Chance of Becoming an Immortal
Despite having visited the city before, visiting it again was a new experience for Mu Yu. Over a hundred households in the village weren’t even a tenth of the city’s population. The duo distinctively resembled people from the countryside amongst the crowd.
Village Chief Bu needed a moment to locate the academy since he hadn’t visited in some time. After confirming the location of the academy, the village chief led Mu Yu through the crowd.
“The four big sects established the academy together. They send out a representative annually to select talented children twelve years old to be trained into immortals. After they report in to the academy, sects will come to choose which child they wish to take. If you are chosen, your life will be smooth sailing henceforth. You’re our second candidate in the last decade.”
Mu Yu classified the young immortal who tested his bones a few days to be cold and haughty. He was indifferent when he found Mu Yu met the conditions to be considered. He simply informed them Mu Yu qualified and instructed to take him to the academy before departing. Mu Yu disliked the youth’s imperious attitude. The last child from their village to become one returned with his nose in the clouds. Village Chief Bu treated the child courteously. Ostensibly, becoming an immortal required one to forego the seven emotions and six sensory pleasures. Mu Yu wasn’t keen on becoming an emotionless individual.
“Does becoming an immortal make one aloof?”
Village Chief Bu stopped to mull over the question before saying, “I don’t know. Most of them are superior beings, so I can understand they don’t have any common topics with us. I guess you’ll find out.”
“Look who we have here. Village Chief Bu, how do you do?” hollered someone behind the duo.
Mu Yu didn’t recognise the voice.
Village Chief Bu froze. Though grouchy somewhat, he looked over his shoulder and forcefully tugged up the corners of his lips. “What a coincidence.”
“It’s not a coincidence. I’m taking a few of our kids to the academy. May I ask what you are doing here?”
The oaf before Mu Yu owned a thick and wide back plus a beard on his cheeks. He was Raindrop Village’s village chief, Dahu. At least, two children from their village qualified each year to the envy of other villages.
“We also have a qualified candidate, so I’m also here to take him to the academy,” Village Chief Bu declared with his chest high and hand on Mu Yu’s shoulder.
“Oh, really? We have four this year!” gloated Village Chief Dahu, pulling the four out in front.
“Four?” exclaimed Village Chief Bu, surprised.
“Yeah! We’re lucky this year. The county magistrate waived our taxes for half a year to celebrate!”
Thanks to them having, at least, two qualified candidates annually, the county magistrate valued Raindrop village, reduced their taxes and was more open to business deals. Over time, it led to Raindrop Village developing into the wealthiest village around Waterstream Mountain.
Village Chief Bu scrubbed Mu Yu’s head. “Hmph! Being chosen to join a sect is another matter altogether! Mu Yu is talented enough to enter Green Pine Sect.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that. Green Pine Sect isn’t easy to get into. He looks so lanky; he’d be fortunate to join a second-rate sect. Don’t tell anyone else, but, a few days ago, the immortal who examined Xiaohu’s bones was startled! He badgered me to make sure I brought Xiaohu over! What did the immortal who examined your kid say? Haha! We have to get going.”
Xiaohu took a quick glance at Mu Yu, then glanced away as if the latter wasn’t worth his time, leading to Dahu mocking Village Chief Bu a second time prior to waltzing off. Village Chief Bu had no verbal ammunition, though. After all, the immortal who checked Mu Yu walked off with a straight face and no comment.
“Mu Yu, you must join one of the top sects. I can’t wait to see his bitter face!”
Mu Yu just nodded. The four biggest sects were Green Pine Sect, Jiuhua Sect, Swallow Mountain Sect and Wordless Sect. Merely being enrolled in one of those four sects was brag-worthy. God forbid anyone knew their disciple-selection criteria. Village Chief Bu once mentioned they might’ve chosen their disciples based on appearances!
Mu Yu’s aptitude wasn’t outstanding. Therefore, there wasn’t much hope for him. Joining a second-rate school would be considered a privilege, but who knew what the future held? Truth be told, Mu Yu wasn’t a fan of Dahu’s smug look. In a way, it motivated him to join a first-rate school just to shine a light onto Dahu’s failure and relish the jealous look on his face.
After squeezing through rowdy crowds, the duo finally reached the grandeur red building, where dragons and phoenixes were carved onto the precious black timber door pillars. An imposing blue dragon sporting large copper eyes was carved onto the door using a rock. The splendid interior’s ambience was more refined than the buildings around. They were at the academy, a place ordinary folks deemed a sacred ground. Two young immortals attired in blue sat cross-legged casually by the door with their eyes closed.
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