe that our hard work will not allow us to have good lives."
Following that, Wang Tianwei tried to persuade his son, but no matter how much he spoke, his son simply wouldn't listen.
In the end, Wang Tianwei was helpless, only able to let out a long sigh. In that moment, he seemed to have aged significantly.
Seeing his father's regret, Wang Shun felt deeply unfilial. If he didn't acquiesce to his father's request, wouldn't his father live with this regret forever?
Compared to failing in the path of cultivation and subsequently being ridiculed by the villagers, his father's wish was of utmost importance.
These thoughts flashed through his mind swiftly. Wang Shun clenched his fist tightly and declared, "Father, I agree. Tomorrow, I will accompany you to the Wuxing Sect." While he verbally agreed, he knew well enough that seeking discipleship from celestial beings is extremely challenging. Even if he went, they might not accept him. It was merely putting up a front, but as long as he could fulfill his father's wish, taking a chance wouldn't hurt.
The night passed in silence. The following morning, the two of them left their home, each carrying a small bundle.
The place where Wang Shun lived was called Wuxing Town, comprising of five villages, namely; Gold, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth.
Just as they reached the stone road outside Fire Village, they encountered several villagers carrying hoes on their way to the fields. Seeing the father and son's attire, one of them couldn't help but question, "Old Wang, where are you taking your son?"
"The child has grown up. I am taking him out to broaden his horizons," Wang Tianwei naturally wouldn't reveal the true reason. If his son failed in his cultivation, spreading this news would not be good for his future growth. However, if a celestial being really took his son as a disciple, not only could they have a grand celebration, but they could also receive quite a bit of congratulatory money.
The other villagers didn’t read much into it, after all, plenty of parents took their children out to see the world these days, and the Wang family wasn’t the first.
Of course, some couldn't resist jokingly saying, "Old Wang, don't deceive us. Why do I feel that you're taking your son to cultivate as an immortal?"
