C3 Bring Me with You

Over the last few days, Han Binn had subsisted on little more than chicken soup. His hunger was unbearable, and despite the master of Han Mansion being his uncle, whom he hadn't seen in years, filling his empty stomach was his top priority. He quickly instructed Cui to fetch some food, and after hastily finishing his meal, he followed Cui to meet his notoriously frugal uncle.

Upon reaching the mansion, his uncle was nowhere to be seen. A servant informed him that his uncle was still resting and advised him to wait. Han Binn found it odd that his uncle was resting so early but refrained from questioning it. After an hour passed, his uncle finally appeared, looking rejuvenated and full of life.

Han Tianlong was in high spirits, having been greatly pleased by his concubine's recent attentions. He had intended to dine, but upon learning that his nephew was awaiting him in the mansion, he decided to join him. Greeting Han Binn with a warm smile, Han Tianlong inquired, "Nephew, how are you feeling?"

Han Binn, though awake, felt utterly drained. He had examined himself but could detect no ailments. His visit was driven by a need to understand what had transpired during his days of unconsciousness. Once his uncle was seated, Han Binn asked respectfully, "Uncle, what exactly happened after I lost consciousness?" He was direct, not wanting to beat around the bush.

With his mood still buoyant, Han Tianlong replied cheerfully, "Oh, nothing serious. Your father sent you here after your injury."

Han Binn was skeptical of such a simple explanation but realized pressing for details would be futile. He shifted the subject, "Uncle, about my health..."

At that moment, Han Tianlong felt a pang of concern—he had momentarily forgotten the grave nature of his nephew's illness. Considering Han Binn's youth and the potential shock of the truth, he offered a reassuring smile and said, "There's no cause for alarm. You'll recover in a few days. Make yourself at home here, and if there's anything you wish to eat, just let the servants know."

As these generous words were spoken, the servants outside were taken aback, silently remarking, "The master is known for his tightfistedness. When did he start being so magnanimous?"

Truth be told, Han Tianlong's actions were merely an attempt to ease his conscience. He had accepted a considerable sum from his younger brother and failed to deliver on his promise. However, that wasn't the crux of the matter. The real issue was that Dr. Wang had staunchly refused the money Han Tianlong offered, insisting that if the boy survived, he was destined for greatness. Despite Han Tianlong's skepticism about Han Binn's potential, he had unwavering faith in Dr. Wang's words, especially since the doctor had a reputation for accurate fortune-telling before he took up medicine.

The revelation left the servant bewildered, and Han Binn himself doubted his ears. "Uncle..." he began, but Han Tianlong, anticipating words of gratitude, interrupted with a dismissive gesture, "No need for formalities. We're family, after all. If you've got nothing else, why not head to the kitchen for a bite to eat?"

With a nod, Han Binn departed from Han Mansion, only to overhear a youthful voice from within shortly after.

"Dad, since when have you been so open-handed?"

"Fei, you're back? Weren't you studying in the capital city?"

"The school's on break, so I returned with mom."

At that, Han Binn recognized the voice as Han Fei, his uncle's son, a year his junior. They had met in childhood, but years had passed without contact, and recognition was no longer certain. Yet, Han Binn recalled his father's words about the boy's brilliance; Han Fei grasped things with a single glance. His uncle had invested heavily in his education, sparing no expense to enroll him in the capital's finest academy.

From inside Han Mansion, Han Fei's voice carried again, "Dad, why are you treating him so well? It's out of character for you!"

Han Tianlong kept Dr. Wang's prophecy to himself, not quite believing it, and instead concocted an excuse. "Son, I have something to tell you, but keep it under wraps." After ensuring the servants were out of earshot, he confided, "The truth is, he's here because he's been injured. The doctor doesn't think he'll last another month."

Han Binn was on the verge of departure when the words struck him, sending a jolt through his body as if he'd been shocked. A searing pain followed, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood.

Silence fell over the courtyard. Then, after a brief pause, Han Fei erupted into hearty laughter. "Dad, are you pulling my leg? I just saw him beneath the curtain, and he didn't look hurt in the slightest. You claim he's only got a month to live? Impossible!" His laughter resumed, clearly convinced his father's words were far from the truth.

Han Tianlong could only offer a wry smile. He wouldn't have believed it himself had he not witnessed it. His son's disbelief seemed to dent his pride, prompting a cough to regain composure. "Fei, do you really think I'm that kind of man? Would I lavish such a sum on my second brother's child if he weren't on death's door? I certainly wouldn't."

Realization dawned on Han Fei; his father's reasoning was sound. Yet, almost immediately, he wondered why it mattered to him at all. Why care so much? Such was the simplicity of a child's concerns, and just as quickly, he dismissed the matter with a smile. "Father, there's something I need to discuss with you. Can you promise to hear me out first?"

Despite Han Tianlong's numerous wives and concubines, he had just this one son, whom he cherished immensely—some might say excessively. Whatever his son desired, he made sure to provide. So when Han Tianlong heard the urgency in his son's voice, he instinctively sensed a significant request. "What is it?" he inquired eagerly.

With a grin, Han Fei played coy. "Promise first, then I'll share."

"Go ahead," Han Tianlong said, his gaze softening with affection. "As long as it's reasonable, you have my word."

Meanwhile, outside the Han Mansion, Han Binn stood frozen, his eyes void of any spark. All he needed was to rush back and confirm with his uncle whether the earlier conversation was true. With a sudden pivot, he dashed toward the mansion. But as he neared the entrance, Han Fei's voice halted him. "Father, I encountered the immortals from the State Sect when I was in the capital city. You'll never guess what they told me."

In the vast Imperial Kingdom, the State Sect was a household name.

Han Binn resided in a place known as the Dark Moon Continent, home to many nations, including the ten greatest: Qin, Chu, Qi, Yan, Han, Zhao, Wei, Tang, Song, and Ming. Each of these countries boasted a Taoist sect, collectively referred to as the State Sects. Ranked by might, Qin State stood at the pinnacle while Ming State, where Han Binn lived, was considered the weakest. However, this measure of strength wasn't limited to military power; the true determinant was the prowess of the State Sect. A weak State Sect could spell the downfall of an empire, leaving it either in ruins or forced to pledge allegiance to another.

Han Tianlong's gaze sharpened with surprise. "The immortals are taking on disciples?"

To the common folk, the disciples of the State Sect were akin to immortals themselves, wielding extraordinary powers that allowed them to soar through the skies and burrow into the earth. Naturally, the State Sect's recruitment was notoriously stringent, scrutinizing a candidate's aptitude, determination, and fortune. Falling short in any of these areas meant a lost chance at the Taoist path. Cultivators sought to understand the cosmos and nature, honing their Taoist arts to such formidable levels that they could obliterate anything with a mere gesture.

Han Fei's nod was emphatic, his eyes alight with aspiration.

As children, tales of immortals captivated many, instilling a deep longing for such a transcendent existence. Yet, the reality was that immortals were exceedingly selective, and their disciples were not chosen from the ranks of the ordinary. Only those of significant influence and connections could hope to place their kin within the sect's walls for training. For the average person, joining the State Sect was a dream beyond reach.

Pondering the intelligence he had accumulated on the State Sect, Han Tianlong voiced his concern with a grave tone, "Could it all be a sham?"

At his father's skepticism, Han Fei couldn't help but roll his eyes, asserting confidently, "Father, how could it possibly be a ruse? We're on Ming State soil. Who would dare to deceive and bluff here? Besides, they've come to the capital city to recruit disciples. Anyone masquerading as an immortal would be signing their own death warrant." Despite his youth, Han Fei's words carried a weight and conviction that belied his fourteen years.

Han Tianlong found himself agreeing with his son's logic and probed further, "So how did you come across this immortal? How come I wasn't aware of this?"

With a hint of pride, Han Fei lifted his chin and recounted, "Father, as I was entering the capital city at dusk, I chanced upon an immortal. An elderly gentleman approached me and inquired whether I wished to join the State Sect to practice the Immortal Arts. I was taken aback and unsure of how to respond, so I told him that such a decision was not mine to make alone; I needed to consult with you first." He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing with a sense of wonder, "Father, can you believe it? Right after I spoke, the immortal vanished, but his voice lingered in my mind, giving me an address within the city and stating that if I visited within seven days, my earlier words would still hold true."

Mortals may not grasp the full extent of an immortal's might, but they do recognize one truth: to become immortal is to gain eternal life. And there's more—should a family's child become a disciple of the State Sect, they would be relieved of taxes, and the empire would annually provide a substantial sum for the care of their parents. In Sky Hill City, a hundred miles away, a child who became a disciple of the State Sect was received with great honor upon returning home; even the county governor personally welcomed him.

In that moment, Han Tianlong could vividly picture such a prestigious event, drool escaping unnoticed from the corner of his mouth as he envisioned his son as a disciple of the State Sect.

"Immortal." The word triggered a memory in Han Binn, who recalled the tales of immortals' miraculous powers his parents had shared in his youth. He pondered, "If I could encounter an immortal and become their disciple, perhaps my illness could be cured!" His desire to heal was solely for his parents' sake, knowing they were aging and unable to perform physical labor, which pained him deeply.

Unable to watch his father's longing any longer, Han Fei spoke up, "Father, may I go?"

Clearing his throat to cover his previous embarrassment, Han Tianlong replied, "Yes, absolutely. Tomorrow, I'll arrange for a lavish gift to present to the Lord of State Sect." This so-called Lord of State Sect was not an immortal, but rather the overseer of the State Sect's branch, acting as the Sect's representative in the realm of mortals.

Upon hearing his father's agreement, Han Fei was overjoyed and eagerly said, "Thank you, Dad. Once I'm a disciple of the State Sect, I'll have the City Lord himself pour wine for you."

Han Tianlong let out a hearty chuckle and replied, "Absolutely. When that time comes, it won't just be the City Lord attending, the County Governor will also greet you in person."

While they were lost in their daydreams, a figure suddenly dashed into the entrance of Han Mansion. Barely catching his balance, a voice called out, "Can I come with you?"