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       Shen Yuan had always known that he was different. From a young age, he struggled to keep up with his siblings and the other children in his neighborhood. Simple tasks like running, jumping, and climbing had been impossible for him since he would more than often pass out. His parents had taken him to countless doctors, but none of them could figure out how to make him better. As he got older, his condition only seemed to worsen. He found himself getting tired easily, and he often had trouble breathing at times. His family continued to take him to doctors, hoping that someone would be able to diagnose his condition at least, only to be told he won't live past 15. Shen Yuan continued to live his life to the fullest despite his condition and miraculously managed to live past the age of 15 despise being told otherwise.

He was determined not to let the fear of death consume him, and he found solace in books and web novels as well as his loved ones. As he grew older, Shen Yuan became more at ease with the thought of dying. He knew that his time was limited, but he refused to let that stop him from enjoying the present moment. He cherished every moment with his family because friends he got none, and made sure to tell them how much they meant to him in his own way. Still, a nagging feeling in the back of his mind never seemed to fade away. He couldn't help but think about the pain and sadness his family would feel when he was gone. He didn't want to be the cause of their suffering. As Shen Yuan's health continued to decrease, he found himself reflecting on his life and the people he loved. He thought about all of the things he had accomplished and all of the things he had yet to do. He realized that he had no regrets except for one: letting his family get so attached to him. 

He knew that his death would be hard for them to bear, and he wished that he could spare them that pain. But he also knew that he couldn't control when or how he would die, so there wasn't anything he could do but try to die slowly so they could watch him pass away rather than find his decomposing body in his apartment. 

But just what he said he wouldn't do he actually did, since he never bothered to learn how to cook most of the time he ordered takeout or he just bought food from convenience stores knowing that it wasn't exactly healthy. He also didn't look at the expiring dates because who does that right? So when he took a bite of a rather off-smelling bun while writing one of his most heated comments on Proud Immortal Demon Way's new chapter he didn't chew the bun enough because it got stuck into his throat making him choke on instant. He tried to spit it out somehow, but no matter how hard he punched his stomach it remained stuck in his throat with also a disgusting taste to it!

Dying from asphyxiation fucking sucked!! Don't recommend 0 out of 5!! Shen Yuan could feel his organs shutting off one by one and his consciousness slipping away. He could sense the panic and fear building within him making him more agitated, knowing that his time was running out.

And then, darkness. Shen Yuan was dead. But only for a moment. 

When he opened his eyes, he was surrounded by a beautiful yet peaceful forest, and he felt a strange sense of weightlessness, he no longer felt the ache deep into his bones or his sore muscles from doing the bare minimum daily. It took him a few moments to realize that he was no longer in his own body. Looking at the very blue and calm sky Shen Yuan felt his body weirdly around himself, he was laying on his back with the tall grass all around him. He was either too small or the forest was incredibly large. Looking around himself he moved his arms only to find them surprisingly small, hold up what's that fifth limb thingy moving from his ass?! Startled he looked down at himself only to find out he was in a body of a tiny white lizard!! 

If he transmitted into another world shouldn't he get a system or something?! At least tell him where he is before puffing out of existence!! The horrible thought is what if he transmigrated right into that trash fire of a stallion novel Proud Immortal Demon Way just cause he was dying while reading it?! He'd rather die by asphyxiation again than be eaten to death by god knows what weird creature he comes across because he surely looks like a tasty snack ready to become BBQ!! 

Looking around himself again, he realized that he was indeed deep inside a forest, and probably a normal-sized one too because his new body was definitely small. It was filled with vibrant and colorful trees, and there was a gentle breeze blowing through the leaves. He could hear the sounds of birds singing in the distance, and he felt a sense of peace and calm that he had never experienced before. This forest was surely trying to keep him here so he can be eaten up alive! Hell nah he just got reborn as a lizard maybe he can cultivate enough to get his own body or something! That surely was a thing in stallion novels, the amount of animal-turned-human Luo Bing-ge bedded definitely meant he could turn into a human too with enough cultivation! 

He managed to turn himself around but couldn't stay on his tiny clawed arms trembled at the lack of strength. He needed to figure out how to move his new body and he had to do it fast before a creature more powerful than him appears and then he can say goodbye to his newly gained life. He tried to stand up but found that his legs were wobbly and unsteady, either unused or weak. After a few failed attempts, he managed to stand on all fours and take a few shaky steps forward. It was a strange sensation, moving on four legs instead of two, but he was determined to get the hang of it as soon as possible. As he walked, he noticed that his senses were heightened,  or at least way better than how they were before, and he felt a strange but cool sensation coursing through his body, so this must be how Qi feels.

He could also hear and see things that he never could before, he could smell things he never noticed before, like the scent of nearby flowers and the musk of animals that have been here recently, and he felt more stronger and more alive than he ever had in his previous body, imagine being born weaker than a lizard. As he continued to explore the forest, his keen senses led him to a sound he recognized immediately, it was the sound of flowing water, a gentle and soothing melody that called out to him. He followed the sound, moving through the dense overgrowth grass until he reached the edge of a small river. 

The water was crystal clear, he could see small fish darting around in its tiny depths, the water was moving gently with little pressure but the first thing he saw in the water was his own reflection. His body was definitely not that of a lizard, two small horns poked out of his head, with a slight pale green at the tip of them. Two big bright light green eyes stared back at him, his own eyes he realized a little later. Moving his head closer to the water he noticed the strange texture of his skin, actually it was scales, not skin, shiny tiny scales covered his slim snake-like body expected his lower parts. Realization hit him in a split second, he wasn't a lizard, he was, in fact, a dragon! How cool is that!!!

As he gazed in amazement at his new form, he couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration and excitement. He had always been fascinated by demonic or spiritual beasts and honestly, any type of monster was top-tier awesome in Shen Yuan's book, but of course, the protagonist was in the first place. But his excitement was short-lived when he realized he couldn't fly, sure Chinese dragon can fly but he had no wings and had no idea what exactly he needed to do to be able to fly. He looked up at the sky and saw small clouds drifting by, and he longed to soar through them already. He had to figure out how to fly, but how? He had no wings, just a long, slender body and a pair of small limbs and even smaller horns. He tried flapping his arms like wings, maybe that will do the magic and make him fly but it didn't work. He even tried jumping off a nearby rock, but he just fell flat on his face.

Ah, forget it! He'll learn how to fly at some point in his new life since he had all the time in the world and flying probably had something to do with cultivation, so if he could cultivate a golden core then surely that will make him fly. Opening his mouth as he watched his reflecting move as he did he hesitated to use his voice for a moment but nonetheless, he ended up doing so. "H-Hi?" As he spoke, his voice echoed back at him, his voice was just like the one he had in his old body when he was a child, around 8 to 10 if he remembers right. That reminded him of the family he left behind to find his rotting corpse in the apartment he begged for because he "can surely take care of himself" and that "no one needs to babysit him". Now his parents are going to blame themselves for not stopping him and Da-ge is going to argue against that saying it was all his fault while Er-ge and Meimei are going to laugh at how stupid he died. 

His eyes started to sting and his ears started to ring, suddenly he was crying alone in the middle of butt fuck nowhere because he got combo killed by an expired meat bun and lack of chewing. Maybe it's the body's fault, because he's young it's making him act overly emotional, too emotional that it was embarrassing especially when mentality he is a grown man of 21! Even if the situation was sad he couldn't do anything about it so it wasn't worth crying over spilled milk! Trying to wipe his eyes was 10 times harder with tiny hands which aren't even hands! After getting quickly annoyed with himself, he took a deep breath and tried to calm down. 

Looking down at his shaky reflection in the water he sniffed back his snot and took another deep breath now fully calmed down. The best thing he could do now was find shelter and food for when he eventually gets hungry so he picked himself up from the grass to make his way to where he thought the river was ending. As he walked towards the riverbank, he looked around to see more of his surroundings. The sun had long since raised, casting the landscape to be equally lit up. The tall trees were swaying gently in the cool breeze, and birds were chirping and singing in the distance yet close enough to think they were next to him. 

He walked for a while, keeping his eyes peeled for any signs of life or civilization. Who knows maybe people will find pity on this poor 'lizard' and spear him shelter, but it was unlikely. After a few minutes, from the corner of his eyes, he spotted red fruits in a bush. Curiosity piqued, and he approached the bush going away from the small river for a moment to examine the fruit. They were small, round, with a burning red which made them look ripe, he smelled it leaving a sweet, tangy scent into his nose that made his mouth water. He hesitated for a moment, wondering if it was safe to eat, but Shen Yuan is sure dragons have great immune systems so even if it was poisonous he would survive after throwing it up. He took one fruit with his mouth since his hands weren't an option and slowly chewed it. The flesh was juicy and sweet, bursting with flavor in his mouth as he moaned in delight. 

Definitely a good source of food and even if not it was just too good to not eat again!! Shen Yuan took a few more before turning at the edge of the river to follow it again. As he continued to walk more slowly, he couldn't help but feel a sense of loneliness and isolation. He wondered if he would ever find his way back to his world or if he was destined to spend the rest of his days trapped in a tiny body of a dragon. He stopped himself again from thinking about the modern world he already longed for. He looked down at the river which was getting wider now, becoming a steady flow, Shen Yuan could see more fish swimming in the clear water. Looking back up he stopped in his track at the thing on the other part of the river, it was not a human. 

It was clearly some sort of large animal, maybe a bear or a wolf but looked more like a combination of a brown bear and a mountain lion than anything else. The body was big with catlike feet but the size was that of a bear and the fur was of brown color. Shen Yuan felt a chill run down his spine as the creature looked back at him with classy eyes. The creature's eyes locked onto Shen Yuan's, and for a moment, they both just stood there staring at each other. The creature didn't seem to be threatened by Shen Yuan's presence, it just stood there, watching him with a curious gaze. Shen Yuan could feel his heart beating faster in his chest as he wondered what he should do. Should he just make a run for it? Should he try to communicate with the creature? Or should he just stand there and hope it doesn't attack him? 

Suddenly, the creature took a step forward into the water and Shen Yuan tensed up, ready to run if necessary. But instead of attacking, the creature just sniffed the air and walked away, disappearing into the dense forest on the other side of the river. Shen Yuan let out a sigh of relief, grateful that he didn't have to face off against such a formidable opponent. But the encounter left him feeling even more alone in this strange world. He wondered what other dangers lurked in this wilderness and if he would be able to survive on his own. 

As he continued his journey along the river, Shen Yuan kept his guard up, his eyes scanning anything moving or that looked too suspicious. Doing that he noticed a worn-out hut in the distance when the river was getting deep enough to be able to get water from it easily. Curious, he cautiously made his way toward it. As he drew nearer, he could see that the hut was missing half of itself and was made out of worn-out wood that was rotting in some places, the hut looked like it had seen better days and had been abandoned for some time to end up in such state. 

No one was inside of it when Shen Yuan stepped into one of the holes in it. It had only two rooms which were rather small, the second room with a small window seemed to be a bedroom from the messy old blankets on the ground that remained there to gather dust while the other room seemed to be missing furniture and a few walls. While it wasn't in the best conditions it was still better than sleeping out in the wildness. So he made himself comfortable in a corner and set there to gather his thought and to think of what to do next. As he sat there lost in thought, he heard a rustling sound coming from outside the hut. His heart started pounding in his chest as he realized he wasn't alone anymore. He stood in the corner and didn't dare move, he would rather not know what was outside than risk becoming food you know! Even though the sun was still up in the sky he felt like he pulled an all-nighter and without noticing he drifted to sleep curled up like a loaf of bread.

When Shen Yuan woke up, the sun was shining high in the sky and the rustling sound had long since disappeared to his happiness. He stretched his limbs and rubbed his eyes, feeling a sense of relief that he had made it through the night unscathed. However, he knew he couldn't stay in the hut forever. He needed to figure out a plan on how to survive. As he stepped outside the hut, he made his way back to the river to drink some water since his mouth was sand dry, as he drank water like an animal would since he doesn't know how to use his new arms yet he thought about what to do next. He watched his reflection in the water as he continued to drink until he was satisfied. 

He tried to wipe his mouth the best he could with his hands, paws? and made his way back to the abandoned hut when he finished. He went inside from the same hole he went out and moved around the blanket to see if anything was under it. To his surprise, he found a dirty pouch bag but Shen Yuan could see nice embroidery on it beneath all the dirt. Moving closer to it he tugged it open to find money in it, money!!! Whoever left this here better not come back for it anytime soon! He tried not to think that he was in fact stealing even if the pouch was abandoned or not but he gotta do something to survive so you can't blame him! Taking the pouch with his hand he went outside to bury it underneath the house for extra security. 

After he worked hard to make a tiny hole he could fit the pouch bag into which took him more time than he thought it would he buried it and went to wash his hands at the river since he got dirt under his claws too. As Shen Yuan washed his hands the best he could, he couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt for taking the money. However, he pushed those thoughts aside and reminded himself that he needed to survive. He looked around for any signs of another creature approaching, but all he saw was the vast wilderness. He knew he needed to start looking for food before nightfall even if he wasn't hungry at the moment. 

He made his way back to the abandoned hut and started to search for anything else that could be of use. He grabbed the old rags and tattered cloth that he could use to make a makeshift bed or at least something close to it. He also found some small rocks around the hut that he could use to start a fire, but he would need to find some dry wood first and then try to see how he can start it in the first place. As the day went on, Shen Yuan searched the surrounding area but never went too far from the hut fearing he'll get lost and won't be able to find it again. As the sun started to set, he made his way back to the hut and started to prepare for the night. He gathered some dry wood and started a fire, using the rocks he found earlier. While it was hard to move things around he managed to do it even if his arms will be hurting after. 

He managed to eat all of the tiny berries he found because he failed to catch a fish and even if he did the thought of cutting it open to take its insides out made his stomach turn. Since the berries didn't kill him then he thinks it was safe to continue eating them until he ran out of them, he had to find another source of food until then. While the rocks were placed in a small circle he placed the dry wood and started to do what he saw on tv whenever those survival channels appeared with the people in it had to make a fire. In the end, he couldn't start it because of the lack of mobility he had with his hands, now annoyed that it didn't work he tried to make a spark with two of his shiny claws. After a few tries he was about to give up when the dry wood finally caught the tiniest bit of fire. 

He couldn't be prouder of himself as he watched the fire slowly start to burn and become a bigger flame by the second. He made a mental note about his newfound "power", the ability to make sparks with his claws wasn't really a power but hell take anything. He smiled at himself when the fire became big enough to produce warmth and made himself comfortable near it. Since it was probably summer it wasn't that cold at night but a few chill breezes passed occasionally making him shiver and move closer to the fire. As Shen Yuan sat there, basking in the warmth of the fire, his mind started to wander again. He knew he couldn't stay here forever, he needed to find a way to survive and maybe even find a way to turn back into his human form fast, while he should start to cultivate now before he grows too old to be able to, he either needs to find a manual or a master to teach him. 

While he surely can't get the second he can't also get the first because even if he were to buy one who knows if it's just straight-up bullshit and if it ends up being he will surely die of a Qi Deviation and he can say bye-bye to his new chance on life and bye-bye to his chance on living as a cool cultivator!!! The best thing he could do is try to form a golden core on his own even if it was dangerous but it would be too dangerous to try other ways since he has no idea how dragons are treated in this world and he surely wouldn't risk finding out. He found himself yawning with all his mouth, he could barely hold his eyes open and couldn't even lift his head. He fell asleep with a dreamless night in a matter of seconds.

The next day, Shen Yuan woke up feeling refreshed and energized, the fire had long since died down and the sun was almost up in the sky, he got himself up and stretched his aching body for a few good minutes until he felt satisfied enough and ready to start his day. He remembered his plan to try and form a golden core on his own and decided that he needed to start preparing for it. He went to the river to wash his face and hands..? and then went back to the hut to see what he had available to him. He had absolutely nothing that could help himself form a golden core with, and while he knew it was going to be hard he read and saw enough dramas about the cultivation world to have at least a brief idea of what to do and since his current body can't do a lotus position he curled himself up as a snake would which was actually super comfortable. 

Ok gather the Qi around you and put it in your body, pretty easy right? Qi was all around him and while he couldn't see it he could slightly feel it. He closed his eyes and focused on gathering the Qi around him. He took deep breaths, trying to feel the energy flowing through his body. However, he soon realized that it was not as easy as he thought. He couldn't seem to gather the Qi into his body, it was as if it was slipping through his fingers. He tried again and again but to no avail. He sat there after giving up for the moment, feeling frustrated and defeated. How was he supposed to form a golden core if he couldn't even gather Qi properly? He needed guidance, he needed someone to teach him. But who could he turn to? He was alone in this world, with no one to turn to for help. 

Again he felt like crying but he stopped himself shed any more tears, it won't help him at cultivation if he continues to cry, he survived this long and Shen Yuan is sure he can continue to do so even if he is completely alone! Trying to reach for the Qi around him again he turned his breathing slow and steady and his mind remained unfocused as he finally caught a grasp of the Qi around him. He guided it through his body to where he knows the golden core is meant to be and slowly but surely he began to form a golden core. After what felt like a few minutes Shen Yuan felt something click, he couldn't believe it! He had actually formed a golden core on his own! He opened his eyes to be greeted by darkness and looked down at his body, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over him. He knew that this was just the first step and that there was a long road ahead of him, but he was determined to keep going now that he formed a golden core by himself. 

He stood up and stretched his body, feeling the energy flowing through his body but his stomach quickly made itself noticed by growling loudly. Shen Yuan realized he was starving and made his way to where he knows the bush of tiny berries is at. To his surprise the bush had small little friends bushes that lacked berries while the main bush was full of the small little barries, he was sure he ate the last ones yesterday how come the bush is full of them again? Unless... unless he time-skipped a whole ass year while cultivating! He knows that cultivation takes time but he didn't expect to time-skip a whole year. He shook his head, trying to push the thought aside, he had more pressing matters to attend to - like his hunger. He walked over to the bush and plucked a handful of the tiny berries with his teeth and chewed at them with the flavor bursting his taste buds with a sweet aroma that made him want more. He continued to eat until he was satisfied, then made his way back to the hut to rest. 

As he lay there in front of the hut he couldn't help but wonder about the time-skipping incident. Was it really possible? To him, it really felt like a few minutes passed but in reality, he might have been cultivating for maybe years, he doesn't have the tiniest idea how to check. Thinking that he realized he had a way to tell if he had just time-skipped a few years! If his dragon body has gotten bigger then it surely passed years while he was cultivating. Running to the river he hesitated to look at his reflection but ended up gazing into the water. To his surprise, he saw that his reflection showed a dragon that was much larger than he remembered, face slightly mature and his size could match that of a normal fox. It was then that he realized he had indeed time-skipped and had been cultivating for much longer than he had thought he would. 

He made his way back to the hut and decided to cultivate some more in front of the entrance, maybe if he cultivated enough he'll get himself a human from now, or at least he could try to get inedia faster than he planned to. He sat in the same position and closed his eyes, trying to get back into the cultivation mindset. He focused on his breathing and tried to gather the Qi once again. This time, it was easier. He felt the energy flowing through his body, and he guided it toward his golden core. He could feel it growing stronger with each passing moment. He continued to cultivate for hours until he was exhausted and his golden core had grown to a significant size. After his body gave up from exhaustion he set there trying to catch his breath, he dragged his body into the hut and set on the makeshift bed, and made himself comfortable on it. 

Although he was hungry he could barely move his legs let alone go to eat more of the berries so he decided he'll rest first then go eat when he has enough strength to lift himself off the ground. He closed his eyes, trying to get some rest. His mind drifted off to other matters like how he hasn't seen any wild animal since that bear-like creature, while he was grateful he couldn't help but feel unease with the lack of predators and common animals in the area. It was strange for a forest to be so quiet, and it made him wonder if there was something sinister at work. But he dismissed the thought, thinking that he was just being paranoid. He tried to focus on his breathing and let himself drift off into sleep. As he drifted off into sleep, Shen Yuan's mind started to wander into his dreams. He found himself in a strange place, surrounded by mist and a thick forest. He could hear the sound of rustling leaves and the chirping of birds in the distance. As he walked forward, he could see a faint light in the distance. He continued to follow it, and the closer he got, the more he realized that it was a portal of some sort.  

As he stepped through the portal, he found himself in a different place altogether. It was a beautiful garden with trees and flowers of every color he could imagine. There was a pond in the center, and he could see two koi fish swimming around in it. It was peaceful and serene, and he felt a sense of calm wash over him which left him feeling unease the next second. He explored the garden, marveling at its beauty. As he walked, he came across a big beautiful bridge. Curious, he approached the bridge and peeked and looked around for other people. A woman with long gray hair appeared in front of him with a bowl in her hands. She smiled warmly at Shen Yuan but didn't say anything, she only offered Shen Yuan the bowl. 

Is this the legendary Meng Po?! And if so isn't it a little too late for him to drink the soup now?!? Shen Yuan was taken aback by the woman's appearance and the bowl she held. Sorry old lady but he would rather keep his memories than forgetting them now!! And as if she heard him she disappeared and the dream faded to black. Shen Yuan opened his eyes to find himself back in the hut. He couldn't remember a thing about his dream other than the feeling it was definitely weird. Since it was still dark outside he tried to fall asleep again but couldn't find a comfortable position so he gave up after a few minutes of endlessly tossing around. Shen Yuan got up and decided to check on his golden core to see if there had been any progress overnight. He closed his eyes and focused on his breathing, gathering Qi and directing it towards his golden core. He was pleasantly surprised to find that it had grown significantly since the last time he checked. 

He could feel the energy coursing through his body, making him feel good about himself, he has no idea how it happened but he'll take it nonetheless! It saves him time from having to cultivate and train for days on end. Feeling energized, Shen Yuan decided to explore the area around the hut a bit more. He walked outside and looked around, noticing that the sun had started to rise in the sky. While the forest was quite peaceful and silent the birds made their presence known from time to time by doing their morning song throughout the forest. He continued to walk more behind the hut away from the small river, he noticed some blue echinaceas near a tree, hold up echinaceas?! What are these doing in ancient China?! And they definitely don't look like normal ones because normal echinaceas aren't blue!! 

He walked up to them closer when a burst of sweet-like scent invaded his nose. It didn't look poisonous, and it also smelled surprisingly good for its strange color. He carefully picked two out of five with his mouth and walked back to the hut. Maybe he could dry the flower and make tea with it and sell it as a cough medicine! In a cultivation world, he'll make good money out of ripping people off with his half-assed medicine! As long as he doesn’t get caught he'll surely be living rich! While he lacks the needed stuff to dry it properly he broke a clean piece of wood from the hut and placed it in a sunny spot with the flowers on it. They probably won't catch fire so he decided he should do some meditation! 

He set in his usual position near the river and closed his eyes, taking deep breaths and clearing his mind. As he meditated, he focused on his Qi and how it flowed through his body. He tried to cultivate it further and strengthen it, focusing on the feeling of energy coursing through his veins. As Shen Yuan continued to meditate, he felt the energy within him grow stronger and more potent. He focused on directing it towards his golden core, feeling it expand and grow even larger. It was a wonderful sensation, and he felt like he could keep meditating for hours. But as the sun started to set, he opened his eyes and realized that he had been meditating for most of the day. Feeling a bit hungry, he walked back to the hut to check on the flowers he had left out to dry before heading out to eat from the berry bush again. 

To his surprise they were fully dried, shouldn't plants like take at least a week to dry?? How come it dried in half a day! Or maybe.. maybe Shen Yuan made another time skip accidentally! Damn it Shen Yuan get your timing in control because at this rate you'll grow old before you can get yourself a human body!! Now that he thinks about didn't he get a golden core a little too fast? He is sure there were other stages he had to do first to get a golden core isn't it a little too weird he got it so quickly? Maybe it's because of his body, chinese dragons are surely filled with Qi from birth right? Plus their whole being means good luck and strength! Luck he already got from his previous life and now he got strength too! 

Suddenly his stomach growled, reminding him that he had not eaten anything since yesterday or whenever was the last time he ate, he made his way to the tiny berries bush to feast on them for the time being, while he enjoyed his meal he couldn't help but feel like he had enough of the same thing since coming here but it's not like he has other choices. Fishes are hard to catch and while he could try his luck on some wild animal he doesn't think he has the heart to kill it, let alone skin it! At least the fruits tasted good. As he finished eating, Shen Yuan felt a sense of restlessness within him. He realized that he had been in this place for a while now, and while it was peaceful, he couldn't help but feel like he'll die at any minute so open in the wild! 

He hurriedly walked back to the hut to go inside into the makeshift bed for comfort, his mind wondered on how he missed a good amount of chapters on Proud Immortal Demon Way, he suddenly missed the internet more than anything!! Oh how he'd love to read the newest bullshit Great Master Airplane wrote just so he could rip it apart piece by piece! Now saddened by his new life he decided he'll better just do simple Qi exercises to pass the time. He decided to try out some the basic Qi circulation technique he only read about, but how hard could it be to do it himself when he alone created a golden core! He focused on circulating his Qi through the meridians in his body. As he did so, he felt a rush of energy flow through him, and he could feel his Qi becoming more refined and pure. So this should have been the first thing to do, pretty cool! 

As he continued to circulate his Qi, he became more aware of the flow of energy within his body. He tried to visualize it as a river, flowing through his meridians and nourishing his organs. With each cycle of Qi circulation, he felt his body becoming stronger little by little and more attuned to the energy around him. It was a satisfying feeling, like a cool glass of water in the middle of the night on a dry throat. But knowing that he was in control of his own cultivation and progress was the part that made him burst with pride, a little too much pride. After some time, he felt himself becoming fatigued and decided to rest for a while. All this circulating Qi made him awfully tired so he closed his eyes and drifted off into a peaceful sleep, feeling content with his new simple life in the forest.

When he woke up he felt like shit, literally shit. His whole body was on fire and while he was with his scales he found himself wet with sweat. Did he finally hit the bucket because he cultivated on his own?! Is this how a Qi Deviation is meant to feel like?? Shouldn't it be more 'I kill anyone I see' and not 'so sick feeling like a poor weak maiden'?! He is too young to die now!! His body is at least 12 years old!! Shen Yuan struggled to lift his head up and looked around the hut, trying to assess his situation. His head was pounding making his vision spin and his body feel weak and shaky. With a lot of effort, he managed to get up and stumbled outside the hut, feeling the fresh air on his face once before fading away. He walked slowly to the river and dipped his head in the cool water, hoping it would ease his throbbing headache. 

After a few minutes, he pulled his head out to breathe and looked at his reflection in the water. He looked pale and sickly even for a dragon and his eyes were bloodshot as if he cried for hours. He knew he had to do something before it was too late but what to do!! He knows he shouldn't be using anything related to Qi in this kind of situation so what else can he do?? Shen Yuan realized after a little too much time that he needed to cool down his body and lower his body temperature. He looked around and saw some nearby trees with large leaves. He quickly made his way over to the trees and plucked the biggest leaf he could reach and used it to fan himself and create a cool breeze. The cool air helped to ease the heat and discomfort he was feeling, and he began to feel slightly better after some time. 

He is sure this isn't what you're supposed to do in such situations but he doesn't know better!! As he continued to fan himself with the large leaf, Shen Yuan started to feel a bit better. However, the dizziness still persisted, and he knew he needed to rest. He made his way back to the hut to lay down on the makeshift bed, closing his eyes and taking deep breaths to relax his aching brain. He tried to focus on his breathing, inhaling slowly through his nose and exhaling through his mouth. After some time, the dizziness began to fade, and he started to feel more alert. He realized that he had pushed himself too hard with his Qi cultivation and that he needed to be more careful in the future. He resolved to take things slow and steady, not wanting to put his health at risk again. He might not get a third chance if he ends up dying now, he'll also miss out on all the cool monsters that surely exist in the forest like that bear-like creature so he must continue to live on at any cost!! 

As he lay there, Shen Yuan couldn't help but think about his past life and how much he had taken for granted. He had never really appreciated the little things like fast food, clean water, and a comfortable bed. Now, he was grateful for every small comfort that he had. He realized that he had been too caught up in his own world and had not appreciated the blessings he had been given. He missed the 10 minutes showers with hot water, but what he missed more was his bed full of fluffy pillows he could hug all day long. He made himself a mental note to get himself a king-sized bed when he was able to. The very thought of his own bed made him remember all the figures and posters he had in his room, his brothers would surely throw those away!!! At least his meimei would try to sell them off... hopefully. 

Shen Yuan couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of his siblings fighting over his belongings. It was a strange feeling, knowing that he would never see them again. But he pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the present. He needed to figure out how to survive in this new world, how to make a life for himself he couldn't get in his old life. He wondered if there were other dragons out there like him, stranded and alone. Maybe he could find them and they could help each other.. but that was just a silly thought to bring him comfort, he is sure if there were other dragons out there they wouldn't help him one bit considering he is out here all alone, maybe the old owner was outcasted into the forest to die a miserable and lonely death which the old owner surely did or else Shen Yuan wouldn't have been here in the first place.

Shen Yuan shook his head, trying to dispel the negative thoughts, may the old owner rest in piece! This new user will make sure your death wasn't in vain! He promised more to himself. That actually made him think, he was still a boy right?? How do you check if you have a dick or not in a dragon body??? The thought of being in a girl's body made his stomach turn upside down, he isn't mentally ready for that kind of life! He looked down at himself but couldn't find anything that could tell him if the body was a boy or not. Shen Yuan was feeling a bit embarrassed and awkward about the thought of checking his own body, but he knew he had to figure it out sooner or later. He took a deep breath and looked down at himself again, examining his scales and body. After some time, he finally noticed a small protrusion between his hind legs. He blushed deeply, realizing that he was indeed a male dragon. He let out a sigh of relief, glad that he wouldn't have to deal with the complications of being a female dragon. 

He tried to forget about what happened and curled himself into a ball, as he laid back down to rest a bit more, he wondered what he should do with the hut. He can't continue to live like this in a half-collapsing hut, maybe he could try to fix it and make it better when he gets himself a body, plus with the hidden money he'll surely get himself a good amount of supplies to actually rebuild the hut, but now that he thinks about it it's pointless to try and fix it. Half of the wood was basically rotting! As he continued to lay there, Shen Yuan made a mental list of the things he would need to build a new hut. He would need new wood, nails, a hammer, and other tools to get the job done. He also realized that he needed to learn some basic carpentry skills if he wanted to do it right. He made a note to himself to start practicing as soon as possible. 

He wondered where he could find the materials he needed. Perhaps there were other abandoned huts or buildings in the area that he could salvage from. But that would be too much of a hassle.. maybe he could move to another place entirely, probably near a city would be the best choice. It would be easier to get the mentioned materials that way, maybe he'll get people to do all the building! Actually, now that he thinks about it that would be expensive, sure he has money but he doesn't have that much to spend around carelessly. It's useless to think about this now because he doesn't even have a human body to go around with yet. It's a problem for future him. Feeling impatient he decided to cultivate despite promising to not push himself with cultivating, but what else is he supposed to do except cultivate! It became a nice way to pass the time, he almost always felt refreshed after a good while of cultivating. 

He closed his eyes and started to do the usual stuff he did. As he focused on his cultivation, he began to feel a sense of calm and peace wash over him. He continued to cultivate for what seemed like hours, unknowingly losing track of time. When he opened his eyes, he realized that the sun had set and it was now dark outside. He surely just skipped a day. He sat up and stretched his limbs, feeling the soreness as he moved around. He wondered what he should do now. He could try to find some food, but he was still feeling a bit weak from earlier, and he didn't want to push himself too much. He suddenly remembered he had left the dried flowers in the spotlight for God knows how long! He walked out of the hut to the spot be left the flowers to dry, to his happiness they remained the same way they did the last time he checked on them.

He carefully picked them up with his hand and walked back to the hut. Since he doesn't have anywhere else to put them to make sure they remain in that place he dropped the flowers next to himself and looked around before digging into the ground to where he buried the pouch bag. As Shen Yuan dug the hole in the ground where the pouch bag was buried, he couldn't help but think about how odd it was to see a dragon using his claws to dig like a common animal. It was a far cry from his previous life as a human, where he would use at least a shovel to do such tasks, but he lacks the tool and the body to do it. He supposes he has already adapted to his new circumstances. When he was able to see the pouch bag he took it out shoved the dried flowers inside it before placing it back into the ground and buried it back into the ground.

After he finished burying the pouch bag, Shen Yuan sat down and sighed, his claws were dirty, full of dirt under his nails making his hands extremely uncomfortable. He looked up at the sky, noticing how the clouds were starting to turn a bright shade of orange and pink as the sun began to set. It was a beautiful sight, one he never really had the chance to appreciate back in his old life due to his time being used on trying to stay alive most of the time. He couldn't help but smile at the thought of having more free time to just relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. It was nice to just sit there staring at the clouds, watching them move slowly around the dark sky he accidentally fall asleep in that position but not for long. 

He woke up abruptly like someone slapped him awake, he groans annoyed that he woke up so suddenly and sat back up, his back was killing him! Never again sleeping on the hard ground! He tried to rub the sore spot but his hands couldn't reach it so he sighed in defeat. As he stretched his arms and back to relieve some of the stiffness, Shen Yuan noticed a small bug crawling on his leg, unfazed he brushed it off without much thought. But as he looked around, he saw that he was surrounded by bugs of all kinds. They were crawling on the ground, flying through the air, and some were even climbing up the walls of the hut. Shen Yuan felt a shiver run down his spine at the sight of them. He didn't mind a few bugs here and there, but this was a bit too overwhelming.

He got up quickly and walked as far as possible, he made sure he didn't take a bug with him. It's not that he hated bugs, some of them were really interesting but he isn't a fan of things climbing his body without his notice. How come he hasn't noticed that the hut was infested with bugs? But it was only one more reason to move out of the hut as soon as possible. He sat back down by the river after making sure he won't be sitting on an insect and watched the hut quietly. As he sat by the river, he couldn't help but feel a sense of uneasiness. He knew that he couldn't stay out in the open forever, but the thought of returning to the hut filled him with dread. He needed to come up with a plan to deal with the bug infestation before he could even consider staying there again. But then again he only noticed the bugs now, surely they were just living outside since he is sure he would have noticed if they were inside the hut too.

After clearing his mind by drinking and eating more of the berries he is already fed up with he made his way back to the hut to examine the inside more thoroughly. He was in fact right that he hasn't been sleeping in the same bed with the bugs and that they were only staying in the other more worn-out room. Shen Yuan breathed a sigh of relief as he realized that the bugs were only confined to the other room of the hut and let himself relax into his excuse of a bed. He should try to cultivate some more, he already started to miss the sensation of Qi running through his meridians. Shen Yuan closed his eyes and focused on his breathing, calming his mind and allowing his body to relax. He let his Qi flow freely, feeling it spread through his body and nourishing his meridians. It was a familiar sensation, one that he had practiced many times already that gave him great comfort. 

As he continued to cultivate, he became more aware of the sounds around him. He could hear the gentle rush of the river, the chirping of birds, and even the occasional rustling of leaves in the wind. It was a peaceful scene, one that he already gotten easily used to. After a while he decided he cultivated enough for today, he finished his cultivation session and stood up, stretching his stiff muscles the best he could. He walked outside the hut and took a deep breath of the fresh air, feeling refined. Cultivating is surely addicting! He might as well continue to do it despite risking getting into a Qi Deviation. 

Maybe that weird fever thing wasn't even a Qi Deviation and he just got sick like any normal person does because it sure didn't feel like a Qi Deviation. Shen Yuan shook his head, trying to push those thoughts out of his mind. It was pointless to dwell on what might have been. What he needed to focus on was what he could do now to continue cultivating and strengthening his body. Since he wasn't feeling either tired or hungry he cultivated some more until he eventually fell asleep by the comforting feeling.

When he woke up he felt good but tired, since he couldn't fall asleep again he decided it was best to go eat something first and then make his fill at the river with its fresh water. When he went outside the hut it was night but since it appeared to be a full moon everything was pretty lit up, well enough for him to see clearly where he was going. While he walked to the river he decided to skip eating since he wasn't exactly hungry, so after drinking the cool river water he went back inside the hut and started to cultivate since he couldn't fall asleep even if he wanted to. As he continued to cultivate, Shen Yuan felt the familiar sensation of Qi flowing through his meridians.

He closed his eyes and focused on his breathing, allowing himself to fully relax and sink into the cultivation process. It wasn't until he felt a sudden jolt of pain in his chest that he realized something was wrong. He gasped in pain, trying to ease the pain, but it only seemed to intensify. It felt like his heart was being squeezed by an invisible force, and he couldn't make it stop. Panic set in as he struggled to regain control over his body, but it was too late. Everything went black as he collapsed to the ground.

When he woke up, he continued to feel a phantom pain in his chest only making him more aware of his surroundings. He lay there fearing if he were to move the pain will only increase. His body felt awful and strange, Shen Yuan lay there still for a few moments, focusing on his breathing and trying to calm his racing heart. The pain in his chest was still there, but it seemed to be slowly fading away. He gingerly sat up, wincing slightly as he did so, and looked around the hut. Everything seemed to be in its place, and there were no signs of any intruders or anything out of the ordinary.

Although.. he did feel a little too bigger than usual,  and when Shen Yuan looked down at himself he was left in shock after seeing that his body was that of an actual human being!! Goodbye walking on all fours!! He felt excited but his excitement died down when he noticed he was in fact naked as the day he was born in. Feeling embarrassed and exposed he covered himself with his excuse of a bed. He couldn't believe what was happening. Was he dreaming? Or was this some kind of strange side effect from cultivating too much? Actually, he is glad of this so-called side effect now he can finally do things properly!

He tried to stand up only to fall back down, his legs giving up on him almost immediately, causing him to let out a groan of pain. He looked down at his legs and realized that they were much thinner and weaker than he remembered them being in his old life. He tried again, this time using his arms to push himself up, and managed to stand, still shakily. He stumbled around the hut, trying to get his bearings and adjust to this new body. After a few minutes, he was able to walk more confidently, and he decided to venture outside to explore his surroundings. 

As he stepped outside, he was hit by a wave of fresh air and a blinding light. He shielded his eyes with his hand and looked around. The world seemed so much bigger when he was in a smaller body. He took a deep breath and walked towards the river, enjoying the sensation of the cool grass under his feet. As he reached the river, he found his reflection in the water to be a great surprise, while he looked almost identical to how he used to look like in his old life he was much healthier with his skin of lively color. He no longer had the pale sick appearance he used to have. And he was much more handsome too! Although he isn't that big of a fan of how long his hair was but he can live with it for now.  

He decided to take a dip in the river to cool off and wash off the dirt and grime from never being washed and while he was still at it he cleaned the best he could the old rag he used to use as a bed and now was used as his clothes. As he stepped into the water, he felt a sudden rush of energy, as if he was connected to the very essence of nature itself. He cleaned himself with pleasure even if the water was a little bit too cold, and since he wasn't a big fan of walking around naked he decided it was best to squeeze out as much water as he could before wearing the rag again.

He spent the rest of the day exploring his surroundings and getting used to his new body while making sure he won't get too dirty. He climbed trees, ran around the river and the hut as much as he wanted to, and even tried to catch some fish in the river, although he quickly realized that he didn't have the necessary skills for that yet. As the sun began to set, he made his way back to the hut, feeling exhausted but exhilarated at the same time.

He got used to his body quickly so he felt proud of himself as he sat down on the floor in the more stable room. Luckily his so-called clothes dried off rather fast so he could sleep more comfortably. Sleep came to him fast because in a few seconds he found himself a step inside his dreams. After a few tosses and turns to find the best position to sleep in he yawned loudly and welcomed sleep with open arms.

He couldn't wait to move out of the hut and finally talk to people again after what felt like an eternity of loneliness. 

Chapter Text

       After a good night's rest, he woke up happier than ever since he got in this world, while he did enjoy having his alone time it became too much after so long! He felt a renewed sense of energy in his new human body, but he was more than eager to get out of here as soon as possible! Sure he will miss the familiar hut but he can't continue to live like this with those conditions! Shen Yuan quickly fixed his makeshift clothes on his body and gathered what little supplies he had, especially the pouch bag of money he wouldn't leave it here for the world. He is sure he can get himself some real food and a new set of clothes and still have more than half of the money left! After getting his essentials, he'll see how he can sell the dried flowers. So after eating the last of the berries and washing them down with water, he took one last look at the hut before walking in the direction of where the river was flowing. He continued to walk looking back from time to time to stare at the hut which was getting more far by every turn of his head until he couldn't see it anymore and with that he stopped turning around.

Shen Yuan kept walking, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness as he ventured further away from the hut. The unfamiliar surroundings made him feel a bit uneasy, but he pushed through it. It felt weird to walk so far from the hut and not turn back but he was desperate to find even the tiniest village so he could start his new life for real this time. As he kept walking until he could no longer see the outline of the hut his feelings continued to remain the same but the nervousness only seemed to increase. As he walked he gazed around himself from time to time and at some point, he spotted a figure in a corner of the forest on the other side of the river. It looked just like that bear creature he encountered a long time ago! Shen Yuan stopped himself to try to take a better look. It was laying on some rocks basking under the hot sun, probably asleep or dead. While he isn't sure it was the same creature he won't try to find out now since he doesn't have a weapon on him to defend himself in case he got attacked, not like he knows how to defend himself in the first place. As he took one last glance at the creature he continued his journey in search of a village. 

As Shen Yuan walked further away from the creature, the trees started to thin out and he began to see signs of civilization. He spotted an old, small rundown village in the distance, a few of its houses very close to the river. It seemed to be abandoned, with only a few small houses and shops scattered throughout the area not far from each other. Shen Yuan's heart sank a little, as he had hoped to find a better-looking village where he could start anew. But he reminded himself that he needed to start somewhere, and perhaps this village could offer him that fresh start and if they were hostile toward him he'll just leave peacefully! Hopefully he won't get robbed.

As he walked closer to the village, he saw a few people milling about, mostly elderly men and women chatting between themselves or exchanging food and things. They looked up at him curiously as he approached, and Shen Yuan felt a bit self-conscious at his lack of clothes. He approached the nearest person who was an elder woman watching him with an intense but interested gaze. "My apologies," he said, trying to sound as friendly as possible. "I'm new to this area and was hoping to find a place to stay. Could you direct me to an inn or a place to buy some clothes?" The first thing he needs right now is better clothes, with the way the other people stare at him he feels like he is naked out here!

The elder who he had approached looked up and down at him before smiling warmly. "I'm afraid we don't have an inn here, but I'd offer you some clothes and a place to stay if you help this old woman around her house." She offered. Shen Yuan was surprised at the elder's offer and nodded eagerly. "I'd be happy to help," he replied, feeling relieved that he wouldn't have to sleep outside or walk for miles to find shelter. The elder led him to a small, old house on the outskirts of the village near the river.

"I hope Young Master doesn't mind this one's tiny home." She said suddenly when entering the house, being called 'Young Master' really doesn't fit Shen Yuan, right now he is poorer than you old granny!! "I'm not a young master ma'am. And I don't mind really!" He tried to reply friendly but the elder only seemed to stare at him suspiciously. "How come you aren't? With such a pretty face you would surely be a young rich master!" She replied smiling now, but he couldn't tell if she was joking or not.

"I'm neither rich nor pretty ma'am." He declined politely, he is sure he is looking like an average person. "Well then how should I call you young man?" She said setting down on one of the pillows on the low tables, offering him the sit in front of her. "This one is named Shen Yuan." He said expecting the elder woman to say her name as well. "Happy to meet you, Shen Yuan, this old woman is named Shu Hua, but everyone in the village calls me Granny Hua so you should too if you are going to stay here for the time being." She told him with the smile on her face not moving an inch, it gave off a feeling of authority like if you won't call her that she will make you regret it. Shen Yuan didn't know if he was being paranoid or not but nonetheless he nodded his head.

Satisfied the women got up and went to search for something in the other room while he remained seated. He quietly looked around himself watching his surroundings for a split second before the elder went back inside the room. She made her way to Shen Yuan and dropped a nicely folded set of clothes on the table in front of him. "I'm not sure if they'll fit you since they were my late husband's but they are better than that old blanket you are wearing." She said loud and clear. "I'm sure they'll fit thank you!" He replied getting up. "You can go change in that room." She said pointing over at one of the rooms, but he decided to first ask something before going to change.

"Granny Hua, I'm also looking for a way to make some money. Do you know of any work or tasks I could do in the village?" Shen Yuan asked, hoping to earn some money to sustain himself in the village. The elder woman looked thoughtful for a moment before replying, "Well, there's always work to be done around the village, but I'm afraid we don't have much money to pay you. Since we ourselves would rather do the work than pay someone to do it." She said honestly. "Oh alright then.." Shen Yuan said a little disappointed but nonetheless walked to the room the elder pointed at. But Granny Hua stopped him as soon as he tried to leave.

"Don't be too upset over it, once someone leaves the village for our monthly supply restock you can go with them to the big city and search for work there. Until then you are free to stay here as long as you help me around here of course." She said smiling sweetly at him, he thought about what to say before turning to face her. " Thank you for telling me, I hope it won't be too much of a hassle for me to stay here." Shen Yuan said with genuine gratitude giving a small bow to the elder. "It's the least I can do for a young man like you who is willing to help an old woman like me." She replied with a warm smile although it seemed a little too warm.

As he changed into the new clothes, Shen Yuan noticed that they were a bit big on him but he didn't mind it that much since they were of actual good quality, at least they weren't too tight. When he got out he was surprised to see a simple meal on the low table, the famous and simple congee. The elder lady smiled at him and offered the bowl when she saw him. "You didn't have to bother Granny Hua.." He said but started eating nonetheless. "Nonsense, look at how skinny you are! And it wasn't that big of a deal. I just heated some congee left from this morning." She said gesturing to his figure, seems grannies in ancient China saw everyone too skinny as well. Although congee was a simple dish without too much to eat it seems Granny Hua really knows how to cook! While it looked plain it was awfully good, the flavor was just right!

He finished rather fast since he was starving without realizing it and offered to wash the bowl which he was declined, when he insisted the elder took the bowl forcefully from Shen Yuan's grasp before walking off into what was probably the kitchen. He sighed in defeat before sitting down again, looking around from time to time. After a while, she finally came back and Shen Yuan got up immediately. "So with what can I help?" He asked rather fast. "So eager to start already hm?" But before Shen Yuan could answer the front door opened and a young woman stepped in. She wore a plain robe with her brown hair tied in a low ponytail and she was carrying what seemed to be vegetables in a basket.

She stared confused at Shen Yuan before looking the Granny Hua even more confused. "Ah, my granddaughter! Come come, meet Shen Yuan," She said pressing a wrinkled hand on his shoulder before continuing. "He will be staying with us for the time being!" She said rather happily but the thought didn't seem to make her granddaughter happy at all, only seeming to make her angry. "Granny! Why must you offer shelter to every nobody that passes our village!" She scolded, dropping the basket on the ground in a fit of anger. "Ignore her Shen Yuan, she is just shy around strangers." She said overall unbothered by her granddaughter's mood.

She groans annoyed and leaves into one of the rooms, slamming the door behind her closed shut. "You have to forgive her rudeness on my behalf, she usually doesn't act like this." She said with a sigh." It's fine I understand." He tried to say politely but the elder only chuckled back. "Since she didn't introduce herself I'll do it for her, she is my grandchild, Lin. I've taken care of her since she was around ten. Sadly her parents died tragically from a terrifying demon in another city. Although she is well past marriage age she never seems to find a husband of her liking." She said with a fondness in her voice but with a sad look in her eyes.

"My condolences," he replied politely, but Shen Yuan could already tell what the old woman was skimming, she was trying to set him up with her granddaughter from the way she described her! "I appreciate you introducing me to your granddaughter. Perhaps in time, she will warm up to me." He tried to say as clueless as he could. The elder only smiled warmly at him. "I hope so. Lin'er can be a bit difficult at times, but she has a good heart. She just needs to find the right person to bring it out to." There it was! She was making such an expression that brought shivers down Shen Yuan's spine.

"But I have faith that everything will work out in the end. You seem like a kind and honorable man, and I believe that you and Lin'er would make a good match." Told you! Sorry kind lady but Shen Yuan needs to have a house on his own before marrying someone! "I'm not really husband material.." He said more to himself but the elder seemed to have picked that on. "Nonsense, I'm sure any woman you'll marry will be more than happy to stay with you! Now tell Granny Hua about yourself, you let this old woman do all the talk so now it's your turn." She said placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "There isn't a lot you say about myself.. shouldn't I be working now though?" He said trying to change the subject which didn't seem to be a success. 

The elder woman let out a low chuckle. "Always thinking about work, aren't you? Don't worry about that now, it can wait, I want to get to know you better, after all you'll be staying here for a while." Dear elder please don't pursue this poor man he has no idea what lies to feed you!! If he says he was transmigrated into an unknown body after he died by choking on an expired meat bun into a world where cultivation doesn't exist she will think he hit his head or something! Change the subject change the subject!

"Actually I have a few questions if you don't mind me asking." He quickly said. "Hm? About what?" Great question, where he should start? "Well I was wondering if there are any uh, creatures in the forest that look like a combination between a bear and a mountain lion..?" She looked confused at him for a second before replying "Oh you mean the Brown Acid Bearlion?" ...wow with that shit of a name he might actually be in Proud Immortal Demon Way! "Yes... I think- are they dangerous? Are there also any sects around the area?" The elderly woman quickly answered with her mood becoming suddenly sour. "Don't worry they aren't dangerous if you don't provoke them. And there are sects, although I wouldn't suggest trying to apply to one." 

"Why not?" Shen Yuan asked, curious. She looked at him with a solemn expression. "The sects in this area are known for being quite strict and demanding. They require a lot from their disciples and the training can be extremely hard with even harder punishments! It's not something to take lightly. They also have a very high entrance fee. Mostly only rich young masters and other nobles join the sect but only to brag about how they know cultivation!" She said with a scoff placing her arms behind her back. "We are lucky that the monsters in the forest aren't threatened by our presence because if we were to be attacked we could only run away to save our lives! Those spoiled cultivators only care to fill up their pockets, and they barely do a decent job at killing even the tiniest demonic beast!" She continued her rant while Shen Yuan listened with his full attention on her.

"Do you perhaps know the name of the sect?" He asked when she was finished. "I don't bother to remember such names, but I think it was something with hmm... Palace? But It's not worth bothering yourself with such things however, there are plenty of other opportunities for you to cultivate in the world. You don't need to join a sect to become a powerful cultivator! Who knows maybe a mysterious Immortal Master will find you have great potential at becoming a cultivator and will make you as their disciples!" Old lady if only you knew I'm actually not a human being! "No no I was just curious. I'm not looking to become anyone's disciple." As honest as his answer was the older woman looked at him not convinced. 

"I see... well, it's your life and your choice to make," she said with a smile. "But why wouldn't you want to know cultivation? Don't you want to be Immortal? It's everyone's dream to never die." Shen Yuan actually put thought into his answer before replying. "If I wanted to be a cultivator it will probably be because I'll learn to defend myself and I'll be able to see cool monsters, I'm not really interested in living for eternity, I'll probably have to watch everyone I love pass away if I become Immortal and they can't do the same." He said honestly. "Such deep thinking.. are you sure you aren't a young master? You sound just like one of those deep-thinking scholars! Ah this old woman starts to feel bad about putting you to work.." She teased lightly. 

"Haha who said anything about not being Immortal?" He tried to play it off, don't get him wrong but he is eager to use this new body of his for hard farm work! He can't wait to carry heavy stuff without passing out the next second! "I was just joking with you young man, you sure are eager to work. Well I'm sure the boys in the village need someone to carry the baskets of vegetables to the storage house. Come I'll show you the way and after a few hours I'll come back to pick you up." She said walking slowly to the front door. It was as if she read his mind! "Many thanks!" Shen Yuan exclaimed, feeling grateful for the opportunity to put his new body to work.

As he followed the elderly woman out of the house, he couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. Despite the initial awkward encounter with Lin, he was starting to feel more at ease around so many people. As they walked through the village, the villagers greeted them here and there, some were too busy to notice the two of them while others stopped doing their current task to talk with them, well mostly to Granny Hua. He will be introduced quickly and then they will continue the conversation they had with Granny Hua who was more than happy to hear the newest tea! Said tea was mostly about who is together with who and when that subject came every woman asked if he was single, everyone here must have the same mindset!

And at that the sneaky elder always replied for him! He wasn't even let to open his mouth before she said, "Oh, he's not available for marriage yet, he's focusing on his work for now." Although the answer itself didn't seem that bad but Shen Yuan could read between the lines! The other women would then laugh while leaving them alone. Finally they reached the place Granny Hua told Shen Yuan about. It was overall a large field with a few people working here and there Shen Yuan noticed that they were mostly harvesting crops and tending to the animals that were grazing in the nearby pastures. The sun was high up in the sky, casting a hot glow over the land. As they got closer to the people Shen Yuan looked around the field, taking in the sights and sounds. He could see a few people tending to crops while others did something else, and some common-looking animals grazing in the distance, and the occasional cart passing by. The air was filled with the smell of freshly turned soil and the sound of birds chirping from the forest.

"You see everyone here works for everyone. It's a communal effort," Granny Hua explained, gesturing to the people in the field. "We all work together to make sure we have enough to eat and trade with other villages. It's been this way for generations, and it's what keeps our village very strong bonded." Shen Yuan nodded, impressed by the sense of community he saw before him. He never heard of such a thing, the villagers must all be thinking of each other like family. As they walked further into the field, Shen Yuan noticed a group of young children playing nearby near the houses. They were laughing and chasing each other, carefree and full of energy. One of the little girls caught sight of Shen Yuan and tugged on her friend's sleeve, pointing in his direction.

The other children quickly took notice and stopped their game, all staring at him with curious eyes. Shen Yuan felt a little uncomfortable under their gaze, but he forced himself to smile and wave. The girls giggled shyly and waved back then turned to whisper between themselves before returning to their game, the boys seemed to become hostile at that, giving Shen Yuan glares as if thinking he was stealing their friends. Granny Hua caught on to that and laughed placing a hand on Shen Yuan's arm. Finally someone noticed them approaching and walked up to them. "Granny Hua! Who is this?" The young man who was pretty muscular asked eyeing Shen Yuan. Why was everyone staring at him like he was the most wanted criminal in the world or the most handsome man in the world!!

"A-Feng this is Shen Yuan! Since he'll be staying with this old woman he wants to help around and what better way than to help around the field! I'll leave him in your care but don't be too hard on him alright?" She said in a joking way. 'A-Feng' looked at Shen Yuan with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. He studied him for a moment before nodding in acknowledgment. "I see. Well, welcome to our village, Shen Yuan," Feng said in a somewhat reserved tone. However he continued before Shen Yuan could reply. "Have you ever done fieldwork? You don't look that strong." He assumed that Feng was likely just assessing his abilities and suitability for the task at hand, he surely wasn't being mean on purpose.

"I may not look very strong, but I am willing to learn and work hard," Shen Yuan replied earnestly. "I haven't done much field work before, but I am eager to contribute and help in any way I can." The young man scoffed but after Granny Hua gave him a glare he returned by asking a question. "How do you do with carrying things?" Although Shen Yuan hasn't done anything too physically demanding since he got here he feels quite confident that he'll be able to care a full basket on his own! Shen Yuan smiled confidently in response to the young man's question. "I believe I can handle carrying things. I may not have done much field work before, but I am no stranger to physical tasks. I'm willing to give it my best effort."

The young man eyed Shen Yuan skeptically, still doubtful of his abilities. However, Granny Hua intervened once again, giving Feng a stern look that went unnoticed by Shen Yuan. Realizing that Shen Yuan had been entrusted to her care, Feng only sighed heavily. "Fine, we'll see how well you do," the young man replied, his tone still laced with skepticism. "Let's not waste any more time. Shen Yuan, we have some heavy baskets that need to be carried from the field to the storage house." Feng said walking away, expecting him to follow at which he did when Granny Hua urged him forward. As he followed the other guy the people there turned to around to look at them whenever they passed before resuming their tasks. Once they reached their destination Feng dropped an old bamboo basket filled with vegetables in Shen Yuan's arms.

"Is it heavy?" He asked crossing his arms, although the disguised dragon appeared to have a weak body he actually found the basket to be pretty light! "No actually. I think I can carry more!" He said with excitement. Feng raised an eyebrow in surprise but complied, putting another basket over the other. "And now? Can you carry them?" He asked skeptically, as if Shen Yuan was trying to act tough. "I think I can do three baskets." He said confidently. Feng's skepticism turned into astonishment as Shen Yuan effortlessly lifted the three baskets, balancing them on his arms, another basket and he won't be able to see in front of him! The other villagers who had been observing the scene couldn't help but murmur in surprise. It was clear that Shen Yuan possessed strength beyond what his appearance suggested.

After taking two of the other remaining baskets Feng eyed Shen Yuan again making sure he isn't just buffing about carrying the heavy baskets before urging him to follow. While they walked to the storage house which wasn't that far away Feng decided he could continue to interrogate Shen Yuan. Overall his weak appearance he not only seemed to be stronger but faster as well, occasionally walking too far from Feng. " So, Shen Yuan, where did you come from before arriving in our village?" Feng asked, his tone more curious than skeptical now. "Well, I.. grew up in the forest." Shen Yuan replied, his answer carefully crafted to avoid revealing too much. It wasn't entirely accurate, but it also wasn't a complete lie. After all, he did spend a significant amount of time in the forest.

Feng raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by Shen Yuan's response. "The forest, huh? That must have been quite an experience. How did you end up here in our village then?" Shen Yuan paused, considering how to answer without divulging too many details. "I was traveling then I stumbled upon this village, I don't plan to stay here so I'll leave once I know the way to the nearest town." Feng nodded, seemingly satisfied with Shen Yuan's explanation. "Ah, I see. Well, it's fortunate that you found your way here. Our village may be small, but we at least take care of one another." Reaching the storage house, Feng led Shen Yuan inside where other villagers were busy organizing and storing the harvested and ripe crops. The air was filled with the earthy scent of vegetables and the sound of bustling activity. Feng introduced Shen Yuan to some of the villagers there who were curious about the newcomer. They exchanged pleasantries and welcoming smiles, making Shen Yuan feel more at ease.

After dropping the baskets off they made their way back to the field. But Feng took that as an opportunity to continue asking questions. "Do you have any family around?" He asked out of a sudden. Shen Yuan's expression softened as he thought about his siblings. "I used to have a few siblings, but we got separated a long time ago," he replied honestly although they weren't in the same world as him now.  "It's been a while since I last saw them, and I'm not sure where they are now. But I hope they're doing well wherever they may be." He didn't want to burden the villagers with the details of his weird new life. Feng hummed, understanding the sentiment. "Family is important to be at least . It must be difficult not knowing where they are. But who knows, maybe one day you'll be reunited." Shen Yuan smiled even though he knows it was most unlikely to happen. 

"Maybe.. what about you?" He asked making Feng look at him surprised. "Me? Well I got a younger sister. She's married and lives in a nearby town with her husband, to be honest I never liked him, too full of himself at times. But my sister loves him so much she decided she'll get married to him without a second thought." He said annoyed while Shen Yuan listened attentively as Feng shared his frustrations about his sister's husband. He could sense the disappointment and concern in Feng's words. "Does he at least love her back?" Shen Yuan asked, genuinely curious about the dynamics of Feng's sister's marriage. Feng sighed, his annoyance evident. "I'm not entirely sure. He says he does, but sometimes his actions make me doubt it. He's always focused on his own work and barely gives my sister any attention. But then again I haven't seen her in almost ten months." Shen Yuan's expression turned sympathetic as he listened to Feng's concerns about his sister's husband. "Maybe you should talk about this with your sister, try to get you two to understand each other more." He tried to give a piece of advice but Feng only raised an eyebrow at him not answering back.

Shen Yuan decided to respect Feng's boundaries and not push the matter further. "We continue to carry the baskets right?" He changed the subjects quickly. "Yeah, let's continue," Feng replied, his tone returning to its earlier seriousness. They resumed their task of carrying the baskets, moving in sync as they navigated through the field to the baskets. Both picked up the same amount as last time and carried them back to the storage house in silence. Shen Yuan wasn't that interested in making small talk since he was growing quite tired already. The weight of the baskets, though not overwhelming, still took its toll on his body after two more trips. He could feel his muscles straining, but he pushed through not wanting to be put to rest or worse, be told he isn't fit for the job. 

Once they reached the storage house and unloaded the last of the baskets, Feng paused for a moment, looking at Shen Yuan with a newfound appreciation and picked up a bag of rice to dump it into his arms. Startled he held the bag closely, looking at Feng confused. "Take the bag to Granny Hua, last I heard she ran out of rice." He said getting ready to leave before Shen Yuan stopped him. "Wait- I don't know the way to her house!" He said making Feng sigh annoyed. "I'm only going to show you once, if you won't remember your way back tomorrow then don't even bother coming to the field in the first place!" Although he said those harsh words there wasn't any hostility behind his voice. Wait- he needs to be back tomorrow?!

Holding the bag of rice securely, he followed Feng as they made their way through the village. Feng led Shen Yuan down a winding path, the same Granny Hua had taken him on, and pointed out various landmarks along the way. He emphasized certain details and gave clear instructions to help Shen Yuan remember the route. Shen Yuan listened attentively, determined to commit the directions to his already outstanding memory. As they reached Granny Hua's house, Feng stopped and turned to Shen Yuan. "There. I won't be showing you again so better remember it well!" He said turning around and walking away the next second without saying goodbye. Shen Yuan only now noticed the sun was almost setting, he must have spent a lot of time carrying those baskets back and forth, at least the time seemed to pass faster even though his body was already aching in some spots and his empty stomach only made him want to sleep more.

When he went to knock at the door like a polite young man he was surprised to be met face-to-face with Granny Hua who was just as surprised as he was. "Oh! I was just about to go and get you!" She said smiling while letting Shen Yuan into the house, he only now noticed as well how cold was outside because of the warm fireplace in the corner of the main room where the table was already set. "Um Feng told me you ran out of rice so he gave me a bag, where should I put it?" Granny Hua chuckled warmly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, it seems Feng was a step ahead of me. Thank you dear for carrying it." She then turned to Shen Yuan and gestured towards a corner of the room. "Just place the bag of rice over there, dear. We'll sort it out later." Shen Yuan nodded and carefully placed the bag of rice in the designated spot. 

She motioned for Shen Yuan to take a seat at the table, which he gladly did, he couldn't wait to fill up his stomach with something else other than wild berries! She busied herself with filling up the bowl for Shen Yuan before handing it to him. He thanked her but just as he was about to eat he stopped himself, where did his manners go! If his mother saw him he would be scolded until his ears fell off! He looked around the house searching for the other member of the family but Granny seemed unbothered as she spoke. "You must be hungry after all the hard work," Granny Hua said with a smile. "Go on you don't need to wait for us to eat with you." Shen Yuan isn't that heartless- but the hunger was too much to bear. "Are you sure you don't mind?" Granny Hua chuckled kindly at Shen Yuan's concern for manners. "My dear, there's no need to worry about that here. We're just a simple family, we don't care that much for manners in the village anyways. As long as you worked for your food eat as much as you want." 

Without further hesitation, Shen Yuan picked up his chopsticks again and began to savor the delicious meal before him, it was just a simple meal of rice and fried vegetables but the rice was so fluffy and soft he could eat it just as it is! And the vegetables had such a pleasant taste to it. The flavors danced on his taste buds, and he couldn't help but let out a satisfied sigh. The warmth of the food combined with the warmth of Granny Hua's hospitality filled him with a sense of comfort and contentment he hadn't felt in a long time. God bless Granny Hua, who knew she could cook so well!! Maybe the fact that he hasn't eaten a real meal in so long made the food surprisingly good but he isn't complaining! As Shen Yuan continued to enjoy the simple yet delicious meal, his hunger subsided, and a feeling of nourishment and satisfaction washed over him. Granny Hua watched him with a glimmer of joy in her eyes, pleased to see him relishing the food she had prepared. She had always believed that the best meals were made with love and care, and it seemed that Shen Yuan's appreciation validated her belief.

Once he finished he thanked her for the meal and offered to wash up his bowl but she denied him and told him to remain sitting while she went to clean it herself. Not wanting to deny her he accepted her kind gesture and remained seated, taking the opportunity to rest his tired legs.. Shen Yuan watched as Granny Hua moved around the kitchen, tidying up and washing the dishes with practiced ease. Her movements were gentle and efficient, a reflection of her years of experience. looking around the cozy room, he took in the small details he hadn't noticed before. The room was decorated with simple yet old furnishings, giving it a rustic charm. And then her granddaughter finally made an appearance by entering the house from the front door in a good mood. But as soon as she saw Shen Yuan her expression turned cold, clearly annoyed with his presence. Shen Yuan felt a pang of guilt and unease, realizing that his arrival had likely disrupted the harmony of the household.

But it really wasn't his fault you have such a sweet grandmother! "Uh hello." Shen Yuan's greeting was met with silence from Lin, Granny Hua's granddaughter who he barely saw. Sensing her disapproval like a stab in the back, he felt a twinge of awkwardness. He didn't dare to speak further, not wanting to make the situation worse. Granny Hua, noticing the tension, decided to break the silence. "Lin'er, dear, what took you so long hm? You've given this old woman quite a scare!" She spoke with a mix of concern and playfulness, trying to lighten the atmosphere. Lin sighed and rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed. "I was busy with some errands, Grandma, but I didn't expect for him to remain here." Her words were tinged with irritation, probably thinking Shen Yuan would have left already. Shen Yuan's gaze shifted between Granny Hua and Lin, feeling like an unwanted guest intruding on their family matters. He felt a sense of guilt for causing any disruption. "I apologize for overstaying my welcome. If my presence is an inconvenience, I can leave," he offered, trying to be respectful of her wishes.

Granny Hua shook her head gently. "No need for that, Shen Yuan. You're always welcome at my house. Lin'er just needs some time to adjust." She cast a reassuring smile toward Shen Yuan, hoping to ease his mind. Lin remained silent, her expression still guarded. When Granny Hua set down she picked up her chopsticks before addressing Shen Yuan. "You are welcomed to eat more A-Yuan, if you don't want to you can go outside in the backyard to wash your face and hands." She said kindly while he was surprised by the sudden familiarity he was addressed with, it made him think about how his parents used to address him like that along with his brothers since his meimei usually called him gege or san-ge whenever she was serious with him. Granny Hua took notice of his silence and smiled gently, understanding the emotions it might have stirred within him. "I apologize if I overstepped any boundaries, dear. I hope you don't mind me not being so formal with you." 

Shen Yuan quickly shook his head, his surprise giving way to a warm smile. "No, Granny Hua, you haven't overstepped any boundaries at all. I was just surprised.. It reminded me of my own family.." he said honestly. Granny Hua's smile widened, pleased to see Shen Yuan's positive response. "I'm glad to hear that A-Yuan, go on and eat some more! You're all skin and bones!" But Shen Yuan kept declining. He smiled gratefully at Granny Hua's concern. "Thank you, Granny Hua, but I'm actually quite full. I'll go outside to not disturb your meal." Although the elder lady wanted to tell him to stay her granddaughter gave her a look making Granny Hua sigh softly, understanding her granddaughter's silent request. She nodded at Shen Yuan who took that opportunity and went to what he thought was the backdoor, luckily his instincts were right since he found himself in the back of a tiny garden with a small wooden fence.

In the backyard, Shen Yuan found the basin of water the elder woman mentioned. He splashed some of the cool water on his face, feeling refreshed by the simple act. Although he didn't feel sweaty or dirty he smelled himself to make sure he wasn't sticky. To his surprise the clothes had the same smell they did when he wore them for the first time, a dusty and old smell but now with a little bit more dirty. Kind of happy he didn't sweat like crazy he dried his face with his sleeve and looked at his surroundings to take in more details of the backyard. After he found nothing of great interest he sat down in front of the closed door to take a moment to recollect his thoughts. The work he did today only seemed to make him exhausted and nothing else too extreme like it would have in his other body, which he was kind of glad of because he doesn't want to think what would have happened if he just passed out right there and then. He also is glad he didn't get too much dirty because he has no idea how he would have to wash himself because of that. As he sat there, he couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. On one hand, he was grateful for the kindness to him Granny Hua and touched by her hospitality because who would take in a stranger on these kinds of days when people barely ate two times a day from the lack of food commoners had!

On the other hand, Lin's cold demeanor had left him feeling somewhat unsettled and unsure of his place in the household. Shen Yuan understood that Lin's cold demeanor might stem from her own concerns or reservations about having a stranger in their home. He didn't want to overstay his welcome or cause any further tension within the household. He wants to work for his stay young lady! He won't take advantage of you and your sweet grandma really! As soon as he gets told the way to the nearest city he'll leave with pleasure! Yet sitting there not moving made his exhaustion grow significantly and in a few moments he found himself so sleepy he could fall asleep there with no problem. Feeling the exhaustion from the day's work and the emotional strain get more intense, Shen Yuan's eyelids grew heavy. The fatigue washed over him, making it difficult to keep his eyes open. He knew he should find a more appropriate place to rest, but the weariness was overwhelming. 

With a sigh, Shen Yuan decided to give in to his body's demands. He laid down on the ground in a comfortable position, using his arm as a pillow which was more bony than soft. The sound of nature and the nearby insects of the backyard enveloped him, providing a sense of peace. As his eyes closed, he whispered to himself, "I'll just rest for a little while.." but he mostly lied to himself thinking he'll be able to stay at least a little conscious while 'resting', but it didn't happen since soon he drifted off into a deep and peaceful sleep. The gentle breeze rustled the leaves overhead, and the rhythmic chirping of the insects formed a soothing lullaby. The worries and uncertainties of the day faded away as he embraced the playfulness of the moment.

As Shen Yuan gradually emerged from his deep slumber, he felt disoriented for a moment. Opening his eyes, he found himself no longer in the backyard but inside the house. Confusion washed over him as he tried to recall how he had ended up there. Sitting up slowly, he looked around his surroundings finding out he was in the familiar room he called the living room even though it was really one. The familiar coziness of Granny Hua's home greeted him, and the scent of breakfast wafting from the kitchen. It was evident that someone had moved him inside while he slept, and he wondered if it was Granny Hua or Lin. Curiosity filled his heart as he stood up and made his way toward the kitchen, following the delicious aroma. As he entered, he was greeted by Granny Hua, who had a warm smile on her face. "Ah, you're awake, A-Yuan! I hope you had a good night's rest," she said kindly.

Shen Yuan returned her smile and bowed slightly. "Thank you, Granny Hua. I apologize for falling asleep outside," he said, "And thank you for bringing me inside, I hope it wasn't wasn't much of a burden." Granny Hua waved off his thanks. "Oh, don't mention it, my dear. It was the least we could do. Breakfast is almost ready, so take a seat and make yourself at home." Although she told him to sit down he decided to ask if his help was needed first. "Do you perhaps need any help?" He asked looking at what she was doing. Granny Hua smiled warmly at Shen Yuan's offer to help. "That's very kind of you, A-Yuan," she said appreciatively. "If you'd like to lend a hand, I could use some help setting the table. Lin'er could you please bring out the bowls and chopsticks?" Lin'er who was in the back of the room watching them silently scoffed and got up to do as told. Shen Yuan, who was startled by her sudden appearance, took a few seconds to realize he had a task to complete. 

Shen Yuan quickly gathered himself and stepped forward to assist Granny Hua in setting the table. Lin'er returned with the bowls and chopsticks, placing them on the table with a somewhat detached demeanor. He carefully arranged the bowls and chopsticks, making sure everything was in its proper place. Once they finished Shen Yuan noticed how tense the atmosphere was, mostly because the granddaughter wasn't pleased with his presence. Granny Hua, ever perceptive, tried to ease the atmosphere. "A-Yuan, have you ever tried our village's famous tofu dish? It may be a little and worn-out village but it has been standing for quite a lot of time. We have the best tofu in the area! It's the thing we are most known for." She smiled warmly, hoping to spark some interest and break the ice.  

Shen Yuan's eyes lit up catching quickly to what the elder lady was on. "No, I haven't had the pleasure yet, Granny Hua. I would also like to know what is the name of the village since I didn't get the chance to ask." He said. Granny Hua's expression turned confused as she looked at him. "You don't know in what village you are? I thought you were here on purpose, but it's nothing fancy although, the name our village hold is Lán hé, it was given from the nearby cities and villages since we never thought about naming the village." She explained almost like a teacher would as she moved around the kitchen placing the food here and there. Once she was seated she took her chopsticks and said "Here," placing cube cut tofu in Shen Yuan's place urging him to eat it. "Do tell this old woman if it's any good,  some outsides don't end up liking it." He looked at the tofu that Granny Hua had placed in front of him, and his mouth watered at the sight. "Thank you for the tofu, Granny Hua," he said gratefully. "I'm sure it will be delicious. I'll give it a try."

Taking his chopsticks, Shen Yuan's impatience got the better of him as he eagerly took a bite of the tofu. The flavors indeed burst in his mouth, but not in a pleasant way. The tofu turned out to be overly salty to his taste, overpowering the natural taste of the dish. Shen Yuan's face contorted, and he quickly reached for his water to wash away the strong flavor. Granny Hua was quick to notice his reaction and furrowed her brows. "Oh dear, I'm sorry if it's too salty for your liking," she apologized sincerely. "I must have misjudged the seasoning. Please, let me get you something else to eat." Shen Yuan waved his hand, trying to be polite despite the disappointment. "It's alright, Granny Hua. I'm not that used to flavourful food! I'll just need to eat more to get used to it" Granny Hua looked concerned, but she nodded understandingly at Shen Yuan's response.

"I appreciate your understanding, young man," Granny Hua replied, her voice filled with warmth. "But don't you worry, I'll make it up to you next time! You just have to tell this old woman what is your favorite food!" Shen Yuan smiled forcefully not wanting to seem too rude when he denied her. "There is no need to go to such a thing!" He said feeling Granny Hua's granddaughter's glare holes into his head. "Ah then just tell me what you like to eat! I'm curious about what you favor as a dish." Although she didn't seem interested in what Shen Yuan liked to he decided it was best to just give in and say something in hopes of changing the subject "It's hard to choose just one.." He answered honestly since in his past life he didn't get to eat too many different dishes other than fast food mostly because he was also allergic to plenty of things and if he were to eat anything even a little spicy he would end up shitting blood then straight to the hospital he went. Granny Hua leaned in, her eyes filled with genuine curiosity now as she spoke. "I understand that it's difficult to choose just one favorite, but I'm interested in knowing what you enjoy. Perhaps there's something we can make that will bring you joy and comfort here."

Shen Yuan hesitated for a moment, but after thinking for a little bit he answered back. "I liked the congee you gave me the first time I came here.." it wasn't exactly what the elderly woman wanted to hear but it was close to it. Granny Hua's face lit up with a delighted smile. "Ah, congee! It's wonderful to hear that you enjoyed it. I'm glad that you found comfort in a simple and nourishing dish like congee. It's an old recipe my own mother taught me!" Shen Yuan's response seemed to have struck a chord with Granny Hua. She seemed genuinely pleased that he had found solace in the congee she had prepared for him during his first time meeting her. "I will definitely make you more congee, Shen Yuan," Granny Hua said, her voice filled with warmth. "But next time, I'll prepare it with a variety of toppings and flavors to make it even more special. We have different options like shredded chicken, preserved vegetables, and even century eggs. I want to make sure you have a congee experience that you'll truly enjoy." You are going too far Granny Hua!!! This Shen Yuan feels bad making you work for nothing!!!

"There is no need! I liked the congee how was it!" But before Granny Hua could argue back Lin slammed her chopsticks on the table and yelled "Can't you two shut up and eat?!" With an annoyed and angry tone, Granny Hua and Shen Yuan both looked at her, surprised by her sudden outburst. The atmosphere in the room grew tense, and an awkward silence filled the air. Shen Yuan could sense the underlying tension and decided to diffuse the situation. "I apologize, Lin." Shen Yuan said calmly, trying to ease the tension and continued to eat without saying another word, the elder woman at the head of the table sighed deeply and continued to eat as well. Now everyone was eating in silence not daring to say another word fearing of upsetting Lin even more.

Once everyone was finished Shen Yuan helped with cleaning before Feng, the guy from yesterday, came to 'pick him up' for more fieldwork. After saying goodbye he followed him with the day slowly but surely going on. He got to chat with Feng more, getting to know each other while tending the crops at which he wasn't that bad at for the first time. As the day progressed, Shen Yuan and Feng worked side by side, tending to the crops and engaging in light conversation. Shen Yuan found himself enjoying the simple yet fulfilling work. It was a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of his previous life. As the sun began to set and dusk settled over the village, Shen Yuan's stomach rumbled, reminding him of his growing hunger, realizing that the breakfast he had enjoyed earlier had indeed kept him satisfied for a good portion of the day. However, now he was ready for another delicious meal.

Feng noticed Shen Yuan's hungry expression and smirked. "I think it's time for us to head back. Granny Hua always prepares a hearty dinner for her guest so I'll join you tonight as well since I basically did most of your work." Which was totally not true! Shen Yuan was just a slow worker okay! He just needs to get used to working in the field first to be able to work faster! Feng's playful smirk caught Shen Yuan off guard, and he couldn't help but feel a mix of surprise and amusement at his comment. "If you say so." As they reached Granny Hua's house Feng waited for Shen Yuan to enter first. Granny Hua greeted them warmly as they stepped inside, her eyes crinkling with joy when she saw Feng. " I didn't know we will have one more handsome guest! Good thing I prepared food this time!" She said overall very pleased with them. "I hope it isn't a bother I invited myself over, eating alone isn't that fun you know?" Feng said with his usual tone making Granny Hua pet his back warmly when they walked to the table to eat. 

Granny Hua ushered them to take their seats at the low table while she went to get another set of chopsticks and a bowl for Feng. Shen Yuan's eyes widened in delight as he took in the array of colors and aromas. It was a feast fit for a king. Honestly when did she get so much time to cook all of these!! And how can she make boring old vegetables look so appetizing! Shen Yuan marveled at the variety of dishes before him, amazed at Granny Hua's culinary skills. The vegetables which might have seemed plain and mundane in other contexts, were transformed into flavorful delights with Granny Hua's touch. It was a testament to her ability to infuse even the simplest ingredients with rich flavors and textures. But he could only smell how good they must taste because the second member of the family wasn't here yet. As Shen Yuan eagerly anticipated the arrival of the missing family member, Granny Hua returned to the table with the extra chopsticks and bowl for Feng. She placed them beside his seat and smiled warmly. "Thank you for joining us, Feng. I hope you know you are always welcome here." She reminded warmly while sitting down. 

"I know I know, where is Xiao-Lin though?" Granny Hua's expression turned slightly worried as she glanced towards the entrance. "Lin'er said she had to run an errand in the village. She should be back soon," she reassured Shen Yuan and Feng. Just as she finished speaking, the sound of the door opening caught their attention. Speaking of the devil! Lin entered, with an empty basket in hand. "Sorry for being late, Granny" She said with no emotion behind her voice. Granny Hua's worried expression softened as she saw her granddaughter return. "There's no need to apologize, Lin'er! You are right on time!" When the elder woman said that Lin finally realized her grandmother wasn't alone. Deciding to ignore Shen Yuan completely she placed the basket on the ground and walked happily while eyeing Feng. "Feng-ge! Why didn't you say you'll be eating with us!" She said a little frustrated but overall happy, Feng couldn't help but chuckle at Lin's enthusiastic greeting. "Well hope you don't mind I invited himself over." He said smiling.

Shen Yuan couldn't help but notice the lingering glances and subtle looks Lin gave Feng when she set down at the table. While Granny Hua seemed oblivious to it, Shen Yuan's keen observation skills picked up on the chemistry between the two. He found it both intriguing and amusing, wondering about the nature of their relationship. He is surely looking forward to seeing what will happen to those two! From what it looks like Feng isn't married, so Lin you better hurry before someone else steals him! Shen Yuan decided to focus on enjoying the delicious food and the pleasant company around him. As the conversation flowed and laughter filled the air from time to time he didn't join in the friendly chat, not wanting to stop eating but also because he had no idea what they are talking about! Something about a woman in the village that got kids and Lin was asked to babysit in the morning and then the conversation shifted to Feng and so on and on. It was clear that they had a deep bond and a familiarity with each other that made their interactions lively and engaging.

As the evening progressed, Shen Yuan couldn't help but let his thoughts wander to other matters, for example that he hasn't meditated in a few days which might not do him too much harm to take a break but he really starts to feel all the pend up Qi inside his body! While helping out on the field today he couldn't help but gather the Qi around him whenever he felt it, although he wanted to give it back to the land he was called to do something else and completely forgot to return the now refined Qi! But before he could think of a solution Granny Hua called him to help out with the dishes to which he happily complied. After washing the dishes and storing what leftovers there were he excused himself to go outside into the backyard but the elder woman didn't let him out without another layer of clothing on him. Saying that it gets cold at night and that she doesn't want him to get sick because she won't be able to take care of him if he does. Not wanting to argue back Shen Yuan took the outer robe he was offered and made his way outside. 

As Shen Yuan stepped into the backyard, he felt a gentle breeze caress his face, carrying the soothing scents of the surrounding nature. The moonlit sky cast a serene glow over the landscape, enhancing the tranquility of the moment. Shen Yuan took a deep breath, allowing the fresh air to invigorate his senses for a comforting while. Since he couldn't meditate properly fearing he'll get caught he decided to just give away the Qi inside his body to the small flowers that were around in the backyard. The delicate petals swayed gently in the breeze as if beckoning him to share his Qi with them. Smiling softly, he approached the nearest flower and extended his hand towards it once he set on the grass. Closing his eyes, Shen Yuan visualized the Qi within him, a vibrant and powerful energy. With a gentle intention, he allowed a small portion of his Qi to flow from his body and into the flower. He imagined the Qi merging with the flower's own energy, revitalizing and nourishing it. And while he was doing it he opened his eyes to look at what he was doing since it sparked his interest in how it looked like. 

Luckily the faint glow the flower made wasn't that visible. So after making sure that no one was around to see for the second time he started again this time with his eyes opened. Moving from one flower to another, Shen Yuan repeated the process, sharing his Qi with each one he encountered. He felt a sense of joy and fulfillment as he witnessed the flowers seeming to respond, their colors becoming more vibrant, and their stems standing a little taller. He wonders if they'll look different tomorrow. But just as he was about to move to the next flower he was called from inside the house by Granny Hua. As Shen Yuan heard Granny Hua's voice calling him from inside the house, he reluctantly paused his interaction with the flowers. He looked back at the vibrant blooms, and silently promised to return another time to continue this exchange of energy. With a sense of duty, Shen Yuan made his way back inside, closing the door behind him. He found Granny Hua waiting for him with a warm smile on her face. "Come, Shen Yuan, it's time for you to rest. You've had a long day, last night you fell on the porch in the backyard while I and Lin had a small chat!" she said gently, her voice filled with care and concern.

Although Shen Yuan expected to see Feng he was surprised to find him gone already, but instead of asking about him he decided to answer Granny Hua first. "I slept well on the porch no need to worry about that." She laughed warmly and handed him a thick black, "I'm sorry that you have to sleep on the floor but there is only one bed in the house. Don't worry I picked an extra soft pillow for you, you can go closer to the fireplace if you get cold!" She introduced herself kindly. Shen Yuan accepted the thick blanket from Granny Hua and expressed his gratitude. "Thank you, Granny Hua. The blanket is perfect, and I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Sleeping on the floor is not a problem at all. I'm used to it, and I actually find it quite comfortable."

Granny Hua smiled warmly at him. "You're a resilient young man, Shen Yuan. I'm glad to hear that you're comfortable. If you need anything during the night, don't hesitate to wake me up. I'll be in the room over there." She said pointing at a room he didn't get to explore and with those words, Shen Yuan bid Granny Hua goodnight before she entered the room closing the door behind her. Although he made himself comfortable on the floor in a cozy spot near the fireplace he didn't plan to fall asleep just yet, he doesn't know if he'll get another opportunity to cultivate like this so he'd rather do it now in the middle of the night then not do it at all. Closing his eyes he made sure to not fall asleep as he tried to use his 'dragon hearing' to see if the two family members fell asleep. Shen Yuan focused his attention, honing his senses to listen for any signs of movement or sound coming from the adjacent room where Granny Hua and probably Lin too were sleeping in. With his eyes closed he took slow breaths, quieting his mind as he tapped into his heightened senses.

In the silence of the night, he could hear the faint rustling of bedding as Granny Hua settled into her bed. He could sense the gentle rhythm of her breathing, steady and calm, indicating that she had found rest. Luckily Lin seemed to have found the same peace since only her slow breathing was hearable by Shen Yuan. Careful going up he made sure to make as little noise as possible as he opened and closed the door to the backyard. Once he made sure he was safe to move around more freely he let out a satisfied sigh when he set on the ground. He forced his legs to do a full lotus position before finally starting to cultivate. As he began cultivating, Shen Yuan felt a gentle warmth spreading throughout his body, so comfortable he could fall asleep right there! Thinking to himself he'll continue to cultivate until he grew tired or fell asleep, but he didn't notice that his appearance has changed a little.

His tiny and young horns appeared as well as the tail that never seemed to have disappeared in the first place curled around himself as he continued to cultivate until the sun began to rise.

Chapter Text

       "DEMON!!" Startled by a sudden loud and high-pitched voice, Shen Yuan was abruptly pulled out of his meditative state. Confused, he scanned his surroundings only to discover Lin standing behind him, her face filled with fear. "Where?? Where??" Shen Yuan inquired, rising to his feet in a rushing manner, his own fear momentarily forgotten. He turned his gaze in the direction Lin was pointing. But there was nothing there? Maybe the demon ran off? Before he could question further Lin said something loudly again. "What do you mean where!? You are the demon!!" She exclaimed, her voice filled with accusation and alarm. Shen Yuan's confusion deepened as he turned his gaze back to Lin, realizing that she was actually pointing directly at him, not behind him as he initially assumed. His expression shifted from surprise to a mixture of bewilderment and concern as he tried to comprehend her accusation. The weight of her words hung in the air, leaving him with a sense of unease and uncertainty. 

He is pretty sure his human form doesn't have any weird futures! Unless.. His eyes widened as he noticed a tail protruding from behind him, unmistakably resembling that of a dragon, or at least a very furry reptile. A mix of astonishment and realization swept over him as he stared in shock as he remained looking at the tail petrified. As Shen Yuan continued to stare at the dragon-like tail extending from his body, a flurry of thoughts and emotions consumed him. Questions tumbled through his mind, demanding answers he didn't yet possess. How did this even happen!? Didn't he cultivate enough to get his own human body?! Why does he now look like an abomination of the two!! There wasn't anything like this in anything he read!! Shen Yuan's initial astonishment morphed into a storm of confusion and self-doubt as he grappled with the sudden appearance of the dragon-like tail. Overwhelmed by a surge of emotions, he felt a sense of betrayal by his own body, questioning his powers and cultivation. 

Frustration welled up within him as he pondered his efforts in cultivation, wondering if he had somehow fallen short in his pursuit of a fully human form. Doubts gnawed at his confidence, leaving him feeling like an aberration—a distorted fusion of two disparate worlds. Was it because he didn't cultivate in like 3 days?! He knows that it didn't pass that much time but really?! Or was this something that will pass after a while? He'll figure it out later because right now he has even bigger problems, for example, his whole human life is now ruined because he got exposed to literally the worst person he could get exposed to! Now Lin who didn't even like him in the first place thinks he is a demon! He'll get chased out by the villagers or worse, be killed! Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Shen Yuan tried to approach Lin cautiously, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and determination but before he could take the next step she yelled at him. "D-don't you dare get closer! Or- or I'm going to tell everyone what you are!" She threatened pointing a finger at him, weren't you going to do that anyway?!? 

"Lin please calm down, I'm not a demon and I don't mean you or Granny Hua any harm." He tried to reason as calmly as possible but it was noticeable how nervous he really was. As Shen Yuan spoke, his voice wavered slightly, betraying his nervousness. He took a step closer to Lin, hoping to convey his sincerity through his words and actions but it seemed to not work nonetheless. "I told you to stay back! Believe me, I can scream very loudly!" She threatened again this time not as scared as she was when she saw Shen Yuan stop as soon as she said something. He has no idea what to do!! Please someone save him from this life about to become hell!! "I won't move again, ok? Listen we can talk this out, I'm really not a bad guy!" But after getting a cold stare, Lin's mistrust sank into Shen Yuan's heart. He realized that his words alone might not be enough to alleviate her fears. He needed to find a way to prove his intentions and save himself while he is at it.

"Then explain yourself! Why did you really come here for and what exactly are you if not a demon!" She yelled from the doorway glaring at Shen Yuan as he took a relieved breath, gathering his thoughts before speaking he quickly made up his mind about what to do. "I came to this village because I found myself disoriented and lost. I had no knowledge of my surroundings and sought refuge, hoping to find some guidance and direction," Shen Yuan explained, choosing his next words carefully. While he shared a part of the truth, he decided to avoid the question of what exactly he is, if he were to tell you, you'd either believe him and act like he is some super powerful God or say he is a crazy reptile demon! "As for what I am," Shen Yuan continued, his voice tinged with both hesitation and caution, "it is a complicated matter. I am not a demon, nor am I entirely a human being. If I were, to be honest with you I don't know myself.." he shoved in a little white lie hoping it would give her a satisfying answer after all a little white lie never hurt anyone!

But before Lin could reply Shen Yuan added some more things to make sure she didn't misunderstand him. "But I assure you, my intentions are not harmful," Shen Yuan emphasized, his voice filled with sincerity. "I understand your concerns and fear, but please believe me when I say that I am not here to cause any trouble or harm anyone. My presence here is merely a coincidence, all I seek is a fresh start near a larger city where I can settle down." After not getting an answer for a few seconds as he watched Lin's expression change quite a lot of times so he decided he should add more for the second time. "I understand that my appearance may be unsettling, and I cannot change that for the time being since if I knew how I would have done it by now. " he continued, acknowledging the elephant in the room. "Is that really all you want?" Lin suddenly asked suspicious of what he wanted. Shen Yuan felt Lin's suspicion hanging heavily in the air. Her question struck him with the realization that his previous explanations might have seemed incomplete or evasive. He took a moment to collect his thoughts, understanding the need to address her concerns more directly. 

"Yes, that is all I want," Shen Yuan affirmed, his voice unwavering. "I seek a fresh start near a larger city to build a life for myself, to find a place where I can belong and make a positive impact. It may sound simple, but it holds great significance to me." Although she didn't look convinced her face only relaxed a little, but still wary of Shen Yuan, that's fine! He'll definitely leave soon! "Are you running away from somewhere if you want a fresh start so bad?" Shen Yuan's heart skipped a beat at Lin's question, realizing that his past might still cast a shadow of doubt over his intentions. He took a moment to compose himself before responding, wanting to be as transparent as possible. He needs to move on because mourning the family he left behind will only make him die faster in those times. "I am not running away from any specific place or person." Shen Yuan replied honestly, his voice still remaining as it was before probably not making such a convincing argument.  

"Let's say I believe you, what will you do if I expose you to everyone in the village?" She asked looking less emotional than she did before. Shen Yuan took another relieved sigh, grateful for the glimmer of belief that seemed to have sparked within Lin. He understood the weight of her question and its potential consequences if he were to answer wrong. As long as he'll be able to play the pathetic weak look he might end up fine! After all who would want to hurt someone defenseless no?? "If you were to expose me to everyone in the village," Shen Yuan replied, his voice steady "I would simply go away." He replied as honestly as he could, but it seemed to have made Lin skeptical as she continued questing him. "So you'll be back for revenge once you get wealthy and powerful?" Honestly, how could this woman think so little of him!? "No, that's not what I meant at all," Shen Yuan responded rather annoyed now, if they continue this chit chat Granny Hua might wake up and he'll have to deal with her too! "Look if my presence bothers you so much I'll leave right now-" He tried to negotiate but before Lin could reply Granny Hua made an appearance by the door, speaking of the devil! 

"Nonsense, Shen Yuan! You are no bother; you can stay here as long as..." Lin's words trailed off abruptly as she took a closer look at Shen Yuan. Her eyes widened, and her expression morphed into a mix of surprise and shock. A gasp escaped her lips, leaving Shen Yuan perplexed by her sudden change in demeanor. Before he could comprehend what was happening, Lin turned to her grandmother, excitement evident in her voice. "Grandma! You won't believe it, but Shen Yuan is actually a demon! I told you there was something strange about him!" Lin exclaimed, her words bursting forth with smugness. Shen Yuan's heart sank at Lin's words, now he will surely be kicked out! "Demon? Do you hear yourself, Lin?!" Granny Hua's voice rang out, filled with a mix of disbelief and admonishment. Her wrinkled face expressed a mixture of concern and determination as she stepped forward. "Apologise this instant!" 

Lin seemed to be taken aback by her grandmother's defense of Shen Yuan, her eyes widening with surprise. She stammered for a moment, unsure of how to respond to this unexpected turn of events. Shen Yuan was as shocked as she was! "But, Grandma, look at h-" Lin's words were cut short as Granny Hua swiftly interrupted her, hushing her into silence. Shen Yuan watched with a mix of astonishment and concern as Granny Hua suddenly dropped to her knees, her head bowing in a deep kowtow before him. The room fell into a heavy silence as the weight of her actions and words hung in the air. " Immortal Dragon, please forgive my foolish granddaughter!" Granny Hua pleaded, her voice filled with a blend of remorse and urgency. Shen Yuan didn't know if he should feel bad or guilty about how she acted, but how she could tell what he was at first glance scared Shen Yuan a little. As Shen Yuan remained rooted in place, unsure of how to respond to the unexpected turn of events. Lin dropped to her knees and joined Granny Hua in the deep kowtow without uttering a word. 

Now he really needed to do something before things escalated and he find himself being treated like a god which he isn't! "Please rise, I am not here to exert any dominance or control over you" Shen Yuan pleaded, his voice filled with sincerity and a touch of urgency, he'll play along, maybe they'll listen to him that way. "Just treat me like you did before alright?" Shen Yuan pleaded, his voice tinged with a hint of desperation. He could sense Granny Hua's stubbornness, her deep-rooted concerns refusing to waver as his plea. Alright, then he'll have to do it the hard way! He didn't let Granny Hua speak before he positioned himself in front of both of them, taking a seat on his knees. With a warm smile, he directed his gaze at both Lin and Granny Hua, even though they were not looking directly at him.

"I am grateful that you two allowed me to stay here without demanding money and I understand that my true identity may have caused confusion and concern, but I have my reasons for keeping it hidden but I am willing to answer any questions you have." He paused briefly, his gaze shifting between Lin and Granny Hua that now seemed to be a little more at ease since they stopped kowtow-ing altogether. "I assure you that I have no ill intentions, and I am willing to share my story with you both if you want to hear it. But please don't act like this, I may be a dragon but I'm not some overpowering God deceiving humans." He can't believe he just said all of that! He started to feel bad even thinking of ordering the two around so he gave up on acting almighty in the end. But he sounded like one of those kind-hearted op protagonists he read a million times in too many different stories to count. The room fell into a momentary silence as Lin and Granny Hua processed his words. The weight of the situation seemed to settle upon them, and Shen Yuan's heart raced with anticipation, hoping that his words had resonated with them or else he might actually need to make a run for it because he can already feel embarrassed.

The more he thinks about it the more he doubts his most recent thought. He isn't no OP protagonist, he can't do this! He should have just run away when he got the chance to!!! Shen Yuan quickly grew more nervous as seconds passed without an answer from the two women. After what felt like an eternity, Lin broke the silence, her voice softer this time. "I... I didn't mean to accuse you, Shen Yuan. I was just scared and confused by what I saw... uh Grandma say something!" She whispered lightly the last part to Granny Hua who seemed to remain petrified. As Lin whispered her plea to Granny Hua, Shen Yuan's anxiety intensified. The silence stretched on, amplifying his doubts and fears. Finally, Granny Hua's voice broke through the tense atmosphere, her words slow and deliberate. "Child, give me a moment to gather my thoughts." Her voice carried a mixture of caution and curiosity, indicating that she was processing the situation in her own way but still offered him a small smile.

Shen Yuan felt his heart pound in his chest as he waited for Granny Hua's response. The weight of uncertainty and anticipation hung in the air, making the seconds feel like an eternity to him. Granny Hua rose from her seat on the floor, her movements deliberate and measured. "Why don't we continue this conversation inside? It would be best to avoid drawing unnecessary attention," she suggested, extending her hand toward Shen Yuan in a gesture of invitation. Granny Hua's gesture of extending her hand to Shen Yuan filled him with a mixture of mostly relief. He realized that despite her initial shock and hesitation, she was willing to give him a chance to explain himself and share his made-up story. Shen Yuan nodded appreciatively, accepting her hand without a second thought. The touch of her hand conveyed a sense of warmth, calming his nerves ever so slightly. As he stood up, he glanced at Lin, who still wore a hesitant expression. Without another word Lin walked inside the house and soon Granny Hua and Shen Yuan followed.

As the two of them settled at the table, Granny Hua gestured for Shen Yuan to take a seat, her eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and concern. She probably already made up her mind. Taking a seat, Shen Yuan looked at Lin and Granny Hua who both seemed at a loss of words while staring at the low table in front of them. Should he say something first? Sensing the hesitation and silence in the room, Shen Yuan didn't want to break it, but after mustering the courage he broke the silence. He knew that addressing the situation head-on was necessary, after all, there is no way around it. "If you have any questions I'd be more than happy to answer." Shen Yuan's offer to answer their questions hung in the air, breaking the silence that enveloped the room. Lin and Granny Hua exchanged glances, their expressions contemplative. After a moment, Lin decided to speak. "Are you really a dragon?" She asked, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Great question! At this point, he hopes he is a dragon and not some weird dragon-looking like creature!

Shen Yuan nodded in response as clueless as he was he still needed to answer. "Yes, I am a dragon. But as I mentioned before, I am not the mythical creature depicted in stories. I possess abilities and traits associated with dragons, but I am not here to wield power or cause harm. I am here seeking a peaceful life, just like any other individual." Granny Hua leaned forward, her eyes filled with a blend of curiosity and concern. "How did you end up here, in our village?" He has no idea even where on the map the village is let alone how did he get in here! "I woke up in the forest alone, I um.. tried my luck at cultivating without proper guidance and got myself a human form after a while. Then I walked along the stream of water and reached this village, now here I am!" He tried to say the last part a little bit more cheerfully but it ended up sounding like he is way too nervous to talk properly. "Not to imply or anything but you seem pretty young, maybe we can help you find your parents?" Lin continued to ask, Shen Yuan's expression softened at Lin's words, appreciating her genuine concern. He had anticipated questions about his age and origins, understanding that his youthful appearance might raise curiosity. 

"I'm afraid that's not possible, I don't really remember my birth parents." And it will probably be hard to reach other dragons too considering they are hard to find in general. He also isn't interested in meeting one anytime soon! He'll really look like a secondhand dragon if he were to be face-in-face with the real deal! He doesn't possess the grandeur or power that legends often attributed to dragons. But at least he knew that his worth didn't lie solely in his draconic nature. Lin again decided to ask the questions now actually interested in what Shen Yuan had to offer. With the newfound interest in Shen Yuan's story, Lin leaned forward and asked, "Shen Yuan, how did you manage to cultivate? And how exactly did you manage to transform into a human?" Great question! Now he just needs to act like he knows what the hell he is talking about!

"Well, it's actually quite simple if you put your mind to it," Shen Yuan responded confidently, even though he was unsure of his next steps. "I just took the Qi around me and formed a core within myself," Shen Yuan explained, keeping his explanation intentionally vague. "The process happened quite quickly, so I can't say much I don't know specific details myself. But cultivation can be a complex and personal journey, and each person's experience may vary." Lin listened intently, her curiosity evident but Granny Hua asked a question out of a sudden. Lin listened intently, her curiosity evident, while Granny Hua observed Shen Yuan thoughtfully. After a brief pause, Granny Hua spoke up, her voice carrying a gentle tone laced with wisdom. "I hope you don't mind me asking but.. Is your name really Shen Yuan?" Shen Yuan paused for a moment, contemplating his response. He had been using the name Shen Yuan since arriving in the village and it was his true name but what about the original goods name? He sure must have had a different name but it's not like he can tell what it was. 

"It is my real name." He gave a simple but convincing response, hoping to dispel any doubts. Lin and Granny Hua exchanged glances, their expressions showing a mixture of surprise and curiosity. Granny Hua leaned forward slightly, her eyes focused on him. "And how old are you? At first glance, you seem like a young man, but who knows you might be older than both of us!" She said with a bigger smile now. But Shen Yuan's own smile faltered slightly as he contemplated his response. He was barely older than Lin, let alone older than both of them! Shen Yuan hesitated for a moment, realizing that his vague response might not be enough to satisfy their curiosity. He decided to be more forthcoming and truthful with his answer. "To be honest, I am not much older than you, Lin. I appear youthful, but in truth, I have only lived for around 20 or so years as far as I remember." Which is mostly true! The whole cultivation process and the amount of time he actually spent in that worn-down hut is a mystery to Shen Yuan, it feels more like a fever dream than anything!

They both looked surprised but didn't say anything in response, Lin leaned back in her seat crossing her arms, returning to how she was before. "Even if you are a dragon you still need to work for your food!" Lin's statement brought a mischievous twinkle to Shen Yuan's eyes. He understood her point, and he was more than willing to continue working in the field but the elder woman seemed to be offended on Shen Yuan's part. "Nonsense, Shen Yuan is free to stay here without needing to work, don't worry about it!" Granny Hua this Shen Yuan really doesn't mind! He even looks forward to it! Shen Yuan smiled gratefully at Granny Hua's words. "Thank you Granny Hua for the offer but I'll have to decline. I really enjoy working in the field, I never got to do such things before!" He argued back determined to win the argument which was easier than he thought it would! Granny Hua only sighed in defeat not saying another word but Lin quickly broke the silence.

"Your horns! They are growing smaller!" Shen Yuan's attention was immediately drawn to Lin's words as she pointed out the change in his horns. He brought his hand up to his head, feeling the distinct sensation of his horns diminishing in size before overall disappearing completely as if they were never there. Looking at his back to check if his tail was growing smaller too he was even more pleased to not find it there! Thank whichever God watches over him! He was actually scared for a second about how he'll get out of the house with his horns and tail on full display! Something surely triggered them appearing and he actually might have an idea what it is! "Did it hurt? It looked painful!" Lin asked going back to her curious personality but got scolded lightly by her grandmother for asking too many questions. " It actually didn't. I couldn't feel a thing." He answered before Lin got scolded more. "Why did they appear in the first place?" Lin asked, her curiosity piqued by Shen Yuan's revelation about his horns. "Well.. the last thing I did was cultivate before you uh 'woke' me up from my trance!" Finding the right words to put it was harder than it looked.

"So cultivating probably triggered them, making them appear, but that's just a hunch! I'm not really sure but it would make sense if it went that way." Shen Yuan admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "It's possible that as I delved into cultivation, it awakened my dormant dragon traits, causing my horns and tail to manifest without me knowing or doing it willingly." Imagine if he didn't read all of those trash stallion novels, he'll be fucked! While he was just saying random stuff he read back in the modern world it actually sounded like he knew what the hell he was talking about! "Can you do it again?" Shen Yuan considered the question for a moment, contemplating the possibility of consciously triggering his dragon traits once more. "It's difficult to say," he replied thoughtfully, you know what they say! Fake it till you make it! Or well when the conversation changes in this case. "I think we asked Shen Yuan enough questions for today Lin'er."

Granny Hua's words brought an end to the questioning, and Shen Yuan felt a wave of relief wash over him. It had been an intense exchange, but he managed to survive it and even saved himself the trouble of finding another place to stay in! He'll work hard today, feeling determined and full of energy all of a sudden. "Ah we haven't had breakfast yet! I'll go make something quick, how about you help me A-Yuan? Have you cooked before?" The elderly woman said getting up from the table happily. Granny Hua's suggestion brought a smile to Shen Yuan's face. The thought of cooking together and sharing a meal felt comforting and familiar. He nodded enthusiastically in response to her question. "I have cooked before but Im not really good at it. But I'll be happy to help you cut things and such!" He said honestly, Granny Hua smiled warmly at Shen Yuan's willingness to help, appreciating his offer despite his modesty about his cooking skills. She chuckled warmly at Shen Yuan's response. "No worries, A-Yuan. I have the perfect job for you, meanwhile, Lin'er can set the table!" And with that, she dragged him into the kitchen.

He was put to cut up some scallions as thinly as he could and for trying the first time it was worse than he thought they would be. As Shen Yuan attempted to slice the scallions as thinly as possible, he couldn't help but feel a slight pang of disappointment. Despite his best efforts, the slices were not as thin as he had hoped. Some were uneven, while others were slightly thicker than intended. It was clear that his lack of experience in culinary arts was showing. Granny Hua, noticing his expression, smiled warmly at him. "Don't worry, A-Yuan. Cooking takes practice, and with time, you'll get better at it! Now put those in the pot." She said warmly before she returned to her own tasks, tending to the various cooking preparations with the same sense of ease and familiarity he noticed the first time he watched her cook. After his request was denied he helplessly left the kitchen and set back down on the now set up table. Feeling a sense of disappointment, Shen Yaun sat down on the already set-up table, his mood slightly deflated as he contemplated his unsuccessful attempt to help with cooking.

Lin didn't seem to be interested in talking to him anymore since she left to the kitchen as soon as he sat down, and now alone in the room he let his head drop on the table. He was mentally exhausted with all the thinking he did today and it didn't help that he didn't get a wink of sleep at all. His body only now was starting to feel the effects of the fatigue since he struggled to keep his eyes open. The warmth and comfort of the room, coupled with the soothing sounds of a whispered conversation he didn't bother to understand, began to lull him into a drowsy state. Shen Yuan's mind wandered, his thoughts becoming hazy as he fought to stay awake. He found himself drifting in and out of the conversations, catching snippets of words and laughter. Despite his best efforts, the exhaustion took hold, and he couldn't help but succumb to the heaviness that settled over him. As his eyelids grew heavier, but Shen Yuan still fought against the urge to give in to sleep. He didn't want to appear rude or ungrateful, especially after the kindness that had been extended to him. But his body had reached its limit, and the need for rest overpowered his will to stay awake.

Apologizing silently to himself, he closed his eyes fully, allowing sleep to claim him. His body relaxed, and he leaned slightly more into the table making himself comfortable. But just as soon as he drifted to sleep he was abruptly shaken awake by Lin. Startled, he blinked his eyes open and looked at her with a mix of confusion and weariness. "What is it?" he asked, his voice unknowingly groggy from the interrupted rest. "What's with all this sleepiness? Didn't you sleep at night at all? First eat and then you can rest." Lin said her voice mixed with emotion Shen Yuan didn't bother noticing. After seeing the food placed in front of him he quietly ate without muttering another word. As he savored each bite, his mind wandered to what he'd actually do today. But with how sleepy he was feeling he doubted he could actually get work done before dropping asleep on the floor. He continued to eat even when the bowl was empty, not noticing he was done eating only until Granny Hua took the bowl from his hands. "Alright, I think A-Yuan should take a nap first before heading out. " Granny Hua suggested her voice gentle and understanding. Why does it feel like he is being treated like a 5-year-old all of a sudden??

Just as he was about to argue back, a loud knock echoed through the house, originating from the front door. Shen Yuan and the others exchanged puzzled glances, their peaceful moment interrupted by the unexpected visitor. Granny Hua quickly got up from her seat, her smile not leaving her face. She went to open the door and while she was surprised to find Feng on the doorstep she didn't seem too surprised, as if she was expecting for him to come today. "Morning Granny Hua, I've come to pick up Shen Yuan." He greeted with a tiny bit of annoyance in his voice when he mentioned Shen Yuan's name. "Good morning to you too A'Feng! I'm afraid Shen Yuan isn't in the state to work right now." Granny Hua said out of a sudden, he can still work Granny Hua! Just give me a few sips of caffeine if there is anything close to that in this world! Quickly getting up he walked to the door half asleep. "I'm fine! I can work!" He said with a tired face. Shen Yuan's voice carried a hint of stubbornness as he insisted, despite his obvious exhaustion. He looked at Feng, determination flickering in his tired eyes as if trying to prove his capability.

Feng stared at  Shen Yuan with a mix of concern and skepticism, his brows furrowing slightly. "You look like you're about to pass out the next second you set foot outside." Shen Yuan understood Feng's point and couldn't deny his own fatigue, but he was determined to prove himself. He mustered a small smile, despite the tiredness evident in his eyes. "I appreciate your concern Feng but I'm sure that won't be the case." He replied, his voice conveying both determination and tiredness he didn't plan to let out. Feng's annoyance became more apparent as he sighed in frustration. His initial concern seemed to have been overshadowed by his frustration and impatience. "Nevermind," he said, his tone tinged with annoyance. "Tomorrow, I expect you to make up for the work you missed today by working twice as hard. Don't expect me to come and pick you up again," he added, his words laced with irritation as he pointed at Shen Yuan threateningly. Shen Yuan felt a mix of disappointment and frustration at Feng's response, you can't just give up like that! What are you a tsundere?? 

Why is everyone acting like he'll break easily out of the sudden? Before he could complain Feng left and with that Granny Hua closed the door behind her happily. Why are you happy about it!? Feeling frustrated and overwhelmed, Shen Yuan returned to his seat at the table and dropped his head on the table again. Granny Hua approached him with a gentle touch on his shoulder, offering a comforting presence. "Don't be like that," Granny Hua said, her voice filled with concern. "Even if you are a dragon, everyone needs their sleep. Come, let's put you in a bed so you can rest." She said gently guiding the too-tired dragon to protest towards the bedroom, leading him to a comfortable bed. Within a few seconds, Shen Yuan found himself tucked into the cozy bed, the soft sheets enveloping him in warmth. The events of the day weighed heavily on his body, and he could feel the pull of sleep becoming irresistible. He closed his eyes, allowing his mind to drift away from the worries and uncertainties that had plagued him. He could hear Granny Hua say something but he was too tired to focus and see what she said. 

Then the room got quiet, the only sound being the gentle breeze he could hear from outside the room, The occasional soft whispers and movement from the other room only shut off Shen Yuan's mind even more. Shen Yuan felt a sense of peace wash over him as if the worries and anxieties of the outside world had been momentarily suspended. With a contented sigh, Shen Yuan surrendered to the embrace of sleep. His mind and body began to relax, the weight of the day gradually lifting. As his breathing slowed and his eyelids grew heavy, he allowed himself to drift into a peaceful slumber, trusting that whenever he woke up he'd make it up for the lost time.

After what felt like a few minutes of rest, Shen Yuan's eyes fluttered open. The room was bathed in a gentle, warm light that seeped through the window indicating that some time had passed. He stretched his limbs, feeling the rejuvenating effects of the short rest he had taken. As he sat up in the bed, he glanced around the room, taking in the familiar surroundings. The events of the morning came rushing back to him - the way his true identity was found, the questions, and the unexpected visit from Feng. Shen Yuan realized that he needed the rest more than he had initially thought. Feeling refreshed and with a clearer mind, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up. As he made his way out of the room, he could hear the faint sounds of activity coming from the living area. It seemed that Granny Hua and Lin were going about their daily tasks, their voices echoing occasionally through the house. 

Once he opened the door the voices grew quiet but the elder woman smiled at him in the familiar manner she usually does. "A-Yuan! How did you sleep?" Granny Hua's warm smile greeted Shen Yuan as he entered the living area. Her eyes sparkled with genuine concern and affection, easing away any remnants of weariness he may have felt. He couldn't help but be grateful for her genuine care and the familiarity that had grown between them. "I slept surprisingly well, Granny Hua," Shen Yuan replied with a soft smile. " Thank you for taking care of me, I hope it wasn't too much of a bother. I didn't mean to be that moody.." Granny Hua's smile widened, her wrinkled face radiating joy. "Don't worry about it, this old woman understands." She said as thoughtful as ever. They continued to exchange a few more words and laughter over a meal that was ready to eat to Shen Yuan's luck until they ran out of the delicious meal. Once they finished eating, Shen Yuan offered to help with the dishes, wanting to contribute in some way to the household. Granny Hua insisted that he rest and take care of himself, assuring him that there would be plenty of time for him to help in the future.

And with that Lin started a conversation between the two, mostly asking things related to dragons or weird rumors she heard from other cities about demonic beasts and such, asking if Shen Yuan took any part in it. Which of course he didn't! Honestly, what's in this girl's mind? He acted clueless, responding with a slightly puzzled expression on his face. "Oh, really? Demonic beasts and strange occurrences? That sounds quite fascinating, but I'm afraid I don't know that many things about them." he replied, trying to sound as genuine as possible. Not knowing that many things is an understatement, he knows everything about demonic beasts! But if he were to talk about the amazing beasts he read about he wouldn't be able to stop himself and would talk Lin's ear off! Plus the demonic beasts in Proud Immortal Demon Way might not even exist in this world and she might think he is making shit up! And even if that wouldn't be the case she'll probably ask where does he know all of the information, and he has no idea what he can lie to her with!

As their conversation came to an end, Granny Hua suddenly made her presence known by fussing over herself and expressing concern about being late for something without providing any further explanation. She seemed to be in a hurry, her gestures and expressions reflecting a sense of urgency. "Oh dear, I can't believe I'm going to be late!" Granny Hua exclaimed, her voice filled with a mixture of frustration and worry as she moved around the room trying to find something. While Lin seemed unperturbed by Granny Hua's fussing, Shen Yuan couldn't help but feel surprised and intrigued by the sudden urgency. He observed the two of them, trying to gauge the situation and understand the cause of the elder's concern without asking what was happening. It was evident that something important was happening, yet the details remained elusive. Shen Yuan's curiosity grew, and he couldn't help but wonder what could be so pressing that Granny Hua would be flustered in such a manner. He exchanged a glance with Lin, silently seeking some explanation or clue about the situation. However, Lin's calm demeanor offered no insights, leaving him even more perplexed. 

Before Shen Yuan could inquire about where Granny Hua was going or what the gathering was about, she hastily excused herself and disappeared into another room. Left standing there with his mouth open as if wanting to speak, slightly dumbfounded too, he glanced at Lin, who wore an amused expression. Granny Hua rushed inside the room again this time heading by the door quickly. "I'll be out for a while! Don't worry if I stay late, and I hope you two won't be fighting while I'm gone! If you get hungry, make food together, okay?" Granny Hua announced, her voice carrying a sense of authority and care. Why does she sound like a mother leaving her spoiled and naughty children at home?! She didn't even give Lin or him a chance to reply before disappearing behind the front door. Shen Yuan gave a puzzled glance to Lin, both unsure of what just happened. How can she be gone just like that??

They remained sitting in the quiet house, the sudden absence of Granny Hua's presence leaving an air of uncertainty. Shen Yuan couldn't help but wonder where she had gone and what could be so important to make her leave in such a hurry. Shen Yuan mustered up the courage to ask Lin about Granny Hua's sudden departure. His voice held a tinge of confusion and curiosity. "What was that all about? Why did Granny Hua leave in such a hurry?" he asked, his eyes searching for any hints of understanding in Lin's expression. But she just gave him a raised eyebrow like it was basic knowledge of why she left in the first place. She responded with a hint of amusement in her voice. "Didn't Granny Hua mention it earlier?" If she did he wouldn't be asking you right now!! "She's probably going to a gathering with her friends. They have a regular meetup to play mahjong and catch up on gossip. It's like their little gossip club." Lin's explanation seemed to imply that Granny Hua's sudden departure was nothing out of the ordinary.

Thinking about this he should use the opportunity to continue cultivating outside! As the idea of continuing his cultivation crossed Shen Yuan's mind, he felt a surge of excitement. With Granny Hua out for the rest of the day and no one to question his actions since Lin won't probably care that much if he set outside doing 'nothing', it seemed like the perfect opportunity to practice his cultivation skills in the privacy of the surrounding forest or at least the same spot he cultivated on this morning in the backyard. He turned to Lin with a determined expression. "Lin, do you mind if I spend some time outside?" He asked politely trying to not give away that he was going to do something else than what he was implying. Surprised by the request, Lin raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. She looked at Shen Yuan for a moment, trying to gauge his intentions. "Why? What are you planning to do?" she asked, a hint of suspicion in her voice. It seems she had a feeling there was more to his request than he was letting on which was true but that's not important!

Shen Yuan tried his best to maintain an air of casualness as he replied, "Oh, you know, just planning to enjoy the fresh air while sitting on the grass. It's a beautiful day outside, and I thought it would be a good opportunity to soak in nature's serenity." His voice carried a hint of forced nonchalance, a desperate attempt to downplay his true intentions. However, the piercing gaze of Lin only made his answer more 'out of character' as she seemed to see right through his feeble act. Shen Yuan's attempt at nonchalance fell short under Lin's watchful gaze. She continued to study him for a moment, her expression a mix of amusement and skepticism. "Sitting on the grass, huh? Then you won't mind if I join no?" she inquired, a playful tone in her voice. It was clear that she saw through his facade. Shen Yuan's heart skipped a beat, caught off guard by Lin's unexpected response. He hadn't anticipated her willingness to join him in his "outside hangout" but thinking how she acted this morning it shouldn't have been that surprising, considering she seemed quite interested in his whole 'dragon turned human' plot.

Shen Yuan's heart raced, his palms growing moist with nervousness. Yet, he knew he couldn't back down now. Summoning his courage, he mustered a faint smile, hoping to conceal his surprise and apprehension. "Sure, why not? It could be a nice way to spend some time together," he replied, his voice slightly strained as he attempted to maintain a casual tone. Almost as eager as he was Lin got up and stepped outside not waiting for Shen Yuan to follow him. As Lin got up and stepped outside, a surge of anticipation coursed through Shen Yuan. He quickly gathered himself and hurried after her, his anticipation causing him to rush without paying much attention. In his haste, Shen Yuan accidentally collided with Lin in the doorway, causing a moment of chaos and potential disaster. The impact of their collision threatened to send Lin tumbling to the ground, but Shen Yuan's quick reflexes he never knew he had kicked in.

With lightning speed, Shen Yuan reached out and instinctively wrapped his arms around Lin, preventing her from taking an ungraceful fall. Their bodies momentarily pressed together, the warmth of their closeness palpable. For a fleeting moment, time seemed to freeze as they found themselves locked in an unexpected embrace. Lin's eyes widened in surprise, her breath catching in her throat. Their faces were mere inches apart, their breaths intermingling in the shared space between them. Shen Yuan could feel his heart pounding in his chest, the sudden rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins. What's with this cliché falling maiden plot?! But before Shen Yuan could say anything he was elbowed into his gut, falling to the ground in an instant. Shen Yuan gasped as the sudden impact of Lin's elbow struck him square in the gut, knocking the wind out of him. The force of the blow sent him sprawling to the ground, a mix of surprise and pain coursing through his body. He struggled to catch his breath, the sharp ache in his abdomen making it difficult to regain his composure.

What did he do to deserve this?!?! He couldn't comprehend why she had suddenly turned on him, leaving him bewildered and vulnerable on the ground. All he wanted to do was save you from a nasty fall young woman!! He even made sure to not touch her in an inappropriate way!! He could hear her curse him out but he was too hurt to bother listening to what she said. Shen Yuan's mind raced with a mixture of disbelief and hurt as he tried to make sense of the situation. He couldn't comprehend why Lin had reacted so harshly, especially when his intentions were purely to help her avoid a painful fall. His attempt to catch her had been driven by concern and reflex, a natural response to prevent someone from getting hurt! As he lay on the ground, his body still recovering from the impact of the elbow, Shen Yuan struggled to move fearing it would only make him hurt more.

"Now you are just overreacting!!" Lin's words pierced through Shen Yuan's ear, almost like she yelled right in his ear. The anger in her voice reverberated in his ears, fueling his own frustration. He couldn't understand why she was lashing out at him, placing blame on his actions when all he did was barely hold her! His own voice trembled with a mix of hurt and defiance as he mustered the courage to respond. "I... I'm not overreacting! That really hurt!" Shen Yuan's words spilled out, his emotions raw and unfiltered. "I'm not even that strong! You are so weak for a dragon!" Lin's voice dripped with sarcasm and disdain, her words hitting Shen Yuan like a punch to the gut. Ouch. Why even go that far ey?? He was actually starting to think he became a protagonist in a stallion novel with how the last event played out, the only thing that ruined everything was her unexpected elbow in his ribcage. Not backing down this time, Shen Yuan mustered his strength and pushed himself up from the floor, the pain in his torso still lingering.

"Then why did you even stop!?" He bit back looking at her as how she was looking at him. Shen Yuan's response was filled with frustration and irritation, his voice tinged with exasperation. He met Lin's gaze, mirroring the intensity in her eyes. "Because I didn't expect to see so many flowers here! " She replied gesturing to the backyard behind her. Shen Yuan's anger subsided slightly as he followed Lin's gesture, turning his attention to the backyard. His eyes widened as he took in the sight before him. So it.. it was definitely his fault. He felt himself start to sweat as he looked at the backyard that now was overflowed with flowers unlike the night before. It must be because he 'exchanged' Qi with the flowers. His mind raced with questions and concerns. His exchange with the flowers triggered an uncontrolled surge of energy, resulting in their rapid growth in such a short time was something he didn't expect to happen.

Surely that won't have any extreme backlash, right? Like they won't start growing limbs and think of him as their father right?? He isn't ready to be a dad! Considering how in worlds built like this there is always something weird happening around the corner he won't be that surprised! As if connecting the dots Lin looked surprised at him as he kept changing expression by the millisecond. Intrigued by his reaction, Lin leaned closer, her own curiosity piqued. "Shen Yuan, what's going on in your mind? I can smell your brain burning from here," she said, her voice playful. "I'm not thinking of anything you are seeing things" He quickly responded and walked past her without giving her a second glance. She watched as he walked past her, his steps filled with determination and a hint of defiance. When he sat down on the grass in front of some of the more colorful-looking flowers she decided to straight on confront him.

She made her way next to Shen Yuan and sat down right next to him. "Listen. You're very bad at lying so you either tell me what you really want to do outside or I'll simply watch until you do something, " She said as if almost bored with him! Shen Yuan's eyes widened for a moment, caught off guard by Lin's direct approach. He sighed and glanced at her, realizing that there was no use trying to evade her curiosity. Lin had always been perceptive, able to see through his façade with ease. "Alright, fine," he relented, his voice tinged with a mix of resignation and amusement. "I... I wanted to try something." He tried to say with as little information as possible thinking she would press into getting more answers out of him. "And that is?"Shen Yuan hesitated for a moment, weighing his options. He knew that being evasive wouldn't get him anywhere with Lin, and perhaps it was time to trust her with the truth. With a sigh, he finally decided to open up, as if she didn't know his biggest secret. "I wanted to continue cultivating. It's uh, what I did this morning." 

The lack of response only made Shen Yuan worry, so after building up the courage to turn around and face Lin, he didn't expect to see the expression on her face. Eyes and mouth wide open in clear shock, Lin stared at him for a moment, unable to find her voice. Shen Yuan's heart sank, fearing that he had said something wrong or upset her. "Lin, are you alright?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. Did he accidentally break her?? Sure cultivation isn't common in the normal folk but he isn't exactly normal enough to not be able to cultivate, he thought she would have at least expected her to ask him if he knew cultivation!"So you weren't lying??" She asked her eyes widening with curiosity and excitement. So she really didn't expect Shen Yuan to know how to cultivate even after telling her?? " I wasn't, I taught myself most of what I know about cultivation, so I might not be as skilled as a formal instructor," Shen Yuan replied, sensing Lin's surprise at his knowledge. He could see her trying to process this newfound information, her eyes flickering with a mix of disbelief and intrigue.

"You learned how to cultivate by yourself? Isn't it dangerous without a proper master? Do you at least have a manual, right? I heard that's how the other cultivation sects pass down techniques and such to their disciples." Lin's curiosity was evident in her voice as she questioned Shen Yuan's approach to learning cultivation. Shen Yuan nodded, understanding her concerns. "I do realize the risks involved in learning without a formal master. I've studied various texts and gathered information from different sources to build my foundation. It's true that manuals and teachings passed down through generations can provide valuable insights and techniques, but I've tried to be cautious and discerning in my studies." How could he say that his "manual" is a stallion novel with sex plants and dual cultivation in every chapter! He knows the definition of dual cultivation word by word from how much he read it in Proud Immortal Demon Way alone!

As long as she doesn't question what exactly those 'various texts' are he is sure he could get out of this with the thought that he is a well-taught cultivator! He was sure she fell into his trap when she gasped surprised, totally believing what lies he told her.  Shen Yuan inwardly sighed with relief as he noticed Lin's gasp of surprise. She seemed to be convinced by his explanation, unaware of the unconventional source of his cultivation knowledge. He knew that if she were to inquire further or ask for specific details, he might have to come up with more elaborate fabrications. For now, however, it seemed that his stallion novel reference had gone unnoticed. "I wonder, can you fly on swords? I heard only the best can fly on a sword without crashing!" Shen Yuan's heart skipped a beat at Lin's question. Flying on swords was indeed a popular trope in cultivation novels, often reserved for the most skilled and accomplished cultivators. But he isn't one of them yet!

The image of soaring through the sky on a sword, defying gravity, was a dream shared by many cultivators. However, he knew that such feats were not easily attainable in reality. Shen Yuan hesitated for a moment, considering his response. He didn't want to dash Lin's hopes, but he also didn't want to give her false expectations. After all, he himself never even touched a sword let alone fly on one, but It wouldn't probably be a lot different if he were to fly in his 'real form', whenever that might be at this point. "Flying on swords is indeed a skill in cultivation many lack, it symbolizes mastery over one's Qi and profound control over the sword's energy. While it's an awe-inspiring concept, I have never touched a sword, so I'm afraid I don't have the said skill." Did he speak too formally out of a sudden?? With the way Lin stared at him with a mix of curiosity and concern It's hard to tell considering Lin had a bitchface around him most of the time, so seeing her show so many emotions in the little time they know each other he isn't completely sure what exactly she is feeling. He decided to continue, a hint of wistfulness in his voice as he tried to make Lin say something.

"In reality, flying on swords is more than mastery, it requires a deep understanding of Qi manipulation, precise control over one's body, and a highly refined golden core and a high level of cultivation." Her expression changed as he appeared more curious this time, like a child learning something new and interesting at school. She overall seemed extremely attentive to whatever Shen Yuan fed her so he decided to continue with the information, feeling a little good about himself when he saw Lin's genuine curiosity. But yet again, commoners never really met anyone who knew cultivation, let alone share information about how to cultivate and its various ways. The xianxia world setting was often shrouded in mystery and kept hidden from the ordinary people who either couldn't afford to be taught or didn't have potential. Lin's curiosity was understandable, as she found herself in a rare situation where someone was willing to share knowledge and insights on the topic.

Right now he is sharing things he read himself in various web novels, he wasn't really that much interested in how humans cultivation and whatever else they did so all he knows is a few things about Ciang Xiang Mountain Sect that stood out, like the spiritual caves, Ling Xi was the name if remembers right. Oh and that cave with swords, they sure have a lot of caves, full of spiritual swords where Luo Binghe got Zheng Yang from! His first sword which sadly shattered, but that had to be done to get his golden finger, out of too many count, Xin Mo! Because what stallion protagonist has two swords? Although if he had to choose he would have preferred Zheng Yang over Xin Mo, Xin Mo was just too demanding, with all the papaya Bingge had to do every day to keep it satisfied it was a mystery how his Havenly Piller didn't fall off by the 300th wife! Lost in his own thoughts, Shen Yuan suddenly snapped back to reality as he realized that Lin had been speaking to him. He blinked, momentarily flustered by his momentary lapse in attention. "I'm sorry, what were you saying?" he asked, trying to regain his composure.

Lin looked at him nervously, but she didn't back down as she straightened her back, staring back at Shen Yuan with an unsure expression. "I was wondering if you could teach me?" Shen Yuan's eyes widened in surprise at Lin's request. He hadn't anticipated that she would ask him to teach her cultivation. It was a significant responsibility and one that he wasn't sure he was fully prepared for. However, he couldn't deny the eagerness in Lin's eyes, a genuine desire to learn and explore the world of cultivation. He took a moment to collect his thoughts, considering the weight of her request. While he may not have had a formal master or an extensive background in cultivation, he possessed a decent understanding of the fundamentals and had made progress in his own cultivation alone. But he surely has no idea how he can teach you! Maybe if he could check her meridians..? That was something every cultivator did before taking in someone as a disciple! 

His own curiosity about Lin's potential as a cultivator grew, and he also saw this as an opportunity to test out if he could check other meridians or not! "I could try," he replied, his voice tinged with caution. "But I must be honest with you, Lin. I've never taught anyone else cultivation before, so I can't guarantee any specific results. However, I can't do anything to help you become Immortal if you yourself don't have the potential for it." He explained as best as he could while keeping up his confidence. Lin didn't seem to change her mind as she asked him if she had potential. He knew that assessing someone's cultivation potential wasn't an exact science, but he could offer some insights based on his observations and knowledge. "Assessing one's potential for cultivation can be challenging, but there are a few indicators we can look for," he began, trying to explain it in a simplified manner. "One of the key factors is the flow and quality of Qi in your meridians. It's like the life force that powers cultivation. If your Qi flow is smooth and strong, it indicates a higher potential for cultivation. I can try to examine your meridians to get a better sense of it." Now that really sounded straight out of a web novel!

Lin took in everything he said, waiting for Shen Yuan to say something. "You can give me your wrist so I can check your meridians!" He said extending his hand waiting for Lin to extend hers as well which she quickly complied. He put two fingers on her wrist like he saw many people do in the dramas from when his little sister would drag him along to watch whatever popular drama caught her attention. Shen Yuan's brows furrowed in concentration as he continued to channel his Qi into Lin's wrist. He was surprised to see, more like feel, the Qi not passing through. Like not even a tiny bit! As if the Qi disappeared the moment it went too far into her body, as he continued to try to figure out why the Qi didn't go through into her body he finally felt what he thought were her meridians, and they were all over the place! No wonder the Qi didn't go through, it didn't have a pathway to go into in the first place! Deciding to break the news to her he cleared his throat and took his fingers off her wrist. "Sorry Lin but it seems you don't have spiritual roots strong enough to hold Qi." He said as kindly as he could put it, expecting Lin to get mad at him. 

"I guess I'm not made for it then! I'm starting to get hungry so I'll go inside and eat something." And with that, she got up and left inside the house leaving Shen Yuan alone In the backyard. That went.. surprisingly well?? He really expected her to be upset over it but she took it surprisingly well, like she expected it. Deciding to not press the matter anymore he spread himself on the soft grass making himself more comfortable. But he quickly fixed his position to start cultivating on his own since that was why he went here in the first place.

Hopefully, he'll be able to leave soon, but not too soon since he starts to enjoy living with the two.

Chapter Text

   A week and a half has passed since Granny Hua and Lin found his true identity. That being said, Shen Yuan was more cautious than before, making sure that no one would be able to find out what he really is. However, ever since Shen Yuan began dedicating the majority of his day to working in the field, he found himself preoccupied by two prevailing thoughts. Firstly, he couldn't help but notice that the work occasionally became repetitive, a pattern that he gradually adapted to over little time. Secondly, and perhaps more significantly, he marveled at how genuinely relaxing this labor-intensive task could be, appreciating the soothing and meditative qualities it offered amid the hustle and bustle of his now everyday life. 

While staying in the hot sun wasn't that fun and made his skin super dry for some reason, This unfortunate consequence led to Granny Hua's concern and her tendency to fuss over him. In her eyes, the demanding labor of working under the sun was entirely unsuitable for someone of Shen Yuan's true nature as a dragon. According to Granny Hua's unique logic, he should ideally be in water throughout the day to maintain his well-being, or else he would end up like an earthworm. So with that being said, Granny Hua insists on drawing him a bath while playfully warning Shen Yuan that unless he agrees to the idea of a bath, she wouldn't have to resort to drastic measures, even if it meant tossing him into the nearby river as a solution to ensure his well-being.

Although it may have sounded like she was joking when she said it, her expression said otherwise, so what Shen Yuan safest option is to obey. And there he was now, in a rustic wooden tub mirroring a mermaid who had recently washed ashore. Shen Yuan couldn't help but admit that the bath felt surprisingly pleasant. Contrary to Granny Hua's concern that he needed a daily soak to maintain his well-being, Shen Yuan had noticed that his skin only began to get rough after approximately three days, so because of that, he told Granny Hua not to draw him a bath every day because it was pointless. She only listens to that request out of many, like how she doesn't need to throw away the water so he can reuse it, at which point the elder almost ripped his ear out. His poor ear was red for almost two days after that! 

There wasn't anything to do while he was soaking in the cool water. Usually,  he'd offer to peel anything he got his hands on while in the water, but today didn't seem to be the case. The absence of a peeling task left him with the rare opportunity to simply unwind and enjoy the tranquility of his bath. But it got boring soon after; luckily, Lin decided to keep him company, telling him about the juiciest gossip and such, drifting off to different subjects until the said subject became Shen Yuan again. With Lin's story reaching its conclusion, she cast a curious gaze towards Shen Yuan's arm, now adorned with glistening scales due to his prolonged soak in the water. Intrigued, she gently inquired, "Do you mind if I touch?" Her curiosity piqued by the unique transformation taking place before her eyes. Lin couldn't resist the urge to explore the texture and patterns of the newly formed scales, since sitting too much into the water will make his body of white scales in different places. 

Shen Yuan, not at all bothered by Lin's request, offered an agreeable nod and replied, "Sure, go ahead." He extended his scaled arm slightly, allowing Lin to explore the curious texture and patterns of his recently formed scales. Her fingertips gently touch his white scales. Despite her initial gentleness, one of her nails managed to slip behind one of the scales, causing a brief moment of pain for Shen Yuan. "Ouch! Lin, you got your nail under one of my scales!" Shen Yuan exclaimed, his surprise and discomfort evident in his voice. In a swift reaction, Lin withdrew her hand, and to her astonishment, the scale her nail had been under popped off cleanly. Shen Yuan watched in dumbfounded as the scale separated from his arm, leaving behind a smooth, pale pink patch of skin in its wake. 

A brief but profound silence enveloped them as both Shen Yuan and Lin stared stupidly. His astonishment was soon interrupted by a sharp, stinging pain that emanated from the spot where the scale had been. Shen Yuan winced and quickly examined the area, realizing that now the area was slowly bleeding and it hurt like a bitch! Shen Yuan, unsure of what else to do, instinctively covered his hand over the exposed area where the scale had been. The pain he felt was reminiscent of a time when he had broken a nail, but this sensation was noticeably more intense. "Does it hurt that bad?" Lin asked, eyeing both the scale and his hurting self. But Shen Yuan, still dealing with the unexpected pain, managed to respond to Lin's inquiry, "Yes, it's really painful. I didn't expect it to hurt this much." She continued to eye both the fallen scale and the discomfort it had caused, a mix of surprise and disgust in her expression. 

Concerned for Shen Yuan's well-being, Lin asked with genuine worry, "Do you... want me to bandage your arm? Should I call Granny Hua?" Her eyes showed a mixture of compassion and uncertainty as she contemplated how best to assist him. Shen Yuan, despite the discomfort, didn't want to trouble Granny Hua unnecessarily. He replied with a faint smile, "No, don't bother her. The pain will probably pass soon, I hope." He tried to remain optimistic, hoping that the unexpected removal of the scale wouldn't lead to any lasting issues; hopefully it will regrow through time. Lin looked at Shen Yuan's hand, which covered the area where the scale had come off. "Do you want to try sticking it back in place?" Lin's suggestion to try sticking the scale back in place intrigued Shen Yuan. He considered the idea for a moment and then replied, "It's worth a shot. But I don't think it can be reattached." He answered honestly, asking his hand off his arm. 

To both of their surprise, the area that used to hold a scale was now bleeding quite a lot. Shen Yuan and Lin stared at the bleeding spot, unknowing what to do. "Honestly, shouldn't your scales be more durable? From what I heard, dragons should be big and strong, and you know.. powerful.. you aren't exactly the definition of powerful.."Lin's comment struck deep into Shen Yuan's pride. He is still new to this, have some composition! He stared offended at her, not knowing what to say to clear his name since, well, it was practically true. While Shen Yuan did possess certain abilities that surpassed those of an average human, he couldn't deny that he wasn't a match for the awe-inspiring power typically associated with dragons. 

The gaping distance between the expectations associated with his supposed dragon heritage and the reality of his abilities left Shen Yuan feeling like a mere imitation of the real deal told in many stories, a cheap version that fell short of the grandeur and power traditionally attributed to his 'kind'. Having been lost in his thoughts while still having a faint glare directed at Lin, Shen Yuan hadn't noticed that she was growing impatient. By this point, Lin had steeled herself to take action. Without further delay, she decided  to take action herself and reattach the scale by slapping it back in its place. Shen Yuan hissed in pain in response, slapping him out of his thoughts. The sensation of the scale being put back into place, even with good intention, it still hurt like a bitch, making his wound itch and burn even more than before. 

"You could have warned me!" He snapped at her, he was doing his best to avoid moving his arm too much in order to minimize the discomfort. Lin, brushing off his complain, inquired, "Does it stay on?" Her attention was directed toward the reattached scale, as she hoped that it would magically heal itself since Shen Yuan is a dragon and all. Shen Yuan examined the scale, cautiously moving his arm in the hopes that it would remain in place. However, to their disappointment, the slightest movement caused it to fall into the water. Their efforts to reattach it had proven unsuccessful, leaving him still dealing with the discomfort. Lin sighed slightly, annoyed. "I'll get it" said as she carelessly put her hand into the lukewarm water, attempting to fish it out.

But to Shen Yuan's ultimate luck, she grabbed his manhood with a strong and confident grip, almost to the point giving him a childfree life. Shen Yuan hold back his scream as he felt like he could vomit blood right there and then . Lin noticed the mood shift and asked as she pulled away to touch the bottom of the wooden tub, still searching for that dammed scale. "Why is your hand so skinny?" She said looking him up and down. "As if you aren't eating all of our food already.." She mumbled under her breath, clearly unaware of what she just grabbed. With a confident smile she took her arm out of the water with the scale in her palm. 

With a sigh, Lin had abandoned her attempts to reattach the scale, realizing that their efforts were in vain. It had become clear that the scale wouldn't stay in place, no matter how many times they tried. Lin couldn't help but voice her surprise and disappointment as she admitted, " You know, since we knew of your secret identity, I thought you were going to be all mighty and powerful Immortal being but you're actually weaker than me." Shen Yuan got offended, so trying to defend himself, he voiced out his alibi. "That's... I'm only weaker because I've been in the sun too long! I am quite powerful when I'm not."Shen Yuan defending himself with lies. Lin, trying to lighten the mood, continued to tease, "I bet Feng-ge does all the work for you!" Her playful comment was accompanied by a mischievous grin, aiming to destroy his pride completely. 

"That's not true! Mind you, I do everything I'm told, and I ace at it."Shen Yuan defended himself, almost jumping out of the wooden tub. "Calm your horses, I was only joking! Can't you take jokes anymore?" She playfully nudged him.  Feeling embarrassed for getting worked up, Shen Yuan mumbled, "Horses have dignity too. Why sprinkle urine in their eyes?" He realized that he had taken her just a bit too seriously and was now trying to downplay his reaction with a touch of self-deprecating humor. "It's not my fault you don't have a sense of humor," Lin replied with a playful grin. She shifted her attention to the slightly still wet scale in her palm as she asked, "So what do you want to do with this?" Shen Yuan observed the scale, noting its remarkable appearance. It surely didn't look like anything other than beautiful, with a subtle hint of pale green that can only be noticed into the light, it could pass off as a precious pearl from afar, but up close you can tell it isn't shaped like a ordinary market pearl.

"You should sell it and claim it's a 'one-of-a-kind pearl.' It certainly looks unique enough." He offered the idea with a smart expression, like he just solved world hunger, knowing that it might be a creative way to make the best out of this unexpected situation. "Sell it? Why would I sell it? It's yours! Besides, we don't need the money. Even if we were to sell it, this one scale would make us rich!" Lin's sentiment was clear, but Shen Yuan couldn't help but see the potential benefits of being financially secure for life-time. He responded, "I get it, but being rich would certainly have its perks, don't you think?" Shen Yuan pondered the advantages of being set off for life, even if it meant parting with his scale. Afterall he himself grew up rich and never lacked anything in his short span of life, so he surely was happy for most of it even with his damaged body. 

Lin's contentment with their current situation was palpable, and she expressed her satisfaction, saying, "Sure, it does have its perks, but I like our current situation. I'm happy with how things are. Even if we could use a new door or new plates and pots, as long as they work fine, I don't see why we should sell the scale and risk attracting thiefs from around the area. Not to say, Granny always says how money is the way to corruption." Her perspective highlighted the value of simplicity and security in their lives. Shen Yuan, respecting Lin's decision not to sell the scale, inquired, "Well, if you don't want to sell it, what do you want to do with it?" He was genuinely curious what Lin had in mind if she didn't want to sell it. "I don't know its your scale not mine. Do whatever you want with it." Lin, leaving the decision up to Shen Yuan since it was his scale, tried to hand it to him, but he declined. With Lin's persistence on giving him the scale, Shen Yuan reiterated, "And I'm asking you what you want to do with it. I don't have any use for the scale, so I think you should keep it." 

 Lin huffed in frustration and held the scale up, contemplating it. She remarked, "What makes you think I have any use for it? It's like keeping used bandages around." Shen Yuan rolled his eyes playfully and leaned back in the wooden tub, thinking about his next words. However, he didn't get a chance to reply as Granny Hua, in seemingly high spirits, emerged from the kitchen with a few plates in hand. Her warm smile greeted them, and she called out, "Come, children! The food is ready!" The term 'children' has become one used plenty by Granny Hua for both Shen Yuan and Lin, emphasizing her affection for them as if they were her own children.  Forgetting about the scale for a second Lin got up hungrily and went to sit at the tablet, already picking her chopsticks while placing the scale down next to her bowl. 

"Wait for me!" Shen Yuan exclaimed, hurrying to dry himself off fast so he could join Granny Hua and Lin for the meal. The enticing aroma of the delicious food waiting through the air only intensified Shen Yuan's hunger tenfold. His hunger overruled any concerns about being wet, and he hurried to the dining area with eager anticipation. Picking up his chopsticks he thanked Granny Hua for the mean and started eating. As Granny Hua chuckled at the antics of Shen Yuan and Lin, she picked up her chopsticks to join them. But something on the table had captured Granny Hua's attention, diverting her gaze to an object placed next to Lin's bowl. Her curiosity was clearly showing as she focused on this mysterious item, momentarily distracted from the meal. Granny Hua, her curiosity piqued, inquired with a smile, "Oh, what is that, Lin? That you put on the table next to your bowl?" She looked at the sparkling object on the table with her eyes.

With her mouth half full, Lin responded in a somewhat distracted manner, "Hm? What?" Her attention was still primarily focused on enjoying the meal, forgetting all about the fallen scale she left to rest next to her bowl. Before Lin could divert her attention to the mysterious object, Shen Yuan swiftly snatched the shiny scale, hiding it from view, and pretended as if it had never been there in the first place. Granny Hua and Lin exchanged confused glances as Shen Yuan's actions left them suprised. However, Lin's memory came back to her, and she discreetly continued eating, making a conscious effort to act as if the scale didn't exist, mirroring Shen Yuan's cheap acting. Granny Hua continued to observe Shen Yuan and Lin with a heightened sense of confusion, her curiosity further piqued by their strange behavior. 

With a teasing tone, Granny Hua couldn't help but address the evident secret between Shen Yuan and Lin. She quipped, "What are you two hiding from me?" Granny Hua's playful tone initially left Lin staring at her grandmother in confusion. However, a sudden realization washed over her, causing her cheeks to turn a light shade of red. Frustrated, Lin couldn't help but exclaim, "It's not what you think!" She slammed her chopsticks on the table in her frustration, but Granny Hua's chuckles indicated that she was thoroughly enjoying the situation. The dining experience took on a humorous twist due to the misunderstanding, but Shen Yuan remained completely baffled by the exchange between Granny Hua and Lin. His dumbfounded expression was evident as he stared at the two, attempting to decipher what they were talking about. Before he could ask what they were talking about Lin sighed and picked her chopsticks up again.

"It's really what you think. It's just that... Yuan-ge found a pretty stone and we wanted to give it to you as a suprise." Lin lied as smooth as her words sounded, looking at Shen Yuan with a intense look as if trying to tell him something. Uncertain about what to do, Shen Yuan nervously took out the scale and handed it over to Granny Hua. He laughed awkwardly, hoping that the elder would buy into Lin's mischievous lie and appreciate the supposed gift. Granny Hua looked at Shen Yuans hand suprised and took the "stone" examining it in her hands with a look of confusion. The was a moment filled with silence and anxiety as they awaited Granny Hua to voice her reaction. It clearly wasn't a stone, it didn't have the texture or appearance of a typical stone, and her discerning eye caught this obvious difference. Her curiosity deepened as she examined the object, rubbing and turning it around over and over again forgetting about the meal they previously had, neither of them dared to make a move or say something to the elder. 

Granny Hua, with an astute observation, declared, "This is clearly not a stone." The elder placed the scale down on the table and fixed her gaze on Lin and Shen Yuan, awaiting a response. In a nonchalant manner, Lin countered, "Oh really? I thought it was a stone. You should ask Yuan-ge what it is," Lin nonchalantly suggested, continuing to eat her meal quietly. She had effortlessly shifted the attention back to Shen Yuan, putting the blame on him, leaving him at Granny Hua's mercy, she looked at him, waiting patiently for his explanation. Granny Hua, with a sweet smile and a comforting demeanor, addressed Shen Yuan, "A-Yuan, sweetie, what is this shiny, pretty little thing?" Her eyes held genuine curiosity as she sought an explanation from him. Nervously, Shen Yuan looked away, hoping that Lin would come to his rescue once again. Unfortunately, she too stared at him, leaving him with no escape as both Granny Hua and Lin anticipated an answer. 

Shen Yuan, feeling the pressure, finally responded, "It's, uh, my scale that fell this morning!" He offered a half-truth, revealing the origin of the shiny object on the table turned "gift". Granny Hua, with a heavy skepticism in her voice, questioned Shen Yuan's explanation, "But heavenly dragons like yourself don't shed their scales, do they???" She eyed him with a worried expression, her eyes scanning for signs of any wound on his skin. How came an old granny like her knows so much about dragons! Could she be a heaven's official in disguise? "Shedding is natural, totally natural." Shen Yuan truly felt like a fish outside the water, how was he supposed to know anything about mythical beings, he had a degree in demonic beasts! Sure Luo Bing-ge fought a few mighty dragons but there wasn't that much context about them since he was too busy papapa-ing somebody meanwhile AND afterwords. Shen Yuan found himself in unfamiliar territory, grappling with Granny Hua's unexpected insight into dragon autonomy. "Granny Hua where do you even know all this stuff from!" He asked frustrated, trying to save himself by changing the subject. 

Granny Hua's expression changed into panic, stating,"Everyone knows that a dragon's scales are so hard swords cannot pierce them! The fact that you managed to lose one is really concerning! Are you sick? Is this because you've been in the sun for too long!?" Granny Hua, fueled by concern and perhaps a touch of overreaction, exclaimed, "I knew I shouldn't have let you work!" She hastily got up from her seat and walked over to Shen Yuan, eager to examine him further. Shen Yuan reassured her, saying, "Granny Hua, I'm fine, in fact really really fine!" Despite Shen Yuan's attempts to reassure her, Granny Hua remained steadfast in ensuring his well-being. She took a thorough approach, grabbing his face and turning it in different directions, inspecting him from various angles. Her examination even extended to checking inside his mouth, not even his last doctors would treat him do harshly!

 Desperate for a way out of the awkward situation, Shen Yuan turned his pleading eyes towards Lin, silently urging her to intervene. However, to his shock, Lin seemed completely indifferent, casually getting soy sauce from across the table as she continued to eat as if he wasn't even in the room. The audacity of this young lady! Almost like his own Meimei. With a gentle push, Shen Yuan managed to free his face from Granny Hua's examination. Holding her hands to convey sincerity, he reassured her, "I'm really fine! Lin accidentally got her nail under that scale and popped it out. I'm not sick or dying!" Hoping to ease her worries, instead, Granny Hua gasped and started to scold both Lin and Shen Yuan. The scolding continued for a few minutes, expressing a mixture of concern and frustration, stating that 'Shen Yuan isn't a play thing' to Lin and 'that he should have known better then to let her toy with him'.

By the time Granny Hua finished scolding them, the food on the table had grown colder and remained largely untouched. With Shen Yuan now fully aware of his empty stomach and starvation, he looked at Granny Hua with the most pitiful expression he could muster. His eyes pleaded for mercy, as he has been doing since the start of her harsh scolding. With a sigh, Granny Hua settled back down at the table and gestured for Shen Yuan and Lin to continue eating. Despite the food having turned cold during the scolding, it tasted as good as it would if freshly served, Shen Yuan along with Lin didn't waste anymore time and dug into the food. It didn't take long for both of them to have their fill while the elder wasn't far behind them, with almost no more food on the table Shen Yuan eyed the scale again, which was resting on the table near Granny Hua.

"So what you want to do with it?" He asked looking over at the elder lady as she began to clean the table, "It's yours, darling, but are you sure you can't reattach it?" The question suggested a hope that the dragon scale, despite being separated, might somehow be restored to its rightful place, but little did she know they tried to reattach it to no success. Before Shen Yuan could answer Lin spoke first, "We tried, and it didn't work, so he suggested selling it." The shit eating grin she gave Shen Yuan was not needed, well aware that mentioning selling the precious dragon scale would likely invite more scolding from Granny Hua. The elder promptly responded, "We are not selling such a priceless thing, Shen Yuan! If the cultivation sects heard we got our hands on such a thing, they will find you out!" Granny Hua, still scolding, added a warning, "And who knows what they would do to you since you can barely protect yourself against Lin!"

Really now?? He can protect himself against a 17 year old just fine! "Granny I can protect myself just fine!" He protested but changed the subjects quickly after, "Why don't you guys keep the scale? It surely won't do any harm. Since I'm leaving soon, you could keep it as a gift from me!" Shen Yuan's proposal found some acceptance from Lin, who appeared indifferent or nonchalant about the idea. However, Granny Hua didn't seem to like the idea, her expression turning into a frown. Granny Hua, with a hint of sadness in her tone, asked, "A-Yuan, you are still thinking of leaving?" Her question caught him off-guard, of course he still wanted wanted to leave- he can't contiune to life of Granny Hua's kindness. Even though he is on friendly terms with everyone in the village that doesn't mean he wants to stay- don't get him wrong, it's not like he doesn't like it here its just that he has plans for future. He appreciated the warmth of the village, but as a dragon with a long lifespan, he harbored concerns about witnessing Lin and Granny Hua grow old and eventually pass away.

Apologizing, Shen Yuan gently expressed, "Sorry, Granny Hua, but I still want to leave. There are many things I have to see.." and look for the Proud Immortal Demon Way protagonist! Since the Three realms don't seem to be united it must mean that poor White Lotus Luo Binghe is either with his adoptive mother or at Shen QingQiu mercy! He needs to act fast if he wants to save his favorite protagonist, therefore he cants stay any longer in Granny Hua's kind household. I'll visit when I can, I promise!" Shen Yuan quickly reassured, pledging to return and visit Granny Hua whenever possible. "Fine, fine... This old woman will miss you, however! You will always be welcomed here!" Granny Hua said warmly, expressing her fondness for Shen Yuan despite her sadness at his soon departing. Lin cleared her throat making her presence knows again, now with both Shen Yuan and Granny Hua's attention on Lin as she gestured towards the still dirty dishes piled up in the corner of the table, prompting the inevitable question, "So, who is washing the dishes?" Before Granny Hua could answer Shen Yuan said he'll do them, quickly getting up to carry the dishes into the kitchen. He made himself busy to not feel guilty about leaving the two.

    As the end of the month slowly but surely approached, Granny Hua made sure to arrange Shen Yuan a ride to the city, and just what she said when they first met, the person in charge of leaving for the city was leaving in a few days for their monthly supply restock. The one in charge was an fairly young man by the name of Hao Ran who only recently took over his father. Said father, now too old to make the journey, had been persuaded by Granny Hua to allow Shen Yuan to accompany his son on the condition that he promised to assist with unloading and loading the wagon. Speaking of Hao Ran, Shen Yuan had never personally met him around the village. However, when he questioned about him to Feng, he learned that Hao Ran was described as "quite a small guy, but at least he is hardworking!" By Feng, the other also expressed doubts about Hao Ran's ability to survive in the city, noting that this would be his first time going without his father. 

Feng continued then, saying that "they will eat him up whole, that kid can't haggle for nothing! He'll waste all of our funds on full prices! His father on the other hand, is a master at negotiating, I'm telling you one time he managed to get two bags of rice for half their prices!" Shen Yuan pondered, finding it amusing that Feng seemed to view the ability to negotiate for discounted rice as an impressive feat. Despite his thoughts, he chose not to voice them, recognizing Feng's admiration for the negotiation skills displayed by Hao Ran's father. While he met many of the villages residents, although most of them were children, he surely never met this Hao Ran. 

Two days before his estimated leave, Granny Hua pulled him aside and made sure to provide Shen Yuan with instructions for his time in the city, both upon arrival and thereafter. Saying to help 'poor Hao Ran' until he leaves before doing his own thing, she also Told him to negotiate in Hao Ran's place since he is still 'young and inexperienced'. How is he supposed to do that?! He never negotiated before! Sure he did haggle online on a limited edition White Lotus Luo Binghe he missed buying since he was sick but that's a different story! Or the other time he got a special edition Hatsune Miku figurine to which he managed to get it half the average price. While he didn't want to agree to those terms he told the elder he'll do whatever he could, which isn't much at all.

She also took the time to teach Shen Yuan how to prepare simple dishes. Despite his limited culinary skills, which mainly consisted of instant ramen, store-bought meals and fast food, he managed to learn how to make congee without burning it after a few failed attempts. Lin also taught him how to sew some forms in his robe that night, showing him how to make flowering like pattern to cover up the whole, he did poke his fingers more then ten times, luckily his skin is much tougher then before. When the two of them were done with the little lesson Granny Hua insisted on welcoming them with a table full of food, and despite Shen Yuan's protests that she didn't have to prepare all of it, she urged him to start eating, emphasizing that this meal might be their last together for a while.

The food was exceptionally tasty, surpassing their usual fare. It consisted of spicy meats, an abundance of vegetables prepared in various ways, and fluffy rice. Shortly after Shen Yuan and Lin sat down to eat next to each other, Granny Hua went to fetch Feng to join them for the meal, who brought alcohol with him. The moment Lin saw Feng she pushed Shen Yuan off the spot next to her for Feng to sit there. Suppressing a curse word, Shen Yuan moved to the spot next to Granny Hua, shooting a glare at Lin who acted like he didn't exist. Granny Hua laughed heartily and patted Shen Yuan's back as in comfort while Feng look so flushed you might think he is a maiden being courted.

Once they had all started to eat their fill, Granny Hua picked up and opened the Baijiu, proceeding to make a toast and fill everyone's cup with the potent alcohol. With her own cup raised, she smiled warmly and made a toast for Shen Yuan, wishing him a safe journey and only lucky to be on his side. He thanked her, not knowing what else to do, and quickly drowned up the cup, the alcohol quickly burning though his throat as he coughed. Feng laughed at him while Granny Hus patted his back gently.

The touch was warm, the atmosphere familiar, and for a moment Shen Yuan thought he was in his apartment, sharing a meal with his siblings.

(Keeping the drawings here since they are as apologize for being late))

Chapter Text

   “A-Yuan, you’ve got everything you need, right?” Granny Hua asked for the fifth time in the span of ten minutes. Shen Yuan was beginning to grow impatient, though he tried not to show it, knowing the old woman meant well. She had a nervous energy about her this morning, as if she were trying to memorize his face before he left.

“Yes, Granny Hua,” he sighed, adjusting the straps of his bag for the hundredth time. “I have everything.”

The elderly woman frowned as if she didn’t quite believe him, her gaze wandering over the satchel and then to his face. “Enough clothes? Food? What if the weather turns bad? Did you pack a extra blanket?” What extra blanket?! They barely had any to give him!

Shen Yuan suppressed the urge to groan and nodded instead. “I’ve got all of it, Granny. I promise.”

Her eyes lingered on him, and he could tell she was searching for some excuse to keep him here a little longer. Lin, on the other hand, didn’t seem half as bothered by his departure. She had merely handed him a neatly folded handkerchief that morning, a pretty embroidery on it resembleing a snake if he guessed right, a simple gesture of luck. She wasn’t one for long goodbyes, and Shen Yuan knew that. But a part of him had hoped for something more—maybe a few kind words or even a smile. But considering how tsunadere she was he would rather go without.

Instead, she stood off to the side, leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed with a bored expression. “If you keep asking him, Granny, he’ll miss the wagon,” she remarked, twirling the handkerchief between her fingers, her voice carrying a teasing edge. Shen Yuan threw her an exasperated glance, but she shrugged as if to say, 'What did you expect?' "Don't worry, Granny Hua, I'll make sure to come visit." He tried to reassure the old woman, offering her a smile that he hoped would lift her spirits. But the knot of anxiety in her face remained.

"You better, young man!" she scolded, wagging a finger at him. “If I find out you’ve been gallivanting around the city and not forgetting us, I’ll drag you back here myself!” Despite her sharp tone, there was an unmistakable warmth in her eyes, a glimmer of pride that Shen Yuan couldn't help but notice.

“I will, I will,” he replied, laughing softly. “I’ll visit. I’m not disappearing for good.”

Granny Hua sighed, her gaze softening as she took his hand. “I know, child. It’s just... this place won’t feel the same without you. Despite how little time you've spent here, I already miss your presence!” Granny Hua, you're making it hard for him to leave!! Shen Yuan shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of their words. He never expected it would be this difficult. Granny Hua's hands, still clutching his, trembled slightly as if unwilling to let him go, and Lin—though playing indifferent—was acting a bit more distant than usual. He could feel it all pressing down on him.

"Granny, if you keep this up, I'll never be able to walk out that door," he said with a smile, though it didn’t fully reach his eyes. "You better not forget this village, A-Yuan. Don’t let the city life swallow you whole," Granny Hua continued, her eyes misty as she finally released his hand.

“I won’t,” he promised, trying to keep the mood light. "Stay away from the cultivation sects okay? Who knows what they might do to you once they find out what you are.." she continued to warn him, "I'll be careful I promise, plus if I don't come to visit Lin will just hunt me down anyway, right?” He shot a playful glance at Lin. She raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly. “Don't count on it. I’ll be too busy enjoying the peace and quiet without you around!" But despite her words, Shen Yuan could tell that Lin wasn’t as indifferent as she tried to appear. There was a flicker in her gaze, a brief moment of hesitation, but then it was gone.

Granny Hua sniffed, wiping her eyes quickly before anyone could comment on it. “Alright, alright. Go before I make a bigger scene. Remember everything I taught you and—” Before she could finish, the faint sound of the wagon’s wheels turning caught their attention. Hao Ran had pulled up outside, his horse huffing and stomping impatiently.

"Looks like your ride’s here," Lin muttered, stepping aside to give him space.

Shen Yuan glanced between the two of them—Granny Hua standing at the door, her hands wringing together nervously, and Lin, trying to mask whatever she was feeling with her usual sharp remarks. He felt a pang of something—sadness, perhaps regret—at the thought of leaving them behind. But he had to go. He bent down, grabbing the last of his belongings, slinging his bag over his shoulder. “Well… I guess this is it,” he said, trying to keep his voice steady.

Granny Hua just nodded, trying to keep her tears in check, and Lin? She remained silent, staring at the ground as if the dust on her boots was the most interesting thing in the world.He stepped toward the door, pausing once more to glance back at them. The warmth of the small, humble home hit him, making it even harder to step away.

“Goodbye, then.” He forced himself to turn away and head toward the wagon, the sound of his footsteps on the dirt road the only noise between them. As he reached the wagon, Hao Ran greeted him with a nod, though there was little time for pleasantries. Shen Yuan climbed in, settling himself next to the man. The wheels began to creak as they moved forward, pulling away from the village that had, in such a short time, come to mean something more to him than he realized.

He is a little sad Feng didn't come to see him off, but at this time he should be working on the field so it was given.

   Turns out, Shen Yuan was better at haggling than he’d ever given himself credit for. When they arrived at the city market, he eyed the bags of rice Hao Ran was inspecting, noticing a few subtle defects in the packaging and the rice grains themselves. With a shrewd smile, Shen Yuan approached the vendor. "These bags have some damage," he pointed out, running his finger over a small tear in the side of one. "Plus, the rice itself is a bit stale. You’re charging full price for this?” The vendor, clearly taken aback, stammered, “W-well, it’s still good quality! You won’t find any better in the city.”

Shen Yuan shook his head. “Good quality? Half of it looks like it’s been sitting in storage for months. We’ll take it, but not for full price. How about half?”The vendor looked like he might argue, but under Shen Yuan’s calm, unwavering stare, he hesitated. Eventually, he sighed, conceding. “Fine, fine. I can knock it down, but not by half. Let’s say thirty percent off.”

Shen Yuan crossed his arms, making a point of glancing at another vendor nearby. “Fourty percent off, or I’m taking my business elsewhere.” The vendor relented, lowering the price further. Shen Yuan grinned inwardly, proud of himself, while Hao Ran watched from the side, wide-eyed.

By the time they left, the vendor was grumbling to himself, but the deal had been sealed, and the price was far below what they had expected to pay.

Hao Ran couldn’t contain his surprise. “I thought Feng was exaggerating when he talked about how cutthroat city merchants are. But you... you did better than my father! I never would’ve been able to haggle like that!” Oh you poor summer child! Still so young and innocent to the wonders of the world, it almost felt like he was back to arguing on the internet over badly made merch for Proud Immortal Demon Way. Shen Yuan laughed, waving it off. “Just paying attention to details. The trick is pointing out all the flaws until they can’t argue back.”

“Well, whatever you did, it worked. I’m impressed!"

The two of them continued through the market, weaving through the crowds and bustling stalls, checking off the items from the list the village had entrusted to Hao Ran. Well, more like the list they’d entrusted to him alone—Shen Yuan realized Hao Ran had the surprising ability to recite it all from memory. “Next, we need some medicinal herbs,” Hao Ran said without hesitation, not bothering to pull out any parchment or notes. “And after that, we’ll pick up some cloth from the seamstress for the tailor back home." Shen Yuan raised a brow, impressed by Hao Ran’s quick recall. “You’ve got all that memorized? The list must’ve been a mile long.”

Hao Ran shrugged with a sheepish grin. “I’ve been doing this for years with my father. You pick up a few tricks.” “Still,” Shen Yuan said, watching as Hao Ran expertly navigated the stalls, “that’s a lot to remember.” As they moved from vendor to vendor, Hao Ran would rattle off specific requests—dried herbs in precise quantities, fabrics of particular textures and colors, all without consulting anything. Shen Yuan simply followed along, occasionally carrying bags, but otherwise just marveling at the way Hao Ran operated.

It was clear that despite Hao Ran’s earlier hesitations, he was far more competent than he gave himself credit for. He knew the market well, stopping at the best stalls without wasting time and negotiating decent prices—though nothing like the deal Shen Yuan had gotten on the rice. Watching Hao Ran work so efficiently made him realize just how small the village was compared to the larger world. He wasn’t entirely sure what lay ahead for him outside the village, but one thing was certain—there was still so much to experience. So many beasts to see, and since he the Demon Realm and Human Realm weren't combined it means Luo Binghe has yet to become the ultimate ruler of everything! This fan is supporting you from afar Bing-ge!

Loading up the wagon was easier than Shen Yuan had expected. The bags were secured tightly, and Hao Ran was positively beaming about how much money they’d saved with the haggling. After exchanging a few final words of pleasantries, the two said their goodbyes, and Shen Yuan watched as Hao Ran and the wagon disappeared down the busy street, leaving him alone in the bustling city.

The streets seemed to come alive even more as the day progressed, vendors shouting about their goods, the smell of street food wafting through the air, and crowds of people moving in every direction. Shen Yuan pulled his robes a bit tighter around him, feeling the comforting weight of the gold he’d hidden deep in his pocket. He had tucked away a good portion of it under Lin’s pillow before he left. If Granny Hua had found it, she would have given it all back to him the next time they saw each other. Lin, on the other hand, would hopefully make good use of it without saying a word.

He sighed, glancing around the city that now surrounded him. It was much larger and more chaotic than the quiet village he had grown accustomed to. Still, the newness of it excited him, and there was a part of him that relished the freedom. No more routine, no more worrying about chores or village life. Now, it was just him and the open road—or, more precisely, the open city.

Shen Yuan took a deep breath, his mind already buzzing with what to do next. "I should get some food first..." he mumbled to himself, passing a few stalls that caught his eye before settling for something familiar—good old steamed buns. He didn’t want to dip into the gold he had stashed away, so he fished out the few coins Granny Hua had given him, determined to stretch them as far as he could.

The vendor greeted him with a friendly smile, steam rising from the bamboo baskets filled with fresh buns. The aroma hit Shen Yuan immediately, making his stomach growl even louder. “How many Gongzi?” the vendor asked, and Shen Yuan quickly calculated how much he could afford.

“Just two, please,” he replied, handing over the coins. He didn't wait time and started to eat them. As he bit into the first bun, the flavors of the pork and spices hit him, reminding him a bit of Granny Hua's cooking. He glanced around the bustling city as he ate, noticing the various types of people—traders, city guards, children playing in the streets—all moving about their day. He should find somewhere where he can buy a large amount of food, from what Granny Hua told him nobody goes into the woods alone so as long as he goes deep enough he can try build himself a hut, or at least something with a roof since this dragon body is keeping him warm enough even in cokd weather.

Maybe he could find the stream from the village somewhere around here, too—anything to avoid ending up looking like a dried, salted fish. As he wandered, his gaze fell on a shop selling wood. The exterior was modest but well-kept, and he decided it was worth a visit. Without much thought, Shen Yuan stepped inside, already imagining the supplies he could purchase to prepare for his journey.

The shopkeeper, however, was less than welcoming. The moment he laid eyes on Shen Yuan, he stormed toward him with a scowl, waving his arms as if to shoo him away. "Get lost! We don’t serve beggars here!"

Nice way to lose customers shit face! Shen Yuan thought bitterly, fighting the urge to roll his eyes. Keeping his expression neutral, he simply held out the small bag of coins he’d brought with him. "I’m here to buy wood," he said calmly, hoping to avoid any unnecessary confrontation. The shopkeeper’s frown deepened, and rather than being convinced, he sneered even more aggressively.

"We don’t need your dirty money!" the man spat, glaring at the bag as though it were tainted. Shen Yuan's fingers tightened around the strap of the bag, irritation beginning to bubble up inside him. He is sure he has enough money to the whole shop asshole! "I can pay just like any other customer," he insisted, voice firm but measured. "So unless you're turning everyone away today, I suggest you reconsider."

The shopkeeper crossed his arms, but before he could retort, another voice rang out from the back of the shop. "Hold on a second. Let me handle this." A younger man stepped forward, perhaps the son or an apprentice. He looked between Shen Yuan and the irate shopkeeper, sighing with an air of exasperation. "Father, calm down. You can’t judge every customer by their appearance." The older man huffed but stepped aside reluctantly, clearly not thrilled by his son’s intervention. The younger man turned to Shen Yuan with a half-apologetic smile. "What kind of wood are you looking for?"

"Something sturdy, for a building."

"Got it," the younger man nodded, gesturing for Shen Yuan to follow him to the back of the shop where the better-quality wood was stored. Shen Yuan kept his gaze on the rows of timber, thinking how easily he could carry anything in the shop with his superhuman strength. Lifting a stack of wood would be no problem, even if he bought more than he needed. As the young man rambled on about the different wood types, explaining how the grain would react to heat and humidity, Shen Yuan felt his patience wearing thin. He wasn’t here for a lecture on woodcraft.

"I’ll take this one," Shen Yuan interrupted, pointing at a random stack without really caring. The young man paused, clearly expecting more engagement, but Shen Yuan wasn’t interested in wood aesthetics or how the color would change in hot weather. Dude, I just need something that won’t break. You can stop chatting now.

To his relief, the young man moved on and mentioned that they also sold axes, which Shen Yuan grabbed without a second thought. A good axe would come in handy, and he preferred to be prepared for anything. After making the purchase and tossing the coins onto the counter, Shen Yuan hoisted the stack of wood under one arm and carried the axe with the other.

Without exchanging any more words, he walked out of the shop, feeling the weight of his supplies like it was nothing. He didn’t bother looking back, his mind already drifting to the next part of his journey. With every step he took, he was one step closer to leaving this village behind for good. The sooner he disappeared, the better.

Shen Yuan kept his gaze on the rows of timber, thinking how easily he could carry anything in the shop with his superhuman strength. Lifting a stack of wood would be no problem, even if he bought more than he needed. As the young man rambled on about the different wood types, explaining how the grain would react to heat and humidity, Shen Yuan felt his patience wearing thin. He wasn’t here for a lecture on woodcraft.

"I’ll take this one," Shen Yuan interrupted, pointing at a random stack without really caring. The young man paused, clearly expecting more engagement, but Shen Yuan wasn’t interested in wood aesthetics or how the color would change in hot weather. Dude, I just need something that won’t break. You can stop chatting now.

To his relief, the young man moved on and mentioned that they also sold axes, which Shen Yuan grabbed without a second thought. A good axe would come in handy, and he preferred to be prepared for anything. After making the purchase and tossing the coins onto the counter, Shen Yuan hoisted the stack of wood under one arm and carried the axe with the other.

Without exchanging any more words, he walked out of the shop, feeling the weight of his supplies like it was nothing. He didn’t bother looking back, his mind already drifting to the next part of his journey. The sooner he disappeared, the better! He dealed with enough people for the whole week! He walked away in the direction of the forest and kept on walking with the wood in his arms for a good while. The forest around him thickened, and the scent of damp earth filled the air. Somewhere up ahead, he could hear the faint trickle of water—a stream! Yes! He had definitely hit the jackpot. Shen Yuan veered toward the sound, and soon enough, he was glad to find a fairly sized stream meandering through the forest. Just his luck! However, a nagging feeling lingered that this water source wasn't connected to the one he had seen in the village. The clarity and freshness of this stream suggested it was untouched by human hands.

With a relieved sigh, he indifferently dropped the wood he had been carrying onto the soft earth beside the water, feeling the strain in his muscles begin to dissipate. He hadn’t anticipated feeling quite so exhausted after the trek, but he had walked far enough that he could no longer hear or see the city behind him. Since he mostly walked into a straight line he can probably find his way back- hopefully. He had played enough Sims to know how to start building a house, but then a critical realization hit him like a cold splash of water. He hadn’t bought any nails! God damn it! Now he needed to walk all the way back to the city. He couldn’t believe he had forgotten something so essential, especially when he was so focused on gathering wood and an axe. The last thing he wanted was to make that long trek again, especially with the city still fresh in his mind.

Frustrated, Shen Yuan decided that instead of turning back, he might as well cultivate to take his mind off things.

He is already missing Granny Hua's warm home.

Chapter Text

   Shen Yuan stood back to admire his handiwork. His grand, majestic new home. His safe haven. His—

He sighed.

It looked like absolute trash.

The wooden beams were uneven, the walls had gaps wide enough for a stray chicken to waddle through, and the roof was so lopsided that a strong breeze might send it crashing down. Who would have thought it was so hard to build a house?

Despite going back and forth a few times to get more supplies—things he kept forgetting, because apparently, he wasn’t cut out for this survival nonsense—he was still nowhere near finished. And now, to top it all off, he was down one gold nugget.

At some point, he had just given up negotiating. All those interactions, all the haggling and fake polite smiles—ugh. It had drained him faster than any cultivation battle.

He let out a long sigh, rubbing his temples. Maybe he should’ve just built a cave instead. Or squatted in someone else’s abandoned hut. This was too much work for someone who wasn’t even supposed to be here.

And then, just as he was about to sink into self-pity, he heard the quiet sniffle.

Shen Yuan turned, brows furrowing. There, at the edge of his sad little construction project, stood a girl, small and trembling. She clutched an empty medicine pouch in her hands, her tear-filled eyes darting around uncertainly.

"Hello?" he started eloquently.

The girl flinched but didn’t run. Instead, she sniffled again, voice barely above a whisper. "I-Im sorry Gongzi- I'll leave!" She hurriedly said and got up to run towards the opposite side of where the city was. Shen Yuan blinked, momentarily thrown off by the panicked reaction. "Wait, wait, wait—why are you running that way? The city's that way!"

The little girl didn't stop. If anything, she sped up, her tiny legs kicking up dust as she stumbled toward the trees.

"Oh, for—!" Shen Yuan groaned and took off after her. He wasn't built for chasing after kids! What was this, some sort of karmic punishment? First, his terrible house, then losing money, and now this? "Hey! Stop running!" he called out, exasperated. "I'm not gonna eat you!" That, apparently, was the wrong thing to say, because the girl let out a frightened squeak and tried to go even faster.

Shen Yuan sighed, ran a hand through his hair, and did what he should have done from the start. He used a quick burst of qi to close the distance and caught the back of her collar before she could trip over a rock and break her nose. And woah-we wasn't that super useful! He never used his cultivation skills for something like this- in fact he didn't use them at all! He felt like he enchanted his boots to Swift III! 

The girl yelped, her feet leaving the ground for a second before Shen Yuan gently set her down. She immediately curled in on herself, tiny shoulders trembling. "Okay, seriously," he huffed, crouching down to her level. "What's with the running? I didn’t even do anything yet!" The girl hesitated, peeking up at him with wary, teary eyes. "I-I don’t want to cause trouble, Gongzi… You already look busy, and I—" She bit her lip. "People don’t like it when beggars ask for help."

Ah, Shen Yuan almost forgot—the author of this shit-forsaken novel loved tragic backstories. If there was a child, odds were they had already gone through enough suffering to fuel three angst arcs.

He sighed, rubbing his temples. "Don't worry, I don’t have much to my name either," he said dryly, thinking about his lost gold nugget. "What do you need help with?"

The girl hesitated, shifting on her feet. She looked like she wanted to run again but had finally realized that Shen Yuan could catch her with little effort.

"My Granny is sick...The apothecary said my silver wasn’t enough," she mumbled. "I tried to find another one, but they all said the same thing. This is all the money I have Gongzi... Granny said not to waste it on medicine but I won't let her die! I'll do anything!" 

Of course. Of course this was happening. The world of Proud Immortal Demon Way truly had no heart. 

Of course this was happening. If it wasn’t Shen Yuan getting scammed, it was a poor little girl being turned away for not having enough money. Because why wouldn’t a pitiful, desperate child show up at his doorstep, ready to throw herself into a tragic fate for the sake of her only family? This was exactly the kind of melodramatic nonsense that made him rage-quit novels back in his past life.

The little girl clutched the few coins she had, her hands trembling. "Gongzi, please! I'll do anything! I can work, I can—"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, stop right there," Shen Yuan cut in, waving a hand. "You’re, what, seven? Eight? What exactly do you think you can do for money? Beat up thugs in an alley?" The girl looked down, biting her lip.

Shen Yuan sighed, and cursed Airplane under his breath, this was all his doing! "Look, kid. First of all, you’re not gonna let anyone die, alright? Don't talk like that. Second—" He squatted down to her level, making sure she was looking at him. "How about we make a deal?"

Her wide eyes blinked at him. "...A deal?"

"Yeah. You tell me all your granny's syndrome, I'll try to help the best I can and you can help me out here to build my hut, no money included. No selling your soul or whatever tragic nonsense you were about to pull, okay?"

The girl hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Okay..." Shen Yuan clapped his hands together. "Great! Now, first things first—what exactly is wrong with your granny? Fever? Coughing up blood? Sudden urge to monologue about her regrets in life?" The girl furrowed her brows, thinking hard. "She’s really weak… She keeps coughing, and sometimes she can't get up for a long time. She said it’s just old age, but it’s getting worse." Shen Yuan hummed, rubbing his chin. "Sounds like something treatable, but definitely not something to ignore." Good thing I actually paid attention to some of the medical lectures in my past life. At least enough to diagnose ‘dying dramatically’ as a problem.

He nodded to himself before turning back to his sad excuse for a hut. "Alright, you help me out here, and I’ll see what I can do about your granny. I can’t promise I’ll have the exact medicine she needs, but I’m not half-bad at brewing some homemade remedies."

The girl’s eyes widened. "You know medicine, Gongzi?"

"Let’s just say I have some knowledge." He wasn’t about to explain that it mostly came from survival instincts, WebMD, and desperately Googling symptoms at 3 AM. The girl hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Okay! I’ll help!"

"Good answer!" Shen Yuan gestured toward the mess of wood and supplies scattered around them. "Now, let’s get started. You ever built a house before?"

The girl shook her head.

"Neither have I," he admitted with a sigh. "But hey, two clueless people working together are better than one, right?" And just like that, he found himself with a tiny, determined assistant. Maybe his hut wouldn’t look as terrible after all.

To his surprise, the girl was a lot more skilled at hammering nails than he ever could have guessed. Her small hands worked with surprising precision, and after a few hours of working together, the structure was starting to look... well, less like an abandoned shack. He had to admit, he was starting to feel a little proud of their progress.

She worked tirelessly, her energy never waning as she hammered and adjusted beams. Shen Yuan, on the other hand, found himself distracted by the odd collection of plants around the hut. He was surprised he recognized all of them! Most were just low Qi flowers usually made and mixed with other flowers of the same kind to boost your meridians, and luckily, there were a few that could help improve your immune system. A couple of them looked particularly useful for treating fevers—exactly what the little girl’s grandmother might need.

"Looks like I’ve hit the jackpot," Shen Yuan muttered to himself, crouching down to examine the plants. He wasn’t exactly an expert in herbalism, but a few plants here and there could make a decent remedy. And if nothing else, they might help me get through the next few weeks of bad meals.

He carefully plucked a few of the plants, making sure not to damage them too much. The girl was still working diligently on the hut, her concentration entirely focused on the task at hand, so Shen Yuan took the opportunity to gather a few more herbs.

After all, the world he was stuck in might not be exactly welcoming, but there were some perks to knowing what to look for.

Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted by the girl’s voice calling out from behind him.

"Gongzi! Gongzi, don’t go that way! Monsters are there!"

Shen Yuan froze, his hand mid-air with a particularly delicate flower.

"Monsters?" he repeated slowly, trying to make sense of her warning.

Well, he already knew this world was filled with monsters, but he didn’t think they’d be this close to a well-populated city. Normally, sect cultivators would keep the area clear of threats—unless, of course, this place wasn’t deemed important enough for their attention. That meant one thing: this city had trouble getting protection from the major sects.

Great. Just another sign that he’d picked a terrible place to set up his new life. Not only was he struggling to build a hut that didn’t look like it had already survived a siege, but now he had to deal with lurking beasts too?

"Gongzi, please don’t go!" the girl pleaded, her voice tight with fear.

Shen Yuan sighed. "Alright, alright. Calm down, I won’t go far." He gave her a reassuring wave before glancing towards the darkened trees. What kind of monster are we dealing with here? It could be a low-level spiritual beast, something that scavenged on the edges of civilization. Or it could be something worse. Knowing this damn novel, it’s definitely something worse.

Still, he wasn’t going to march into a fight blindly. He crouched down, plucking a few of the medicinal herbs and stuffing them into his sleeve. If nothing else, at least he wouldn’t be returning empty-handed. The girl shuffled nervously, watching his every move. "I-If you’re really going… take this!" She held out a small, chipped talisman, clearly old but still carrying faint traces of spiritual energy.

Shen Yuan blinked. "Where did you get this?"

"My granny gave it to me! She said it used to protect our home a long time ago, but it’s really weak now… still, it’s better than nothing!" Shen Yuan hesitated for a moment before taking the talisman. It was probably useless, but rejecting it might scare her even more. He stuffed it into his robes and gave her a thumbs-up. "Alright, I’ll be right back. You stay here and—uh—keep hammering."

She didn’t look convinced, but she nodded. With that, Shen Yuan made his way toward the treeline, careful to keep his steps light. The deeper he walked, the more the air seemed to thicken. The usual sounds of the forest—chirping insects, rustling leaves—had gone completely silent.

Then, he saw it.

A pair of glowing yellow eyes peered at him from between the trees, unblinking. A low, guttural growl filled the air. The creature stepped forward, revealing a hunched, grotesque form covered in jagged fur. Its claws dug into the earth, and its maw parted, revealing too many sharp teeth. Shen Yuan exhaled slowly. "You know," he muttered, eyeing the beast up and down. "I was really hoping this was just a lost dog."

The beast let out a shrill, unnatural screech, its fur bristling as it took another cautious step forward. Shen Yuan, despite himself, couldn't help but admire it.

What a beautiful creature.

Sure, it was snarling at him like he’d personally insulted its ancestors, but the glossy sheen of its jagged fur and the sharp intelligence in its yellow eyes made it clear—this was no mindless beast. If he remembered correctly, this was a Scarred-Claw Wolf.

Juvenile, judging by its smaller frame. Which meant it probably wasn’t out here alone.

Normally, Scarred-Claw Wolves weren’t the worst things to run into. They were semi-spiritual creatures, their packs known to stick to deep forests, avoiding humans whenever possible. As long as you didn’t go anywhere too close to their dens, they weren’t particularly aggressive. In fact, compared to most of the horrors lurking in this world, these things were practically harmless.

So why was this one all the way out here?

The city wasn’t far. If this little guy had wandered this close, it either meant the pack’s territory had been disturbed, or it had gotten lost. Neither option was great.

Still, this was manageable.

"Alright, alright, I’m leaving!" Shen Yuan raised his hands in mock surrender, keeping his movements slow and deliberate. "Just let me take some of these flowers, yeah? You don’t even eat them!" The wolf snarled, lowering its stance as if ready to pounce. Okay, so negotiation might not be working here.

Maybe he could just grab a few and run for it. With the sheer survival instincts he’d honed back in his Scum Villain reading days—fleeing from spoilers, dodging terrible plot twists—he had confidence he could outrun a juvenile wolf. Probably.

No way am I getting mauled by a half-grown puppy.

With a quick, decisive motion, he lunged forward, yanking a handful of the flowers straight out of the ground.

The reaction was instant.

The young Scarred-Claw Wolf let out an enraged yelp, but Shen Yuan was already moving, spinning on his heel and taking off at full speed. He barely registered the ground beneath his feet, leaping over roots and dodging under low-hanging branches with an agility he didn’t know he had. With a quick glance over his shoulder, Shen Yuan was relieved to find that the wolf hadn’t followed him.

Ha! Victory!

Medicine acquired!

The way back was much quicker—probably because he was half-jogging in case the wolf changed its mind and decided to maul him after all. But as he broke through the treeline and into the clearing, he nearly tripped over his own feet at the sight before him.

The hut.

The absolute wreck of a hut he’d left behind.

Except… it wasn’t a wreck anymore.

"What the hell?" Shen Yuan muttered under his breath, eyes darting across the newly reinforced walls, the far sturdier-looking roof, and—was that an actual door?!

That small girl moved fast.

What kind of work did she even do to get those skills? Had he just accidentally hired a construction prodigy? “Hey, kid!" he called out, still staring at his newly upgraded hut in mild disbelief. "Good news, I got the medicine!" A small figure popped out from behind the hut, her wide eyes immediately lighting up at the sight of him. "You really did?!"

"Yeah, yeah, of course." Shen Yuan puffed out his chest,"I’m a man of my word!" The girl stared at him with tears in her eyes, her lips wobbled, and for a terrifying moment, Shen Yuan thought she was about to cry. "Gongzi…" Her voice was soft, wavering. "Thank you so much!"

Shen Yuan tensed. Was she about to cry? Oh no. Oh no, no, no—he was terrible at dealing with crying kids! "Ah—hey, hey, don’t cry!" He waved his hands in a panic, trying to ward off any incoming tears. "Uh—listen! Let me brew this into liquid first, then you can give it to your granny, alright? It might be bitter, though, so prepare for that."

The girl quickly wiped her eyes and nodded, clutching the hammer in her hands tightly. "I don’t care if it’s bitter! As long as Granny gets better, I’ll do anything!"

Ah, this kid is really one of those protagonist types, huh?

Shen Yuan sighed, already moving toward the small makeshift fire pit he’d set up earlier. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. If she doesn’t feel good after taking it, come find me again, got it? No running off and trying to solve everything by yourself like some tragic orphan in a novel."The girl blinked at him, tilting her head. "...But I am an orphan."

Shen Yuan choked.

"Ah."

Right. This was Proud Immortal Demon Way. Everyone had a tragic backstory. Why did I even say that?"...Well, uh. Don’t be too much like one, then," he mumbled, focusing very intently on the pot in front of him. "Now go get me some water. We’re making this medicine properly."

She hesitated for only a second before nodding and hurrying off, determination written all over her face.

Shen Yuan exhaled, rubbing his temples. I need to duct tape my mouth shut. Why the hell did I say that?! He really needed to think before he spoke. With a sigh, he shoved the plants he deemed worthy into the pot, poking at them half-heartedly. He got the fire going again without much effort, the flickering flames licking at the edges of the pot. Now all he had to do was wait for the girl to come back with the water.

Two seconds in, he got impatient.

"Ugh, fine." He cracked his knuckles and sent a small stream of qi into the pot, watching as the liquid immediately began to simmer. Thank you, cultivation cheats. The herbs reacted almost instantly, their medicinal properties unlocking at a much faster rate than normal brewing would allow. Shen Yuan squinted into the pot, watching as the liquid took on a rich, golden hue. Nice. This looks legit!

A rustling noise behind him made him glance up. The girl had returned, a wooden bucket clutched tightly in her small hands. "Gongzi!" she huffed, slightly out of breath. "I got the—" She stopped short, staring at the already-bubbling mixture. Her brows furrowed. "...Huh?" Shen Yuan coughed, quickly hiding his hands behind his back. "Uh, yeah! I, uh, got it started while you were gone. Speed efficiency and all that." She didn’t look convinced. Her big, bright eyes flickered between him and the pot, suspicion clear on her face.

"...You're a doctor, aren't you?"

Shen Yuan nearly choked on his own spit. "What?!"

"Only doctors can make medicine this fast!" she said seriously. What kind of nonsense logic is that?! Shen Yuan forced a smile. "Nope. Not a doctor. Just really good at… cooking?"

She squinted at him.

He squinted back.

The silence stretched.

Finally, she let out a thoughtful hum, nodding to herself. "Okay. That makes sense." Shen Yuan sighed in relief. Dodged a bullet there.

If word got out that there was a doctor outside the city who didn’t ask for money, he’d have desperate patients lining up at his doorstep! 

Absolutely not. He just wanted to live quietly. Maybe grow some herbs, build his crappy hut, and not attract the attention of murder-happy cultivators. Was that too much to ask? He looked down at the steaming pot of medicine and realized a small issue—he didn’t have anything to put the liquid in. No bowls, no bottles, no fancy ceramic containers.

"...Uh."

After a moment of deep contemplation, he just handed the now-cooled pot to the girl, brushing his hands off like a true professional. "Trade complete!" he declared. "Make sure to bring the pot back to me, alright?"

The girl stared at the pot, then back at him. "...You don’t have a bowl?" 

Shen Yuan winced. "...No."

"...A ladle?"

"...No."

She looked around at his sad little campsite, then at the still somewhat shoddy hut, then back at him with a complicated expression. But without much delay she took the pot and ran off in the right direction this time. Finally some peace, it will take the kid a while to come back with his pot, if she even came back, so he indulged himself in meditation inside the now steady hut, cold air no longer getting between the badly placed walls.

He was now one step closer to his dream life!

   He should have never helped the kid out.

Sure, she returned the pot, which was great. The surprise inside of the pot, however, was a neat stack of tableware—bowls, spoons, even a proper ladle. He had to admit, he did need those.

But that wasn’t the worst part.

No, the worst part was the group of people she brought with her.

Two kids. Three adults. All of them kneeling on the ground like he was some aloof immortal descended from the heavens, hands clasped together in desperate prayer.

"Please, Immortal Gongzi!" one of the adults wailed, practically bowing. "I heard from little Lan'er that your medicine worked wonders for her grandmother! We beg of you, please help us too!" Ah so that was the girls name? He will made sure to remember it to his grave!

"Our son has been sick for weeks," another pleaded. "We took him to the apothecary, but they turned us away because we couldn't afford the price!"

"Gongzi, I swear we’ll pay you back however we can! We’ll work, we’ll gather herbs, just please help us!"

Shen Yuan’s eye twitched.

He knew this would happen!

This was exactly why he wanted to lay low! If he kept this up, he was going to become some backwater miracle doctor, and then what? Some powerful sect would hear about him and drag him into their nonsense? He’d become the protagonist’s reluctant master? A walking plot device?

No way!

But then he looked at the kids—frail, barely able to stand straight. The adults, exhausted and desperate. The same kind of people this novel loved to torment for the sake of "world-building."

"Please Gongzi!" Lan'er said tugging as his sleeve, looking at him with fiery eyes. Shen Yuan groaned, rubbing his face. Why am I such a good person? "...Fine," he sighed. "But no kneeling, alright? And don’t go spreading rumors about me, I don’t want more people knocking on my door!"

The group gasped in relief, their eyes lighting up.

"Thank you, Gongzi!"

Shen Yuan sighed again. He should’ve just kept his mouth shut.

Good thing he didn’t have to go back and collect more of those plants near the Scarred-Claw Wolves—he was not in the mood to test his luck with them again. The last batch should be enough for all of them, especially since the kids needed a smaller dose than the adults.

He motioned for them to sit while he went back to his fire pit, setting the pot down and getting to work.

“Alright, listen up,” he said, tossing the herbs into the pot. “This isn’t some magical cure-all, okay? It might help, it might not. Don't be too disappointed if it's not working. Got it?”

“Yes, Gongzi!” they chorused, nodding rapidly like he was delivering the wisdom of the heavens.

The mixture simmered as he carefully infused it with a trickle of qi, watching the color shift to that familiar golden hue. The process was simple enough—his cultivation helped speed things up, but he made sure not to overdo it. If the medicine was too effective, word would spread even faster, and he’d have an actual line of patients forming outside his half-built hut. The little girl—Lan'er—watched him closely, eyes round with curiosity.

“Gongzi,” she piped up, tilting her head, “are you sure you’re not a doctor?”

Shen Yuan groaned, rubbing his face. “Kid, I already told you—”

“But you know so much about medicine,” she interrupted, completely ignoring his protest. “And you brew it so fast! I’ve never seen a normal person do that!”

The other villagers nodded in agreement.Shen Yuan opened his mouth—then closed it. He could try to argue. But at this point, it was a lost cause. "...I just know things," he said, deadpan. As if knowing things wasn't from a Porn with Plot novel.

Lan'er squinted at him.

The adults squinted at him.

The pot bubbled.

Finally, one of them clapped their hands together in realization. “Oh! Gongzi must be a hidden master!”

“Of course! It makes sense now!” another villager exclaimed. “Living outside the city, taking no money for his medicine, using skills beyond mortal comprehension—Gongzi must be an expert in disguise!”

Shen Yuan wanted to die. This just kept getting worse and worse! He stared at the pot, contemplating if he could just drown himself in it. Maybe transmigrate again. Maybe into a normal world where people didn’t look at him like he was a walking legend waiting to be discovered.

He knew already he had dug his grave deeper by helping the other villagers. He can say goodbye to his quiet life in the outskirts of a city.