A Mortal's Journey to Immortality

梁国

Qingyang Town

"Jingle bells..."

Before the fog had even dissipated, the rhythmic clanging of hammers echoed from the blacksmith's shop at the east end of town.

Zhou the blacksmith, shirtless, wielded a heavy iron hammer weighing over ten kilograms, striking the red-hot iron block with precision, sparks flying and a crisp sound coming from the anvil.

"Dad, take a rest."

Tie Niu stood beside his father, pulling the bellows, looking worried as he watched his father, who was covered in sweat.

"I'll deliver the sickle to Old Zhang's house on West Street in a bit, and buy some salt at the market on the way back."

Zhou the blacksmith wiped his face with a towel, then dipped the forged sickle into the water vat, causing a large cloud of white mist to rise from the shop.

Tie Niu's real name is Zhou Ping. He is the youngest son of Zhou the blacksmith. He just turned twelve this year. He is dark-skinned, thin, and very strong.

He has two older brothers and an older sister, all of whom are now married. His mother was weakened when she gave birth to him and passed away when he was three years old.

Now only Zhou Ping and his father, Zhou the blacksmith, remain in the family, and the two of them run the blacksmith shop together.

In this cannibalistic world, life was very poor. The married brother and the married sister each had their own hardships, and no one could help the other much.

Zhou Ping looked at his father's dark figure, tanned from years of exposure to the stove fire, which appeared increasingly hunched over.

She dreamed of growing up quickly so that she could take over her father's craft and let him rest and enjoy his retirement.

The morning market at dawn is the most bustling. Zhou Ping carried his forged sickle and walked towards West Street.

As I passed by Wang's Salt Shop, I stopped, glanced at the empty stall, and called out, "Aunt Wang, I'd like to buy half a jin of salt."

"Tie Niu's here, helping your dad deliver goods."

Before anyone could be seen, a cheerful greeting came from inside the house, and a plump middle-aged woman came out carrying an iron pot.

"I don't know whose stray cat it was, but it tore my cotton yarn to shreds! That damned beast!"

After weighing the salt, Zhou Ping counted the coins in his hand, ready to pay, but Aunt Wang quickly pushed the money back at him.

"Let's skip it this time!"

Zhou Ping was stunned for a moment, then his eyes fell on the iron pot she had placed aside, and he immediately understood.

"Tie Niu, look, this pot has a broken handle. Take it back and have your dad fix it for your aunt, so I don't have to make another trip."

"No problem at all, no problem at all. I can fix this little thing for you!"

Zhou Ping glanced briefly at the broken edge of the iron pot and assured him.

Upon hearing this, Aunt Wang handed him the pot with a broad smile and even stuffed a handful of roasted melon seeds into his hempen pocket.

"We know you're amazing, Old Zhou's in for a treat! Eat these sunflower seeds on the way home!"

Zhou Ping scratched the back of his head and quickly thanked Aunt Wang.

Roasted melon seeds are not a common food for poor families.

It's not that people can't afford it; it's that no one would spend their hard-earned money on such trivial entertainment.

"Tie Niu, let me tell you something. Yesterday, your Uncle Wang, who was transporting salt for the Qingzhu Sect, heard some news. It's said that the Qingzhu Sect is suddenly recruiting a large number of members, and it will happen in the next few days. You're the perfect age for that."

"Your father has been forging swords and blades for their armory for years. This is an opportunity. Let him spend some money to try and get you in. If he can get you in, your Zhou family will rise to prominence!"

Aunt Wang smoothed out the wrinkles in Zhou Ping's clothes and quietly revealed a little gossip to him.

Zhou Ping's eyes widened in shock after hearing this.

The Green Bamboo Sect is one of the top sects in this region, with countless experts within, and its sect leader is an extremely powerful figure who can control everything.

If you can get in, you will have the opportunity to become a master and learn martial arts, and become a powerful and respected martial arts master.

In this world where martial arts are revered, becoming a martial arts master is definitely something to be proud of!

Moreover, as members of the Green Bamboo Sect, they receive a monthly stipend, ensuring they have enough to eat and wear, and even earn money to support their families.

In Zhou Ping's eyes, this was even more attractive than marrying a beautiful wife when he grew up!

......

Inside the blacksmith's shop, Zhou the blacksmith puffed on the welding fumes. He knew far more about the Green Bamboo Sect than his own son did.

These martial arts sects may seem glamorous, but they live a life of constant danger and hardship. There's no such thing as a free lunch; you have to pay the price to enjoy the good life!

Zhou Tie was somewhat hesitant. If Zhou Ping took over his blacksmith shop, although life would be poor, it would be stable.

But thinking about the life he had been exploited and coerced by the Weaponry Pavilion over the years, Zhou the blacksmith seemed to have made up his mind. He didn't want his son to live a life of misery like he had.

Since it's our son's own choice, let's give it a try!

When Zhou Ping saw that his father had agreed, he was overjoyed, as his dream of becoming a martial arts master seemed to have a chance to come true.

That afternoon, Zhou the blacksmith took a bundle out from under the bed, gave Zhou Ping some instructions, and went out.

After Zhou Ping's excitement subsided, he realized that if he entered the Green Bamboo Sect, his father would be the only one left in the blacksmith shop.

Suddenly, I felt a pang of sadness and worry. After all, he was still a twelve-year-old child. Even if he was more mature and composed than his peers, he couldn't help but feel anxious and insecure.

"Once I truly become a martial arts master, I'll make sure my father lives a good life, like the wealthy families in town!"

Zhou Ping made a decision in his heart, and for the first time, a resolute expression appeared on his young face.

Before dinner, Zhou Tie returned home and carefully took out a token from his pocket and handed it to Zhou Ping.

Looking at the exquisite blue wooden plaque in his hand, with a large character for "bamboo" carved on it, Zhou Ping asked in surprise,

"Father, is this the Green Bamboo Token?"

"Hmm, I didn't expect Zhao San to be so agreeable this time. With this token, I have a better chance of passing the entrance exam for the Green Bamboo Sect."

Zhou Tie's face still showed a hint of disbelief. Although he had paid a price, he had obtained the Green Bamboo Token.

But the result was still far beyond his expectations. Normally, anyone who asked would be driven away. How could it be that some small favors could succeed?

It seems that what Wang's daughter-in-law said about recruiting many disciples was indeed true.

"Father, did you give away Mother's dowry?"

Zhou Ping stroked the exquisite token in his hand and asked softly. He knew what was under the bed. It was his mother's precious dowry left to the family after her death: a pair of silver bracelets and three jade hairpins.

"Don't overthink it, I know what I'm doing! Pack your bags, we're going to Songzhu Mountain in three days."

"Ping'er, you must remember to be kind to others after entering the Green Bamboo Sect, observe more and speak less, never fight with others, and always remember your name when you encounter problems. Your father only wishes for your safety and well-being."

Zhou Ping nodded vigorously. He knew his father was lying, and his mother's dowry was definitely gone.

His father must have spared no effort to get him into the Green Bamboo Sect.

Carefully placing the token in his pocket, Zhou Ping knelt down with a thud.

"Your son will remember your teachings!"