Evan Yang, startled by what had just happened, exclaimed, "I really met an immortal!" He quickly glanced at the token in his hand and saw a faint yellow character, "Yang," engraved on it. Still confused, Evan turned to Grandpa Li. "Grandpa Li, what is this?"
Grandpa Li, still excited, walked over and looked at the token, smiling as he explained, "Evan, since an immortal has intervened, your father can be saved. What you’re holding is the Rising Sun Sect Token, from the famous sect near our village. With that token, you can enter their gates."
"Rising Sun Sect?" Evan’s eyes lit up as he suddenly remembered something.
The Rising Sun Sect is a sect in the mortal world, said to be full of cultivators. Though cultivation is impressive compared to ordinary people, truly reaching the realm of immortals isn’t easy. Still, every ten years, the Rising Sun Sect attracts many who wish to become disciples. The requirements are strict: only those with the right spiritual aptitude are accepted, and not everyone is suited for cultivation.
"That’s right, it’s the Rising Sun Sect. Evan, this sect is famous in all the nearby cities. If you become a disciple, you can learn spells and even live longer." Grandpa Li’s eyes were full of envy as he spoke. In earlier days, many people tried their luck at the Rising Sun Sect, hoping to be accepted, but most returned disappointed, lacking the necessary talent.
Hearing this, several children grew restless and shouted, "Dad (Mom), I want to join the Rising Sun Sect!" The parents all looked to the village chief for a decision. The chief, excited, said, "Actually, the Rising Sun Sect’s ten-year recruitment is coming up in a month. But because each generation’s talent has declined, almost no one from our village has been admitted in recent decades, so we stopped sending children."
"Chief, what do you think about this time?" some bold villagers asked, hoping their children could become immortals and live happy lives. Soon, more villagers began clamoring for their children to take part in the selection.
Grandpa Li saw the villagers’ eagerness and couldn’t object. He said, "Alright, in half a month, gather all the youths who want to join the selection. I’ll lead everyone there." The villagers cheered, each leaving with their children. Grandpa Li turned to Evan, who was lost in thought. "Evan, you should go too."
"Hm?" Evan came back to himself, softly replied, then nodded and returned to his house. Watching Evan’s thin back, Grandpa Li shook his head helplessly and left, knowing how hard Evan’s life had been—if not for his own support, the boy might have starved years ago.
Back in his room, Evan went to the bed where his father had lain for years and whispered, "Dad, I’ll come to see you soon." Without realizing it, he fell asleep on the bed.
Half a month passed quickly. In the village square, ten children around ten years old stood together—seven boys, two girls, and Evan made ten. Each said goodbye to their families, some even crying, knowing that if they were chosen, they wouldn’t return for a long time. Evan watched them, sadness welling up in his heart as he thought of his mother leaving without a word, her fate unknown, and his father still poisoned and absent.
Grandpa Li noticed the scene, walked over, and gently patted Evan on the shoulder. He announced to everyone, "Time to set off!"