That night, after bathing, Han Li lay quietly on his small wooden bed. The room was dim, lit only by the soft glow of a dying oil lamp. Though his body was still, his mind was anything but calm.
At first, his thoughts drifted beautifully—imagining himself as a doctor traveling the land, healing the sick, saving the suffering. He imagined villagers bowing gratefully… imagined his parents smiling proudly… imagined treating patients with confidence and wisdom.
But slowly, doubt crept in.
What if I'm not selected?
What if the doctor doesn't even look at me?
Then, hope pushed back:
But what if I am chosen?
His heart raced, swinging between fear and excitement like a seesaw. Eventually, without realizing, those spiraling thoughts carried him through the long night.
---
When morning finally arrived, soft sunlight spilled through the cracks in the wooden window.
Han Li sat up quickly, rubbing his sleepy eyes before stepping outside to wash. He scooped cold water onto his face, then his hands, and finally carefully straightened his long hair—tying it as he had seen noble young masters do in dramas, though his fingers fumbled a little.
Next, he changed into the new robe his uncle brought. It was a simple green, not made of expensive silk or fine embroidery—but to a boy from a small, forgotten village, it was precious beyond measure.
When Han Li looked at his reflection on the faintly shining water surface… even he was stunned for a moment.
Clean skin, tied hair, and those bright, star-like eyes—full of hope and innocence.
Though still young, he carried a beauty that felt almost unreal. If someone had seen him then, they might have mistaken him for a young immortal who accidentally descended from the heavens.
---
Suddenly—
DING— DONG— DING—!!
A deep iron bell echoed across the village.
Then a loud voice followed:
"Everyone, gather quickly! The doctor has arrived! Today is the selection for his final disciple!"
Han Li's heart jumped.
Without another thought—he grabbed his confidence, gathered his courage, and ran.
His robe fluttered behind him, his footsteps echoed against the earth, and dust rose with every hurried step.
Today… his destiny might change.
And so—he ran toward it.
The village square was unusually crowded today. Villagers gathered in clusters, whispering with excitement and tension. Red banners fluttered lightly in the morning breeze, and incense burned beside a small wooden platform set at the center.
On that platform stood only one man.
His hair was white as snow, tied neatly with a jade clasp. His long dark robe carried faint embroidered patterns of cranes and mountains. He stood straight and calm, his presence dignified yet quiet—like an old pine tree standing through centuries of wind.
This was Doctor Lu — a name spoken with both respect and awe. Rumor said he had traveled across countless kingdoms, healed nobles and beggars alike, and mastered medical arts beyond ordinary imagination.
Yet, throughout his long journey, he had never taken a disciple.
Today… that would change.
---
In front of Doctor Lu sat an elegant wooden table. Upon it rested a single crystal sphere—about the size of two fists. It was clear like polished ice, with faint swirling patterns deep inside, as though something lived and breathed within it.
Doctor Lu raised his voice, steady and calm:
"Today, I will accept one disciple."
The crowd fell silent.
"All children under fifteen may attempt," he continued. "Whoever can cause this sphere to glow will earn the right to enter my tutelage."
Whispers spread instantly:
"So it's a test of fate?"
"Not talent… but destiny?"
"Who will succeed?"
Doctor Lu placed one hand behind his back and gestured lightly.
"Let the first child step forward."
---
One by one, children tried.
Each placed their hands on the sphere, their expressions tense with expectation. Some closed their eyes, some clenched their teeth, but the sphere remained cold and lifeless.
No glow.
No reaction.
Just silence.
The crowd's earlier excitement began to fade into disappointment.
---
Then, when nearly everyone had tried, only a single boy remained.
A small figure in a clean green robe, long hair neatly tied, eyes bright with nervous hope.
Han Li.
Someone whispered:
"That boy… he looks like a young immortal."
Han Li swallowed, his heart pounding like a drum.
He stepped forward slowly and bowed deeply.
"Han Li greets Doctor Lu."
Doctor Lu did not reply with words—only nodded once.
Han Li approached the sphere.
His small hands trembled as he placed them gently upon the smooth surface.
For a moment—nothing.
Silence.
Then—
A faint ripple.
Barely visible.
Like a single drop falling into endless still water.
Han Li blinked.
The villagers held their breath.
Then—
FWOOM—
A warm golden light burst from the sphere, bright and dazzling. Like sunlight breaking through storm clouds, like fire awakening from slumber.
Gasps echoed through the square.
"It's glowing!"
"He did it! The boy did it!"
The light shimmered, reflecting in Han Li's eyes—giving him an otherworldly beauty, like a young deity chosen by fate.
Doctor Lu's expression finally shifted. His calm gaze softened—ever so slightly—as if acknowledging destiny itself.
He stepped forward.
Placed a hand on Han Li's shoulder.
And spoke slowly, clearly, with the weight of fate:
"From today onward—"
A pause.
"You are my disciple."
---
Doctor Lu's calm expression remained unchanged on the surface—but deep within his eyes, a faint and chilling gleam stirred.
As the glowing crystal sphere dimmed, he looked at Han Li and allowed a small, restrained smile to curl at the edge of his lips.
"Finally…"
His thoughts whispered like venom beneath the calm facade.
Finally… Hahahaha… after all these years… I've found one with a spiritual root.
The villagers continued celebrating, unaware of the sinister tremor behind the old doctor's composed demeanor.
Doctor Lu lifted his gaze and spoke aloud, voice resonant and steady:
"Who are the parents of this child?"
Han Li's parents stepped forward nervously. They bowed deeply, overwhelmed with disbelief.
Doctor Lu nodded.
"As I have said before, the family of the chosen disciple will receive one hundred taels of silver."
He paused… then smiled again—this time warm, generous, almost divine.
"But today, I am very pleased. So instead—you shall receive two hundred taels."
Gasps rang through the village.
Two hundred taels was a fortune—enough to change generations of poverty.
Doctor Lu reached into his inner robe and pulled out a pouch heavy with silver. He placed it firmly into Han Li's father's hands.
The pouch was heavy enough to make his arm tremble.
Han Li's parents dropped to their knees at once, bowing deeply until their heads touched the ground.
"Thank you, Doctor Lu… thank you… thank you…"
Meanwhile, Han Li also knelt before the old man, his posture straight and respectful.
He lowered his head and said loudly:
"Your disciple greets Master!"
Doctor Lu quickly reached out and stopped him.
"No need for such formality in this moment. My good disciple—stand."
Han Li rose, then hesitated.
"Please wait, Master."
Doctor Lu raised a brow, amused.
Han Li reached inside his sleeve and carefully withdrew a small wooden box. When opened, it revealed a single old ginger root—rough, wrinkled, and faintly fragrant.
"A hundred-year-old ginger," Han Li said softly.
"This is my greeting gift to Master."
For a heartbeat, silence.
Then—Doctor Lu laughed loudly, his voice echoing through the courtyard.
"Hahahaha! My good disciple, you yourself are the greatest gift I could ever receive. Why would I need anything else?"
He waved a hand.
"But since it comes from my precious disciple, of course—I shall accept it."
Han Li smiled, shoulders softening with relief and pride.
Inside, his thoughts raced happily:
Two hundred taels… enough to eat flour and meat for forty years…
He wasn't greedy. Just practical—sharp-minded and thoughtful beyond his age. A child born with both talent and wisdom.
Doctor Lu's expression grew serious again—not unkind, but solemn.
"Han Li," he said quietly, "you may speak with your parents now. After today, you will walk a different path—one of solitude and cultivation. You will no longer live as an ordinary child."
Han Li's parents lowered their eyes but did not protest—they had accepted this fate the moment their son touched the crystal.
Han Li nodded, expression calm and mature.
"I understand, Master."
Doctor Lu gave a satisfied nod.
"Good. Spend tonight with your family. At dawn tomorrow—I will return to take you with me."
With those words, Doctor Lu turned and left, his sleeves fluttering behind him like the shadow of destiny.