《Tavern of Ten Thousand Paths [XIANXIA]》


 Chapter 1: A Mortal in a Mystical World

    Chapter 1: A Mortal in a Mystical World


    The sky above was vast and endless, painted in shades of blue that Li Wei had only ever seen in photographs. A gentle wind carried the scent of blooming flowers and something faintly metallic, as though the air itself held traces of power. Li Wei stood at the edge of a jagged cliff, overlooking an expanse of untamed wilderness¡ªtowering trees, rolling hills, and streams that glistened like silver threads under the sun.


    It was a breathtaking view, but Li Wei felt no peace. Instead, he was confused, and more than a little annoyed.


    ¡°This can¡¯t be real,¡± he muttered, running a hand through his disheveled black hair. "One minute, I¡¯m eating instant noodles and watching Wanderlust Chefs, and the next, I¡¯m in... whatever this is."


    His voice echoed faintly, answered only by the call of distant birds.


    ¡°Hello? Anyone out there?¡± he yelled, his voice tinged with desperation.


    The silence was broken by an unexpected sound¡ªa soft ding, followed by a calm, mechanical voice.


    "Welcome, Li Wei. You have been chosen as a participant in the Grand Rebirth Initiative. This world is known as the Eternal Dominion, a realm where mortals seek to transcend the boundaries of existence through cultivation, mastery of skills, and the pursuit of Dao."


    Li Wei froze, his eyes darting around for the source of the voice. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ve officially lost it. Too much MSG in those noodles. Hallucinations. That¡¯s all this is.¡±


    "This is not a hallucination. The Eternal Dominion is a world of cultivation, where mortals strive to ascend the Heavens by harnessing spiritual energy, understanding universal truths, and mastering the laws of existence."


    Li Wei¡¯s jaw slackened as the words sank in. ¡°Cultivation? Like in those novels?¡±


    "Correct. However, this world is not fiction. The Eternal Dominion is as real as the life you once knew. Here, mortals battle for survival, strength, and enlightenment."


    Li Wei¡¯s laugh was half disbelief, half hysteria. ¡°Great. I¡¯ve been isekai¡¯d into a Chinese fantasy novel. What¡¯s next? A cheat ability to make me invincible? A destined love interest? Maybe I¡¯ll overthrow an empire while I¡¯m at it!¡±


    "Your path is yours to decide," the voice replied evenly, unbothered by his sarcasm. "You have been granted the Life Skill Mastery System, designed to aid you in mastering practical and esoteric skills. This system will not provide cultivation techniques or enhance your spiritual power. Your journey will be shaped by your choices and efforts."


    Li Wei blinked. ¡°Wait. You¡¯re saying you can¡¯t help me become one of those superpowered cultivators?¡±


    "Correct. This system specializes in the development of skills¡ªcraftsmanship, culinary arts, and other non-combat skills¡ªbut spiritual cultivation lies outside its domain. Survival and prosperity depend on your ingenuity."


    He groaned. ¡°So, I¡¯ve been dumped in a world full of sword-wielding, spell-casting demigods, and you¡¯re telling me I can¡¯t become one of them? What am I supposed to do, open a noodle shop?¡±Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    The system didn¡¯t respond immediately, as if considering his words.


    "A noodle shop is a viable choice."


    Li Wei almost choked. ¡°You¡¯re joking.¡±


    "This system does not joke. You have been provided a starting location¡ªa modest courtyard on Spiritwind Mountain, equipped with necessities. Your journey begins now. Good luck."


    Before Li Wei could protest, the voice vanished, leaving him standing alone on the cliffside.


    When the world didn¡¯t immediately collapse or reveal hidden monsters, Li Wei reluctantly began his trek down the cliffside. After some trial and error¡ªmainly error¡ªhe stumbled across a narrow path that led to a clearing. There, nestled among the trees, was a small courtyard.


    The structure was simple: a single-story building made of wood and stone, surrounded by a low wall. Inside the courtyard was a small vegetable garden, a well, and an old tree whose branches stretched protectively over the space. It wasn¡¯t much, but it looked surprisingly livable.


    Li Wei sighed as he walked through the gate. ¡°Well, it¡¯s no five-star resort, but I¡¯ve had worse apartments.¡±


    The interior of the building was just as modest: a bed, a table, a few chairs, and shelves stocked with tools and supplies. There was a kitchen area with a stove and an assortment of unfamiliar ingredients.


    ¡°Well, I guess this is home now,¡± he muttered, flopping onto the bed. ¡°I wanted a change of pace, but this is a little extreme.¡±


    The next morning, Li Wei woke to the chirping of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves. For a moment, he forgot where he was. Then reality¡ªor whatever this was¡ªset in.


    He sat up, rubbing his face. ¡°Okay, Li Wei. Time to figure this out. You¡¯re stuck in a world of cultivators, you have a courtyard, and you¡¯re apparently great at skills. What¡¯s the plan?¡±


    His stomach growled, answering for him.


    ¡°Right. Food first, plans later.¡±


    In the kitchen, he examined the ingredients. Most of them were strange plants and powders he didn¡¯t recognize, but there were a few basics: rice, salt, and some kind of leafy vegetable. With a little experimentation, he managed to cook a decent meal, surprising himself with how effortlessly it all came together.


    As he ate, an idea began to take shape.


    ¡°If this world is all about cultivation, people must need food, right? And not just any food¡ªsomething to keep them going. Maybe... maybe I really could open a tavern or something.¡±


    He chuckled at the absurdity of it, but the more he thought about it, the more sense it made. He had a courtyard, basic cooking skills, and, most importantly, no better ideas.


    ¡°Why not?¡± he said aloud, grinning. ¡°A tavern sounds way better than running around fighting monsters. I¡¯ll be the guy people come to after their epic battles.¡±


    But before he could set up a tavern, Li Wei realized he needed to understand the world better. And that meant leaving the courtyard.


    With nothing but a small pack of supplies, he set out into the forest. The path was overgrown and uneven, but the air was fresh, and the sights were stunning. He marveled at trees taller than skyscrapers and streams so clear he could see every pebble at the bottom.


    The journey wasn¡¯t without challenges. At one point, he encountered a snake the size of a car, basking in a patch of sunlight. Li Wei froze, his heart pounding, until the creature slithered away, uninterested in him.


    ¡°That¡¯s it. I¡¯m definitely sticking to cooking,¡± he muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.


    By late afternoon, the forest began to thin, and he spotted signs of civilization: trampled paths, the distant sound of voices, and the faint smell of cooking fires. Following these clues, he eventually came upon a small village nestled in a valley.


    The sight of people going about their daily lives¡ªfarmers tending fields, children playing, and merchants unloading goods¡ªbrought a wave of relief.


    ¡°Well, hello there,¡± he said to himself, smiling for the first time since his arrival. ¡°Maybe this place isn¡¯t so bad after all.¡±


    And with that, he stepped into the village, ready to begin the next chapter of his new life.

 Chapter 2: A Stranger in a Strange Land

    Chapter 2: A Stranger in a Strange Land


    The sun hung low in the sky as I stepped into the village, its golden rays painting the stone paths and wooden houses in warm hues. Nestled in a valley surrounded by towering mountains, the village was the very picture of rustic charm. Small, tightly packed houses with curved, tiled roofs lined the narrow streets, their exteriors adorned with red paper lanterns and vibrant flower pots. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys, carrying the scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread.


    The mountains loomed in the distance, their snow-capped peaks reflecting the sunlight like polished jade. Streams of crystal-clear water ran through the village, their cheerful babble adding a harmonious rhythm to the gentle murmur of villagers chatting. Children played barefoot near the streams, their laughter blending with the occasional cluck of chickens and the bleating of goats.


    For a moment, I stood there in awe, feeling as though I¡¯d stepped into a painting.


    ¡°This,¡± I muttered, ¡°is what they call postcard perfect.¡±


    The village was alive with activity. Merchants shouted out their wares from wooden stalls, women carried baskets overflowing with vegetables, and old men smoked pipes under the shade of ancient trees. It was picturesque, idyllic even¡ªexcept for one glaring detail.


    Everyone was staring at me.


    At first, I thought it was just my imagination. But as I walked further into the village, I noticed heads turning, conversations pausing mid-sentence, and eyes lingering on me far longer than was polite.


    ¡°Okay,¡± I whispered under my breath. ¡°This isn¡¯t awkward at all.¡±


    I glanced down at myself, trying to figure out what was so fascinating. And then it hit me.


    While everyone else wore simple, flowing robes or sturdy work clothes made of coarse fabric, I was strutting around in jeans, a graphic T-shirt that said "Pizza is Life," and sneakers that had seen better days.


    ¡°Oh, great,¡± I muttered. ¡°I look like a time-traveling lunatic.¡±


    A group of children whispered among themselves, pointing at me with wide-eyed curiosity. An elderly woman frowned, her gaze flicking between my face and my shoes as though trying to solve a riddle. Even a dog seemed to stop and give me a once-over before trotting away.


    I forced a smile and nodded politely at the villagers, but the awkwardness was suffocating. My modern clothes screamed ¡°outsider,¡± and the last thing I wanted was to draw more attention to myself.


    Step one, I decided, blend in. Step two, don¡¯t look like a complete idiot.


    After wandering aimlessly for a while, I found myself in a bustling marketplace. The stalls were overflowing with goods: bundles of herbs, jars of honey, woven baskets, and gleaming tools. The air was thick with the aroma of spices, fresh bread, and something that smelled suspiciously like fermented fish.


    I approached a stall selling clothing. The merchant, a middle-aged man with a kind face and a bushy beard, looked me up and down with thinly veiled amusement.


    ¡°Ah, traveler!¡± he said in a language I somehow understood perfectly. ¡°You have... unique taste in attire.¡±


    I cleared my throat, feeling my cheeks heat. ¡°Yeah, about that. I could use something a bit more, uh, traditional.¡±Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    He chuckled and gestured to a row of folded garments. ¡°You¡¯ve come to the right place. These are made from the finest mountain silk. Strong, breathable, and comfortable.¡±


    I picked up one of the robes, running my fingers over the fabric. It was soft yet durable, dyed in earthy tones with simple patterns.


    ¡°This one will suit you,¡± the merchant said, holding up a dark blue robe with silver embroidery along the edges. ¡°Modest, but elegant.¡±


    ¡°How much?¡± I asked, bracing myself for the answer.


    ¡°Three silver coins.¡±


    I froze. Silver coins? I didn¡¯t even know if I had any currency. Frantically, I patted my pockets, and to my relief, I found a small leather pouch tied to my belt. Opening it, I found a mix of coins¡ªgold, silver, and copper.


    ¡°Well, at least that useless system gave me something,¡± I muttered.


    The merchant raised an eyebrow. ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± I said quickly. I handed him three silver coins without bothering to haggle. I didn¡¯t know the value of money here, and the last thing I wanted was to offend someone by arguing over prices.


    The merchant beamed. ¡°A wise choice! Let me know if you need anything else.¡±


    I ducked behind the stall to change, emerging a few minutes later in my new robe. It was surprisingly comfortable, and for the first time since arriving in this world, I felt like I didn¡¯t stick out like a sore thumb.


    ¡°Well,¡± I said, smoothing the fabric. ¡°At least now I look the part.¡±


    Feeling slightly less conspicuous, I continued exploring the village. The streets were alive with sights, sounds, and smells that seemed to belong to another era. I passed a blacksmith hammering away at a glowing piece of metal, sparks flying in all directions. Nearby, a group of women sat on wooden stools, chatting as they sorted through baskets of fresh produce.


    Every corner of the village seemed to tell a story. There was a shrine adorned with candles and incense, where villagers bowed their heads in silent prayer. A group of children gathered around an elderly man who was carving intricate patterns into a wooden figurine.


    I couldn¡¯t help but smile. This place was so different from the modern world¡ªslower, simpler, and somehow more alive.


    But as I walked, a thought nagged at the back of my mind. How was it that I could understand these people perfectly? I didn¡¯t recall learning any ancient languages, yet their words flowed into my mind as naturally as my own thoughts.


    ¡°It¡¯s probably another one of those ¡®system¡¯ things,¡± I muttered. ¡°Convenient, but also creepy.¡±


    The system, however, was conspicuously silent.


    Eventually, my wandering led me to a small tavern at the edge of the marketplace. The sign above the door was painted with the image of a steaming bowl and a pair of chopsticks. The scent of sizzling meat and spices wafted out, making my stomach rumble.


    I stepped inside, and the noise of the village faded, replaced by the hum of conversation and the clinking of bowls. The interior was cozy, with wooden beams, low tables, and lanterns casting a warm glow.


    A young woman in an apron approached me, smiling. ¡°Welcome, traveler. Would you like something to eat?¡±


    ¡°Yes, please,¡± I said, settling at an empty table. ¡°Whatever you recommend.¡±


    Moments later, she placed a steaming bowl of noodles in front of me. The broth was rich and fragrant, the noodles perfectly cooked, and the toppings¡ªa mix of herbs, vegetables, and thin slices of meat¡ªlooked fresh and inviting.


    I took a bite and nearly melted.


    ¡°This,¡± I said, ¡°is amazing.¡±


    The woman beamed. ¡°I¡¯m glad you like it. My mother¡¯s recipe.¡±


    As I ate, I couldn¡¯t help but think about the courtyard back on the mountain. It had a small kitchen, plenty of space, and now that I¡¯d seen this tavern, an idea was beginning to take shape.


    ¡°Maybe a tavern isn¡¯t such a bad idea,¡± I mused. ¡°People need food, and I need a way to survive. Plus, I can always add my own twist¡ªlike pizza.¡±


    I chuckled at the thought. A tavern that served both traditional dishes and modern ones? It might just work.


    By the time I left the tavern, the sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the village. The air was cooler now, and the faint hum of crickets filled the silence.


    As I made my way back to the path leading up the mountain, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a strange mix of emotions. I was still an outsider in this world, but for the first time, I felt like I might be able to carve out a place for myself.


    The villagers still eyed me curiously as I passed, but now I didn¡¯t mind so much. After all, every story needs a beginning, and mine was just getting started.

 Chapter 3: Of Taverns and Crossroads

    Chapter 3: Of Taverns and Crossroads


    The sun was dipping below the horizon as I made my way back to the mountains. The soft glow of twilight bathed the path in golden hues, and the air was cool and fragrant, carrying the scent of pine and wildflowers. Birds chirped their final songs of the day, and the gentle rustle of leaves filled the silence.


    As I climbed higher, the village lights twinkled in the distance like fireflies. Despite the pleasant evening, my thoughts were far from peaceful.


    ¡°Alright, system,¡± I muttered, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about taverns.¡±


    Silence.


    I sighed. ¡°I mean, you did give me that courtyard, so technically, this is your fault. You¡¯ve got to help me with this.¡±


    Still nothing.


    Annoyed, I stopped in the middle of the trail and shouted, ¡°HELLO?! SYSTEM?! ARE YOU THERE?¡±


    A familiar, emotionless voice rang in my head.


    ¡°Host, there is no need to yell. I am always present.¡±


    ¡°Oh, really?¡± I folded my arms. ¡°Then why do you only show up when it¡¯s convenient for you?¡±


    ¡°I respond when it is necessary. Unnecessary complaints do not qualify.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Fine, whatever. Let¡¯s talk about the tavern idea. I was thinking¡ª¡±


    Before I could finish, the system interrupted.


    ¡°Before we discuss the tavern, it is crucial for you to understand the significance of your current location.¡±


    ¡°My location?¡± I frowned, glancing around at the towering peaks and dense forest. ¡°What¡¯s so special about these mountains?¡±


    ¡°The mountains you now inhabit serve as a crossroads between distinct realms: the mortal world, the immortal cultivation world, and the spirit world.¡±


    I blinked. ¡°Crossroads? Like a joint highway?¡±


    ¡°If that helps you comprehend, yes. These mountains are a place of convergence, where mortals seek enlightenment, cultivators pursue immortality, and spirits manifest their presence.¡±


    I let out a low whistle, gazing at the mountains with newfound respect. ¡°So, this place is like the ultimate hub for mystical stuff. And you dropped me here without a warning?¡±


    ¡°Host, your presence here is not accidental. This location aligns with your potential. However, your success or failure depends solely on you.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± I muttered. ¡°No pressure or anything.¡±


    The system continued. ¡°Many travelers pass through these mountains¡ªmortals seeking shelter, cultivators searching for rare resources, and spirits drawn by the natural energy of this place. A tavern here would attract all manner of beings.¡±The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    I rubbed my chin thoughtfully. ¡°So, it¡¯s not just a tavern¡ªit¡¯s a gathering place for everyone. Mortals, cultivators, and even spirits. That could work.¡±


    ¡°Shall I proceed to create the tavern, Host?¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Go for it. But, uh, make it classy, okay? I don¡¯t want some shabby inn that looks like it¡¯s falling apart.¡±


    The air around me shimmered, and a soft hum filled my ears. Before my eyes, the courtyard transformed. What had once been an empty, barren space was now a breathtaking tavern that seemed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings.


    The structure was made of dark wood, polished to a glossy sheen, with large windows that allowed the golden light from inside to spill out into the twilight. The roof curved gracefully, resembling the wings of a bird in flight, and intricate carvings adorned the beams, depicting scenes of nature and mythical creatures.


    The front door was wide and inviting, flanked by two lanterns that emitted a warm, steady glow. A stone path led up to the entrance, lined with flowering shrubs that filled the air with their sweet scent.


    Inside, the tavern was just as impressive. The space was open and airy, with high ceilings and large beams. The walls were lined with shelves stocked with jars of herbs, bottles of wine, and neatly folded linens. Long tables and benches filled the room, their surfaces smooth and polished. A massive fireplace dominated one wall, its hearth filled with a crackling fire that cast a cozy glow over the space.


    I stepped inside, marveling at the attention to detail. The air was warm and carried a faint hint of spices, as though the tavern itself was welcoming me.


    ¡°This¡­¡± I said, turning in a slow circle, ¡°is amazing.¡±


    ¡°The tavern is equipped with necessities for food preparation, storage, and lodging,¡± the system informed me. ¡°However, decorations are absent. You will need to handle that yourself.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°You built an entire tavern but couldn¡¯t throw in a vase or two?¡±


    ¡°Host, your creativity should be reflected in the decor. It is an opportunity for self-expression.¡±


    I snorted. ¡°Oh, sure. Self-expression through interior design. That¡¯s definitely my strong suit.¡±


    Once the initial awe wore off, I turned my attention back to the system. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s circle back to the important stuff. This world¡ªwhat¡¯s the deal with cultivation? Can I do it? Or am I stuck being the tavern guy while everyone else shoots fireballs and flies around?¡±


    The system¡¯s response was maddeningly cryptic. ¡°Cultivation is a path that requires determination, understanding, and perseverance. Whether you can cultivate depends entirely on you. I cannot assist in cultivation.¡±


    I frowned. ¡°But is it possible for me? Do I have the potential?¡±


    ¡°It is possible,¡± the system replied. ¡°However, success depends on your choices and actions.¡±


    I sighed. ¡°So basically, it¡¯s a yes, but also a maybe.¡±


    The system didn¡¯t respond, which I took as confirmation.


    ¡°Fine,¡± I said, crossing my arms. ¡°What about skills? Do I have anything useful to start with, or am I starting from scratch?¡±


    ¡°Host¡¯s life skills are all maxed out, and they become better and better moving forward.¡±


    I blinked. ¡°All maxed out? What does that mean?¡±


    ¡°Host possesses mastery in all non-combat skills, including cooking, cleaning, crafting, and brewing. These skills will aid you in managing the tavern and interacting with others.¡±


    A slow grin spread across my face. ¡°So, I¡¯m basically a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to life skills? That¡¯s not bad.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. However, life skills alone are insufficient for survival in a world where strength often determines one¡¯s fate.¡±


    My grin faltered. ¡°Thanks for the reminder, system. Real mood booster, that one.¡±


    After the system went silent again, I took another look around the tavern. It was a masterpiece, no doubt, but it felt empty. It lacked personality, warmth¡ªthe little touches that made a place feel alive.


    ¡°Well,¡± I said, rolling up my sleeves. ¡°If the system won¡¯t do it, I guess it¡¯s up to me. Time to make this place my own.¡±


    With a deep breath, I stepped outside and gazed at the mountains. The stars were beginning to appear, their light casting a silvery glow over the peaks.


    ¡°This is my starting point,¡± I said quietly. ¡°A tavern at the crossroads of three worlds. It¡¯s not exactly where I expected to end up, but maybe it¡¯s exactly where I¡¯m supposed to be.¡±


    I chuckled to myself. ¡°And who knows? Maybe running a tavern won¡¯t be so bad. After all, everyone needs a place to rest, eat, and share their stories. And maybe, just maybe, I¡¯ll find my own story along the way.¡±


    With that thought, I turned back to the tavern, ready to take the first step in this strange, new world.

 Chapter 4: Research, Stew, and a Deal

    Chapter 4: Research, Stew, and a Deal


    The stars blanketed the sky in a sprawling expanse of brilliance as I stood outside the tavern. It was new yet timeless, exuding a sense of both comfort and possibility. The soft, golden glow spilling from its windows painted the stone path with a warm hue, beckoning me to step inside. But something held me back¡ªa nagging sense of unpreparedness.


    I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "What am I even doing?"


    It wasn¡¯t the tavern itself that intimidated me. It was the unfamiliarity of this world. Back in my previous life, I could navigate the complexities of modern society with ease. But here? Here, I didn¡¯t even know the price of a loaf of bread, let alone how to price a bowl of stew or a mug of ale.


    I turned away, glancing at the surrounding mountains cloaked in shadow under the moonlight. ¡°Tomorrow,¡± I muttered. ¡°Tomorrow, I¡¯ll figure it all out.¡±


    And with that, I trudged back to the courtyard beside the tavern, rolled out the mat I¡¯d been using as a makeshift bed, and let the cool night breeze lull me to sleep.


    The dawn arrived with a symphony of birdsong, their melodies weaving through the crisp morning air. Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy above, creating a mosaic of light and shadow on the ground. I stretched, feeling the stiffness of the night leave my body, and took a deep breath of the mountain air.


    ¡°Alright,¡± I said, brushing the dust from my clothes. ¡°Let¡¯s get to work.¡±


    I strode purposefully toward the tavern door, only to pause mid-step.


    ¡°How am I supposed to run this place if I don¡¯t even know what things cost?¡± I muttered to myself, the weight of my ignorance pressing down like a physical burden.


    The realization stung. This wasn¡¯t the modern world, where a quick internet search could solve all my problems. I needed to understand the local economy, the culture, and the people.


    ¡°Research first,¡± I decided, turning toward the trail that led down to the village. ¡°Tavern later.¡±


    The village unfolded before me like something out of a fairy tale. Nestled in the heart of the valley, it seemed almost untouched by time. The rooftops of the houses were coated in a thin layer of morning dew, glistening in the sunlight like tiny jewels. The air was filled with the soft murmur of a nearby stream, its clear waters reflecting the vibrant hues of the wildflowers that grew along its banks.


    The houses were a mix of stone and wood, their construction sturdy yet charming. Thick wooden beams supported sloping roofs, some of which were adorned with dried herbs and flowers hanging in bundles. The scent of fresh bread, wood smoke, and earthy soil mingled in the air, creating a tapestry of aromas that was both comforting and invigorating.


    Villagers bustled about, their voices forming a cheerful hum of activity. Farmers carried baskets of freshly harvested produce, their faces flushed from the morning exertion. Children darted through the narrow streets, their laughter ringing out like bells as they played games only they understood.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    For a moment, I simply stood there, letting it all wash over me.


    ¡°It¡¯s like stepping into another world,¡± I whispered, a faint smile tugging at my lips.


    The market square was the heart of the village, alive with energy and color. Stalls lined the cobblestone streets, each one bursting with goods that ranged from fresh vegetables and fruits to handmade trinkets and tools. Vendors called out to passersby, their voices blending into a chaotic yet harmonious symphony of salesmanship.


    I wandered from stall to stall, careful not to stand out too much. My goal was simple: observe and learn.


    It didn¡¯t take long to notice a pattern. Prices were largely determined by weight and quality, though the occasional bout of haggling added an unpredictable element. Fruits and vegetables were measured in baskets or bundles, meats were priced by the cut, and dried goods were sold in small cloth pouches. The currency was straightforward: small silver coins, worn smooth from use, exchanged hands with a practiced ease.


    One particular stall caught my eye. It was a modest setup, but the aroma wafting from it was irresistible. The vendor, a plump woman with rosy cheeks and a warm smile, stood behind a large pot of steaming stew.


    My stomach growled loudly, reminding me that I hadn¡¯t eaten since yesterday.


    ¡°One bowl, please,¡± I said, fishing out a silver coin and handing it to her.


    She gave me a curious look before handing over the bowl.


    The first spoonful was a revelation. The stew was rich and hearty, with tender chunks of chicken swimming in a thick, flavorful broth. Carrots, potatoes, and herbs added layers of texture and taste, each bite a testament to the vendor¡¯s skill.


    I couldn¡¯t help but close my eyes, savoring the warmth that spread through my body.


    ¡°This,¡± I said aloud, ¡°is art in a bowl.¡±


    The vendor chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re not from around here, are you?¡±


    ¡°Is it that obvious?¡± I asked, grinning sheepishly.


    She nodded. ¡°Your clothes, your accent, even the way you hold the spoon¡ªit¡¯s all different.¡±


    I laughed, feeling a bit self-conscious. ¡°Guess I¡¯ve got a lot to learn.¡±


    As I wandered further into the market, I came across a butcher¡¯s stall that seemed to draw a steady stream of customers. The vendor was a burly man with a thick beard and arms that looked like they could lift an ox. He worked with practiced precision, slicing through meat with a cleaver that gleamed in the sunlight.


    Curiosity piqued, I approached the stall.


    ¡°Morning,¡± I said, nodding in greeting.


    The man looked up and grinned. ¡°Morning, stranger. What can I get for you?¡±


    ¡°Just browsing,¡± I said. ¡°I¡¯m new to the area, trying to get a feel for things.¡±


    He raised an eyebrow. ¡°You don¡¯t look like the hunting type. What brings you to my stall?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m planning to open a tavern nearby,¡± I explained. ¡°Might need a reliable source for fresh meat.¡±


    His expression shifted to one of interest. ¡°A tavern, huh? In the mountains?¡±


    I nodded. ¡°It¡¯s still a work in progress, but I¡¯ll need quality ingredients once it¡¯s up and running.¡±


    The butcher, whose name I later learned was Feng, stroked his beard thoughtfully. ¡°Tell you what, stranger. You buy from me exclusively, and I¡¯ll make sure you get the best cuts at a fair price.¡±


    I extended a hand. ¡°Deal.¡±


    He shook it firmly. ¡°You won¡¯t regret it. I¡¯ll even deliver to your door¡ªno extra charge.¡±


    ¡°Now that,¡± I said, smiling, ¡°is what I call service.¡±


    By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the village in a warm golden glow, I felt both exhausted and accomplished. I¡¯d spent the entire day observing, learning, and asking subtle questions, all while enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of the bustling marketplace.


    As I made my way back up the mountain trail, the day¡¯s events played through my mind.


    ¡°People are people,¡± I mused, gazing at the stars beginning to emerge in the evening sky. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s the modern world or a world of cultivators. Honesty, good food, and a bit of kindness go a long way.¡±


    The tavern stood waiting for me at the top of the trail, its light shining like a beacon in the gathering darkness. Tomorrow, I would start shaping it into a place worthy of its surroundings¡ªa haven for travelers, a crossroads of stories, and perhaps, a home for myself.


    - - -

 Chapter 5: Carving Dreams into Wood

    Chapter 5: Carving Dreams into Wood


    There¡¯s a peculiar thing about mornings: they carry a promise of potential, an unspoken agreement that today might just be the day where everything aligns. Of course, mornings also carry the stark reminder that you slept awkwardly and your back will remind you of this fact all day. Such is life¡ªa delicate balance between optimism and backaches.


    I stretched lazily under the warm morning sunlight filtering through the trees, feeling both excited and slightly daunted by the task ahead. Today, I would turn my humble, undecorated tavern into something that could make even the heavens pause and say, ¡°Not bad, mortal.¡±


    But first¡ªbreakfast.


    The tavern''s small kitchen gleamed in the morning light. It wasn¡¯t much, just a stone counter, a wood-fired stove, and a handful of utensils ,and other things assential for cooking. But this modest space carried the potential to create magic¡ªor at least an edible omelet.


    I reached into my bag, pulling out the ingredients I¡¯d purchased in the village: eggs, a loaf of bread, and a bundle of fragrant herbs.


    ¡°Alright,¡± I said aloud, cracking my knuckles. ¡°Let¡¯s make something worth remembering.¡±


    I started with the herb soup. Filling a small pot with clear mountain spring water, I set it on the stove and lit a fire with the bamboos from my courtyard. I poured water in the pot and long before,The water hissed gently as the flames licked at the pot¡¯s underside. Next, I picked through the herbs: a mix of green stalks, leaves with serrated edges, and tiny purple flowers. Their scent was intoxicating, a mix of earthiness and freshness.


    Chopping them finely, I let the herbs rain into the pot, their colors swirling like brushstrokes in water. The scent that rose was enough to make my stomach growl¡ªa heady mix of thyme, basil, and something uniquely this world¡¯s own.


    While the soup simmered, I turned to the eggs. Breaking them one by one into a bowl, I whisked them vigorously until they formed a golden liquid. A pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, and a sprinkle of finely chopped herbs followed, adding both flavor and color.


    I poured the mixture into a heated skillet, the sound of it sizzling against the pan like a symphony. The omelet puffed up beautifully, its edges curling slightly, golden and inviting. With practiced ease, I folded it neatly and slid it onto a plate.


    Finally, the bread. Thick slices went onto a heated griddle, their surfaces turning a crisp, golden brown. The smell of toasted bread mingled with the herbaceous aroma of the soup, creating a sensory feast.


    Sitting down to eat, I couldn¡¯t help but grin. ¡°A simple breakfast,¡± I mused, taking a bite of the omelet, ¡°is like life: humble ingredients brought together with care.¡±


    With my stomach full and my energy restored, it was time to tackle the day¡¯s main task¡ªdecorating the tavern.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    I stood in the main hall, hands on my hips, surveying the space. The wooden beams stretched high above, crisscrossing like the ribs of some ancient beast. The walls were plain but sturdy, the floor a smooth stone that gleamed faintly. It was a good structure¡ªfunctional and solid¡ªbut it lacked soul.


    ¡°Time to fix that,¡± I said, rolling up my sleeves.


    The system had assured me my crafting skills were maxed, and while I was skeptical of its boasts, this was as good a time as any to put them to the test.


    I began with simple items: stools, tables, and shelves. Selecting a sturdy piece of wood from a pile I had gathered the day before, I set it on the workbench and picked up a chisel.


    There¡¯s something meditative about woodworking. The steady rhythm of the blade carving through the grain, the way the wood curls and falls away like shavings of time itself¡ªit¡¯s an art form, a conversation between the craftsman and the material.


    The first stool took shape under my hands, its legs even and its seat smooth. Then came a table, its surface polished to a mirror-like sheen. As I worked, I couldn¡¯t help but admire the precision of my movements, the ease with which my hands guided the tools.


    ¡°Maxed crafting skills, huh?¡± I murmured, running a hand over the finished table. ¡°Maybe the system wasn¡¯t exaggerating after all.¡±


    With the basics done, I turned my attention to decorations. If the tavern was to stand out, it needed more than functional furniture¡ªit needed character.


    My first piece was a simple carving of a tree, its branches reaching skyward in an intricate tangle. The wood seemed to come alive under my hands, the chisel tracing lines that hinted at wind and growth. I mounted it on the wall behind the bar, where it would serve as a centerpiece.


    Next came a bird¡ªits wings outstretched, its beak open in a silent cry. The details were finer this time, each feather a delicate stroke of the blade. When it was finished, I hung it near the entrance, as if it were welcoming guests into its domain.


    I grew bolder with each piece. A crane with slender legs and an elegant neck, poised as if mid-dance. A fox, its tail curled around its body, eyes gleaming with cunning. Even a small Lesser-dragon , coiled and fierce, its scales glinting in the firelight.


    The hours slipped away unnoticed, the tavern slowly transforming into a gallery of carved wonders. Each piece seemed to tell a story, to whisper of a world where nature and magic intertwined.


    As I worked, my thoughts wandered.


    ¡°Wood is a lot like people,¡± I mused, shaping the wings of a dove. ¡°You start with a rough block, full of potential but unformed. Then life happens¡ªthe chisels, the cuts, the sanding. Each mark leaves a scar, but also adds character. And in the end, if you¡¯re lucky, you get something beautiful.¡±


    I paused, staring at the unfinished dove in my hands. ¡°Or,¡± I added with a wry smile, ¡°you end up with a splinter.¡±


    By the time I stepped back to admire my work, the sun had dipped low, painting the sky in hues of orange and gold. The tavern was unrecognizable¡ªno longer a blank canvas but a vibrant, living space.


    The stools and tables were sturdy and inviting, their polished surfaces gleaming in the warm light of the hearth. The walls were adorned with carvings that seemed to dance in the flickering shadows, each piece adding depth and personality to the room.


    I felt a surge of pride, a sense of accomplishment that was almost intoxicating.


    ¡°This,¡± I said, gesturing to the room, ¡°is more than a tavern. It¡¯s a story¡ªa piece of myself carved into wood and stone.¡±


    As night fell, I lit a few lanterns, their soft glow casting a cozy ambiance over the space. The tavern was ready, but my journey was just beginning.


    ¡°Tomorrow,¡± I whispered, standing in the doorway and gazing out at the moonlit mountains. ¡°Or I wonder when, the doors open, and the real adventure begins.¡±


    With that, I stepped outside, breathing in the cool night air. The world was vast, mysterious, and full of possibilities. And for the first time since arriving, I felt ready to face it.


    - - -

 Chapter 6: Beasts, Bows, and Unexpected Guests

    Chapter 6: Beasts, Bows, and Unexpected Guests


    There''s a old saying, ¡°The world is full of unknowns,¡± which is a poetic way of admitting they don¡¯t know much either. And Here, Stepping into a mountain forest brimming with beasts isn¡¯t just embracing the unknown¡ªit¡¯s hugging it, shaking its hand, and inviting it over for tea. Still, life doesn¡¯t move forward without risks, and I figured if the worst came to pass, at least my obituary would read: Eaten while exploring the mysteries of another world.


    The day began innocently enough. After the triumph of decorating my tavern, I woke up feeling rather invincible. The kind of invincible that only comes after a good night¡¯s sleep and a hearty breakfast. As I munched on a simple meal of bread and soup, a thought struck me.


    The tavern needed a unique touch¡ªsomething to set it apart from the mundane inns and stalls. And what better way than to serve dishes made with fresh, wild herbs? But the problem was obvious: the herbs grew in that forest.


    They say courage is the ability to act in spite of fear. I say courage is what you feel before you realize how terrifying the forest really is.


    To prepare, I decided to make a weapon. Yesterday,


    After success in crafting, I remembered the sturdy bamboo stalks growing in my courtyard. While I was whittling down the wood for tavern decorations, I¡¯d stumbled upon the realization that my courtyard was¡­ alive. Not in the ¡°oh, plants grow¡± kind of way but in the ¡°hey, this tree prunes itself¡± sort of way.


    The bamboo? It grew back overnight. The herbs? Replenished themselves like a magical pantry. It was a discovery that sent a wave of relief through me. At least I wouldn¡¯t run out of resources anytime soon.


    Still, the thought of venturing into a beast-filled forest without some form of defense didn¡¯t sit well with me. With my maxed crafting skills and some leftover bamboo, I decided to create a bow.


    Crafting a bow is no joke, but with my hands guided by a knowledge I didn¡¯t even remember learning, it felt as natural as breathing.


    First, I selected a piece of bamboo¡ªstrong, flexible, and as straight as an arrow. I carefully shaved off the outer layer with my knife, leaving a smooth, even surface. Splitting it down the middle, I shaped the stave, ensuring it had the perfect curve for tension.


    Next came the string. Using fibers from one of the courtyard¡¯s magical plants (which, thankfully, seemed to shed them willingly), I twisted them into a durable cord. Attaching it to the stave, I pulled the string back gently, testing the tension. The bow responded beautifully, the wood flexing with just the right amount of give.


    Finally, I carved a few arrows¡ªnothing fancy, just sharp tips and feathered ends. Holding the completed bow in my hands, I felt a surge of confidence.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± I murmured, drawing the string back experimentally. ¡°Though if I miss, I¡¯ll probably still make an impression¡ªon the beasts¡¯ sense of humor.¡±


    With my new weapon slung over my shoulder, I stepped into the forest. It was a world unto itself, the air thick with the mingled scents of earth, moss, and blooming flowers. The trees towered above me, their branches forming a green canopy that dappled the ground with patches of sunlight.


    I couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the sheer vibrancy of it all. Each step revealed new wonders: a cluster of mushrooms glowing faintly in the shade, a vine spiraling up a tree like a natural staircase, a bird with feathers so iridescent it looked like it had borrowed colors from a rainbow.


    Unknowingly, my mind started naming the plants I passed. Ironwood Tree, known for its unyielding bark. Celestial Bloom, a flower used in spirit-enhancing elixirs. Frost Fern, perfect for cooling potions. The knowledge came unbidden, as if the names had always been there, waiting for me to notice them. Every plant I looked at seemed to whisper its name to me¡ªnot audibly, but as if the knowledge was already in my mind.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Still, the discovery was both thrilling and unnerving. It felt like cheating, like I¡¯d been handed an open-book test in a world where everyone else had to study. But hey, who was I to complain?


    I moved cautiously, keeping an eye out for any signs of danger. My focus shifted to the herbs that grew in abundance along the forest floor. Bending down, I examined each plant before carefully plucking the most vibrant specimens.


    "That¡¯s mint,¡± I murmured, crouching to examine a cluster of fragrant leaves. ¡°Good for digestion and soothing teas.¡±


    I moved further, spotting another plant. ¡°Chamomile. Helps with sleep and relaxation.¡±


    "Goldenroot", used for energy-restoring potions. "Moonshade Leaf ", a rare herb that glowed faintly in the shadows." Fiery Basil ", known for its spicy flavor and its ability to enhance stamina.


    As I gathered, a thought struck me: ¡°If plants could talk, would they complain about being plucked? Or would they see it as their destiny, fulfilling some grand cosmic purpose?¡±


    I chuckled at the idea, shaking my head. ¡°Philosophy aside, at least they¡¯re not screaming.¡±


    I was reaching for a particularly lush cluster of Silverweed when I noticed something odd¡ªa flash of pale color beneath a nearby bush. My heart skipped a beat. For a moment, I thought it was a beast lying in wait, but as I crept closer, I realized it was a person.


    It was a girl¡ªor rather, something far beyond the ordinary idea of a girl. Calling her beautiful felt like an insult, as if the word couldn¡¯t contain the full scope of her elegance. Her long, flowing hair was like spun black, her skin pale and flawless, and her delicate features seemed almost otherworldly. Even in her unconscious state, there was something otherworldly about her¡ªa beauty so ethereal it felt like an insult to call her merely beautiful.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I said, crouching beside her. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    She didn¡¯t respond. Her chest rose and fell faintly, proof that she was still alive, but she showed no signs of waking.


    I frowned, glancing around the forest. The idea of leaving her here didn¡¯t sit well with me. Even if no beasts were nearby now, it was only a matter of time before one stumbled upon her.


    ¡°What do I do now?¡± I muttered, glancing around nervously. The forest was no place to leave someone in her condition. Beasts roamed these parts, and she wouldn¡¯t stand a chance if one found her.


    ¡°Great,¡± I muttered. ¡°First day in the forest, and I¡¯m already playing hero.¡±


    Carefully, I lifted her into my arms. She was surprisingly light, her frame delicate and fragile. For a moment, I hesitated, wondering if I was making the right decision. But then I looked at her face¡ªso serene, so vulnerable¡ªand knew I couldn¡¯t just leave her.


    ¡°Well,¡± I said, starting back toward the tavern, ¡°if you wake up and bite me, I¡¯m going to be very upset.¡±


    Carrying an unconscious girl through a beast-infested forest was not how I had envisioned my day. Every rustle of leaves, every distant cry of a bird, set my nerves on edge. My bow was slung awkwardly over my shoulder, ready to be drawn at a moment¡¯s notice, but I prayed I wouldn¡¯t have to use it.


    The girl remained still in my arms, her breathing steady but shallow.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± I murmured, glancing down at her. ¡°And why were you out here alone?¡±


    Of course, she didn¡¯t answer. Still, the questions lingered in my mind, mingling with the steady rhythm of my footsteps.


    By the time I reached the courtyard, the sun was dipping low in the sky, painting the world in shades of gold and amber. The sight of the tavern, standing proud and welcoming amidst the greenery, brought a sense of relief.


    I carried the girl inside, laying her gently on one of the wooden benches I had crafted. For a moment, I stood back, staring at her as if she might vanish the moment I looked away.


    ¡°Well,¡± I said finally, brushing a hand through my hair, ¡°looks like I¡¯ve got a guest. Let¡¯s just hope she doesn¡¯t expect room service.¡±


    As night fell, I lit a lantern, its warm glow filling the tavern with a soft, comforting light. The girl remained unconscious, her face peaceful but inscrutable.


    As I sat there, staring at the unconscious girl, a thought struck me. Life, much like the forest, is full of surprises. You set out looking for herbs and end up with a mysterious black-haired beauty. You think you¡¯re alone, but the world has a way of throwing people¡ªand challenges¡ªinto your path.


    ¡°Life¡¯s funny that way,¡± I mused, leaning back. ¡°You never know what¡¯s waiting around the next corner. Or under the next bush, apparently. One moment you¡¯re gathering herbs, the next you¡¯re rescuing a mysterious girl from the forest. Makes you wonder if fate¡¯s just having a laugh at your expense."


    With that, I let out a weary sigh, the weight of the day settling over me. Tomorrow would bring new questions and challenges, but for now, I was content to simply sit and wonder. The forest outside was alive with the sounds of crickets and distant calls, a reminder that the world was vast and full of mysteries.


    And here I was, caught in the middle of it all¡ªjust a man, a tavern, and a girl who might very well change everything.


    ---

 Chapter 07: Of Warm Meals and Mystical Meetings

    Chapter 07: Of Warm Meals and Mystical Meetings


    They say that a watched pot never boils, and by extension, a watched person never wakes up. Yet, there I was, sitting leaned against the counter, eyes darting back to the unconscious girl lying on the bench. The rise and fall of her chest were a steady reassurance that she was alive, but her stillness made time crawl.


    I sighed, rubbing my temples. ¡°Is this what caretakers feel like? Watching someone breathe and wondering if they¡¯re dreaming about the nonsense you¡¯re muttering out loud?¡±


    She stirred slightly, a flicker of movement that sent a jolt through me. She didn¡¯t wake, but it was enough to convince me she¡¯d come to soon. And if she woke cold and uncomfortable, what kind of host would I be?


    ¡°Right,¡± I said, pushing to my feet. ¡°Time to make something warm.¡±


    Cooking is an act of love¡ªor in my case, an act of appeasing the guilt of dragging an unconscious girl through a beast-filled forest. Either way, the result would hopefully be the same: warmth and comfort in a bowl.


    I headed to the modest kitchen I¡¯d set up in the back of the tavern. The place was simple but well-organized, stocked with ingredients I¡¯d either gathered or bartered for.


    - Herbs: A mix of soothing and warming varieties, like Wild Sage, Ember Basil, and Misty Thyme.


    - Meat: A small cut of the tender boar I¡¯d traded for.


    - Vegetables: Forest tubers and carrots, earthy and sweet.


    - Broth: A base made from yesterday¡¯s herb stock, light but flavorful.


    I started by dicing the vegetables, my knife moving with practiced precision. The carrots¡¯ bright orange contrasted beautifully with the pale tubers, and the herbs added a splash of green.


    In a pot, I heated a splash of oil, tossing in the chopped vegetables to saut¨¦. The aroma of caramelizing roots filled the kitchen, earthy and slightly sweet, mingling with the sharp scent of herbs as I added them to the mix.


    Next came the broth, a golden liquid that bubbled gently as it hit the hot pan. I stirred it with care, watching the ingredients meld into a harmonious blend. Finally, I added the meat, cutting it into small, tender chunks that would cook quickly in the simmering soup.


    As the pot bubbled softly, releasing a mouthwatering aroma, I seasoned the dish with salt and a touch of Ember Pepper¡ªa spice that added warmth without overwhelming heat.


    I leaned back, satisfied. ¡°If this doesn¡¯t wake her up, nothing will.¡±


    As I turned back to the bench to check on her, I noticed her eyes fluttering open. She blinked, her gaze unfocused at first, then sharpening with surprise as she took in her surroundings.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I said, raising a hand in a calming gesture. ¡°Take it easy. You¡¯re safe.¡±


    She sat up slowly, her expression wary as her eyes darted around the tavern. ¡°Where am I?¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    ¡°My tavern,¡± I replied, turning back to stir the soup. ¡°Well, it wasn¡¯t a tavern until recently, but let¡¯s not get bogged down in details.¡±


    Her gaze narrowed, suspicion mingling with curiosity. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    ¡°Just a guy who found you unconscious in the forest,¡± I said, glancing at her over my shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re lucky a beast didn¡¯t find you first. What happened, anyway?¡±


    She hesitated, her hands fidgeting in her lap. ¡°I was¡­ gathering herbs. I must have accidentally inhaled the pollen of a Sleep Bloom. It has¡­ potent properties.¡±


    ¡°That explains it,¡± I said, turning back to the stove. ¡°Well, you¡¯re here now. Sit tight; I¡¯m almost done.¡±


    I ladled the soup into a bowl, the steam curling upward in fragrant tendrils. Carrying it to the girl, I set it down on the table in front of her.


    She stared at it, her expression shifting from suspicion to something softer. ¡°What is this?¡±


    ¡°Soup,¡± I said with a grin. ¡°Well, technically a forest herb and meat stew, but that¡¯s just soup with extra flair.¡±


    She tilted her head, still cautious. ¡°You made this?¡±


    ¡°Who else would¡¯ve?¡± I replied, pulling up a chair across from her. ¡°The tavern spirits?¡±


    Her lips twitched, almost a smile, as she picked up the spoon. She paused, glancing at me. ¡°What¡¯s in it?¡±


    ¡°Herbs, meat, vegetables,¡± I said, ticking them off on my fingers. ¡°Oh, and a pinch of Ember Pepper for warmth. Nothing fancy.¡±


    She took a tentative spoonful, her expression guarded. As the warm liquid touched her tongue, her eyes widened. She froze, the spoon halfway back to the bowl, as if she¡¯d been struck by something profound.


    From her perspective, the taste was unlike anything she¡¯d experienced. The soup was simple yet layered, the flavors unfolding like the pages of a well-written book. The herbs sang in harmony, their warmth spreading through her chest like the first rays of sunlight after a cold night.


    But it was more than just taste. As she ate, she felt¡­ something. A clarity, a depth of understanding that eluded description. Images flickered in her mind¡ªvisions of balance, of the interconnectedness of all things.


    In cultivation terms, it was an _insight_. Not into a specific technique or path, but into the essence of existence itself. And yet, there was no spiritual energy in the soup. It was as mortal as its maker.


    She set the spoon down, staring at the bowl as if it held the answers to life¡¯s greatest mysteries.


    ¡°This¡­¡± she began, her voice trembling slightly. ¡°This is extraordinary.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°It¡¯s just soup.¡±


    She shook her head, her gaze snapping to mine. ¡°No. It¡¯s¡­ more than that. Who are you, really?¡±


    ¡°Just a guy with a knack for cooking,¡± I said with a shrug.


    Her eyes narrowed, suspicion returning. ¡°You¡¯re more than that. This place¡ª¡± She gestured around the tavern. ¡°These carvings, this craftsmanship¡­ there¡¯s profound meaning in all of it.¡±


    I blinked, taken aback. ¡°They¡¯re just decorations. I made them yesterday.¡±


    She stared at me, as if trying to peel back the layers of my existence with her gaze. ¡°You¡¯re hiding something.¡±


    I chuckled, shaking my head. ¡°Lady, I think you¡¯re reading too much into things. Eat your soup before it gets cold.¡±


    As she returned to her meal, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. Who was this man who seemed so ordinary yet radiated an air of profound mystery? His cooking, his craftsmanship, even his demeanor¡ªit all pointed to someone far beyond the realm of mortals.


    And yet, he seemed completely unaware of the effect he was having.


    She finished the soup, setting the bowl down with a sigh. Her condition had improved dramatically¡ªher fatigue gone, her mind clearer than it had been in years.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said quietly, meeting my gaze.


    I smiled. ¡°You¡¯re welcome. Feeling better?¡±


    She nodded, her expression softening. ¡°Much. I owe you my life.¡±


    ¡°Nah,¡± I said, waving a hand. ¡°You owe the soup. I¡¯m just the guy who made it.¡±


    For the first time, she laughed¡ªa soft, melodic sound that filled the tavern with warmth.


    And so, over a bowl of soup, a connection was forged. One that neither of us fully understood but both sensed would change our lives in ways we couldn¡¯t yet imagine.


    ---

 Chapter 8: Of Names, Nights, and Mystical Birds

    Chapter 8: Of Names, Nights, and Mystical Birds


    They say the night hides many truths, but if you ask me, it simply lets the world hum its song uninterrupted. When the sun retires, and the moon takes its post, everything slows down¡ªexcept insects. Those tireless musicians seem to think their nightly serenade is the only thing keeping the stars from falling out of the sky.


    I leaned back in my chair, watching the faint moonlight filter through the wooden slats of the tavern. The girl sat across from me, finishing the last spoonful of the stew. She had devoured it with such relish that I almost wondered if she¡¯d mistaken it for a celestial elixir.


    The night was serene, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and the rhythmic hum of crickets. It was the kind of quiet that made you reflect on life¡ªand by reflect, I mean wonder how a girl like this ended up passed out in a beast-filled forest.


    She set the empty bowl down with a satisfied sigh, her expression softening under the glow of a single lantern hanging in the tavern. ¡°I just realized,¡± she said, her voice tentative, ¡°I never introduced myself.¡±


    ¡°Well, better late than never,¡± I said with a shrug. ¡°Go on, then.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Mei Yun,¡± she said, dipping her head slightly. ¡°I live in the village at the foot of the mountain. Thank you for saving me.¡±


    ¡°Nice to meet you, Mei Yun. I¡¯m Li Feng,¡± I replied, leaning forward with a grin. ¡°But since this is a tavern, you can call me Tavern Master Li. Sounds more official, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    She chuckled softly, her eyes briefly meeting mine before darting away. Her gaze wandered around the tavern again, and I could tell she was still trying to piece together the enigma that was this place¡ªand, apparently, me.


    As Mei Yun looked around, her thoughts were practically written on her face. Her brow furrowed slightly, her lips pursing in curiosity. She was trying to reconcile the plain man sitting before her with the profound craftsmanship that surrounded her.


    She was a cultivator, or so she¡¯d mentioned earlier. Not a powerful one, by any means, but her spiritual sensitivity had allowed her to gather rare herbs and earn a living. Her talent gave her an edge in a village where most people wouldn¡¯t know a Spirit Bloom from a weed.


    But despite her beginner status, she could sense something extraordinary about this place. The carvings, the furniture, even the atmosphere¡ªit all resonated with a depth she couldn¡¯t quite grasp.


    Her gaze landed on a wooden bird perched on a shelf, its form so lifelike that it seemed ready to take flight. She stood, her footsteps hesitant as she approached it.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    The bird called to her¡ªnot with sound, but with a pull that seemed to tug at her very soul. She reached out, her fingers trembling slightly, and touched its smooth, polished surface.


    The moment her skin made contact, the world shifted.


    She found herself standing in an unfamiliar place, a landscape both majestic and surreal. Towering mountains rose like ancient guardians, their peaks shrouded in mist. Rivers wove through valleys like silver threads, their surfaces glimmering under a golden light.


    And then there was the bird.


    It was no longer wooden but alive¡ªdivine, even. Its feathers shimmered with a greenish-white glow, each plume radiating a gentle brilliance. The bird flew with an elegance that defied description, its movements so graceful that they seemed to dance with the rhythm of the world itself.


    It soared between mountains, gliding effortlessly over rivers, its presence both commanding and serene. And then, as if sensing her presence, it turned its head to look at her.


    Its gaze was piercing, as if it saw through her very being. There was no malice in its eyes, only a profound understanding that left her breathless.


    The vision shattered like glass, and she stumbled backward, her chest heaving as she returned to the tavern.


    From my perspective, she had just taken a few steps back, staring at the wooden bird as if it had suddenly insulted her ancestors. I watched her in silence, torn between amusement and concern.


    ¡°Uh¡­ you okay there?¡± I asked, raising an eyebrow.


    She blinked, her gaze snapping to me as if she¡¯d forgotten I was there. ¡°I¡­ yes. I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°You sure?¡± I said, gesturing to the bird. ¡°It didn¡¯t bite you, did it?¡±


    Her lips twitched, and for a moment, I thought she might laugh. Instead, she hesitated before nodding. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ beautiful. Did you make it?¡±


    ¡°Yep,¡± I said, leaning back in my chair. ¡°Carved it yesterday. You like it? You can have it if you want.¡±


    Her eyes widened slightly, and she looked at me with an expression I couldn¡¯t quite place. If I didn¡¯t know any better, I¡¯d have thought she was trying to figure out if I was some kind of hidden expert masquerading as a mortal.


    Mei Yun hesitated, then nodded. ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll take good care of it.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± I said, grinning. ¡°Consider it a souvenir from Tavern Master Li.¡±


    As she carefully picked up the bird, I noticed the bag she¡¯d brought with her¡ªa simple cloth sack, bulging slightly with its contents. I¡¯d noticed it earlier but hadn¡¯t thought much of it.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got herbs in there, right?¡± I asked, nodding toward the bag.


    She blinked, surprised. ¡°Yes. Why?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking,¡± I said, rubbing my chin. ¡°I could use someone to help around here. If you¡¯re willing to sell me those herbs¡ªand maybe work in the tavern¡ªI think we could strike a deal.¡±


    She stared at me, her expression unreadable. For a moment, I thought she might refuse. Then, slowly, she nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough,¡± I said, leaning back with a satisfied smile. ¡°Take your time. No rush.¡±


    As the night deepened, I watched her from the corner of my eye. She seemed lost in thought, her gaze occasionally flicking to the bird in her hands.


    Unbeknownst to me, she was wrestling with her own conclusions. To her, I was no ordinary mortal. The craftsmanship, the soup, the profound resonance of this place¡ªit all pointed to someone far beyond her understanding.


    But I, blissfully unaware, simply leaned back and listened to the insects sing, content in the simplicity of the moment.


    The world, after all, has a funny way of weaving its mysteries. And sometimes, the simplest nights are the ones that change everything.


    ---

 Chapter 9: Morning Meals and Silent Understandings

    Chapter 9: Morning Meals and Silent Understandings


    The night teaches a simple lesson: plans are like the stars¡ªcountless, bright, and utterly useless when it¡¯s cloudy. That¡¯s how I felt as I stared at the courtyard under the moonlight, offering Mei Yun a room. She accepted without hesitation, and I watched her walk to one of the side rooms. It felt odd.


    ¡° Maybe , She¡¯s just staying for the night,¡± I told myself as I locked the main door. But a small voice in my head added, And yet it feels like she belongs here.


    I woke up to the soft light of dawn filtering through my window, accompanied by the faint chirping of birds. Stretching, I glanced toward the room where Mei Yun had stayed. It was empty.


    ¡°She must¡¯ve left early,¡± I thought, shrugging it off. It wasn¡¯t unusual for people to be gone by sunrise¡ªespecially cultivators who valued their morning routines. Still, I couldn¡¯t shake a tiny flicker of disappointment.


    ¡°Well, no use dwelling on it,¡± I muttered as I headed to the kitchen.


    Today¡¯s task was clear: a new dish. Eating the same meal every day might keep you alive, but it¡¯s also a surefire way to kill your mood. With the courtyard¡¯s self-sustaining magic, I had all the tools and ingredients at my disposal. A quick glance outside revealed the bubbling spring, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the morning sun. It was more of a pond, really, and it added a serene charm to the place.


    Behind the courtyard, I noticed farm fields that seemed ripe for planting. ¡°I¡¯ll deal with that later,¡± I told myself. For now, my focus was on the kitchen.


    The kitchen was modest but perfect¡ªstone counters, wooden shelves, and an array of tools that seemed to fit in my hands like old friends. I started by examining the herbs Mei Yun had left behind yesterday. There was a mix of aromatic leaves, delicate flowers, and even some roots with faintly glowing veins.


    I decided on a hearty herbal broth with crispy rolls on the side. The broth would be earthy and nourishing, while the rolls would add a satisfying crunch.


    I chopped the herbs finely, their scents mingling in the air¡ªpeppery, sweet, and slightly tangy. The roots, when sliced, oozed a golden sap that shimmered in the light. Tossing everything into a pot of spring water, I let it simmer over a low flame.


    Meanwhile, I prepared the rolls. The dough was soft and pliable, speckled with crushed seeds for texture. Rolling it out, I filled it with a mixture of mashed beans, finely diced vegetables, and a sprinkle of salt. Folding and sealing them, I set them to fry until they were golden and crisp.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    The aroma that filled the air was intoxicating. The broth was rich and fragrant, its flavors deepened by the slow cooking process. The rolls crackled softly as I plated them, their golden crusts glistening with a faint sheen of oil.


    Just as I was about to take a bite, a knock echoed through the tavern. I paused, chopsticks halfway to my mouth, and sighed. ¡°Of course. The moment I sit down to eat.¡±


    Setting the bowl aside, I made my way to the door. Standing there was Mei Yun, carrying a bundle of fresh herbs.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± I said, smiling. ¡°Out herb-picking already?¡±


    She nodded, her expression a mix of hesitation and resolve. ¡°I thought I¡¯d repay your kindness,¡± she said, holding out the bundle.


    It took me a moment to realize what this meant. ¡°So¡­ does this mean you¡¯re staying?¡±


    She hesitated, then nodded. ¡°If you¡¯ll have me.¡±


    ¡°Well, welcome to the team,¡± I said, stepping aside to let her in. ¡°Oh, and since you¡¯re here, care to join me for breakfast? I just made something fresh.


    From her perspective, who would refuse a meal prepared by someone she believed to be a hidden master? She nodded, and I set another bowl and pair of chopsticks on the table.


    ¡°Hope you like it,¡± I said, serving her a generous portion of the broth and a couple of rolls. ¡°It¡¯s a simple dish, but it should be hearty enough to start the day.¡±


    She picked up a spoon, her movements careful, as if the food might evaporate if she wasn¡¯t gentle. The moment she tasted it, her eyes widened.


    From the first sip of broth, Mei Yun felt as though she¡¯d been transported to another realm. The flavors were rich yet balanced, each herb adding its own note to the symphony. The warmth spread through her, not just physically but spiritually, as if the dish held a resonance with the natural world.


    The rolls, crispy on the outside and soft within, provided a delightful contrast. They were more than just food¡ªthey were an experience. Every bite seemed to unveil a layer of insight, a glimpse into a world of harmony and balance.


    As she ate, Mei Yun felt her cultivation stir. Unknowingly, her spiritual energy began to circulate more smoothly, and before she realized it, she had advanced two levels.


    From my side of the table, she looked like someone savoring the best meal of her life. Her expressions shifted between awe, contentment, and something akin to reverence.


    ¡°You okay?¡± I asked, raising an eyebrow.


    She blinked, snapping out of her trance. ¡°Yes. This is¡­ incredible,¡± she said softly.


    ¡°Glad you like it,¡± I said, grinning. ¡°The rolls turned out better than I expected.¡±


    In her mind, she was drawing her own conclusions. To her, this was no ordinary meal, and I was no ordinary man. But to me, it was just breakfast.


    As we finished eating, I leaned back with a satisfied sigh. ¡°Well, since you¡¯re staying, we¡¯ll need to sort out a few things. Tasks, schedules, that sort of thing. But for now, feel free to settle in.¡±


    Mei Yun nodded, her gaze lingering on the empty bowl. I could tell she wanted to say something but chose to stay silent.


    The morning stretched on, the sun climbing higher into the sky. The tavern felt alive in a way it hadn¡¯t before, and I couldn¡¯t help but feel that this was the start of something new.


    Sometimes, life has a way of surprising you. And sometimes, it¡¯s just a matter of opening the door at the right moment.


    ---

 Chapter 10: Building Dreams and Breaking Routines

    Chapter 10: Building Dreams and Breaking Routines


    In life, we often stumble upon the unexpected¡ªa stray thought, a sudden plan, or in my case, an extra occupant. It¡¯s amusing how quickly life changes. One moment, you¡¯re a solitary man tending to your courtyard tavern; the next, you¡¯re building a room for someone who isn¡¯t even paying rent. Is this what they call kindness, or am I just too soft for my own good?


    The morning arrived with a crisp breeze and a purpose¡ªthough purpose, like breakfast, is best served fresh. Today, mine was clear: Mei Yun needed a proper room.


    When she decided to stay, I thought it would be the occasional drop-in¡ªa day here, a night there. But over breakfast, she shared snippets of her life: staying in her workplace when allowed, inns when affordable, or camping in the wilderness when neither was an option.


    ¡°That¡¯s no way to live,¡± I muttered to myself as she finished her meal, completely unaware that she had just secured herself a room.


    The first thing I did was scout the courtyard for a suitable location. The kitchen sat cozily in one corner, overlooking the spring-fed pond. On the other side, a small clearing near the stone pathway seemed perfect.


    I grabbed a piece of parchment and sketched the room¡¯s layout: simple but comfortable. A single bed, a wardrobe, a desk, and perhaps a small window to let the morning light in. Nothing extravagant, but something she could call her own.


    To do that , the first step was gathering materials. Luckily, the tavern seemed to have a near-magical supply of wood, stone, and tools tucked away in storage. Was it strange that everything I needed was readily available? Probably. Did I question it? Not really. Life¡¯s too short to argue with convenience.


    Construction, much like cooking, is all about preparation. I started by clearing the area, removing loose stones and leveling the ground. With a shovel in one hand and determination in the other, I dug shallow trenches for the foundation.


    ¡°Did I always know how to do this?¡± I wondered aloud as my hands worked with surprising efficiency. It was as though my body remembered skills my mind didn¡¯t.


    Once the foundation was set, I started by measuring the space. Using sturdy beams of aged wood, I laid the foundation. Each plank fit together seamlessly, as though the wood itself wanted to become a room. Strange, but I wasn¡¯t complaining.


    I gathered stones from the courtyard¡¯s perimeter, fitting them together like pieces of a puzzle. Each stone seemed to find its place naturally, and before long, the base of the room took shape.


    As I began constructing the walls, Mei Yun approached, curious.


    ¡°Do you need help?¡± she asked, her eyes darting between the half-built structure and my dusty hands.


    ¡°Actually, yes,¡± I said, handing her a list. ¡°Could you head to the village and pick up some rations? We¡¯ll need them for dinner.¡±


    She hesitated, glancing back at the worksite. ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t need assistance here?¡±


    I grinned. ¡°I think I can handle stacking stones. You, on the other hand, might have a better eye for picking out vegetables.¡±This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    With a nod, she took the list and left, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the walls I was raising.


    The walls went up piece by piece, wooden beams forming the framework and planks fitting snugly between them. I decided to carve simple patterns into the wooden panels¡ªnothing fancy, just flowing lines reminiscent of water ripples.


    I added a wide window overlooking the spring, thinking Mei Yun might appreciate the view. The glass, clear and smooth, slid into place as if guided by unseen hands.


    The window frame was the trickiest part. It needed to be sturdy yet delicate enough to hold the glass pane I found in the storeroom. After a few adjustments (and a near-miss with a falling beam), it fit perfectly.


    For the roof, I chose a simple design with curved tiles that complemented the tavern¡¯s aesthetic. The tiles locked together like puzzle pieces, forming a sturdy yet elegant cover.


    Inside, I kept the decor minimal but refined. A single bed with a soft mattress, a wooden desk, and a small shelf for her belongings. A paper lantern hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow that felt both welcoming and serene.


    By the time I stepped back to admire my work, the sun was dipping low, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson. The room stood complete¡ªa harmonious blend of simplicity and elegance.


    The interior smelled of fresh wood, and the carvings caught the fading light beautifully, casting soft shadows on the walls.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s that,¡± I said, s I was admireing my work. The room felt¡­ alive. Like it belonged here all along.


    After a day of heavy labor, my stomach reminded me that it needed attention too. The kitchen, as always, greeted me with its quiet charm. I decided on a hearty meal¡ªsomething to replenish energy and celebrate the day¡¯s accomplishment.


    I started by kneading dough for flatbreads, incorporating a pinch of salt and crushed herbs for flavor. The dough was pliable, soft under my hands, and after rolling it into thin rounds, I set it aside to rest.


    Next, I turned my attention to the stew. Mei Yun had brought fresh vegetables and a chunk of dried meat from the village. I diced the meat into bite-sized pieces, searing them in a pot until they released a rich, savory aroma.


    Adding chopped vegetables¡ªcarrots, potatoes, and a handful of leafy greens¡ªI poured in spring water and let it simmer. A pinch of spices and a handful of crushed herbs went in last, their scents melding with the bubbling broth.


    As the stew cooked, I returned to the flatbreads, slapping them onto a heated stone. They sizzled and puffed up, their edges crisping to a golden brown.


    By the time the food was ready, the kitchen was filled with warmth and the comforting scent of a meal well-made.


    Just as I was setting the table, Mei Yun returned, her arms laden with more herbs. ¡°You¡¯ve been busy,¡± she said, glancing at the newly built room.


    ¡°Not as busy as you, it seems,¡± I replied, nodding toward the herbs. ¡°But first, let¡¯s eat. You¡¯re officially the first employee of this not-yet-open tavern, so it¡¯s only right to take care of you.¡±


    We sat at the table, the steaming stew and warm flatbreads between us.


    ¡°This smells amazing,¡± she said, breaking off a piece of bread and dipping it into the stew.


    The first bite brought a subtle smile to her face. Unlike the wide-eyed amazement of her earlier meals, this time her reaction was subdued¡ªalmost as if she had grown accustomed to the quality.


    The stew was hearty, the flavors deep and satisfying. The meat was tender, the vegetables soft but not mushy, and the herbs added a freshness that balanced the richness. The flatbreads were crisp on the outside and fluffy within, perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.


    As we ate, I couldn¡¯t help but notice how natural she seemed, as if she belonged here. It was a strange thought, one I quickly dismissed.


    After the meal, we sat in comfortable silence, the only sounds being the crackle of the kitchen¡¯s fire and the distant chirping of crickets.


    ¡°You¡¯ve done a lot today,¡± Mei Yun said finally, her gaze drifting toward the new room.


    ¡°So have you,¡± I replied, nodding at the herbs she¡¯d brought. ¡°Looks like we¡¯re both earning our keep.¡±


    She smiled, a quiet, thoughtful expression. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ nice. Having a place like this.¡±


    Her words lingered in the air, and I realized she wasn¡¯t just talking about the room or the meal.


    ¡°Well, feel free to call it home,¡± I said simply. ¡°You can work and stay ,no trouble.¡±


    Her smile widened, and for the first time, I saw something I hadn¡¯t noticed before: gratitude.


    Sometimes, building walls isn¡¯t about keeping peo


    ple out¡ªit¡¯s about inviting them in. And in that moment, I felt like I¡¯d done just that.

 Chapter 11: Planting Seeds for a Harvest

    Chapter 11: Planting Seeds for a Harvest


    Some dreams are like plants¡ªyou water them, nurture them, and wait for them to bloom. Others are like weeds: they grow on their own, mostly in places you didn¡¯t want them. My tavern, however, was a mix of both. It had all the makings of a dream, but no roots yet. And roots, in this case, meant customers.


    Time passed since Mei Yun¡¯s room was built beside the courtyard kitchen. The tavern was almost ready to open, yet its doors remained shut, the final step eluding me: customers. I couldn¡¯t help but laugh at the irony. Everything was in place¡ªthe warm wood tones of the tavern, the soft glow of oil lamps, and the irresistible allure of freshly cooked meals¡ªbut no one knew this place even existed.


    "All dressed up and nowhere to go," I muttered as I stared at the empty courtyard. It was a beautiful day, with sunlight filtering through the trees, casting playful shadows on the cobblestones. Yet the stillness of the place gnawed at me.


    Mei Yun emerged from the storeroom carrying a sack of rice. Despite her delicate frame, she moved with practiced ease, her ponytail swaying as she walked. "What are you thinking tavarn master," she said, setting the sack down with a light thud.


    "I''m thinking," I corrected, crossing my arms.


    "You always call it that," she teased, brushing her hands clean. "But at the end it goes as the way you described"


    ¡° Well! Those are coincidence and this time it''s different, the tavern looks great. The food is great¡ªif I may say so myself¡ªbut what¡¯s the point if no one comes to see it?¡± I gestured dramatically at the empty space, as if inviting an invisible audience to agree.


    Mei Yun gave a small laugh. ¡°Have you tried telling people about it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve mentioned it to a few villagers,¡± I said, scratching the back of my neck. ¡°But let¡¯s be honest¡ªwho¡¯s going to hike up a mountain just because some guy says his cooking is good?¡±


    She tilted her head, thoughtful. ¡°Sometimes, it¡¯s not about convincing everyone at once. Start with a few people. If they like it, they¡¯ll tell others, and if you need me do something just tell me - I''ll do my utmost best.¡±


    "Fair point,¡± I said, though something about her tone made me raise an eyebrow. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind? You¡¯re thinking something.¡±


    Her lips curved into a mysterious smile. ¡°Nothing you need to worry about.¡±


    Her lips curved into a small smile.


    But I wasn¡¯t convinced.


    In truth, Mei Yun believed the tavern didn¡¯t need much advertising. She had experienced my cooking firsthand, and the food alone was enough to draw people in. Add to that the serene ambiance of the mountain setting, and she was certain that once someone visited, they¡¯d come back. But Mei Yun chose not to voice her thoughts. She knew I enjoyed solving problems in my own way, even if it took longer.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    After breakfast, I decided to take Mei Yun¡¯s advice and visit the village to spread the word. The walk down the mountain was as peaceful as ever. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of pine and wildflowers. Birds chirped overhead, and sunlight streamed through the trees in golden shafts.


    When I arrived, the village was already alive with activity. Merchants shouted about their wares, children darted through the streets, and the smell of fresh bread wafted from a nearby bakery.


    My first stop was the butcher¡¯s shop, where I had previously made a deal for fresh meat. The owner, a burly man with a permanent scowl, was trimming fat from a large slab of pork when I walked in.


    ¡°Well, look who¡¯s back,¡± he said gruffly, glancing up.


    ¡°I¡¯m not here for meat today,¡± I said with a smile. ¡°Just wanted to let you know my tavern¡¯s opening in two days.¡±


    He raised an eyebrow. ¡°A tavern? Up on the mountain? Bit out of the way, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± I admitted. ¡°But I think the food will make it worth the trip.¡±


    He grunted, his version of a polite response. ¡°Good luck, then. If it¡¯s as good as you claim, maybe I¡¯ll stop by someday.¡±


    Leaving the butcher¡¯s shop, I spent the next few hours wandering the village. I spoke to shopkeepers, chatted with passersby, and tried to build some buzz about the tavern. But as the sun climbed higher in the sky, a nagging thought crept into my mind: Even if people are interested, will they really hike up the mountain just for a meal?


    As I sat on a bench near the town square, watching the bustling activity around me, my gaze landed on a group of children playing tag. Their laughter echoed through the air, bright and unrestrained.


    And then, inspiration struck.


    If you want a story to spread, start with those who love to tell it.


    Children were natural storytellers. They would exaggerate, embellish, and talk about every detail with unbridled enthusiasm. If I invited them to the tavern for a meal, they¡¯d talk about it for days¡ªmaybe even weeks.


    I chuckled to myself. ¡°Feeding children to feed the future. Who knew running a tavern would turn me into a philosopher?¡±


    ¡°Genius,¡± I muttered to myself, a grin spreading across my face.


    I approached the group of children, who stopped their game to stare at me with wide eyes. ¡°Hello there,¡± I said, crouching to their level.


    A boy with a missing tooth stepped forward, eyeing me warily. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m opening a tavern up on the mountain,¡± I said with a friendly smile. ¡°How would you like to be my first guests?¡±


    Their eyes lit up. ¡°Really?!¡± one of them exclaimed.


    ¡°Really,¡± I confirmed. ¡°But there¡¯s one rule. After you¡¯ve eaten, you have to tell everyone in the village about it.¡±


    They nodded eagerly, chattering amongst themselves about the free meal.


    As I made my way back up the mountain, the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. Despite the challenges, a sense of satisfaction settled over me. Even if only a handful of villagers came to the tavern after hearing the children¡¯s stories, it would be a start.


    That evening, Mei Yun and I sat down for dinner in the courtyard. The meal was simple: stir-fried vegetables, steamed rice, and a clear broth.


    ¡°I invited the village children to the tavern,¡± I said, breaking the silence.


    Mei Yun raised an eyebrow. ¡°Children?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re the best messengers,¡± I explained. ¡°They¡¯ll spread the word faster than we ever could.¡±


    She chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re either a genius or completely mad.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t I be both?¡±


    She didn¡¯t respond, but the amused glint in her eyes said enough.


    As the stars began to appear overhead, I leaned back in my chair, staring up at the sky. ¡°It¡¯s strange,¡± I mused.


    ¡°What is?¡± Mei Yun asked, her tone curious.


    ¡°Nothing! .¡±


    I was was silent for a moment before saying, ¡°Sometimes, the best paths are the ones we don¡¯t plan. They¡¯re the ones we stumble upon.¡±


    My words lingered in the air, resonating deeply. The tavern wasn¡¯t just a place for food. I wanted it to become something more¡ªa space for stories, connections, and maybe even a little magic.

 Chapter 12: The Quiet Opening

    Chapter 12: The Quiet Opening


    Life often unfolds with a poetic irony, a quiet reminder that the grandest beginnings often come wrapped in the simplest moments. A tavern on the mountain? In a world ruled by cultivation and might, where power determined everything, it was the epitome of audacity to rely on something as mundane as food and hospitality. Yet here I was, a man without any discernible cultivation talent¡ªopening a tavern where strength meant little but flavor meant everything. If there¡¯s a philosophy hidden here, perhaps it¡¯s this: even the mightiest cultivator must eat, and in those fleeting moments, they¡¯re all mortal again.


    They say that the first step is always the hardest, but they never mention how awkward it feels to take that step in complete silence.


    The morning began early, the air crisp and cool as I sorted the last details in my tavern. I had spent the previous night poring over an ancient cookbook I found tucked away in my courtyard storeroom. Titled Heavenly Delicacies, the book exuded an aura that made Mei Yun, my sole employee, glance at it with reverence.


    ¡°Is this¡­ an ancient treasure?¡± she asked hesitantly, her tone laced with awe.


    I blinked at her, then at the book. Its cover was a little dusty, the edges frayed, and the binding creaked when opened. To me, it was just an old recipe book. To Mei Yun? Well, she regarded it as though it held the secrets of immortality itself.


    ¡°Treasure?¡± I chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s a cookbook. You know, a guide for making food?¡±


    Her expression didn¡¯t falter, her gaze serious. ¡°Tavern Master Li, ordinary mortals cannot possess something like this. The energy it radiates... it¡¯s faint but profound. It must have been written by a culinary sage. You truly are¡­ remarkable.¡±


    She said that last part so solemnly that I didn¡¯t even know how to respond. A sage? Me? I flipped open the book, staring at the recipes.


    ¡°If you say so,¡± I muttered, more to myself than her.


    I frowned slightly. This was becoming a pattern. Ever since she started working here, Mei Yun had been acting¡­ strange. Her words were overly formal, her gaze filled with what could only be described as awe.


    ¡°Is everything ready?¡± I asked, trying to shake off the odd feeling.


    ¡°Yes, the tables are set, the courtyard is spotless, and the storeroom is organized,¡± she reported. ¡°I also polished the menu board, as you instructed.¡±


    ¡°Perfect,¡± I said.


    She hesitated for a moment before adding, ¡°It¡¯s remarkable how you¡¯ve created such a place. Truly¡­ divine.¡±


    There it was again¡ªthat strange tone, as if she believed I was some kind of hidden expert. I decided not to address it, focusing instead on the task at hand.


    Inside the tavern, I stood before the counter, a piece of charcoal in hand and a blank wooden board before me. Creating the menu was a daunting task, not because I didn¡¯t know what to serve but because I wanted it to reflect the spirit of the tavern.


    The Heavenly Delicacies recipe book sat open on the counter, its pages filled with intricate illustrations and detailed instructions.


    Now, as I flipped through its pages, I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. The recipes were undoubtedly impressive, but to Mei Yun, it seemed as if the book contained techniques for ascension rather than cooking.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    I jotted down a few dishes on the menu board:


    1. Mountain Spirit Stir-Fry


    2. Five Element Soup


    3. Heavenly Herb Rice


    4. Mystical Fruit Platter


    Most of these were names I¡¯d come up with to make the dishes sound more appealing. In truth, they were simple recipes elevated by quality ingredients and a bit of flair.


    By mid-morning, the tavern was ready. The tables were set, the kitchen was stocked, and the menu board stood proudly at the entrance. Everything was perfect¡­ except for the absence of customers.


    Mei Yun busied herself with minor tasks, her movements precise and deliberate. She glanced at me occasionally, as if expecting me to conjure guests with a wave of my hand.


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± I asked, catching her gaze.


    ¡°No, nothing,¡± she replied quickly. ¡°I was merely¡­ admiring your composure.¡±


    ¡°My composure?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Most people would be anxious, but you remain calm. It¡¯s as if you already know the outcome.¡±


    I laughed softly. ¡°If by ¡®knowing the outcome,¡¯ you mean I¡¯m bracing myself for an empty tavern, then yes, I¡¯m very calm.¡±


    She looked at me as if I¡¯d just spoken in riddles. ¡°Truly remarkable,¡± she murmured.


    By noon, my first ¡°guests¡± arrived¡ªa group of children from the village. They had come because of my invitation earlier in the week, their faces lit with excitement and curiosity.


    ¡°Welcome,¡± I greeted them warmly, leading them to a table.


    The children devoured their meals with the kind of enthusiasm only youth can muster, their chatter filling the once-silent tavern. Mei Yun watched them from the kitchen doorway, a soft smile on her lips.


    ¡°They¡¯re so carefree,¡± she said quietly.


    I nodded. ¡°That¡¯s the beauty of childhood. They don¡¯t worry about tomorrow. They live in the moment.¡±


    As the children finished their meals and scampered off, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of disappointment. They were not paying customers, after all.


    The hours dragged on, and no other guests appeared. I found myself pacing the courtyard, occasionally glancing at the empty path leading to the village.


    ¡°You keep looking outside,¡± Mei Yun observed as she swept the floor.


    ¡°Habit,¡± I admitted. ¡°I guess I¡¯m hoping to see someone¡­ anyone.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re too modest,¡± she said. ¡°A place like this doesn¡¯t need to chase customers. They¡¯ll come on their own once they hear about it.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°You make it sound like this tavern is some kind of sacred ground.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it?¡± she countered, her tone earnest.


    I stared at her, unsure whether to laugh or feel concerned. She really believed I was some kind of expert hiding in plain sight.


    As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the tavern, I leaned against the counter, letting out a heavy sigh.


    ¡°Well, Mei Yun, the first day was a success.¡±


    She blinked at me, puzzled. ¡°But no one came, Tavern Master.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± I said with a grin. ¡°No disasters. No complaints. That¡¯s a success in my book.¡±


    She frowned, clearly not following my logic. ¡°But the purpose of a tavern is to serve customers. Without them, it cannot be considered successful.¡±


    I waved a hand dismissively. ¡°Details, details. Success is about perspective, Mei Yun. Besides, Rome wasn¡¯t built in a day.¡±


    ¡°Rome?¡±


    I paused, realizing the slip. ¡°Uh¡­ it¡¯s a¡­ never mind. Let¡¯s just call it a metaphor.¡±


    She nodded slowly, though I could tell she wasn¡¯t entirely convinced.


    As the first stars began to appear in the night sky, I lit the lanterns inside the tavern, their warm glow filling the space. Mei Yun watched silently as I moved about, her expression thoughtful.


    ¡°You know,¡± I said, breaking the silence, ¡°this place may not attract hordes of customers overnight, but that¡¯s okay. It¡¯s about building something that lasts. Something meaningful.¡±


    She tilted her head, considering my words. ¡°You speak as though you¡¯ve seen the rise and fall of empires, Tavern Master.¡±


    I laughed and said in faintly,Well *I did read history*, let''s not talk about it , "I¡¯ve learned that patience is key. Rushing things only leads to mistakes.¡±


    Her gaze lingered on me for a moment before she nodded. ¡°You are¡­ truly an extraordinary person.¡±


    There it was again¡ªthat strange reverence in her tone. I didn¡¯t know how to respond, so I simply shrugged and turned my attention back to the tavern.


    As I sipped my tea, a sense of quiet satisfaction settled over me. The day hadn¡¯t gone as I¡¯d hoped, but it wasn¡¯t a failure either.


    I couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of disappointment. I had hoped for at least one real customer, someone who could validate all the effort I¡¯d put into this place. But as I stood there, the empty tables and quiet atmosphere felt oddly comforting.


    ¡°Tomorrow is another day,¡± I muttered, more to myself than anyone else.


    As I extinguished the lanterns and locked up for the night, I felt a sense of quiet determination. The first day may not have gone as planned, but the journey was just beginning.


    And who knows? Maybe tomorrow, the mountain would echo with the footsteps of those seeking more than just a meal¡ªthey¡¯d find something unexpected.


    A


    fter all, if there¡¯s one thing I¡¯ve learned, it¡¯s that life has a way of surprising you when you least expect it.


    ---

 Chapter 13: Bonds Beyond the Tavern

    Chapter 13: Bonds Beyond the Tavern


    In the grand scheme of life, what is a bond? Is it a shared smile, a small gesture, or an unspoken understanding between two people? Perhaps it is all of these, bound by the threads of time and circumstance. My tavern, despite its humble beginnings, had started weaving such bonds, one thread at a time.


    It had been days since the tavern opened, and while it wasn¡¯t exactly bustling with customers, the villagers had started trickling in. The children had been my unexpected ambassadors, their chatter about my ¡°delicious food¡± spreading through the village like wildfire. It wasn¡¯t long before their parents¡ªstall owners, vendors, and humble workers¡ªbegan visiting, out of curiosity or simply to keep their kids company.


    Old Man Chen, the fish vendor, was the first. ¡°I hear the kids talk about your soup. Said it¡¯s like nothing they¡¯ve tasted,¡± he said one day, sitting at a corner table as I served him my herb soup. He slurped it loudly, nodded, and said, ¡°Not bad. You might just make a name for yourself, young man.¡±


    Then there was Auntie Lin, the dumpling vendor, who came to ¡°judge my cooking.¡± Her words, not mine. She left with a satisfied nod and a promise to send more villagers my way.


    The small connections were slowly growing, and I found myself enjoying the company of these simple, hardworking people.


    One such connection was with Mr. Yan, the village teacher. He had visited the tavern a few times with his young son, Cheng, a bright-eyed boy who loved my spicy mountain stew. It was during one of these visits that Mr. Yan and I struck up a conversation about knowledge.


    ¡°The children these days,¡± he had sighed, ¡°they lack discipline. It¡¯s hard to get them to focus on their lessons.¡±


    ¡°Maybe they¡¯re bored,¡± I had replied casually, not thinking much of it. ¡°Kids learn best when they¡¯re curious. Teach them through play, let them ask questions. Make them want to learn instead of forcing it on them.¡±


    At the time, I hadn¡¯t realized the weight of my words. To me, it was just an offhand remark, a philosophy I had picked up in my previous life. But for Mr. Yan, it was a revelation.


    The next day, he had implemented the idea in his classroom. He later told me how the children, who had previously been restless and inattentive, suddenly became engaged and curious. They asked questions, explored ideas, and learned with enthusiasm.


    ¡°You¡¯ve changed the way I teach,¡± he had said, his voice filled with gratitude. ¡°You¡¯ve helped me see the potential in these young minds.¡±


    I had shrugged it off with a smile, but his words stayed with me.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Today, I decided to visit Mr. Yan. Word had reached me that he was unwell, and while I wasn¡¯t one to meddle in others¡¯ affairs, I felt compelled to check on him. He had become a friend, and friends looked out for one another.


    The village was bustling as I arrived at noon. The air was filled with the scent of freshly baked bread, sizzling skewers, and the chatter of vendors hawking their wares. Old Man Chen waved at me from his fish stall, a broad grin on his face.


    ¡°Li, come to buy some fish? Fresh catch today!¡±


    ¡°Maybe next time, Old Man Chen,¡± I replied with a laugh.


    I made my way to Mr. Yan¡¯s modest home, a simple wooden structure that stood near the edge of the village. As I approached, I overheard voices from inside.


    ¡°Mother, can we go to Mr. Li¡¯s tavern today?¡± It was Cheng¡¯s voice, eager and hopeful.


    ¡°Not today,¡± his mother replied gently. ¡°Your father isn¡¯t well, and we need to take care of him.¡±


    ¡°But why do you and Your Father like going there so much?¡±


    ¡°Because the food is delicious, and the place is¡­ special,¡± he said with a chuckle. ¡°And Mr. Li is a good man.¡±


    Her words caught me off guard. A good man? That was a title I wasn¡¯t sure I deserved.


    I knocked on the door, and Cheng¡¯s voice rang out excitedly, ¡°It¡¯s Mr. Li!¡±


    Mrs. Yan opened the door, her face lighting up with surprise. ¡°Mr. Li! What a pleasant surprise. Please, come in.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said, stepping inside.


    The house was simple and warm, with a small kitchen to one side and a modest bed where Mr. Yan lay, wrapped in blankets. He looked pale but smiled weakly when he saw me.


    ¡°Mr. Li,¡± he greeted me, his voice hoarse. ¡°What brings you here?¡±


    ¡°I heard you were unwell,¡± I said, taking a seat by his bedside. ¡°Thought I¡¯d check on you. Hope you don¡¯t mind.¡±


    ¡°Mind? I¡¯m honored,¡± he said, attempting to sit up.


    ¡°Stay put,¡± I told him firmly. ¡°Rest is what you need.¡±


    Cheng sat nearby, his eyes wide with admiration. ¡°Mr. Li, did you bring any food?¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°Not today, Cheng. Maybe next time.¡±


    As we talked, I couldn¡¯t help but notice how frail Mr. Yan looked. Something stirred within me¡ªa quiet sense of responsibility.


    ¡°Mr. Yan,¡± I said, ¡°I¡¯m no expert, but I know a thing or two about medicine. Would you mind if I took a look?¡±


    His eyes widened slightly, and he nodded. ¡°If it¡¯s you, Mr. Li, I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll be cured in no time.¡±


    I smiled at his faith in me, though I didn¡¯t quite understand it. Carefully, I examined him, checking his pulse and observing his condition. My skills, honed from years of study and practice in another life, came naturally.


    ¡°It¡¯s not too serious,¡± I said after a moment. ¡°Just a case of exhaustion and mild fever. You¡¯ll be fine with some rest and the right medicine.¡±


    I glanced at Mrs. Yan. ¡°Do you have any herbs here?¡±


    She nodded and quickly fetched a small basket of dried herbs. Using these, I prepared a simple medicine, grinding and mixing the ingredients with practiced ease.


    As I worked, I felt their eyes on me¡ªwide with amazement.


    ¡°You¡¯re¡­ incredible,¡± Mrs. Yan murmured.


    I laughed softly. ¡°It¡¯s just basic medicine. Nothing extraordinary.¡±


    To them, though, it seemed like magic.


    After giving Mr. Yan the medicine and leaving a prescription, I stood to leave.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be back on your feet in no time,¡± I assured him. ¡°And when you¡¯re feeling better, come by the tavern. First bowl of stew is on the house.¡±


    He smiled warmly. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Li. You¡¯ve done more for me than I can express.¡±


    As I stepped out into the afternoon sun, I couldn¡¯t help but reflect on the day. Life had a funny way of surprising you, weaving connections in the most unexpected ways.


    Perhaps that was the true essence of a tavern¡ªnot just a place to eat, but a place where lives intertwined, one thread at a time.


    ---

 Chapter 14: Ink Dragon in the Sky

    Chapter 13: Ink Dragon in the Sky


    They say the world is full of mysteries¡ªsome we chase after, desperate to uncover their secrets, and others we run from, terrified of their unknown depths. For me, mysteries were an unfortunate constant in my life ever since I ended up in this foreign land. I wasn¡¯t chasing them, and I definitely wasn¡¯t equipped to face them. Yet, they had a peculiar way of finding me.


    What is fear but the unknown knocking on the doors of our minds? It¡¯s not the shadow in the corner or the creak of an empty room that frightens us; it¡¯s our own imagination filling the void. Today, the void seemed darker, and my imagination wasn¡¯t helping.


    The sun shone brightly as I walked down the village¡¯s bustling market street. Vendors called out to customers, and the air was filled with the smell of fresh produce, sizzling skewers, and chatter. I had come to the meat vendor¡¯s shop, a simple stall with freshly plucked chickens hanging on hooks.


    As I approached, the vendor, Mr. Zhang, spotted me and waved enthusiastically.


    ¡°Master Li!¡± he called out, grinning.


    I winced slightly at the title. Ever since Mei Yun started addressing me with such exaggerated respect, it seemed to have caught on. ¡°Hello, Mr. Zhang,¡± I replied, trying to keep my tone casual. ¡°I came to buy some chicken today.¡±


    ¡°Of course, of course!¡± he said, already reaching for a plump chicken. As he began to butcher it skillfully, I couldn¡¯t help but notice a small group of customers gossiping nearby. They were huddled together, whispering in hushed tones, their faces a mix of fear and curiosity. Curiosity got the better of me.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? What were they talking about?¡± I asked, leaning in slightly.


    Mr. Zhang glanced around and lowered his voice. ¡°You didn¡¯t hear? Word¡¯s been spreading that a few villages nearby have been haunted by ghosts. People are vanishing¡ªjust disappearing into thin air.¡±


    A cold shiver ran down my spine. Ghosts? Here? I already felt out of place in this land where I couldn¡¯t even cultivate, and now I had to deal with supernatural threats? My knees felt weak, and for a moment, it was as if the ground beneath me had disappeared. but I tried to keep my expression neutral.


    Mr. Zhang must have noticed the sudden change in my expression because he chuckled nervously. ¡°Master Li, be careful. You stay in the mountains, don¡¯t you? Strange things happen in places like that.¡±


    I managed a weak smile. ¡°Thanks for the warning, Mr. Zhang. I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡±


    He handed me the wrapped chicken, and I paid before leaving, still feeling the weight of his words.


    As I passed by the fish vendor¡¯s stall, a cheerful voice called out to me.


    ¡°Master Li! Wait a moment!¡±


    I turned to see Medam Wei, the fish vendor, waving me over. She was a kind woman in her forties, always wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat that barely contained her thick, coiled hair.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got something for you,¡± she said, pulling out a pot. Inside was a carp unlike any I¡¯d ever seen. Its scales shimmered like polished gemstones, its tail long and flowing like silk, and its fins spread out like majestic wings.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful,¡± I said, genuinely impressed. ¡°Where did you find this?¡±


    ¡°This was my son¡¯s idea,¡± she explained. ¡°He bought it, saying it was special. But we don¡¯t have the time or the place to care for it properly. I thought it might suit you better.¡±


    I stared at the fish, unsure how to respond. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ beautiful. Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± she said, pushing the pot toward me. ¡°And you can¡¯t refuse, or I¡¯ll be offended. Just take care of it, alright?¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said, accepting the pot carefully. ¡°You¡¯ll have to visit the tavern sometime. A meal on me, alright?¡±The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    She laughed. ¡°I¡¯ll hold you to that, Master Li.¡±


    Carrying the pot with the carp fish, I made my way back to the tavern.


    The walk back to the tavern was quiet, though my mind was far from it. The mention of ghosts lingered like a shadow, and the carp in the pot seemed almost otherworldly in its beauty.


    When I arrived, Mei Yun greeted me at the door. She was always polite¡ªtoo polite, if you asked me.


    ¡°Master Li,¡± she said, bowing slightly. ¡°You¡¯re back. What is this you¡¯ve brought?¡±


    ¡°Some meat for the kitchen,¡± I said, handing her the chicken. ¡°And this,¡± I added, gesturing to the pot, ¡°is a gift from Medam Wei. A carp , I plan to raise it in the spring pool.¡±


    ¡°Here take it,¡± I handed out the chicken meat as I entered.


    She took it with her usual respect, bowing slightly. ¡°Thank you, Boss. I¡¯ll start preparing lunch right away.¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± I said, lowering my voice. ¡°Be careful. There¡¯s talk of ghosts haunting nearby villages. Keep an eye out for anything strange.¡±


    Her eyes widened, and she nodded solemnly. ¡°Understood, Boss.¡±


    I sighed and stand with the clay pot with the carp fish near the spiritual spring pool in the back of the tavern. The pool, with its crystal-clear water and faint glow. It had a calming aura, and I figured the fish would thrive in its waters.


    The pool was small but clear, its water shimmering faintly in the afternoon light. I released the carp into the pool, watching as it swam gracefully, its long tail trailing like a ribbon.


    As I watched the fish swim gracefully in the pool, I found myself thinking about the old Chinese legend of carp turning into dragons.


    ¡°Legend has it,¡± I murmured to myself, ¡°that a carp can become a dragon if it overcomes the odds.¡±


    The thought was both comforting and unsettling. Was I like that carp, struggling to transform in a world that wasn¡¯t my own?


    I sat down at the nearby table, lost in thought. The idea of ghosts and supernatural phenomena in this foreign land made me uneasy. I had no cultivation, no means to protect myself if something truly dangerous happened. Yet, as always, I tried to maintain a calm facade for the sake of those around me.


    Unconsciously, I picked up a brush and a piece of paper that were lying nearby. Writing had always been a way for me to clear my mind, to channel my thoughts into something tangible.


    The brush moved almost on its own, flowing across the paper in elegant strokes. Before I realized it, I was creating a piece of calligraphy¡ªbold, sweeping characters that seemed to pulse with life.


    Unbeknownst to me, the weather outside began to shift. Clouds gathered, dark and heavy, as if the heavens themselves were watching. A faint breeze stirred, carrying with it a sense of anticipation.


    Ink began to seep from the brush, not just onto the paper but into the air. It swirled and coalesced, forming a shape¡ªa long, sinuous form that grew larger and more defined with each passing moment.


    It was a dragon.


    Its body was sleek and serpentine, made entirely of ink that shimmered like liquid obsidian. Its eyes glowed with an ethereal light, and its wings stretched wide, each feather-like detail rendered in perfect strokes. As it rose into the sky, it let out a silent roar, a sound that seemed to resonate in the very soul.


    Mei Yun had been tending to the kitchen when she felt it¡ªa sudden stillness, as if the world had paused. She stepped outside to see but she froze seeing the scene outside.


    Above the mountains , the ink dragon coiled and danced, its movements both graceful and powerful. It was a sight that left her breathless.


    She couldn¡¯t move, her body paralyzed by equal parts awe and fear. The villagers, too, had noticed, their voices rising in a mix of astonishment and panic.


    ¡°It¡¯s a dragon!¡± someone shouted.


    ¡°A sign from the heavens!¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s an omen!¡±


    But as quickly as it had appeared, the dragon began to fade. Its inky form dissolved into the sky, leaving behind a cascade of flowers that drifted gently to the ground. The air was filled with their sweet fragrance, a strange but beautiful aftermath.


    ¡°Master Li¡­¡± she whispered, her voice trembling.


    ¡°What¡­ what is this?¡± but there''s no response it seemed like the other person isn''t present in this world .


    Mei Yun¡¯s heart was racing as she stared at the now-ordinary piece of paper on the table. To her, everything about her boss was extraordinary. The tavern, the food, the spiritual spring¡ªshe had always believed they were treasures from the heavens. And now this.


    She approached cautiously, her voice trembling. ¡°Boss¡­ what was that?¡±


    I looked up at her, blinking in confusion. ¡°What was what?¡±


    ¡°The dragon,¡± she said, pointing to the sky.


    ¡°Oh, that,¡± I said, laughing awkwardly. ¡°I didn¡¯t even realize I was doing it. I was just¡­ writing.¡±


    I handed her the paper, on which elegant calligraphy was inscribed. ¡°Why don¡¯t you hang this on the wall? It might add some character to the tavern.¡±


    She nodded, though she couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the paper held an immense power. To her, I was no ordinary man. I was a powerful expert, perhaps even an immortal, pretending to live a mundane life.


    ¡°Of course, Boss,¡± she said respectfully, I could tell she wanted to ask more, but she didn¡¯t. She simply nodded and left to carry out my request. taking the paper and placing it on the tavern wall.


    As she stepped back to admire it, she thought, Even his casual writings are treasures. Just who is he?


    As the evening settled in, I sat by the pool, watching the carp swim lazily. Despite the strange events of the day, I felt a sense of peace. Life in this foreign land was unpredictable, but perhaps that was what made it so fascinating.


    I smiled to myself, again thinking about the legend of the dragon. Maybe, just maybe, the carp destined to tr


    ansform. Then wouldn''t he get a means of protection, as he was the nurturing it, well anything is possible in this strange world .


    ---

 Chapter 15: A Chance Encounter at the Tavern

    Chapter 15: A Chance Encounter at the Tavern


    Life, as they say, is a series of coincidences woven into a greater purpose. Some call it fate, others chance. Yet, here I am, a simple man running a tavern in the heart of the desolate mountains, pondering how strange life can be.


    It was early in the afternoon when Mr. Yan showed up at my tavern. His presence was a pleasant surprise; I¡¯d heard he had been unwell and expected him to need more time to recover.


    ¡°Mr. Li!¡± he called out, his voice full of vigor. ¡°I came to thank you for your medicine. I haven¡¯t felt this healthy in years.¡±


    I blinked, slightly embarrassed. I wasn¡¯t a healer. I¡¯d only offered him a simple medicinal soup, a remedy I knew of in my head, it was just coincidence ¡°Oh, it was nothing,¡± I said, scratching the back of my head. ¡°Just something I whipped up. It¡¯s not worth mentioning.¡±


    But he wouldn¡¯t hear of it. ¡°Not worth mentioning? If this is nothing, then I fear to imagine what could have happened to me if not for you . Thank you again, Mr. Li.¡±


    He bowed deeply, leaving me flustered and fumbling for words. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, he left, leaving me to wonder how a simple soup could have such an effect.


    Later that afternoon, as I was tidying up the tavern, I heard faint voices outside. At first, it was just a murmur, but soon they became clearer.


    ¡°Miss, wait for me!¡± a voice called out, breathless and slightly panicked.


    ¡°Quickly, we need to keep moving,¡± another voice replied, this one more assertive and laced with irritation. ¡°My father is insufferable! Imagine trying to marry me off to someone I¡¯ve never even met. How could I possibly forgive him?¡±


    I peered out from the window and saw two figures¡ªa young lady dressed in fine robes and her maid, struggling to keep up. They looked out of place in the rugged mountains, their elegant attire contrasting sharply with the wild surroundings.


    The maid, panting heavily, said, ¡°Miss, I think I heard an animal just now. Shouldn¡¯t we leave this place? It¡¯s dangerous.¡±


    The young lady waved her hand dismissively, her tone brimming with confidence. ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous. I¡¯m just a step away from Foundation Building. Let them come; they¡¯re no match for me.¡±


    Her maid frowned, clearly unconvinced. ¡°Miss, are you really planning to stay in these desolate mountains? What if we get lost?¡±


    The young lady huffed. ¡°Do you think I have a choice? My father¡¯s influence reaches everywhere. If I don¡¯t hide in a place like this, he¡¯ll find me in no time.¡±


    As they continued their bickering, their eyes fell onto something. Deeper into the forest, something caught their eye¡ªa courtyard attached to a tavern. The lady froze, her maid stumbling behind her. "Huh? Was this always here? This place is supposed to be uninhabited!"


    Curiosity sparked, and they approached cautiously. At first glance, the tavern seemed ordinary, yet as they drew closer, awe replaced skepticism. The craftsmanship of the courtyard, the intricate carvings on the doors, and the aura of tranquility emanating from the building were unlike anything they had seen.


    "This... this is even more elegant than my father¡¯s palace," the lady whispered, her voice tinged with disbelief.


    The maid nodded, her eyes wide with astonishment. "Miss, who could live in such a dangerous place and build something like this?"


    The lady¡¯s mind raced. "Could this be the home of a reclusive expert? Perhaps a hidden master living away from the chaos of the world?" Her curiosity overtook her caution. "Let¡¯s check it out."


    The maid hesitated but eventually nodded. Together, they pushed open the tavern doors.


    Is anyone here?¡± the young lady called out, her voice carrying a mix of authority and hesitation.


    I stepped out from the kitchen, wiping my hands on a towel. ¡°Oh! New customers? You¡¯re not from around here, are you?¡±


    The young lady straightened up, a proud smile on her face. ¡°That¡¯s correct. I¡¯m Lin Yu, and this is my maid, Xiao Mei. We were passing by and saw your¡­ establishment.¡±Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    I nodded, trying not to stare at her too much. She was stunning, with an air of grace that made her seem otherworldly. ¡°Welcome to my tavern. Please, have a seat. What can I get you to eat?¡±


    They sat down, glancing around the tavern. At first, they seemed composed, but as they took in their surroundings, their expressions shifted. Shock. Awe. Confusion. The wooden craftsmanship, the detailed paintings, the carefully arranged furniture¡ªall of it left them speechless.


    "This place... it¡¯s full of spiritual energy," Lin Yu murmured, her voice trembling.


    Her maid nodded in agreement. "Miss, every corner of this place feels... extraordinary."


    I chuckled inwardly, unaware of their thoughts. To me, it was just a simple tavern. But to them, it was something far greater.


    "What can I get you to eat?" I asked, breaking their reverie.


    After a moment of hesitation, Lin yu answered, "The specialty of this tavern, please."


    ¡°Good choice,¡± I replied. ¡°I¡¯ll get started right away.¡±


    As I returned to the kitchen, I could hear them murmuring to each other.


    ¡°This place¡­ it¡¯s too strange,¡± Lin Yu whispered. ¡°The energy here¡­ it¡¯s unlike anything I¡¯ve felt before.¡±


    Her maid nodded. ¡°Miss, do you think this is the residence of a hidden expert?¡±


    Lin Yu hesitated. ¡°It must be. But let¡¯s not think too much about it. We¡¯ll eat and leave."


    Ah, the tavern¡¯s specialty. Nothing too extravagant, just a dish crafted with care and fresh ingredients from my garden. Today, it would be stir-fried spiritual vegetables with aromatic herbs, paired with steamed rice and a light broth.


    I began by selecting vibrant green vegetables, their leaves glistening with morning dew. Each one was handpicked from my courtyard garden, nurtured with the purest spiritual energy.


    Heating the wok, I added a splash of oil, letting it shimmer before tossing in minced garlic and ginger. The fragrance filled the air as I stirred in the vegetables, their colors brightening with the heat.


    Next came the herbs, their aromas blending seamlessly with the vegetables. A dash of salt, a drizzle of soy sauce, and a sprinkle of spiritual energy-infused spices completed the dish.


    The broth was simple yet rich, made from spiritual roots and mushrooms simmered to perfection. Together with the steamed rice, the meal was a harmony of flavors¡ªearthy, fresh, and nourishing.


    Plating the dish, I carried it to their table, setting it down with a smile. "Enjoy your meal," I said before stepping back to give them privacy.


    Lin yu and her maid stared at the food, their initial skepticism giving way to intrigue. The vibrant colors and tantalizing aroma were unlike anything they had encountered.


    "It¡¯s beautiful," Lin yu admitted, though she remained doubtful. "But it¡¯s just mortal food. What could it possibly do for me? Let''s just eat and leave quickly."


    With that thought, she took a bite. And then, everything changed.


    Her surroundings dissolved, replaced by an ethereal scene. Water rippled beneath her feet, lotus flowers blooming in the distance. The air was filled with a divine energy that defied comprehension.


    "This... this is water," she murmured, her voice quivering with wonder.


    A manifestation appeared in the water¡ªa deity-like figure, radiant and serene. Mei Yun stared in disbelief. "My reflection... it¡¯s become a deity," she whispered.


    Before she could process the vision, a surge of spiritual energy enveloped her. Her body trembled continuously as the energy merged with her being, it was feeling hard to describe with mortal understanding and in an instant, she broke through to Foundation Building.


    Her maid, watching her in panic, cried out, "Miss, what¡¯s happening to you?"


    But Lin Yu opened her eyes, her face glowing with joy. "I did it. After three years of stagnation, I finally broke through!"


    Hearing the commotion, I approached, concerned. "Is everything alright? Did you not like the food?".


    I was worried if they don''t like the food , though I had confidence in my cooking but taste varies people some may other don''t and it''s my responsibility to adjust it accordingly.


    Lin Yu stood abruptly, her expression had a mix of gratitude and reverence. She came infront of me and said,"Thank you! Because of your food, I achieved my breakthrough!"


    I blinked, taken aback. "Call again'' What? No, I just served you a meal. I didn¡¯t do anything special I''m just a ordinary tavern owner, how come your break through have anything to do with me."


    As I finished my sentence I noticed her expression turnd grim as if she committed a grave crime, She thought ".Did I anger the expert, is he gonna erase my existence. Expert said he is just a ordinary tavarn''s owner, he must be experiencing mortal life... I almost blew his cover."


    Lin Yu misinterpreted my words, assuming I was a powerful expert hiding my identity. "I apologize if I offended you," she said, bowing deeply. "Thank you for your guidance."


    Guidance? I scratched my head, thoroughly confused. But before I could respond, she offered me a jade token, insisting it was a token of her gratitude, "Miss, you can''t give it" her maid called out.


    "It''s just a armament not much valuable compare to the food, please accept it" Lin Yu said.


    It''s was clearly something valuable.. I hesitated, not wanting to take something so valuable. But she was persistent. "Please accept it," she said. "And perhaps I¡¯ll return to enjoy your cooking again."


    Reluctantly, I accepted the token, still unsure of what had just transpired, Well on bright side maybe I got a regular who is not from this nearby village.


    After that they prepare to left," Thank you so much for you generosity sir, I''ll never forget it"


    Didn''t she making it a big deal out of nothing still," No Problem" I answered.


    As they left, I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. Life, once again, had thrown me into the strangest of situations.


    As Lin Yu and her maid disappeared into the forest, I returned to the kitchen, pondering the encounter. To them, I was a mysterious figure, a hidden expert. But in truth, I was just a simple man running a tavern.


    Perhaps that¡¯s the beauty of life. Everyone sees the world through their own lens, weaving their own stories from the threads of reality. And who am I to shatter their illusions?


    With a sigh and a smile, I began preparing for the next meal, wondering what strange adventure tomorrow would bring.


    ---

 Chapter 16: The Weight of Time and the Shadow of the Past

    Chapter 16: The Weight of Time and the Shadow of the Past


    "To seek knowledge is a journey of a lifetime, but to understand its weight is a burden not all can bear."


    Morning came with an unexpected tug¡ªquite literally.


    It started with a simple conversation¡ªone of those idle exchanges that one has while sipping tea and watching the sunset.


    I had mentioned to Mr. Yan, in passing, that I enjoyed reading history.


    "History?" He had leaned forward, eyes gleaming with interest. "You like reading about old wars and ancient rulers?"


    "Not just that," I had said, swirling the tea in my cup. "History isn¡¯t just about battles and empires. It¡¯s about people. The choices they made, the dreams they had, the mistakes that shaped everything after them."


    Mr. Yan nodded thoughtfully. "So you seek wisdom from the past?"


    I chuckled. "Something like that." Well Since I don¡¯t know much about this land, I thought understanding its past might help me navigate this present world.


    I should have realized then that I had said too much.


    Because, as it turned out, Mr. Yan was the kind of person who took things very seriously.


    I had barely opened my eyes when I found myself being dragged along the stone-paved path leading out of the tavern. The culprit? Mr. Yan, looking unusually excited for this early in the morning.


    "You said you liked reading history, right?" he asked, his grip firm on my wrist as if I were a sack of rice he was hauling to market.


    I yawned, rubbing the last remnants of sleep from my eyes. "I did say that, but I didn¡¯t expect you to take it this seriously."


    "Of course I did!" Mr. Yan said, puffing out his chest. "


    At this point, I could only sigh and go along with it.


    Mr. Yan¡¯s house was nothing extravagant, but it had an undeniable warmth to it. A courtyard filled with potted plants, a small yard with tree lazily spreading its shadow, and a wooden house that had clearly stood through generations.


    As soon as we stepped in, his wife greeted us with a bright smile. She handed me a cup of fresh water, and I took a sip, feeling an odd sense of belonging in this place.


    Then, Mr. Yan disappeared into one of the rooms and returned with an old book¡ªso old that its pages were slightly torn, yellowed with age, as if carrying the dust of centuries within them.


    I reached out to take it, running my fingers over the fragile cover. Time had left its mark on this book, just as it did on all things. History, after all, was not immune to the passage of time.


    "It¡¯s a biography," Mr. Yan explained, "written by a great man in his later years after traveling the entirety of the mortal world. It¡¯s been passed down in my family for generations."


    I looked up at him, curiosity piqued. "Your family?"


    A shadow flickered across his face, and for a brief moment, he seemed hesitant. "My family was once influential," he admitted. "But... things happened."


    I didn¡¯t press further. Tragedies are like old wounds¡ªprodding them only makes them hurt more.


    Instead, I simply murmured a quote I remembered from Confucian literature:


    "The past is not dead, nor is it gone¡ªit simply waits for those who dare to remember."Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Mr. Yan stared at me for a moment before chuckling. "You really do like history, don¡¯t you?"


    I smirked. "Well, I did just get dragged here against my will, so I might as well enjoy it."


    With that, I opened the book and began to read.


    The words on the pages were profound, yet filled with raw emotion. It wasn¡¯t just a historical record¡ªit was a personal account of a man¡¯s journey, his triumphs, and his heartbreaks.


    The words on the pages were not just words. They carried weight¡ªlike echoes from a time long past.


    It began with four friends.


    In a world where the immortal path had been severed and the ways of heaven hid itself from mortal eyes, these four men walked a different path¡ªthe path of martial arts. Through sheer discipline, training, and willpower, they rose to the top of the mortal world.


    At first, they were heroes.


    They destroyed corrupt sects. They toppled tyrants. They were the sword that cut away the rot in the world.


    But power is a strange thing.


    But as time passed, their victories turned into something else.


    Their hunger for power grew. The darkness that once lurked in the shadows began to creep into their hearts.


    And then, everything changed.


    It starts as a means to an end. But eventually, it becomes the end itself.


    Over time, the four friends began to change. Their victories piled up, but so did their hunger for more.


    They no longer fought just to rid the world of evil. They fought to conquer it.


    Until, one day, their unity was shattered by something none of them had expected.


    Love.


    One of them¡ªone of the strongest among them¡ªmet a woman.


    And he fell in love.


    And she changed him.


    For this man, love was a revelation. Through her, he realized that there were things in this world beyond power¡ªthings that made life worth living beyond endless conquest.


    His friends noticed the change. But his friends did not see it the same way.


    They did not understand why he had changed. More importantly, they did not want him to change.


    At first, they teased him.


    "You¡¯ve gone soft," one of them laughed.


    "Are you going to throw away everything for a woman?" another scoffed.


    But as time went on, their laughter faded.


    Because he was changing.


    His goals shifted. His ambition dimmed. He no longer spoke of conquest, of ruling, of war.


    And the others¡­ they did not like that.


    They had built an empire together. They had sworn an oath.


    And now, one of them was turning away.


    It felt like a betrayal.


    So, driven by fear and anger, they decided to do the unthinkable.


    The shift was subtle at first. Conversations became shorter. Disagreements arose.


    So, driven by fear and anger, they decided to do the unthinkable.


    And then came the final betrayal.


    On a cold, snowy night, the tree of them made their move.


    They ambushed him.


    They knew they couldn¡¯t defeat him, not in a fair fight. So instead, they took the one thing that had changed him¡ªthe woman he loved.


    Holding her hostage, they forced him into submission.


    And when he knelt before them, begging them to stop¡ªbegging them to remember their bond¡ª


    They slit her throat.


    The snow turned red.


    And something inside him snapped.


    He did not scream.


    He did not cry.


    He simply rose to his feet, blood staining his hands as he held the lifeless body of the woman he loved.


    And in that moment, the man who had once been their brother was gone.


    Only wrath remained.


    And then he swore an oath.


    An oath that only ended with blood.


    Broken by grief, consumed by rage, he swore revenge.


    He abandoned everything¡ªhis past, his name, his mercy.


    For years, he wandered the mortal world, seeking power not for conquest, but for retribution.


    His path was paved with blood.


    He no longer fought for justice.


    He no longer fought for power.


    He fought for revenge.


    One by one, he hunted them down.


    The first died begging for mercy.


    The second tried to fight back¡ªbut he was no match for the monster his former friend had become.


    The third fled, but no one can run forever.


    And one by one, he hunted them down.


    The first died screaming. The second begged for mercy. The third tried to flee but found nowhere to hide.


    When it was over, he was alone.


    A man who had won every battle¡­ and lost everything else.


    A man with no home, no love, and no purpose beyond the revenge he had carved into existence.


    And yet, despite all his strength, all his power, he could not bring back what he had lost.


    I shut the book gently, exhaling a slow breath.


    The weight of the story settled in my chest¡ªa tale of love, betrayal, vengeance, and loss.


    I glanced up at Mr. Yan. "This¡­ this isn¡¯t just history, is it?"


    He gave me a small, knowing smile. "History is written by those who survive it."


    I leaned back in my seat, staring at the sky. The clouds drifted lazily above, as if unaware of the tragedies that had unfolded beneath them.


    "Does the book say what happened to him in the end?" I asked.


    Mr. Yan shook his head. "No one knows. Some say he became a ghost, a shadow wandering the lands. Others say he simply disappeared. Perhaps, after all his vengeance, he no longer had a reason to exist."


    I closed my eyes, letting his words sink in.


    "To seek power is easy. To lose oneself in it is even easier. But to find something worth holding onto¡­ that is the hardest path of all."


    As I sat there with Mr. Yan¡¯s that day, My mind was somewhere else , I couldn¡¯t help but wonder¡ªwas history doomed to repeat itself?


    And if so¡­


    Who would be left to write it?


    ----

 Chapter 17: A Meeting Beyond Status

    Chapter 17: A Meeting Beyond Status


    "Those who seek wisdom must first question their own ignorance. But those who seek power¡­ must first question their own desires."


    The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the mountains as the warmth of tea seeped through the porcelain cup in my hands, curling delicate wisps of steam into the air. Sitting in Mr. Yan¡¯s courtyard, I let the silence stretch between us, the weight of history settling in. The old biography still lay in my hands, its pages worn and fragile, yet brimming with a story that transcended time. It wasn¡¯t just a tale of revenge; it was a testament to the rise and fall of power, to love that endured through bloodshed, and to friendships that shattered under ambition.


    As I traced my fingers over the faded ink, Mr. Yan leaned forward, his voice carrying a hushed reverence.


    "It is said that he left his legacy somewhere," he mused, his gaze distant. "But until now, no one has ever found it."


    A breeze rustled the leaves, filling the silence between us. I stared at the book. History had a way of leaving behind echoes, and some echoes were worth listening to.


    My curiosity sharpened instantly. A historical figure, a hidden legacy, and the thrill of discovery¡ªit was the perfect mystery to chase. I glanced at Mr. Yan, trying to gauge his expression.


    "A legacy, huh?" I muttered, my mind already working through the possibilities. "If he truly traveled the entire mortal world, then his legacy could be anywhere. But if no one has found it after all these years, maybe people have been looking in the wrong place."


    I leaned back, considering the words. If this story was true, then somewhere in these vast lands lay an inheritance of a man whose path was carved by both vengeance and sorrow. A part of me wanted to know more¡ªnot just about his power, but about his mind, his regrets.


    Mr. Yan chuckled. "Are you planning to go treasure hunting, Mr. Li?"


    "I wouldn¡¯t call it treasure hunting. But if there¡¯s history to uncover, I¡¯d love to see it for myself but what a ordinary person like us can do."


    My love for history wasn¡¯t just an excuse to pass time. As someone who had been thrown into an unfamiliar world, history was my way of understanding how things came to be¡ªthe politics, the people, the lands beyond these mountains. I already had read many books in my store room where they piled up but it seems those books don''t seem to be run out of any time soon.


    "Would you mind if I borrowed this book for a while?" I asked. "I¡¯d like to research a bit."


    Mr. Yan grinned and waved his hand. "Take it. I know you¡¯ll treat it with more respect than most scholars."


    With that, I carefully tucked the book under my robes and bid him farewell, making my way back up the mountain.


    Upon reaching the tavern, I let out a sigh.


    "Another day, another lack of customers."


    Ever since that young lady and that maid girl came, not a single outsider had stepped through my doors. I wasn¡¯t exactly running a bustling business, but still, it was getting eerily quiet.


    Mei Yun, as usual, was behind the counter, idly polishing a wooden cup. She glanced at me as I entered, a knowing look in her eyes.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "Still no one?" I asked.


    She simply shook her head.


    I sighed again. "Alright, let¡¯s just close for today."


    As she moved to put away the signboard, I remembered something she had told me a few days ago. Something that, frankly, had left me a little baffled.


    "By the way," I said casually, "have you really decided to move to the village?"


    She stopped for a moment, then nodded. "Yes. I can¡¯t keep leeching off a great person like you."


    I frowned. "Great person? Where did you get that idea?"


    She smiled. "I don¡¯t know, and I would have to leave one day or another anyways , roundaboutly it''s not my house it''s yours"


    I opened my mouth to argue but quickly shut it. She¡­ wasn¡¯t exactly wrong.


    "Anyway," she continued, "I found a place in the village. With the money I make from selling herbs to you, I can afford it. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll still be working here, and it''s not much distance between them."


    "Well, as long as you¡¯re sure," I said, scratching my head. "It¡¯s not like I can stop you. You¡¯re a cultivator. Even if I wanted to tie you down, I doubt I could."


    She laughed. "Exactly. So don¡¯t worry about it."


    At least she was staying as an employee. Finding reliable help in a place like this wasn¡¯t easy.


    After that, just as I sat in the courtyard, there the air was filled with the gentle hum of insects and the faint rustling of the trees.


    Then came the knocking.


    I frowned. Visitors? At this hour?


    A firm, deliberate rhythm against the wooden gate.


    I frowned, rising to my feet.


    "Who is it?" I called.


    Silence. Then, a voice I recognized.


    "It¡¯s me, Lin Yu. May we come in?"


    My brows lifted. Lin Yu? What was she doing here again after I closed the tavern?


    I unlatched the gate and pulled it open.


    And there, standing beneath the lantern¡¯s glow, was Lin Yu¡ªLin Yu, the girl who had once been my tavern¡¯s first outsider customer, smiled politely. But my eyes drifted to the woman beside her¡ªshe was accompanied by a woman whose presence commanded the air around her.


    She was dressed in regal silk, her expression unreadable, but her sharp eyes studied me intently.


    I knew power when I saw it.


    This woman wasn¡¯t just strong¡ªshe was dangerous.


    A single glance was enough to tell me that she wasn''t someone to be triffled with.


    "Mr. Li," Lin Yu said with a respectful nod. "I apologize for disturbing you so late."


    I waved a hand. "It¡¯s fine. But I¡¯m guessing this isn¡¯t just a casual visit."


    She hesitated for a moment before speaking again.


    "You may have already guessed, but let me formally introduce myself. My real identity is , that of a  Princess  Lin Dynasty Lin Yun.


    Then straightening her posture and gesturing to the person beside her, "allow me to introduce my mother¡ªthe Empress."


    For a moment, my mind went blank.


    Not just a noble.


    Not just royalty.


    But the Empress.


    Her words barely registered as my mind blanked.


    What!? Princess? Empress?


    My first ever outsider customer was¡­ royalty?


    Lin Yun was my tavern¡¯s first outside customer who turned out to be the pricess of dynasty, and now, she had brought her mother the empress. The scale of things had just taken a drastic leap.


    Well. That escalated quickly.


    I somehow managed to keep my expression neutral. "Oh, I see."


    Lin Yun¡¯s eyes gleamed as she studied me. "As expected of an expert. You knew my identity all along."


    I did not. But I wasn¡¯t about to admit that.


    Meanwhile, the Empress was already surveying the tavern grounds. Her gaze swept over the spiritual pond, the surrounding energy-rich air, and the carefully maintained courtyard.


    Then she whispered, "An expert¡­ This is an expert¡¯s domain."


    I nearly choked on my own breath.


    Expert? What expert? I am just a guy running a tavern!


    Maintaining my usual deadpan expression, I turned to Mei Yun. "Bring some fruit for our guests."


    After settling them down, I handed them the cut fruits. "As you can see, I¡¯m just an ordinary tavern owner. This is all I can offer."


    The Empress and the Princess nodded, though I noticed the subtle way they examined the fruit. The moment they took a bite, their expressions shifted.


    Their eyes widened. Their breathing slowed.


    It was as if they had been plunged into an ocean of spiritual energy.


    Lin Yun, dazed, spoke first. "Mr. Li¡­ if you don¡¯t mind, could we taste your cuisine? We saw the tavern was closed, so¡ª"


    Before she could finish, the Empress cut in sharply.


    "Lin Yun! How can you be so rude to an expert?"


    I rubbed my temples.


    Lin Yun cleared her throat. "Mr. Li, don¡¯t mind her."


    The atmosphere changed.


    Their expressions grew serious, as if they were preparing for a conversation of life-and-death importance.


    I sighed internally.


    First, a hidden legacy.


    Then, a princess and an empress appearing at my doorstep.


    What next? Would the heavens themselves descend?


    One thing was certain. My quiet life as a mere tavern owner was slipping further and further away.


    -- -- --

 Chapter 18: The expert is dangerous

    Chapter 18: A Royal Predicament and a Simple Solution


    A Wise man once said,


    "Power is not held by those who wear the crown, but by those who understand the weight of the game. A wise ruler does not silence their enemies¡ªthey let them destroy each other."


    The moment Lin Yun and the Empress steadied themselves, I could feel the shift in the air.


    Serious expressions. Measured breathing. That look in their eyes¡ªthe kind that signaled the beginning of a conversation far more significant than just idle chatter.


    I leaned back slightly, observing them both. Yeah, they wanted something.


    Lin Yun was the first to speak.


    "Mr. Li, I need your wisdom on a matter of great importance."


    I raised an eyebrow. "I¡¯m listening."


    She took a deep breath.


    "As you know, I am the princess of this dynasty, and like my parents, I am a cultivator. Our focus has always been on cultivation rather than worldly affairs. However, after the founding of the new dynasty, while we were immersed in our training, the ministers'' influence grew immensely. Now, they seek to solidify their power by attempting to arrange marriages between me and their sons, all under the pretext of maintaining stability within the court."


    She clenched her fists, frustration evident in her voice.


    "They claim it is for the dynasty¡¯s peace, but I know it is just a ploy to seize control over the royal family. I do not wish to become a pawn in their games."


    I blinked.


    For a second, my mind drifted elsewhere.


    A princess being forced into a political marriage by scheming ministers? A court filled with treacherous plots? The looming struggle between power and freedom?


    I had seen this before.


    No, I had read this before.


    A lot of times.


    This was classic xianxia novel cliche #47¡ªThe Noble Princess''s Struggle Against Political Shackles?.


    And, if following the usual trope, this was where some underdog protagonist would step in. He¡¯d break into the wedding, fight off a dozen arrogant young masters, and declare his undying love for the princess while revealing that he was secretly the long-lost heir to an ancient power.


    I couldn''t help it. I got a little excited.


    My mind was already playing out various dramatic scenarios. Would she have a secret lover who¡¯d come to her rescue? Was there a hidden power backing one of the minister¡¯s sons? Would the protagonist arrive at the last second to stop the wedding and slap some arrogant young master into oblivion?The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    I struggled to keep my face straight.


    But I must not have done a great job.


    Because Lin Yun and the Empress suddenly looked¡­ terrified.


    Lin Yun thought in her mind seeing me smile,


    Why¡­ Why is he smiling like that?


    His gaze seemed far away, as if he were reminiscing about something beyond mortal comprehension.


    And then he muttered under his breath, "Ah, classic¡­"


    Classic?


    Did he say classic?


    "I see " he said,


    Her heartbeat quickened.


    Did that mean he had seen this situation before? Did he witness the rise and fall of other dynasties? Was he¡­ foreseeing something even more terrifying?


    While the empress stared at me thinking as if,


    Her instincts screamed at her. This man¡ªno, this expert¡ªwas thinking on a completely different level.


    That expression... was that amusement? Did he find our predicament entertaining?


    Had he seen this same scenario countless times before? Had he witnessed countless dynasties crumble under the weight of similar mistakes?


    Just how old was he?


    She forced herself to remain calm, but her heart pounded. This was dangerous. This was incredibly dangerous.


    "We must never make an enemy of this man" she thought to herself.


    The way they were staring at me, I suddenly realized I might have let my thoughts show a bit too much.


    I cleared my throat, quickly wiping the grin off my face.


    "Ahem. I can help you with this," I said, regaining my composure. "And the solution is quite simple."


    Lin Yun leaned forward, eyes filled with desperate hope. The Empress, however, remained stiff, as if bracing herself for divine judgment.


    I crossed my arms.


    "While it¡¯s important to maintain the stability of the dynasty, the problem here isn¡¯t the ministers¡¯ ambitions. It¡¯s that they see you as an easy target."


    Lin Yun¡¯s expression darkened.


    "So, what do you suggest?"


    "You need to turn them against each other," I said simply.


    The Empress blinked. Lin Yun tilted her head in confusion.


    "I don¡¯t understand."


    "It¡¯s simple. You have multiple suitors, right? The ministers are backing different factions. Instead of fighting them directly, you provoke them into fighting each other. Make them believe that the other faction is trying to win you over first."


    Lin Yun¡¯s eyes widened.


    "You mean¡­"


    "Yes," I smirked. "Fan the flames. Whisper carefully placed words to each faction. Make sure they believe that the opposing group is trying to gain favor with you. Once they start seeing each other as threats, they¡¯ll tear each other apart."


    The room fell silent.


    Lin Yun was staring at me like she had just been handed a golden ticket to salvation.


    The Empress¡­


    Well, her face looked like she had just swallowed something bitter.


    "Scary¡­" she muttered under her breath.


    I raised an eyebrow. "What was that?"


    "N-Nothing, Mr. Li!" she said quickly, forcing a stiff smile.


    From the empress¡¯s point of view she thought to her mind hearing my words,


    This¡­ this was terrifying.


    With just a few words, he had come up with a plan that could dictate the fate of the entire dynasty.


    This expart (Claimed himself a mortal) had effortlessly devised a strategy that could crush the power struggles in the royal court.


    And he said it so casually.


    This man is not normal.


    No¡ªhe is an entity beyond comprehension.


    She clenched her hands tightly under the table.


    "We must never become enemies with this man," she told herself. "If we do, we are doomed."


    Lin Yun suddenly straightened, her voice firm.


    "Mr. Li, I will follow your instructions exactly."


    I gave her a nod. "Good. But the most important part of this plan is your determination. If you hesitate, they¡¯ll see through it."


    Lin Yun¡¯s expression turned serious. "I understand. I won¡¯t falter."


    The Empress exhaled sharply, rubbing her temples.


    "To think that such a simple yet effective strategy could solve such a dangerous political issue¡­" she muttered. "Scary. This expert is truly scary."


    I coughed.


    "I¡¯m really just an ordinary tavern owner, you know."


    Silence.


    They both stared at me.


    Neither of them believed it.


    Well, whatever.


    I clapped my hands together.


    "Now that this matter is settled, how about we stop thinking about politics for a moment? You both came all the way up the mountain, after all. I might as well cook you a meal."


    Lin Yun¡¯s face brightened instantly.


    "That would be wonderful!"


    The Empress sighed but nodded.


    And just like that, another crisis was averted.


    For now.


    Because if my past experiences had taught me anything, it was that this was only the beginning.


    -- -- --

 Chapter 19: The Fragrance of Simplicity

    Chapter 19: The Fragrance of Simplicity and the Weight of Choices


    "The simplest joys in life¡ªgood food, quiet moments, and a peaceful existence¡ªare often the most fragile. The world may allow us to savor them for a time, but sooner or later, chaos comes knocking."


    The tension still lingered in the air as the princess and the empress sat stiffly in their spots, their postures prim and disciplined, not daring to make a single unnecessary movement in my presence. It was an amusing sight¡ªthese highborn royals, rulers of an entire dynasty, behaving like well-mannered schoolchildren afraid of offending their strict teacher.


    I, however, paid them no mind. The matter had already been discussed, and now it was time for something far more important than politics, dynasties, or scheming ministers¡ªfood.


    Standing up, I stretched my arms lazily and said, "I''ll go make something to eat. Sit tight."


    The princess and the empress nodded in unison, still maintaining their perfectly composed expressions, though I noticed Lin Yun sneak a glance toward her mother, as if seeking silent permission to speak. She hesitated but ultimately chose to stay silent.


    Stepping into the kitchen, I took a deep breath and rubbed my hands together. Alright, let''s see what we have here.


    There was meat, fresh and untouched. That was a rare find. Normally, I¡¯d just make some broth or stew¡ªsomething easy and quick. But today, I felt like making something proper.


    Something with history.


    I decided to make a classic dish from my past life¡ªone that had originated from the imperial courts of ancient China: Dongpo Pork.


    Exile¡ªwhat a strange state of existence. It is not merely the act of being cast out from a place, but rather, it is the feeling of being abandoned by the world itself. To walk through lands where no one knows your name, where no hands reach out in welcome, and where survival becomes a test of the soul.


    But some men do not allow exile to break them. Some men turn suffering into art.


    Su Dongpo, a poet and scholar of the Song Dynasty, was once banished to a remote region. But even in exile, he found joy in cooking, creating this dish as a testament to his undying spirit. Slow-cooked in soy sauce, wine, and aromatic spices, the pork became soft, tender, and so rich in flavor that even an emperor would bow before it.


    It is said that in those lonely years, with nothing but time and simple ingredients, he created Dongpo Pork¡ªa dish that has lasted through the centuries, not because of its ingredients, but because of its spirit.


    It is a dish born of patience.


    The pork is not simply cooked; it is slowly transformed. First, it is braised in water to remove impurities. Then, it is marinated in a rich blend of soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, star anise, and rock sugar. Finally, it is left to simmer for hours, the heat working its magic, softening the meat until it becomes so tender that it nearly melts at the touch of a chopstick.


    This dish is not just about flavor¡ªit is a philosophy.


    To eat Dongpo Pork is to understand that some things in life cannot be rushed. That true excellence requires time, patience, and quiet perseverance.


    The legend was amusing, really. A man exiled by politics, yet he turned his suffering into art. I could almost relate.


    I, too, was an outsider in this world. A stranger in unfamiliar lands. But just like him, I had found solace in the art of cooking.


    And so, as I placed the meat into the clay pot and let it simmer, I was not just preparing food, I was telling story.


    The fragrance filled the kitchen almost immediately, rich and deep, seeping into the air like a slow-moving spell. I placed the pork into a clay pot, adding water and more wine, then covered it and let it simmer over low heat.


    Some smells can tell stories.


    The fragrance of an old book can bring memories of childhood, of afternoons spent lost in stories. The scent of rain on dry earth can remind one of home, of the feeling of stepping barefoot onto the wet ground.


    But the scent of slow-cooked, braised pork¡­


    That was the scent of paradise itself.


    As the dish slowly cooked, its rich, intoxicating aroma seeped through the kitchen walls, curling like an invisible mist, creeping into the courtyard, where the empress and princess still sat.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    At first, they remained still, their royal training keeping them composed. But then, as the smell grew stronger, deeper, richer, I heard the first signs of weakness.


    A soft gasp.


    "M-Mother¡­ this smell¡­"


    "Lin Yun¡­ can you feel it?"


    "Feel it? Mother¡­ I can see it."


    "Yes, Lin Yun. This¡­ this aroma¡­ it''s not just mortal food. It carries¡­ spiritual essence!"


    The empress sounded like she was on the verge of enlightenment, as if my cooking had revealed to her the mysteries of the Dao itself.


    Inside, I chuckled to myself.


    "Relax, ladies. It¡¯s just braised pork."


    But of course, I didn¡¯t say that out loud. Let them have their dramatic moments.


    And indeed, it was not just a fragrance¡ªit was an experience.


    The moment the scent reached them, it was as if the entire world shifted.The air around them changed, becoming warm, full of life. The wind carried the scent like an immortal¡¯s whisper, wrapping around them like an embrace.


    In that moment, they were no longer in the courtyard.


    They were elsewhere.


    They saw rolling mountains covered in mist, golden fields stretching into the horizon, clear rivers reflecting the sunlight. They saw mythical birds soaring in the sky, their feathers shining with colors unknown to mortals.


    They were not just sitting on wooden benches.


    They were floating in the land of immortals.


    The empress closed her eyes, breathing in deeply, as if trying to capture the moment forever.


    Lin Yun trembled slightly, gripping the edge of her sleeve, as if afraid that if she moved too quickly, the vision would shatter.


    And all of this¡­


    Was caused by a single dish.


    After a long while, the dish was finally ready. I plated the succulent, glossy pork, the sauce shimmering under the light, its surface like molten amber. Then, I carried it out said, "Enjoy."


    There was a moment of absolute silence.


    The two royal women simply stared at the dish.


    Their eyes wide. Their mouths slightly open. Their fingers twitching ever so slightly.


    For all their royal etiquette, for all their training in self-restraint, there was no force in this world that could stop them from what happened next.


    They lunged.


    Gone was the graceful, dignified aura of nobility. In its place was raw, primal hunger.


    Lin Yun grabbed a piece of pork, her chopsticks trembling as she placed it in her mouth. The moment it touched her tongue, her entire body shuddered.


    "Mmm¡ª!"


    The sound she made was so utterly undignified that she immediately blushed, but it didn¡¯t matter. Nothing mattered anymore.


    The empress, usually composed and refined, had already abandoned all shame. She took another bite, then another, her eyes slightly wet as she let out a deep, satisfied sigh.


    She, the ruler of a dynasty, was stuffing her mouth at a speed that made me fear she might choke. Lin Yun, usually so composed, was letting out small, almost unnoticeable moans of pleasure with each bite.


    "Mother¡­ this taste¡­ I¡­ I can¡¯t¡­"


    "This is¡­ this is divine¡­ No, this is beyond divine¡­"


    Seeing them lose all composure, I began wondering if I had made a mistake. Perhaps I should have stuck with something simple.


    "If I knew they¡¯d react like this, I would¡¯ve just made congee."


    "This¡­ This is beyond divine."


    They ate as if they had been starving for years.


    And as I stood there, watching them practically worship my cooking, I could only take a step back, feeling¡­


    Terrified, I took a step back.


    "I think they¡¯ve liked my cooking probably!?."


    After a long, chaotic eating session, the two women finally sat back, looking both satisfied and devastated.


    They clearly wanted more. But who was going to ask this terrifying ''expert'' to cook another bowl?


    Instead, they stood up, bowed deeply, and thanked me profusely before leaving.


    The empress muttered under her breath, "Terrifying¡­ This expert is terrifying¡­"


    Lin Yun, meanwhile, looked back at me before leaving, as if she were memorizing my face for future reference.


    I sighed and rubbed my temples.


    A few days passed.


    Business, as usual, was nonexistent. No new customers. No visitors.


    I considered relocating, but at the same time, this peaceful, secluded life wasn¡¯t bad. The system before it left it had already provided me with everything I needed to survive, so there was no real urgency to move elsewhere.


    Then, one day, Mr. Yan arrived with his son.


    He casually drank his herbal tea while his son devoured something eerily similar to a modern burger. I had replicated it, of course.


    Lately, Mr. Yan had been coming more often, asking about ways to improve the education system in the village. He was passionate about knowledge, and I found our conversations strangely entertaining.


    But today, he was talking about something else.


    "Leaving the village, there¡¯s a port city," he said. "And soon, there will be a festival. A grand one¡ªsomething like a carnival."


    I raised an eyebrow. "You seem unusually excited about this."


    Then I saw his sparkling eyes.


    A chill ran down my spine.


    "No. No, no, no. I don¡¯t like that look."


    And sure enough, the moment he opened his mouth, my suspicion was confirmed.


    "Let¡¯s go together!"


    I groaned inwardly.


    "Great. Just great."


    A normal person in this world wouldn¡¯t dare leave their home unnecessarily. Danger lurked everywhere. But Mr. Yan? No, he wanted to drag me into it.


    I tried to refuse. I really did.


    But he was persistent.


    Eventually, I sighed in defeat.


    "Fine. Let¡¯s go. What could happen?"


    After Mr. Yan left, I let mei yun eat her meal she was working hard all this time and I walked to the small pond behind the tavern.


    Sitting down, I picked up a handful of fish food and scattered it across the water. The koi swam toward it immediately, their scales reflecting the soft glow of the setting sun.


    There was something peaceful about this moment.


    No noise. No chaos. Just the gentle ripples in the water, the rhythmic movement of the fish, and the distant sound of wind whispering through the trees.


    "Perhaps this is all I really need in life."


    After seeing them eating a question rippled in my mind,


    "If a dish can transport one''s soul to heaven, does that mean the body was ever truly here? And if a meal can bring such fleeting joy, is hunger merely the absence of flavor¡ªor the longing for something beyond taste?"


    But as I gazed at the horizon, I couldn¡¯t help but pray that this trip to the port city would be fine.


    That no trouble would wait somewhere.


    But as saying goes trouble always found it''s way through mist


    -- -- --

 Chapter 20: The Arrow That Pierced the Heavens

    Chapter 20: The Arrow That Pierced the Heavens


    The world always seemed gentler in the morning. The simmering sun stretched its golden fingers across the sky, pushing away the last remnants of night. A delicate warmth bathed the earth, kissing the dew-soaked leaves and weaving through the branches of ancient trees. Birds chirped their morning songs, and the faint rustling of the wind through the grass carried a sense of peace.


    For most people, mornings were a time of renewal, a fresh start. A moment where one could breathe deeply and feel at peace with the world. But for me?


    "Ah, what a fine day!" I stretched, letting out a satisfied sigh. "The perfect day¡­ to go hunting."


    I wasn''t a philosopher, but I had my own way of seeing the world. Life was simple: when the tavern was empty, I hunted. When the tavern was full, I cooked. And when neither was happening, I slept. A straightforward way of living, free from unnecessary complications.


    Lately, business had been slow. There had been barely any customers for days, which would have been a cause for concern¡ªif I actually cared. Instead, I took it as an opportunity to enjoy life. Why worry about coins when I had the whole forest as my personal pantry?


    I slipped into my hunting gear, strapping my quiver to my back and making sure my bowstring was taut. I ran my fingers over the finely crafted wood, feeling the familiar comfort of a well-worn weapon.


    "Alright, let''s see what''s on the menu today."


    The forest was my domain. Unlike the man-made roads of the village or the clatter of the marketplace, the wild had its own language¡ªone that I had learned to understand over time. The whisper of leaves, the soft crunch of soil beneath my boots, the distant cries of unseen creatures¡ªit all painted a vivid picture.


    As I moved through the trees, I kept my senses sharp, scanning for any movement. Hunting wasn¡¯t just about shooting arrows; it was about patience, about blending into the environment, about knowing when to act and when to wait.


    A good hunter didn¡¯t chase prey recklessly. No, a good hunter let the prey come to them.


    I crouched near a bush, watching a rabbit nibble on some grass. "Too easy," I mused, moving on.


    I wanted something better. Something bigger.


    That was when I looked up and saw it¡ªa massive eagle soaring through the sky, its wings slicing through the air with effortless grace. It was a king of the heavens, untouchable, majestic.


    I grinned. "Eagle meat stew¡­ now that¡¯s a delicacy!"


    Little did I know, I was not the only hunter in these woods today.


    Far above, a battle raged. A woman, her silver robes stained with blood, her hair disheveled, struggled to stay aloft. Her grip on her sword was tight, but her movements were slowing.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    She was breathtaking even in her dire state, a warrior who had fought beyond her limits yet refused to fall. Her breathing was ragged, her wounds deep, but her eyes still burned with defiance.


    Opposite her, a monstrous bird-like beast hovered in the air, its dark feathers glistening ominously. It radiated an oppressive aura, a presence that sent shivers through the air.


    The woman gritted her teeth. "Evil beast! My Immortal Sword Sect will not spare you!"


    The beast let out a cruel, grating laugh.


    "Immortal Sword Sect? What a joke!" It sneered, flapping its wings. "Your so-called elders have already fallen. My Hundred Beast Sect has crushed them. Even your father must have met his end by now."


    The woman¡¯s face paled. "Impossible! My father is strong¡­ he must be fine!"


    But the beast was relentless. It dived at her with razor-sharp talons, its attacks swift and merciless. She barely managed to parry, the force of the blow sending tremors through her arms.


    She knew she couldn¡¯t win in the sky. Her mind raced. "If I can just lure it into the forest¡­ it won¡¯t be able to maneuver freely!"


    Taking a deep breath, she made a daring choice¡ªshe let go of her sword and allowed herself to fall.


    "Come, let¡¯s die together!"


    But the beast only sneered and rose higher.


    "Hah! You think I¡¯d be that stupid?"


    Despair settled in her heart. "No! I¡¯ve been seen through¡­ the gap between the Martial Spirit Early Stage and the Late Stage is too vast¡­ is this really how I die?"


    Unaware of the battle above, I focused on my target.


    My fingers brushed against the bowstring, pulling it back with a smooth motion. The air grew still, the world narrowing to a single point¡ªthe eagle¡¯s flight path. My breathing slowed.


    "Bird, prepare to become my next meal!"


    Just as I loosed the arrow, the ¡®eagle¡¯ turned its gaze toward me.


    "Bird?! I am a hawk, you lowly mortal! Are you looking for dea¡ª"


    The arrow sliced through the air with a high-pitched whistle, faster than any ordinary shot. The beast¡¯s qi barrier shattered like fragile glass, and the arrow buried itself deep into its chest.


    A strangled cry tore from its beak as its body went rigid.


    "Impossible¡­! A mere mortal¡­ took down an immortal beast¡­?"


    With disbelief in its fading eyes, it plummeted from the sky, crashing to the ground in a heap.


    I pumped my fist in triumph. "Hah! Perfect shot!"


    The woman gasped for breath, barely believing what she had witnessed. Then, her gaze fell on the arrow.


    Her fingers traced the carvings along its shaft.


    "Dao Engraving¡­?" she whispered. "This arrow¡­ actually has Dao Engravings on it!"


    Then, a voice broke her thoughts.


    "Hey! Don¡¯t fall too far, my bird!"


    She turned her head, and her breath caught.


    A young man¡ªme¡ªstrode forward, bow in hand, dressed in simple hunting attire. There was no overwhelming aura, no spiritual qi fluctuations, nothing.


    Yet, he had shot down a beast beyond her strength with a single arrow.


    "This man¡­ could he be a hidden master?"


    I slowed my steps, taking in the scene. A stunning woman, clearly injured, lay next to my fallen prey. My first thought?


    "Eh? Someone¡¯s here?"


    My second thought?


    "Wow¡­ she¡¯s beautiful."


    She was staring at me, eyes filled with something unreadable. I felt my cheeks heat up.


    "Erm, excuse me, miss, but you¡¯re kind of bleeding a lot."


    Without answering, she suddenly bowed, her body trembling. "Senior¡­ please¡­ sa¡­ ve¡­"


    Before she could finish, she collapsed.


    I barely caught her in time. "Hey! Miss? Miss?! What happened to you?"


    No response.


    My face darkened. "She must¡¯ve been at her limit¡­ but even then, she held on this long. She must be a cultivator."


    I sighed, shifting her unconscious form in my arms. "First, I hunt a bird, and now I have a half-dead fairy in my hands. What a day."


    I looked down at the woman, her breath shallow but steady.


    I exhaled. "Guess I have no choice¡­ time to play hero."


    I slung my bow over my shoulder, adjusted my grip on the woman, and walked away from the battlefield.


    "So much for a simple hunting trip."


    Little did I know, this was only the beginning.

 Chapter 21: The Sleeping Immortal and the Mortal鈥檚 Dream

    Chapter 21: The Sleeping Immortal and the Mortal¡¯s Dream


    The woman¡¯s body was lighter than I expected, though the weight of responsibility she carried was clearly immense. The moment I had caught her in my arms, I knew she wasn¡¯t just some traveler or wandering cultivator¡ªshe was something greater, something beyond my understanding.


    Yet, at this moment, she was helpless. A fallen bird, a warrior without strength.


    I carried her through the dense forest, moving quickly but carefully. The sun was still high, casting golden rays that flickered through the leaves. My mind raced as I took in her injuries¡ªdeep gashes, bruises forming along her arms, and a faintly trembling breath. I wasn¡¯t a doctor, nor was I some miracle worker, but I had learned a few things in my time.


    By the time I reached my courtyard, I was sweating lightly, though the weight in my arms remained steady.


    "Alright, let¡¯s see what I can do," I muttered, pushing the door to one of my guest rooms open with my foot.


    The room wasn¡¯t extravagant, just simple and clean¡ªwooden walls, a polished floor, and a bed that was a little too soft for a simple tavern owner like me. The air carried the faint scent of sandalwood and the lingering warmth of afternoon sunlight.


    I gently laid her on the bed and exhaled, rubbing the back of my neck. "Phew! Finally, it¡¯s done."


    With careful hands, I pulled out the few medical supplies I had¡ªa salve made from crushed herbs, some bandages, and a basin of warm water. I worked swiftly, wiping the dried blood, applying the ointment to her wounds, and wrapping them as best as I could. My fingers hesitated when I reached for her wrist, feeling the faint pulse beneath my touch.


    Her skin was warm, but not feverish. A good sign, at least.


    Stepping back, I sighed, wiping my brow. "That¡¯s the extent of my small medical knowledge. Now all depends on the effects."


    I stared at my work, feeling a sliver of doubt creep into my voice. "Although I can guarantee the effects on a normal person, in the end¡­ it¡¯s a mortal skill. Who knows how¡ªor if¡ªit¡¯s going to have any effect on an immortal cultivator?"


    I shook my head, folding my arms. "She seemed pretty strong, though," I muttered, glancing at her unconscious face. Even in sleep, there was a quiet strength about her, a kind of unshakable dignity.


    I pulled up a chair, sitting beside her, my gaze lingering on her peaceful expression.


    A thought slipped into my mind, unbidden.


    "Man¡­ it¡¯d be great if I could cultivate too."


    I leaned back, staring at the ceiling. "If I could cultivate, I¡¯d be able to fly in the sky, cross vast mountains in a single step¡­ I¡¯d be able to see the world from above instead of being stuck here, feet planted firmly on the ground."


    A small chuckle escaped me. "Well, dreams are free, aren¡¯t they?"


    I had long accepted my reality. I was just a tavern owner, a simple hunter. My hands wielded no sword of heaven, no profound arts that could shake the world.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    But still, sometimes¡­


    Sometimes, I wondered what it would feel like to soar.


    Outside, Mei Yun¡¯s voice rang through the courtyard. "Boss! The eagle meat is ready!"


    I snapped out of my thoughts, standing up with a stretch. "Coming, coming!"


    Leaving the woman to rest, I stepped outside, where the scent of roasted meat greeted me like an old friend. Mei Yun had done a fine job, her skills in the kitchen as sharp as ever.


    As I took a seat by the fire, tearing into a juicy piece of well-seasoned meat, I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. "If that so-called immortal beast saw itself being turned into dinner, it would probably die all over again from shame."


    Mei Yun smirked, passing me another piece. "Maybe that¡¯s why it lost to you in the first place¡ªit had already accepted its fate as food."


    I laughed, shaking my head.


    If only life were that simple.


    Meanwhile, back in the guest room, the woman stirred.


    Her eyelashes fluttered, her breath deepened, and then¡ªher eyes snapped open.


    A sharp inhale. Awareness flooded back into her like a tidal wave.


    "I¡­ I''m alive?"


    She sat up slowly, her fingers brushing over her own skin. Her wounds¡ªones that should have taken weeks to heal¡ªwere almost completely gone.


    "Huh! My wounds are healed!"


    She frowned, tilting her head. "How long was I unconscious?"


    Her gaze drifted to the simple yet well-maintained room around her. Then, her mind replayed what had happened before she blacked out.


    "That mortal¡­ no, that senior¡­ he must be a hidden expert! To bring me back here and treat my wounds so perfectly¡­ Could he be one of those legendary hermits who conceal their abilities from the world?"


    Her heart pounded with renewed hope.


    "If I can ask for Senior¡¯s help, I¡¯ll definitely be able to destroy the Hundred Beast Sect!"


    But before that¡­


    She sighed, relaxing against the plush mattress. "But first¡­ rest. This bed is so fluffy, so comfortable¡­"


    She sank into the softness, the tension in her body melting away. But as she traced her fingers along the mattress, she suddenly stiffened.


    "Huh? These patterns¡­"


    She sat up, her fingers running over the engravings stitched into the fabric. Her expression shifted from relaxation to shock.


    "There¡¯s no mistake¡­ these are Spiritual Qi and Dao Engravings!"


    Her gaze darted around the room. The wooden furniture, the crafted items, the simple paintings¡ªeach of them radiated an aura that only an expert could recognize.


    Her breath caught in her throat as her eyes landed on a particular painting.


    It depicted a vast sky, an endless ocean, birds soaring high, and fish swimming freely below.


    But the longer she stared, the more she felt as if she was being drawn into it.


    Her vision wavered¡ªthen suddenly, the entire painting came to life.


    She could see it. Feel it.


    The sky stretched infinitely, the waves roared with power, the birds dived gracefully through the air. It was as if a whole different world existed within the painting itself.


    Then, her gaze landed on a calligraphy scroll nearby. The words were written in a flowing, elegant script.


    "The great river flows eastward, washing away all the heroes of history."


    She kept staring at the calligraphy writing as if it telling a universal truth which is beyond comprehension of mortals


    No matter how powerful a cultivator is, if they do not transcend mortality, they too will be forgotten.


    As she read those words and thinking about it, her body


    trembled,


    " t-this it loosened my bottleneck... I''m about to breakthrough."


    An unseen force surged through her meridians, rushing like a river breaking through a dam.


    A breakthrough.


    Martial Spirit Early Stage¡­ to Middle Stage¡­ to Peak Stage.


    All in one fell swoop.


    Her hands trembled. "The painting¡­ its stimulation caused my breakthrough?"


    Her heart pounded. "What in the world¡­ is this place?"


    Just then, the door creaked open.


    "Oh, you¡¯re awake," came a familiar voice.


    Startled, she turned her head sharply.


    The young man from before¡ªcasual, relaxed, and completely unaware of the immense power surrounding him.


    Panic surged in her chest.


    "Who is he really?! Where did he come from?!"


    Her voice rang out before she could stop herself.


    "Who are you?! Where did you come from?!"


    He blinked at her, his expression calm.


    "I¡¯m just the owner of a tavern who, by chance, saved you from the forest," he said, crossing his arms. "And right now¡­ you¡¯re in my place."


    Her breath hitched.


    A simple statement.


    But why did it feel like the words of a man far beyond her comprehension?


    -- -- --

 Chapter 22: A Meal with the Hidden Expert

    Chapter 22: A Meal with the Hidden Expert


    The golden morning light filtered through the wooden windows, casting warm shadows across the small but well-furnished room. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of fresh dew and the faint aroma of roasted meat from the kitchen.


    I stood at the doorway, glancing at the woman who had just woken up. She looked much better than before¡ªher complexion had regained some color, and the traces of exhaustion on her face had lessened. It seemed my rudimentary medical skills weren¡¯t entirely useless after all.


    "You seem to have recovered," I said, leaning casually against the frame. "I made a simple meal, so please come and have some."


    The woman, who had been lost in her thoughts while gazing at the calligraphy on the wall, suddenly turned toward me. Her deep, clear eyes flickered with emotions I couldn¡¯t quite place¡ªgratitude, respect, and something else, something hesitant.


    Without warning, she quickly bowed, her expression serious. "Senior, I¡¯m really sorry for causing you trouble!"


    I blinked. Senior?


    A chuckle almost escaped my lips. What¡¯s with this lady?


    I sighed and waved my hand. "What senior? I¡¯m not some senior," I said, shaking my head. "And it¡¯s not a problem. I run a tavern, so if you feel guilty, you can just pay me for the meal. That would be enough."


    She straightened up, her face tinged with an odd shade of pink. Her gaze shifted slightly downward, as if hesitant to meet my eyes.


    "Senior¡­ thank you for saving me," she said softly, almost shyly. "But I don¡¯t even know your name."


    I shrugged, keeping my tone casual. "My name is Li Wei. You can just call me by my first name."


    There was a pause. She seemed to consider my words carefully, before responding in a voice filled with quiet determination.


    "Then¡­ I¡¯ll call you Senior Li."


    I stared at her.


    Is something wrong with her mind? I literally just told her to not call me ¡®Senior.¡¯


    I sighed internally. Whatever.


    She smiled slightly, her expression a bit more relaxed. "If Senior Li doesn¡¯t mind, you can call me Xiao Wu."


    I nodded absentmindedly. "Alright, Xiao Wu."


    Her eyes brightened for a moment before she quickly lowered her gaze again. Strange girl¡­


    By the time we reached the dining table, the fragrant aroma of roasted eagle meat filled the air. The meat was perfectly cooked¡ªgolden brown on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. I had gone through some effort to spice it properly, adding a touch of herbs for extra flavor.


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Sitting down, I gestured toward the food. "Xiao Wu, eat this cooked eagle meat. It tastes good."


    She reached out for the chopsticks but then froze.


    Her fingers trembled slightly as she stared at the meat on her plate, her face turning pale.


    "...This¡­?"


    For a few seconds, she just sat there, utterly speechless.


    Her mind felt as if it had shattered into pieces.


    She had fought and bled against this very beast. It was a rare and terrifying creature, its strength formidable, its presence enough to make cultivators shudder in fear. In the Hundred Beast Sect, its existence was revered, seen as a symbol of strength and supremacy.


    And now¡­


    This man¡ªno, this ordinary tavern owner¡ªwas treating it like some regular bird, cooked with spices and served on a wooden plate.


    How could this be?


    How could he just¡­ eat it like it was nothing?!


    Her throat felt dry.


    "...Beyond belief¡­" she muttered under her breath.


    Her gaze flickered to Li Wei, who was happily eating his portion, completely unaware of the turmoil in her heart.


    With a panicked expression, she quickly stood up.


    "I-I''m sorry, Senior Li, but I can¡¯t stay here to eat. I have to leave right now to attend to urgent business!"


    She bowed deeply, her voice filled with both gratitude and urgency. "I¡¯ll definitely come to eat at your tavern next time. Thank you for your grace!"


    I raised an eyebrow. Huh?


    "Alright, I won¡¯t make it hard for you," I said, setting my chopsticks down. "I¡¯ll see you out."


    But as I moved to stand, she immediately waved her hands frantically.


    "Y-you d-don¡¯t have to bother! I¡¯ll go flying¡­!"


    Before I could even react, she turned and disappeared through the door, her figure soaring into the sky with a swift burst of spiritual energy.


    I sat there, staring at the now-empty seat.


    "...What just happened?"


    I exhaled and leaned back against my chair, looking up at the sky through the open doorway.


    Flying.


    That effortless, weightless movement, the way cultivators soared through the air as if they were born to be free.


    A wry chuckle escaped my lips.


    "Must be nice¡­"


    I wasn¡¯t bitter. No, not really. But there was a certain wistfulness to it, a deep yearning buried somewhere in my heart.


    For someone like me, the sky was a distant dream, an untouchable horizon.


    While cultivators moved freely, untethered by gravity, I remained here¡ªon the ground, my feet planted firmly on the earth.


    For a long time, I had convinced myself that it didn¡¯t matter. That my life, my little tavern, my simple existence¡ªit was enough.


    And yet¡­


    As I watched Xiao Wu disappear into the distance, a thought stirred within me.


    "I envy you all . Damn and here I''m being a another world traveler struck in this backyard mountains tavern ?"


    I shook my head. No use thinking about something impossible.


    Sighing, I picked up my chopsticks again and resumed eating.


    "Mei yun you also eat or it will get cold."


    She was watching the whole show with great interest all the time with curiosity in her eyes.


    "What the hell is she thinking? Are all cultivator has a screw loose in this world?" I complaind in my mind.


    By the way, The eagle meat is really good. It would¡¯ve been a shame to let it go to waste.


    Meanwhile, high above the clouds, Xiao Wu¡¯s heart was still pounding.


    She had left in a hurry, not because of urgent business, but because she simply couldn¡¯t handle staying in that place a moment longer.


    That Senior Li...


    He was beyond comprehension.


    Casually killing a terrifying beast. Cooking it like common poultry. Offering it to her as if it were a simple meal.


    She was strong. She had seen powerful figures before. But never in her life had she seen such an unfathomable existence.


    How could someone be this powerful¡­ and yet act so normal?


    Her fingers tightened around the air as she soared forward, her mind racing.


    "If I can gain Senior Li¡¯s guidance¡­ if I can just learn from him, even a little¡­"


    She clenched her fist holding something in her hands, " Now there''s a urgent matter to attend"


    "Then the Hundred Beast Sect¡­ will be nothing before me!"


    Her lips pressed into and her spirit burned with newfound determination.


    Back at the tavern, I finished my meal, leaned back in my chair, and let out a satisfied sigh.


    The world was still the same. The birds still chirped, the wind still whispered through the trees, and my tavern still stood, waiting for customers.


    Maybe I didn¡¯t have the ability to fly. Maybe I would always remain here, watching the sky instead of soaring through it.


    But that was fine.


    For now, at least.

 Chapter 23: The Betrayal and the Burning Sky

    Chapter 23: The Betrayal and the Burning Sky


    The Flying Cloud Sect, once a bastion of honor, was now drowning in chaos. The air was thick with the stench of blood and burnt flesh, and the once-pristine sect grounds were now nothing but a graveyard of shattered stone and broken bodies.


    Disciples fought desperately against the evil beast cultivators, their swords carving streaks of silver and crimson through the night. Screams and roars intertwined, forming a twisted symphony of war. For every disciple who fell, another leaped forward, their eyes blazing with unyielding determination. The sect elders, their robes stained with blood, unleashed devastating sword techniques, each strike like a comet descending from the heavens. Blades clashed against claws, sword light against sinister demonic qi.


    A disciple screamed as an evil beast cultivator ripped through his chest, but before the fiend could revel in its kill, a sect elder''s blade sliced through its throat. Another disciple, barely standing, laughed bitterly as he thrust his sword into an enemy¡¯s stomach, only to be skewered moments later by a black claw. Life and death intermingled, with no certainty as to which side would emerge victorious.


    At the heart of this blood-drenched battlefield, on the shattered steps of the grand hall, Xue Wujian, the Sect Leader, knelt on the ground. His once-majestic white robes were tattered and soaked in blood. A deep wound carved across his chest still dripped, but his eyes burned with fury, not despair.


    Before him stood Tai Xuan, a man who had once been a brother in arms, a sworn protector of the sect. But now, the loyalty in his eyes had long since faded, replaced by the cold glint of betrayal.


    "Tai Xuan¡­ I have treated you well all these years! How could you betray my trust, you ungrateful bastard?" Xue Wujian¡¯s voice was hoarse with pain and disbelief. The weight of his injuries was nothing compared to the weight in his heart.


    Tai Xuan merely scoffed. "Treated me well?" He spat on the bloodied floor. "You, a man stuck at the Martial Spirit Realm for twenty years, dare call yourself a leader? What future does this sect have with a man like you at its helm?"


    He gestured towards the destruction around them, as if proving his point. "This is inevitable, Xue Wujian. Your era is over. Clinging to power like a stubborn old ghost won¡¯t change fate."


    Xue Wujian gritted his teeth. "Nonsense! If you hadn¡¯t allied yourself with these filth, how could my sect be on the verge of collapse?" His fingers dug into the stone beneath him, trying to push himself up.


    A deep chuckle came from behind. A tall figure emerged from the shadows, his very presence exuding a suffocating pressure. The laughter was laced with mockery, each step he took like the ticking of an executioner¡¯s clock.


    It was Qin Hao, the Hundred Beast Sect Leader. His dark crimson robes flowed like liquid night, his eyes gleaming with the arrogance of a predator toying with its prey.


    "Quite the resistance, Xue Wujian," Qin Hao mused. "But let¡¯s be realistic. Your sect is finished. If you surrender now, I might even grant you the position of an elder under my rule."


    Xue Wujian¡¯s eyes burned like dying embers. "You want me, Xue Wujian, to kneel before you? Dream on."


    Qin Hao sighed, feigning disappointment. "What a shame. I would¡¯ve liked a stubborn old dog like you to bark under my command. Since you refuse¡­" He raised a hand, black energy coiling around his fingers like writhing serpents. "I¡¯ll just have to put you down."


    Before he could strike, a sharp voice cut through the battlefield like a blade laced with lightning.


    "Qin Hao, you evil bastard! I¡¯m going to kill you!"


    The air trembled. All eyes turned skyward.


    A lone figure hovered above the battlefield, her silhouette framed against the bloodied moon. Xiaowu, her robes billowing, held her sword pointed directly at the traitors. Her eyes burned with unshaken fury, her presence radiating defiance.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    The battlefield fell silent for a moment. Then, laughter erupted.


    "Hahaha! I thought the little beauty had run away, but she actually came back to die!" one of the evil cultivators sneered.


    "A mere early-stage Martial Spirit cultivator wants to challenge us? This is hilarious!" Another one jeered.


    Xue Wujian¡¯s heart tightened with fear. He coughed out blood, his voice desperate. "Xiaowu! Why did you come back? Run! I¡¯ll hold them off!"


    But to his shock, she merely smiled¡ªa smile filled with unwavering determination. "Leave it to me¡­ Father."


    The sky burned with sword light. Xiaowu hovered in the air, her blade pointed straight at Qin Hao, the Hundred Beast Sect¡¯s leader. Her robes fluttered like a banner of defiance against the night sky, and her eyes gleamed with an unshaken resolve.


    On the sect¡¯s grand sword platform, her father, Xue Wujian, was struggling to stand. His once-immaculate robes were torn and soaked in blood, his face pale from the wounds inflicted by both his enemies and his former brother-in-arms, Tai Xuan.


    "Xiaowu!" he roared, his voice hoarse but filled with authority. "Don¡¯t talk nonsense! You don¡¯t understand the danger¡ªQin Hao is a peak Martial Spirit cultivator! You are no match for him! Run! I will hold them off!"


    For a brief moment, Xiaowu¡¯s lips twitched in a half-smile, but her grip on her sword only tightened.


    Qin Hao sneered. "Run? You think you can run? Dream on!"


    He raised his hand, and instantly, a wave of demonic qi surged forward. The evil beast cultivators roared in unison as they lunged at the remaining disciples of the Immortal Sword Sect. The ground shook as battle erupted anew, swords clashing, blood splattering, and the air filling with desperate cries.


    Xiaowu did not hesitate.


    With a flash, she turned her sword towards the traitors¡ªthose who had betrayed their sect, their brothers, and their honor.


    Tai Xuan, who had stood with a smug expression moments ago, suddenly felt a pressure descend upon him like a mountain crashing from the heavens. His body trembled uncontrollably.


    "T-this¡­!"


    The other traitors turned to look at her¡ªonly to freeze in terror as an invisible force pressed against them, making it impossible to breathe.


    "M-Martial Spirit peak?!" One of them stammered, his eyes filled with disbelief. "How? How did she break through?"


    A single day.


    A single day was all it took for her to leap to the very peak of the Martial Spirit Realm.


    Tai Xuan felt his legs weaken. This wasn¡¯t supposed to happen. Xiaowu was barely at the early stage just yesterday¡ªhow could she advance so terrifyingly fast?


    A terrible realization dawned upon them.


    They were not her match.


    And they never would be.


    "N-nooooooo¡ª!"


    Before they could even react, a terrifying sword qi erupted from Xiaowu¡¯s blade.


    Like a tidal wave crashing upon a fragile sandcastle, her sword strike obliterated them into dust.


    Not a single trace remained.


    The battlefield fell silent.


    Qin Hao¡¯s smirk disappeared.


    The arrogance, the cruelty, the superiority that he always carried¡ªall of it was replaced by pure, undiluted fear.


    His fingers twitched. "Impossible¡­" His voice cracked as he took an involuntary step back. "A single day¡­ You advanced to the peak in a single day?! How?!"


    Even Xue Wujian, his own father, was at a complete loss for words. He stared at his daughter with shock and confusion.


    "Xiaowu¡­ how¡­?"


    Xiaowu, however, did not answer.


    Her blade, still dripping with invisible power, slowly turned towards Qin Hao.


    Her voice was as cold as an executioner passing judgment.


    "It''s your turn."


    Qin Hao felt his breath catch.


    A cultivator at the peak of the Martial Spirit Realm was not someone he could easily suppress anymore.


    The tables had turned.


    And he was no longer the hunter¡ªhe was the prey.


    His fists clenched. Damn it! If he fought her now, the risk was too high. If he lost, the Hundred Beast Sect would lose its strongest leader. That could not happen.


    A decision had to be made.


    With a dark scowl, Qin Hao gritted his teeth and shouted:


    "Retreat!"


    His voice carried through the battlefield like a dying beast¡¯s last cry.


    The remaining evil cultivators hesitated for a moment before breaking formation and fleeing in panic.


    "You just wait!" Qin Hao¡¯s voice was venomous. "Your sect will fall sooner or later! This is not the end!"


    And with that, he turned and vanished into the darkness.


    For a moment, silence reigned over the battlefield.


    Then¡ª


    "We did it!"


    A disciple suddenly shouted.


    "We defended the sect! Hooray!"


    The next moment, cheers erupted like a thunderstorm.


    Disciples, bloodied and exhausted, threw their fists into the air. Some collapsed to their knees, laughing through their tears, while others simply held onto each other, relief washing over them like a long-awaited sunrise.


    But while everyone else celebrated, one man did not.


    Xue Wujian stood motionless, his gaze still locked onto his daughter.


    The sect was saved¡ªbut a greater mystery had been born.


    He took a step forward, his hands clenched into fists. His voice was low, almost dangerous.


    "Xiaowu¡­" He exhaled, as if trying to grasp reality itself.


    "What the hell is going on?"


    -- -- --

 Chapter 24: Footsteps Towards the Unknown

    Chapter 24: Footsteps Towards the Unknown


    The sun was just beginning to cast its golden hue over the horizon as Xue Wujian and his daughter Xiaowu made their way up the mountain path. The cool morning air carried with it the faint fragrance of dew-kissed leaves, while the occasional chirping of birds harmonized with the rustling of the forest canopy.


    Their journey was not a hurried one. Each step held weight. Each breath seemed to remind them they were approaching the unknown¡ªa realm beyond their comprehension.


    ¡°Father, be careful,¡± Xiaowu whispered, stepping over a protruding root. ¡°The path gets steeper here.¡±


    Xue Wujian nodded, though his mind was elsewhere.


    Yesterday his daughter after came back , her cultivation had skyrocketed to the peak of Martial Spirit Realm in a single day. Such progress was beyond belief thanks to that the hundred beast sects plan failed but¡ªeven monstrous geniuses of ancient times could not achieve such a feat. When he pressed her for answers, her response left him speechless.


    ¡°I met a senior¡­ who runs a tavern here.¡±


    A tavern?


    On this remote mountain?


    And that senior saved her and gave her a opportunity , which resulted in a breakthrough that defied the heavens?


    The thought made Xue Wujian¡¯s scalp tingle.


    He knew what this meant.


    Experts who transcend the mundane often hide among mortals. They walk the earth in humble forms, testing the hearts of men. To offend such an individual would not simply bring death¡ªit would bring extinction to one¡¯s entire lineage.


    He glanced at his daughter, who was leading the way with a rare humility.


    This was the same girl who yesterday had cut down tens of evil cultivators of hundred beast sect. Now, her pride had melted into reverence.


    He sighed inwardly. The young must stumble upon the profound to understand their insignificance.


    ¡°Father,¡± Xiaowu spoke hesitantly, ¡°I¡­ I was rude to the senior last time. I overestimated myself.¡±


    Xue Wujian¡¯s footsteps paused.


    He turned to her, his eyes narrowing. ¡°What did you do?¡±


    Her face flushed with guilt.


    ¡°I¡­ had refused seniors treat , he offered me that evil bird from hundred beast sect''s cooked meat.¡±


    For a moment, the forest seemed to freeze. Even the leaves stopped rustling¡ªas if nature itself held its breath.


    Xue Wujian¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°You¡­ refused such a opportunity ?¡±


    His voice lowered, but it carried the weight of a thunderclap.


    ¡°Do you know what that means? You dared to test the depths of an ocean while standing on the shore? Are you tired of living so many people crave for it and not just refused ?¡±


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Xiaowu bowed her head. ¡°I was wrong, Father. I realized it now.¡±


    Xue Wujian let out a long breath, his tone softening.


    ¡°It¡¯s good that you realized. But remember this¡ªexperts do not kill because they must¡­ they spare because they choose. That is the difference between ants like us and beings like them.¡±


    Silence fell between them as they continued climbing.


    Xiaowu, after some time, asked curiously, ¡°Father, why aren¡¯t we flying? Wouldn¡¯t it be faster?¡±


    Her father stopped dead in his tracks. He turned and smacked her lightly on the back of her head.


    ¡°You foolish girl!¡± He scolded. ¡°Flying to meet an expert? Do you want us to die before we arrive?¡±


    Xiaowu rubbed her head, her face contorting with embarrassment. ¡°I was just asking¡­¡±


    Xue Wujian shook his head, his voice taking a philosophical tone.


    ¡°When approaching a divine being, we walk¡ªnot because our legs cannot fly, but because our hearts must bow.¡±


    Xiaowu raised an eyebrow. ¡°That sounds profound, Father.¡±


    He coughed lightly. ¡°I read it in a scroll somewhere.¡±


    They shared a brief laugh, the tension easing for a moment. But as they neared their destination, the light-heartedness faded, replaced by a growing sense of awe.


    Finally, Xiaowu halted before a humble wooden courtyard.


    ¡°Father, we¡¯ve arrived.¡±


    Xue Wujian wiped his brow, adjusting his robes. This was it.


    He raised his hand and knocked gently on the wooden door.


    A voice, casual yet filled with a strange power, came from within.


    ¡°Wait, wait¡­ I¡¯m coming!¡±


    Xue Wujian stiffened.


    His hand was already damp with sweat. Even the senior¡¯s voice carried an undercurrent of Dao.


    When the door creaked open, Xue Wujian¡¯s heart nearly stopped.


    The man before him looked ordinary¡ªtoo ordinary.


    But that ordinariness was the most terrifying part.


    ¡°Huh? Xiaowu? It¡¯s not been long since the last time.¡±


    The man smiled. His eyes were clear, like reflecting pools of eternity.


    Xiaowu quickly bowed deeply.


    ¡°Senior, I apologize for my previous offense. I was ignorant.¡±


    She gestured to her father. ¡°This is my father, Xue Wujian, Sect Leader of Flying Cloud Sect.¡±


    Xue Wujian followed her example, bowing so low his spine ached.


    ¡°This humble one greets Senior.¡±


    Great! Again this senior drama, and even a old man calling me senior..." Am I looked old to them ?"


    I simply chuckled. ¡°No need for formalities. Come in.¡±


    As they stepped into the courtyard, Xue Wujian¡¯s breath caught in his throat.


    The lake shimmered with spiritual water, exuding pure qi so dense it was almost tangible.


    The trees seemed alive¡ªno, more than alive. They pulsed with ancient vitality, their leaves whispering Dao secrets.


    The wooden furniture¡ªeach piece radiated a unique aura. He was certain that even a fragment of this table could serve as a top-tier artifact.


    But what truly overwhelmed him were the Dao lines.


    They drifted like silk through the air, weaving an ethereal pattern that enveloped the entire courtyard. The fragrance of divinity hung heavy, each breath feeling like an elixir nourishing his soul.


    Xue Wujian nearly knelt on the spot.


    ¡°Terrifying¡­ Absolutely terrifying¡­¡± he screamed in his mind. ¡°This is no mortal¡­ This is a hidden god!¡±


    His instincts told him to kneel and beg for mercy, but he forced himself to stand upright, face composed.


    Experts liked to pretend like mortal,


    I must also play with him like a mortal.


    If I boast to much , it might offend expart¡­


    He gulped, stealing a glance at his daughter.


    Xiaowu seemed relaxed, sipping tea like this was her second home.


    ¡°What¡­?¡± he thought in horror. ¡°She¡¯s already accustomed to this divine realm?¡±


    He felt like a peasant invited to dine in the Emperor¡¯s palace¡ªterrified of picking the wrong spoon.


    He looked around and make a posture of admireing " Ah! This courtyard design beautiful..to bea"


    "This lake... it''s position is beautiful -to beautiful "


    "This tree ...it''s planted perfectly beautiful "


    Xiaowu Seeing her father doing such foolish behaviour quickly bowed to me " senior please don''t be offended my father head not good "


    I smiled awkwardly" It''s must be hard for you "


    The senior, unaware of the turmoil in Xue Wujian¡¯s heart, casually started talking with xiaowu.


    He cut the word and asked , ¡°So, what brings you two here?¡±


    Xue Wujian forced a smile.


    ¡°I merely wished to thank Senior for his guidance to my daughter. Her breakthrough has saved our sect.¡±


    The man waved his hand dismissively. ¡°It was nothing. She was injured I just parfomed a basic first aid , nothing more¡±


    Xue Wujian¡¯s heart lurched.


    Basic what? But it made her broke through bottlenecks which cultivators struggle with for centuries?


    ¡°This is not something we can comprehend... As expected of expart!¡±


    He dared not say it aloud.


    Instead, he nodded respectfully, suppressing his awe.


    And thus, the conversation continued¡ªeach word simple, yet every breath carrying the weight of enlightenment.


    In this humble courtyard, beneath the guise of ordinariness¡ª


    Xue Wujian knew they stood at the threshold of the most unordinary being.


    -- -- --

 Chapter 25: Mortal Dream Shattered

    Chapter 25: Mortal Dream Shattered


    I led Xue Wujian and his daughter Xiaowu through the stone path into the guest room. The courtyard''s gentle breeze carried a faint scent of wildflowers and dew. Birds chirped softly in the distance, their melodies blending with the rustling leaves, as if nature itself was reciting a timeless poem.


    "Please, have a seat," I gestured toward the simple wooden chairs. They seemed slightly worn, but I had always liked their rustic charm.


    Xua Wujian, leader of the Flying Cloud Sect, maintained a composed face, but inwardly, his heart raced with caution. Every plank, every breeze in this place whispered the presence of the Dao. Even sitting down felt like accepting an ancient ritual¡ªhe dared not move casually, lest he offended this reclusive divine being.


    Xiaowu, though seemingly more relaxed, was treading carefully. Her eyes occasionally flicked to her father, who had earlier warned her of the expert¡¯s hidden prowess. Every blade of grass in this courtyard could probably slice through her soul if the senior willed it. She adjusted her sleeves nervously.


    I smiled faintly, oblivious to their thoughts. I brought out two small porcupine cups and filled each with water from a jug. The water was crystal clear, reflecting light with an ethereal shimmer.


    ¡°Have some water,¡± I said kindly.


    To him, it was just ordinary water drawn from his backyard¡¯s small spring. He had always admired its cool freshness. In this remote mountain, where every task required effort, he took pride in the natural purity of his surroundings.


    But to Xua Wujian and Xiaowu, it was anything but ordinary.


    The moment the water was poured, a soft mist rose from the cups. Threads of spiritual qi intertwined with the vapor, creating faint rainbow hues. The aroma alone was invigorating; it was as if the liquid contained the essence of the heavens, distilled into perfection.


    Xiaowu and her father stared at the water, their gazes intense, as though the liquid held the secrets of the universe. I thought perhaps they were merely parched from their journey. Cultivators, after all, were still human¡ªthey needed water like the rest of us.


    To my surprise, they lifted their cups with reverence, their hands trembling slightly. Then, almost as if they had made a silent agreement, they gulped it down in one swift motion.


    Xua Wujian''s pupils contracted. ¡°This... this is... This is spiritual dew formed by the condensation of the purest spiritual qi!¡± He screamed internally but maintained his calm exterior. He dared not show greed or astonishment. The expert offered it as "ordinary water," and thus, it was ordinary.


    Xiaowu, however, was less restrained. She eagerly lifted the cup with both hands and took a sip. Her eyes widened immediately. The water danced down her throat like liquid silk, spreading warmth through her veins. Her meridians trembled; impurities dissolved; her cultivation base surged without control.


    She coughed violently, choking on the water.


    I frowned, concerned. ¡°Slow down, slow down. Don¡¯t choke. It¡¯s just water.¡±


    She waved her hand, her face red with embarrassment.


    Her father¡¯s eyes, however, were wide with astonishment. His whole body began to radiate a gentle, yet potent spiritual aura, as if he had bathed in moonlight.


    "This... this water..." he murmured, his voice trembling.


    I tilted my head. Was something wrong with the water? I had fetched it this morning. It was cold and fresh, as it always was. Perhaps it was too cold? Should I have boiled it first?


    Xue Wujian''s face twisted between shock and euphoria. "There¡¯s... a special power running through this water. My meridians... they¡¯ve been cleansed. Even my old wounds... from that incident... healed!"


    I blinked, trying to process his words. He was acting as though I had handed him the elixir of life. This was just water. Right?


    ¡°This water... tastes great. Absolutely tasty,¡± he said, trying to appear nonchalant.


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°Tasty? Is water supposed to be tasty? It¡¯s just water.¡±


    My tone was light, but in Xua Wujian¡¯s ears, it echoed with hidden meaning.


    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Ah... The expert is testing us... This is a profound metaphor. Perhaps he is implying that we mortals chase after heavenly treasures, while true enlightenment lies in finding joy in simplicity."


    Xua Wujian nodded deeply as if he had grasped a profound truth.


    Xiaowu, meanwhile, was staring at her cup in disbelief. Her core cultivation technique, which had plateaued for months, broke through effortlessly.


    Xiaowu was trembling slightly. Her spiritual energy fluctuated around her like waves crashing against a shore. Her eyes were glazed over, her face was bright red.


    "Ah... Xiaowu? Are you alright?"


    She snapped back to reality, her face flushed. She quickly lowered her head, probably trying to hide her embarrassment. Her lips quivered as though she was holding back tears.


    "What am I doing? In front of Senior... I must look like a fool..." she muttered under her breath.


    Senior? I glanced around, confused. Was there someone else here?


    Silence hung in the room, heavy and awkward. I decided to cut through it.


    She looked at her father, their eyes meeting in shared disbelief. Xua Wujian subtly gestured¡ªStay calm! Play along!


    I, noticing their distant expressions, cleared my throat. ¡°Ahem."


    ¡°Actually, Xiaowu... I wanted to ask you something,¡± I  began hesitantly. ¡°Do you... know any way I could cultivate? I¡¯ve always admired those who can fly on swords and control the elements. I wish I could cultivate, too.¡±


    Silence.


    Dead silence.


    The room¡¯s atmosphere froze.


    Xua Wujian¡¯s heart nearly stopped. He bit his lip to stop himself from gasping. His mind spiraled:


    "Cultivate? He... this expert... is asking me if he can cultivate? This is the heavens testing my intelligence, right? Is this a riddle? Or is he showing his supreme power by feigning weakness? If I answer wrongly, will I be reduced to ashes?"


    Xiaowu paled. ¡°Senior... wants to... cultivate?¡± Her fingers trembled.


    I nodded, feeling the weight of my request. "Yes. I¡¯ve always dreamt of it... flying through the sky, wielding a sword, touching the clouds... But I¡¯ve never had the chance. I would be grateful if you could help me see if I have any talent."


    Inside, I was nervous. This was my dream¡ªthe reason I had come to this mountain, the reason I stayed here, despite the loneliness. I wanted to break free from the mundane, and fly above the clouds.


    But the father and daughter looked at me as though I had asked them to move the heavens themselves.


    Both exchanged a brief glance, their inner thoughts in sync:


    "This is a supreme expert testing us! If we expose his mortal facade, we might die on the spot!"


    Xue Wujian quickly masked his shock with a composed face, he coughed to steady his voice¡ªalthough I noticed his hand trembling slightly. He coughed and said, "Of course. I have a Spiritual Qi Testing Stone with me.".


    From a ring on his finger, he produced a large green stone. I stared at it in awe. It shimmered faintly under the light, its surface smooth and polished like jade.


    "Please place your hand on it," he instructed, his voice steady, but his eyes betrayed unease.


    I placed my hand on the stone, closing my eyes with hope swelling in my chest. I imagined feeling warmth, or maybe a gentle pulse¡ªanything that would signal the birth of my journey into cultivation, imagining his future¡ªsoaring across the sky, summoning flames, wielding swords. His heart raced.


    A minute passed.


    Nothing happened.


    Five minutes.


    Still nothing.


    The room was deathly silent. I opened one eye and then the other. Xue Wujian and Xiaowu were exchanging glances.


    Another minute passed.


    I felt my heart sink. Nothing. No response. Just cold, lifeless stone.


    I withdrew my hand slowly. My dream shattered, like glass falling to the ground. The sky above me darkened, though the sun still shone outside.


    "I... I guess I have no talent." My voice cracked, despite my efforts to keep it steady.


    I bowed deeply to them. ¡°Thank you for your kindness. I won¡¯t trouble you further.¡±


    My voice carried subtle sorrow¡ªthe kind that dreams brought down by reality often held.


    I stood up and gave them a deep bow, forcing a smile that didn¡¯t reach my heart. "I appreciate your kindness."


    As I turned to leave, the weight in my chest grew heavier. So, that was it. My fate was sealed¡ªto remain a simple man, tending a tavern on this mountain, watching others soar above the clouds while my feet stayed firmly on the earth.


    Behind me, as I stepped out of the room, I heard a faint cracking sound. Then a gasp. Then silence.


    Xue Wujian¡¯s mind was racing. The stone¡ªthe Spiritual Qi Testing Stone¡ªwas cracked. Its energy had been completely drained. Such a thing was unheard of. It was as though it had been devoured by an ancient beast in human form.


    ¡°The stone is ruined! It¡¯s an artifact made from the Essence Jade of the Spirit Realm! He drained it like it was nothing!¡± Xua Wujian¡¯s voice trembled.


    He, still dazed, murmured, ¡°Senior... He¡¯s beyond comprehension... He shattered the testing stone as a statement¡ªtelling us we are mere ants.¡±


    Xua Wujian wiped his brow. ¡°Not a word of this leaves our lips. We follow his lead. If he says he cannot cultivate, then we agree. Even if he ascends to immortality before our eyes... we say nothing.¡±


    Xiaowu nodded fervently.


    Xiaowu stared at the shattered stone, her thoughts equally frantic. " He¡¯s pretending to be a mortal... We will play along!"


    But all they did was exchange glances, and then Xue Wujian smiled weakly.


    "His water was indeed... tasty," he whispered.


    The room fell into a stunned silence once more. But outside, I stood by the lake, gazing at my reflection in the spiritual water. The ripples distorted my face, but I knew the truth. I was ordinary. And maybe... maybe that was okay.


    Or maybe, the heavens were merely playing a long, elaborate joke on me.


    I sighed, sitting down by the water¡¯s edge. "Cultivation... huh."


    Outside, I gazed at the clouds wistfully. ¡°So... I really can¡¯t cultivate. I¡¯ll just tend my tavern, watch the sun rise and set... and dream from afar.¡±


    The breeze carried his thoughts into the valley below, blending with the faint laughter of birds.


    For him, it was a simple day.


    For the father and daughter inside, it was a brush with divinity.


    The breeze whispered through the trees. Somewhere far above, a hawk soared¡ªfree, unbound. I closed my eyes and smiled.


    Perhaps I would never touch the clouds...


    __ __ __

 Chapter 26: Its not bad to a mortal

    Chapter 26: It''s not bad to a mortal


    Outside the guest room, I sat by the lake, my fingers tracing idle patterns in the dirt. The reflection of the sky rippled on the water¡¯s surface, distorted by the occasional breeze. I stared at my reflection ¡ª a mortal face, unremarkable, eyes dim with the weight of shattered dreams.


    "Maybe... this is just my fate," I whispered to myself. The words tasted bitter, like ash. "Maybe I was never meant to touch the heavens."


    I clenched my fists, feeling a dull ache in my chest. All this time, I had hoped for even a glimmer of talent, a spark that could light the path to something greater. But the stone had remained cold, unresponsive ¡ª a silent judge of my worth.


    Inside the room, however, turmoil brewed like a raging storm.


    Xiaowu¡¯s chest heaved as she tried to steady her breath. She glanced at the shattered remains of the spirit-testing stone, her mind a chaotic mess of disbelief and confusion. She turned to her father, her voice a trembling whisper.


    "Father... why would an expert pretend to have no cultivation talent? Why would he act like he can''t cultivate?"


    Her words carried innocent confusion, but they echoed like thunder in the quiet room.


    Xue Wujian¡¯s eyes darkened, and he immediately scolded her.


    "What do you know? You are just a little girl! Do not speak recklessly!"


    Xiaowu flinched, lowering her head, her face burning with shame. But her father''s voice softened, and he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.


    He exhaled slowly, gathering his thoughts, as though he himself was still trying to grasp the enormity of what they had just witnessed.


    "To an expert of unimaginable power... experiencing the joys and sorrows of mortal life is another form of cultivation," he said, his voice low and reverent.


    Xiaowu looked up, her eyes wide.


    "But... why?"


    Xue Wujian''s gaze grew distant, his expression laced with complex emotions.


    "To laugh heartily. To cry without restraint. To feel despair, hope, and the fragility of life... These are all trials of the heart. A true immortal doesn¡¯t just temper their body and soul ¡ª they temper their spirit by embracing the mortal world. Only by understanding the fleeting nature of human life can one truly transcend it."


    He clenched his fist, his fingers trembling slightly.


    "For a being like him, pretending to be talentless... experiencing the sting of failure... it is a test of will, a way to break free from the shackles of pride and reach an even higher realm. How could someone like us possibly comprehend such unfathomable wisdom?"


    Xiaowu swallowed hard, her mind spinning. The image of the gentle, sorrowful figure sitting by the lake flashed through her mind. The way he had thanked them, bowed, and walked away with slumped shoulders...


    After Xue Wujian finished speaking, he fell into deep thought. His eyes glistened, as if tears might spill at any moment. His chest rose and fell with the weight of realization, and he clenched his trembling fists.


    "So... Senior is willingly letting himself enduring the agony of being talentless... of never being able to cultivate... forever bound to mortality."


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    The thought pierced his heart like a blade. To willingly chain oneself to a life of weakness, to feel the despair of being powerless in the face of heaven and earth ¡ª what kind of terrifying willpower did that take?


    He gently placed his hands on Xiaowu¡¯s shoulders, his expression unusually serious.


    "Xiaowu, this is a rare opportunity," he whispered, his voice steady but heavy with meaning.


    Xiaowu looked up at her father, confused. "Opportunity?"


    Xue Wujian nodded, his gaze firm.


    "You must play the role of comforting Senior," he said, each word laced with gravity. "This is a chance to cultivate your mind and heart. Show empathy. Show understanding. If Senior sees your sincerity, he will surely remember you in the future."


    He tightened his grip on her shoulders, his voice lowering to a near whisper.


    "To be remembered by an existence like him... could change your fate."


    I stood in the courtyard, my gaze lost in the endless expanse of the sky. The clouds drifted lazily, uncaring, while I stood still, weighed down by the crushing realization of my own inadequacy.


    I had come to this world ¡ªlike the protagonists in the novels I used to read. Those lucky souls who got transported to magical worlds, gained heaven-defying talents, and ascended to the heavens, defying fate with a smirk.


    But reality hit me like a collapsing mountain.


    I don¡¯t even meet the criteria to be a side character.


    I clenched my fists, the sharp sting of my nails digging into my palms the only reminder that I was still here, still breathing.


    Life played a cruel joke on me.


    I thought this would be the beginning of my legend. But without talent, without cultivation... what was I? Just a powerless mortal.


    Just as I was about to sink deeper into despair, a voice, soft and filled with warmth, cut through my thoughts.


    "Senior Li, are you okay?"


    I turned, startled, and saw Xiaowu standing there, her eyes filled with concern. She looked at me like I was a fragile porcelain doll about to shatter into pieces.


    Her presence felt like a small ray of light breaking through the storm cloud swirling around my mind.


    She walked closer, her steps light, her voice even gentler.


    "You shouldn¡¯t feel sad," she said, her words careful but sincere. "It¡¯s not like becoming a cultivator is everything in the world."


    I stared at her, my heart heavy, but her voice wrapped around me like a soothing balm.


    "There¡¯s always a way for everyone," she continued, clasping her hands in front of her chest, her expression filled with earnestness. "And being a mortal... it isn¡¯t so bad at all."


    Her words hung in the air, echoing in my heart like ripples spreading across a still pond.


    Not so bad at all...


    Xiaowu¡¯s gentle words were like a breeze, sweeping away the dark clouds in my heart.


    I blinked, snapping out of my meaningless spiral of despair. It was as if her voice had pulled me back from the edge of a cliff.


    I looked at her ¡ª truly looked at her ¡ª and in that moment, she didn¡¯t seem like an ordinary girl.


    She looked like a fairy descended from heaven.


    I cupled my hand, my voice sincere. ¡°Thank you, Xiaowu.¡±


    She blushed and shook her head, brushing off my gratitude like it was nothing, but I meant it from the bottom of my heart.


    After that, we sat in the courtyard, chatting idly under the waning afternoon sun. The breeze carried the faint scent of flowers, and for the first time since I arrived in this world, I felt at peace.


    Time slipped by unnoticed, and soon the sky turned orange with streaks of purple.


    Xue Wujian, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. ¡°Senior Li, it¡¯s getting late. We should head back to the sect now.¡±


    I nodded, standing up. ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll see you off.¡±


    Just as they were about to leave, Xue Wujian took a few steps toward the gate before suddenly pausing. He turned back, rubbing his hands together with an almost reverent expression.


    ¡°Senior,¡± he said carefully, ¡°should I... Take the leftover dishes?¡±


    I froze.


    What?


    My brain short-circuited.


    I stared at him, trying to process his words.


    Is he wanna take those leftover things to home?


    What kind of talk is this?!


    For a second, I wondered if he is so poor that even leftovers were a luxury they couldn¡¯t afford.


    I couldn¡¯t tell, and the more I thought about it, the more my head hurt.


    In the end, I could only smile awkwardly and nod. ¡°Ah... sure. Take it.¡±


    Xue Wujian cupped his fists, bowing deeply. ¡°Thank you senior .¡±


    I watched, dumbfounded, as he carefully picked up the leftovers in a basket like it was a priceless treasure.


    I shook my head, deciding not to overthink it.


    As they prepared to leave, I turned to Xiaowu, my expression softening.


    ¡°Xiaowu, you can come by often if you want.¡±


    She stiffened, her face turning pink again as she fumbled with her words.


    ¡°Uh¡ªmhm! S-sure, Senior!¡±


    I chuckled at her flustered response and watched them disappear into the forest path...


    __ __ __