In this chapter, Bai Xiaochu is introduced. He is the protagonist of the story, and he is the son of a local farmer. His parents have given him a good upbringing, and now he is determined to become the next immortal. He wishes that he could live forever, but he is afraid that he will not be able to leave his family behind. He tells his father that he is going to be an immortal, but that he cannot leave them all behind. His father tells him that he has done a good service to the people of the village by finding the immortals. He says that his chickens were frightened of chirping because of the white rat, and that he finally left the village to eat all of the chickens in it. He also says that today is the birthday of the old man, and they will celebrate it every year from now on. The incense in his hand can summon thunder and attract immortals, which attracts them to kill him if he dares come out. He explains that the incense is said to have been lit by anyone from the Bai family who wishes to be a disciple of the immortal. Since the incense was first lit three years ago, it has been lit a total of twelve times, but no immortals have been seen. The protagonist says that he wishes to live forever.