In a remote jungle, a young boy rests on a tree branch, his long black hair moving with the autumn wind without any disturbance. His facial features are quite average, but he gives a scholarly aura. If anyone saw him, they could tell at a first glance that this young boy is about to attempt the Imperial Exam.
"Su, how long are you going to rest there? Come quickly. We need to reach the capital in seven days. Why did you not understand?" an old man in his fifties holds a rope in his hand and ties two beautiful black horses.
"Uncle Hong, you know we have so much time left. Why such a hurry?" Su Lin says in a childish voice, and in the blink of an eye, his scholarly aura vanishes. All that is left is just a smile towards his uncle.
After descending from the tree, he straightens his back and gives an innocent smile towards his old man. "Don't use those old tricks on this old man anymore. You know when you were just a child, I took care of you, and I know you very well. Listen, Su, this old man does not have any descendants, so I see you as my own son. I just want you to be happy."
"I know. Uncle, don't worry. I will pass the Imperial Exam and become a well-known figure in the Northern border."
Every year, the imperial capital arranges this exam to find talented young ones. This exam is divided into two parts. In the first part, students need to show their poetry and writing skills. By showing such skills, they demonstrate their ambition and character. In the second part, students need to write about their philosophy towards the world and themselves, showing their mindset. After the results are announced, only nine students are selected. Not because the exam is very tough, but because this so-called imperial capital is just a sub-branch of a small nation in the Northern region.
In Su Lin's early childhood, his mother left him when he was just four years old. He was then sold as a slave in a caravan. After a few years, he forgot his mother's face and everything about her; he only knows that his mother left him. As a slave, he barely survived in the caravan, but one day, a man bought him for five pieces of silver—this man was none other than Uncle Hong.
"Su, also, don't forget you are already of marriage age. Before I close my eyes at my last breath, I want to see your children. Just imagine how great it would be if someone called me grandpa. Hahaha..." Hearing this, Uncle Hong makes a hearty laugh. After listening, Su Lin has an embarrassed look on his face.
"Uncle," Su Lin tries to cut his uncle's words, but then he continues. "What, uncle? The truth is the truth. Every man must find the meaning of life, and if there isn't one, make it. I want to see your children; this is my meaning of life right now. As for you, it was all your choice. If you want to climb higher and higher, climb; don't think about setbacks. After all, setbacks make a man strong, and if you want to stay, just stay. Don't lie to yourself." After hearing those words, Su Lin begins pondering.
"Then, uncle, why don't you have any loved ones? I mean, why are you living alone your whole life, as I know?" Su Lin asks hesitantly. Hearing his uncle's words, he suddenly realises that his uncle's words have a much deeper meaning.
Hearing those words, Uncle Hong glances at Su Lin and says in a kind and gentle voice, "Su Lin, do you know why I gave you this name? It means purity. I just want you to experience everything you want. I'm not your father, but when I brought you into my home, I took on a father's duty from that day."
As they spoke on their journey, they both reach the capital. Right now, Uncle Hong is trying to find a room to stay, but he couldn't find any cheap ones. As for Su Lin, he is staring at his surroundings—buildings and streets—because in his lifetime he never entered such a big place. To Su Lin, he is in heaven right now, but in reality, this imperial capital is just a low-grade place.
In the Northern regions, there are many places far greater and grander in every way. But right now, Su Lin suddenly sees an unprecedented sight in the sky—three human figures radiating a majestic aura. After seeing them, everyone on the street starts shouting.
"Mom, look! There are immortals!"
"Oh my god! I saw immortals! Someone pinch me—I can't believe my eyes! In our lands, there are immortals!"
On the street, some people kneel, some have fantasies in their eyes, and others display very complex feelings.
But for Su Lin, he has a disbelief expression because, in his sixteen years of life, he has never seen a cultivator. Gradually fading from sight, these figures leave Su Lin pondering, but then he shocks his head.
"Why am I thinking this? It's not possible for me to become an immortal."
"Su, why are you standing here? Come, I found a very good room for us to rest in."
After hearing his uncle, Su Lin lets go of his thoughts and follows his uncle.
Upon reaching the inn room, Su Lin sees an ordinary room with a window facing west. In the corner, there is a single wooden bed; there is also a table for eating and drinking. He looks around his room and then goes to see the window. Outside, he sees an ordinary-looking girl working at a shop. At her shop, Su Lin sees many decorative items made from wood; some are carvings, and some are simple paintings.
"Boy, I know you are young, but spying on girls you don't even know is not good for a scholar like you. Two days later is your exam, so prepare yourself as best as you can. Rest here and don't go anywhere. I am going to buy some food for us," says Uncle Hong, then leaves for the market.
That night, Uncle Hong sleeps on the inn floor. Anyone seeing him in his sleep state could tell that this old man lives life as he wishes because only a happy smile is on his face even in sleep. Meanwhile, Su Lin is reading about his past experiences and poetry in lamplight.
"I mostly reflect on my past experiences and my poetry. Now only heaven knows what will happen to me in the future," he thinks. After some time, he puts away his papers and walks toward his room window. Standing at the window, he sees a beautiful scene: the half-moon behind a dead tree. Seeing this, he sinks into deep thought.
After a while, Su Lin's eyes shine with wonder. Right now, he has a desire to appreciate nature's beauty.
"A dead tree reaches for the moon, and the moon reaches for the dead tree. In one hand, they don't know hardship; in the other, they are in hardship," he recites. Having said that, he goes to sleep.
The next day, the sun slowly rises behind the horizon, Today is the day for the Imperial Exam.