Chapter 1 Born in Caotou Village, named Shen Shisan

 In early autumn, the Jiangnan region is picturesque, and the village is located between the rolling green mountains and clear waters. The morning mist is lingering, and the air is filled with the faint fragrance of soil and the fragrance of river water. The small village is nestled beside the gurgling stream. The clear river flows around the village. Several small wooden boats are floating on the river. The fishermen on the boats are busy collecting their nets. The sun shines through the sparse clouds on the water, and a little golden light appears.

 The streets of the village are narrow and tortuous, with low tile houses and bamboo fences on both sides. Several ancient locust trees and peach trees in front of the house cast mottled shadows. The laughter of children and the gossip of the elderly are intertwined, forming a peaceful rural picture.

 In this quiet little village, there lives an ordinary teenager named Shen Shisan. Although Shen Shisan's family is poor, it is full of warmth. Shen Shisan's home is a small house with green tiles and earthen walls. Although it is simple, it is kept in good order because of the hard work of his parents. His mother, Li, was a gentle and kind woman who always took care of the family with a smile; his father, Shen Hai, was a tough and hardworking fisherman who was busy between rivers every day, trying to provide his family with the necessities of life.

 On an autumn afternoon, the sun shone through the dense leaves of the locust tree on the ground. Under the old locust tree at the entrance of the village, Shen Shisan and Qin Erzhu sat side by side on a big stone. In the distance, the river flowed quietly, and the village was shrouded in warm gold. Shen Shisan was drawing circles on the ground with a wooden stick, while Qin Erzhu was excited and approached him from time to time, obviously having something to say.

 "Shen Shisan, have you heard? The market in the town is open again, and it's very lively this time! It is said that many practitioners from all directions came and brought a lot of strange things." Qin Erzhu lowered his voice, with a gleam in his eyes, as if he was afraid that others would hear it.

 Shen Shisan raised his head, frowned slightly, and said with some doubt: "Cultivators? Are they really that amazing? You said it before, but I have never seen any cultivators who can fly. Are they really that powerful?"

 Qin Erzhu didn't care, raised his chin, and said confidently: "Of course it's true! I heard it from people in the town. Those cultivators can cast spells, and some can fly with swords! We will lose if we don't go this time."

 Although Shen Shisan was skeptical about these rumors, he still felt a little curious in his heart. After all, their village was remote, and the most they saw on weekdays were just vendors in the town. He had never had the opportunity to see legendary figures like cultivators with his own eyes. 

 "But..." Shen Shisan hesitated for a moment and whispered, "If we go to the town and get caught, we will definitely be scolded when we get home. If your father knows that you sneaked out again, he will definitely beat you."

 Qin Erzhu laughed, as if he didn't care at all: "Don't worry! This time everyone in the village is busy with the autumn harvest, who can take care of us? Besides, haven't we returned safely every time? However, this is a rare opportunity. I heard that there is an old man selling elixirs in the market. It is said that the elixir can greatly increase one's strength and is very useful when hunting." 

 "Elixir?" Shen Shisan was a little surprised, and looked up at Qin Erzhu, "Is there really such a magical thing? We have never seen such a thing in our village."

 Qin Erzhu smiled mysteriously and approached, "Of course! Pills are the treasures of practitioners, how can ordinary people see them. If it weren't for this market, how could there be a chance? And, think about it, practitioners have always been mysterious. This time I have the opportunity to see their abilities with my own eyes, isn't it an eye-opener?"

 Shen Shisan's heart was gradually ignited by this word. He had heard the rumors of practitioners from the old people in the village. Although it seemed far away, it was full of fantasy. If he could see the world of practitioners, it would indeed be a rare opportunity.

 "But..." Shen Shisan frowned, although he was moved, he was still a little calm, "They are so powerful, how can we poor villagers get in touch with them?"

 Qin Erzhu patted Shen Shisan on the shoulder and smiled nonchalantly: "We don't expect to be any practitioners, can't we just watch the fun? Besides, who knows, what if there is a chance? Who knows which practitioner will take me to practice! Then I will be very successful!"

 Shen Shisan couldn't help laughing, thinking that Qin Erzhu was really imaginative. But he had already made up his mind. Meeting the legendary practitioners and listening to those stories about immortal arts and elixirs were indeed full of temptation for him.

 "Okay," Shen Shisan finally nodded, "but you must be careful this time, don't let your father catch you like last time." "Don't worry, I've arranged it this time."

 Qin Erzhu smiled proudly, "Let's sneak out at night when the villagers are busy working, and no one will find out."

 Shen Shisan smiled slightly, looking forward to the next adventure. The market in the town had never attracted him so much, and this time, the rumor of a cultivator might be different from the past.

 On the market day, the autumn sun shone warmly on the small road at the head of the village. The busyness of the village seemed to give Shen Shisan and Qin Erzhu a rare opportunity. The men in the village were busy with the autumn harvest, the women were washing clothes by the river, and the children were playing together. No one noticed that the two teenagers were quietly slipping out of the village.

 Shen Shisan carried a simple small cloth bag with some dry food and a few copper coins in it, and followed Qin Erzhu. The two walked along the ridge path towards Dahe Town one after the other. Qin Erzhu seemed to be familiar with the road, and his steps were so fast that he seemed to fly. Obviously, he couldn't wait.

 "Hurry up, Shisan! If you are late, you will miss the excitement!" Qin Erzhu turned around and urged, with an excited smile on his face.

 Shen Shisan quickened his pace, and he was also looking forward to it. It was not the first time for him to go to Dahe Town. In the past, they would occasionally go to the town with their father to exchange some supplies for life, but they were always in a hurry and did not have many opportunities to visit the market. Today was different. They were not bound by anyone and could wander around the town freely, especially with the legendary practitioners.

 Big River Town was not far from Caotou Village, about two hours away. The two walked along the country road, and the outline of Big River Town gradually appeared in front of them. From a distance, you can see the river flowing slowly outside the town, the wide river surface sparkling, several ships loaded with cargo slowly sailing, and the riverside docks were bustling and bustling.

 The prosperous scene of Big River Town came into view. The town was built along the river, with wooden houses neatly arranged, and the streets were crowded with vendors. The air was filled with the aroma of baked cakes and stewed meat. As the footsteps approached, the noise in the town became clearer, and the bustling crowds filled the streets and alleys.

 "This market is really lively!" Qin Erzhu sighed, looking around, obviously having forgotten the main purpose of their trip. He looked around like an excited child, and was attracted by the toy stalls or candy shops on the street from time to time.

 "We are here to see the practitioners, don't just wander around." Shen Shisan patted Qin Erzhu on the shoulder and reminded him.

 "I know! I know! But it would be a pity not to see these." Qin Erzhu waved his hand nonchalantly, "Why are you in a hurry? The market is so big, the practitioners must be in some lively place."

 The two walked and talked, passing through several busy streets. The market was crowded with people, and the vendors' shouts came one after another. Although Shen Shisan had expectations for the practitioners, he was still dazzled by the various stalls in the town. Various herbs, strange weapons, and even exquisite gadgets all attracted his attention.

 At this time, a stall in the distance caught Qin Erzhu's attention. There were some strangely colored pills on the stall. The stall owner was an old man who looked like an immortal. He was wearing a gray and white robe, which seemed to be a little different from the ordinary vendors in the market.

 "Look, Shen Shisan! That's the old man who sells pills that I told you about!" Qin Erzhu's eyes lit up, and he excitedly pulled Shen Shisan to run to the stall.

 Shen Shisan's heart moved, and he looked in the direction Qin Erzhu pointed. There were many people around the stall, and the old man was slowly explaining the magical effects of the pills. Some people seemed to be ready to buy, with an excited look on their faces, and obviously believed in these pills.

 "These pills...are they really that magical?" Shen Shisan was half-believing and half-doubting, and his eyes fell on the small bottles of different colors.

Qin Erzhu was excited and whispered: "I said a long time ago that this old man is probably a cultivator! Why don't we go up and take a look, in case we can hear some secrets about cultivation?"

 The two squeezed into the crowd and stood beside the stall, quietly looking at the old man. The old man's movements were slow and elegant, and his words were a bit mysterious. He held a small porcelain bottle and slowly opened the bottle cap, and a faint medicinal fragrance drifted into the crowd.

 "This sir..." A big man in the crowd couldn't wait to speak, "Can your pill really enhance strength? I heard that after taking it, people can hunt for several days without sleep. Is it true?"

 The old man smiled slightly, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes seemed deeper because of this smile: "Of course it is true. This pill is a secret method I have refined for many years. Whether it is to increase strength or restore physical strength, it has miraculous effects. However... The way of cultivation emphasizes fate. If it is a person of destiny, the effect will naturally be better."

Qin Erzhu's eyes lit up when he heard it, and he couldn't help but whispered to Shen Shisan's ear: "Did you hear that? The man of destiny! That must be what the cultivators say. If we can get some tips on cultivation from this old man, will we have a chance to cultivate immortality?"

 Shen Shisan frowned, still a little hesitant: "But... we don't have any destiny, cultivation... I'm afraid it's not that easy."

 Qin Erzhu smiled, and seemed more confident than Shen Shisan: "What are you afraid of! Let's take a look first, maybe we can meet other more powerful cultivators. As for cultivating immortality, just try your luck!"

 Just as the two were talking, a burst of exclamations suddenly came from the crowd. On the street in the distance, a group of people wearing gorgeous Taoist robes walked slowly. The leader was a middle-aged man with a serious face, followed by several young cultivators, with tall postures and extraordinary temperament.

 "Look! That's the cultivator! The legendary cultivator!" Qin Erzhu was so excited that he almost jumped up and pulled Shen Shisan to squeeze over there.

 Shen Shisan's heart suddenly tightened, and the scene in front of him made him breathe a little quickly. Those practitioners are indeed different from ordinary people. They walk steadily and with a detached demeanor, as if the surrounding noise has nothing to do with them. When walking in the market, everyone can't help but make way for them, with eyes full of awe and amazement.

"That's the practitioner..." Shen Shisan whispered to himself, his eyes closely following the figures of the practitioners.

 Several practitioners walked through the crowd, wearing Taoist robes of various colors, with upright postures and exuding a transcendent temperament. Shen Shisan and Qin Erzhu squeezed in the crowd, staring at them intently. The people in the town seemed to be familiar with practitioners, but this was still a scene full of mystery and awe for Shen Shisan and Qin Erzhu.

 "Look at their clothes, they are completely different from those ordinary people we have seen!" Qin Erzhu lowered his voice and said to Shen Shisan with excitement, his eyes showing admiration as if he had seen an immortal.

 Shen Shisan nodded, and his heart was also filled with an unprecedented excitement. Their Taoist robes were embroidered with different patterns and runes, showing the sects they belonged to. Although they were not practitioners from the six major sects, these people were obviously not ordinary practitioners.

 The middle-aged man in the lead was wearing a green Taoist robe with a full moon embroidered on his chest, faintly emitting a faint glow. Shen Shisan had heard that this Taoist robe with a full moon rune was the symbol of the "Blue Moon Sect". Although the Blue Moon Sect was not as famous as the six major sects, it was also a well-known sect in the Tianxuan Continent.

 The female practitioner behind him was wearing a blue and white long skirt with layers of waves embroidered on the hem, and her temperament was cold and extraordinary. Shen Shisan vaguely heard the name of this sect, which should be "Shuijing Palace". They are good at controlling water magic, with elegant body movements and deep spiritual power.

 There were also several practitioners from different sects, but none of them were from the six famous sects. Their aura and Taoist robe patterns revealed their extraordinary backgrounds. Several people talked in a low voice while walking, with a solemn expression, as if they were discussing something important.

 Qin Erzhu gently patted Shen Shisan's shoulder and whispered, "Let's go over and see! They must be discussing something important. There must be a reason for the practitioners to come to this small market." Shen Shisan hesitated, but curiosity had overcome reason. He nodded, and he and Qin Erzhu carefully followed the practitioners, keeping a distance.

 Several practitioners walked to a teahouse in the center of the town, with a plaque of "Fulai Teahouse" hanging at the door. The teahouse is not too big, but it is decorated in an antique style. It is obviously a more popular place in the town. The practitioners pushed the door and entered. The waiter immediately greeted them respectfully and led them to the window seat on the second floor.

 Qin Erzhu pulled Shen Shisan's sleeve, and the two of them followed him on tiptoe and found a less conspicuous corner to sit down. Although they were a little far away from the practitioners, fortunately the teahouse was not noisy, and they could still vaguely hear the conversation of those people.

 "Have you heard about it? It is said that the strange treasure that is about to be born nearby is not simple. Even many major sects have sent people to inquire about the news." The middle-aged man of Blue Moon Sect said in a deep voice, with a hint of worry between his brows.

 The female cultivator from Water Mirror Palace nodded lightly, with a solemn look: "Yes, I heard that this strange treasure may be related to the relics of ancient times, and even involves some ancient legends of the outer world. Many sects have begun to pay attention to this matter, and even people from the six major sects are acting in secret."

 Shen Shisan's heart suddenly jumped, "Strange treasure is born?" Although he knew little about the world of cultivators, he had heard rumors about strange treasures. Strange treasures are a kind of natural treasures, with powerful spiritual power, which can greatly improve the cultivation of cultivators, and even have some special powers. Such treasures often cause countless cultivators to fight for them, and even fight.

 "The legend of the outer world?" Qin Erzhu leaned close to Shen Shisan's ear and lowered his voice very low, "Did you hear it? Even the six major sects have dispatched, it seems that this strange treasure is really not simple!"

 "Yes," Shen Shisan also lowered his voice, and was very excited, "But ordinary people like us, I am afraid there is no chance to come into contact with such things."

 "That's not necessarily true!" Qin Erzhu's eyes flickered, and he seemed full of ambition, "Think about it, if we can get some news about strange treasures, maybe we can..."

 "Don't think about it." Shen Shisan interrupted him. Although he was also a little shaken in his heart, he knew very well that such a fight was not something that mortals like them could participate in. Although the world of practitioners is full of temptations, it is also full of dangers.

 At this time, another practitioner in the teahouse spoke: "But then again, there is no definite news about where this strange treasure will appear. We only know that it is probably in this area, but the specific location needs further investigation. People from various sects are acting quietly. When the time comes, I am afraid it will cause a big wave."

 "Yes," the middle-aged man from the Blue Moon Sect nodded, his voice low, "Once the strange treasure comes out, fighting between the sects is inevitable. We must also be prepared and must not take it lightly."

 "However, I heard that there are still many independent cultivators who are also eyeing this strange treasure. Although those independent cultivators have no sects, some of them have extraordinary means and cannot be underestimated." The female cultivator from the Water Mirror Palace continued, her expression slightly solemn.

 The conversation between the cultivators became more and more fascinating. Shen Shisan and Qin Erzhu held their breath, fearing that they would miss any word. Although the legend of the strange treasure is far away, from their description, it seems that this time it will really appear nearby, and it may even be in their area. On the Tianxuan Continent, stories about the fight for strange treasures are common, often accompanied by bloody storms. Shen Shisan felt a little uneasy.

 Qin Erzhu approached Shen Shisan and lowered his voice, "Do you think this treasure is near our village? If so, we must seize the opportunity!" Shen Shisan frowned slightly. Although he was interested in these rumors, he knew that the world of cultivators was too far away, and the treasures were accompanied by countless dangers. He whispered, "Don't let your imagination run wild. The fight for the treasures is too complicated. We should not act rashly."

 Qin Erzhu seemed a little unwilling, and his eyes flashed with ambition. He muttered in a low voice, "The opportunity is rare. If it really falls on us, wouldn't it be a great fortune?" While the two were still discussing in a low voice, they suddenly heard the voices of the cultivators on the second floor pause. The middle-aged man of the Blue Moon Sect who was in the lead suddenly raised his head and swept his eyes in the direction of them. Shen Shisan's heart instantly rose to his throat, and he dared not move. Qin Erzhu also held his breath immediately. The perception of cultivators is extremely sharp. Although they deliberately hid in the corner, they may still attract the attention of the other party. "You two boys, come here." The middle-aged man of the Blue Moon Sect spoke coldly, with a dignity that could not be refused.

 Shen Shisan and Qin Erzhu looked at each other. Although they were nervous, they had no way to resist. They had to stand up and slowly walked to the table of practitioners.

 Shen Shisan and Qin Erzhu walked carefully to the middle-aged man of the Blue Moon Sect feeling uneasy. The man's sharp eyes swept over the two of them, with a deep gaze, as if he could see through their minds. But soon, he frowned slightly, as if he found that there was no spiritual power fluctuation on them, and they were obviously just two ordinary teenagers.

 The man spoke coldly, his voice was low and with a hint of majesty: "Why are you two eavesdropping here?"

 Shen Shisan was so scared that he dared not speak, his heart was beating like a drum, he lowered his head, and cold sweat broke out on his palms. But although Qin Erzhu was also a little nervous, he was much bolder than Shen Shisan. He swallowed his saliva, straightened his back, and answered with a stiff face: "We...we didn't eavesdrop on purpose, but we just passed by the teahouse and saw several seniors with extraordinary temperament. We guessed that they were practitioners, so we couldn't help but want to take a few more glances."

 The middle-aged man narrowed his eyes slightly, and his tone was still cold: "Take a few more glances? That simple?"

 Qin Erzhu realized that the other party did not embarrass them immediately, and he was relieved a little, and he mustered up the courage to continue: "That's right, senior. We are just ordinary villagers, how can we understand anything about cultivation. But Shen Shisan and I are from Caotou Village, and we heard that you are discussing the matter of the strange treasure. If this strange treasure is really near our village, we can help the seniors to inquire about the news. If there is any movement, we will report it to the seniors as soon as possible."

 Shen Shisan was a little nervous when he heard Qin Erzhu's words, and he didn't dare to look up to see the reaction of the middle-aged man. Although Qin Erzhu was bold, he also understood that dealing with practitioners could bring disaster if he was not careful. Upon hearing this, the practitioners looked at each other, with a hint of interest in their expressions.

 The middle-aged man nodded slightly, but his eyes were still a bit scrutinizing: "Oh? You two mortal boys, why do you think I will trust you?" Qin Erzhu was obviously prepared, with a shrewd smile on his face: "Senior, although we are just mortals, we are very familiar with the terrain around Caotou Village. If there is news of the birth of a rare treasure, the people in our village must be the first to notice it. If you are willing to give us a chance, we will definitely do our best to help you find out the news." The middle-aged man frowned slightly, as if thinking about something.

 After a moment, his eyes became sharp and he asked lightly: "What do you want in return?"

 Qin Erzhu heard this, and a trace of excitement flashed in his eyes. He immediately said: "Senior, if we can provide you with valuable information, I hope to be able to enter your sect and practice with you! Shen Shisan and I both yearn for practitioners, and hope to be able to leave the mortal world one day and embark on the road of cultivating immortals."

 As soon as these words came out, Shen Shisan's heart was shocked, and his heart was complicated. Cultivating immortals is an opportunity that countless people dream of, and Qin Erzhu actually dared to make such a request. Although this opportunity is extremely slim, if it can be realized, the fate will be completely changed.

 The cultivators heard this and their expressions were different. The middle-aged man's eyes swept between Qin Erzhu and Shen Shisan, with a hint of playfulness in his eyes, but he did not express his opinion immediately. The Water Mirror Palace maid beside him smiled and broke the silence: "You are a brave child. It is not easy for mortals to practice."

 Qin Erzhu was not to be outdone and straightened his back: "Senior, we know that practicing is not that easy, but we are willing to make every effort for it. If there is a chance, we are willing to try it."

 The middle-aged man smiled slightly, and his tone finally relaxed a little: "Boy, you are quite courageous. Since you are so determined, if you can really find out the news of the strange treasure for us, I can consider letting you enter the Blue Moon Sect. But let me say in advance that the road to practice is difficult and dangerous, and not everyone can stick to it."

 Qin Erzhu heard this, his eyes suddenly lit up, and he said excitedly: "Senior, don't worry, as long as you give us a chance, we will never let you down!"

 Shen Shisan stood aside. Although he did not speak as boldly as Qin Erzhu, a glimmer of hope was ignited deep in his heart. The opportunity to practice is just around the corner, and he is unwilling to give up easily as long as there is a possibility.

 The middle-aged man looked at them and nodded: "Okay, in that case, let's see how you perform. If you can bring us useful information, we'll give you a chance."

 As soon as he finished speaking, the middle-aged man waved his hand, signaling that they could leave.

 Shen Shisan and Qin Erzhu looked at each other, their hearts full of excitement and nervousness. They hurriedly saluted the practitioners and turned to leave the teahouse.

 After leaving the teahouse, Qin Erzhu's face was full of pride, and he couldn't help but whisper to Shen Shisan: "See, I said we can give it a try! Now we have a chance! As long as we find the clue of the strange treasure, we can embark on the road of cultivation!"

 Shen Shisan looked at Qin Erzhu with mixed feelings. Although he was a little expectant, he also felt a little uneasy: "The world of cultivators is not as simple as we think, Qin Erzhu, we still have to be careful."

 Qin Erzhu laughed and patted Shen Shisan on the shoulder: "Don't worry! We have taken the first step, and the rest depends on our luck. When we find the news of the strange treasure, we will be immortals!"

 Although Shen Shisan was a little hesitant, he could not deny that Qin Erzhu's words ignited his deep desire. The world of cultivation seemed to be slowly opening its doors to them.