The energy coursing through my veins wasn't Qi, but something different. Qi, as I understood it, was a fusion of Natural Energy and Internal Energy, formed according to the cultivation manuals I had encountered. Internal Energy, on the other hand, was a blend of spiritual energy and vitality. Perhaps a more fitting term would be Chakra.

To gain access to Chakra, one needed to open four meridians within the body and merge their spiritual and vital energies. However, if one opened any of the Spirit Meridians, this process would occur automatically. This was all explained in the Sun Scripture.

Vitality, on its own, held limited utility beyond empowering the body and enabling a few specialized techniques. Spiritual energy, on the other hand, proved invaluable for perception, particularly of one's own body. The Sun Scripture stated that activating spiritual energy was a mandatory step to initiate Cultivation. Without spiritual senses, opening meridians safely was impossible.

Chakra, in contrast, possessed qualities of both these energies, but with the added benefit of strengthening the spirit. Possessing Chakra was a prerequisite for opening reincarnation meridians, as vitality couldn't touch the spirit, and spiritual energy couldn't strengthen it. Once merged, these boundaries blurred, allowing vitality to reinforce the spirit.

The ten Mortal Meridians, by default, served to distribute vitality throughout the body. Once you located the meridian's position, also known as the Vitality and Spirit Vein, opening it required channeling a mixture of vitality and spiritual energy into the Meridian and creating a cycle for the pathway to accept this new form of energy. This was the method for opening meridians as outlined in the Sun Scripture. Upon successful opening, both spiritual energy and Chakra could be accessed through the Meridian.

Since I had already opened all ten Mortal Meridians, I had access to a considerable amount of Chakra. I slowly grasped the Chakra stored within my meridians, directing a small portion towards my head. I had discovered the Spirit Meridian long ago, but I hadn't opened it. I allowed the Chakra to touch the meridian without entering it, letting its form and nature imprint on my mind.

After some time, I turned my search to the Reincarnation Meridian. Due to its purely metaphysical nature, locating it proved far more challenging. I had to utilize Chakra to see beyond the visible, to perceive the nature and meaning of the relationship between body and soul. But it was too difficult. It was like a two-dimensional being attempting to comprehend three dimensions. I was now trying to grasp a fourth dimension, navigating a labyrinth that constantly expanded the deeper I delved.

Eventually, I opened my eyes and let out a sigh. Well, this was my first attempt; no need to be discouraged. But it was hard to accept this initial setback.

The crowing of a rooster alerted me to the dawn. I guess it was time to start the day. I had much to accomplish.

A light drizzle pitter-patters on the roof, creating a rhythm with the chirping crickets and croaking frogs. The wind whistles through the cracks in the wood, carrying the scent of damp earth and vegetation. Water streams from the roof, dripping onto the puddles below and adding another layer to the symphony of the room.

It seems last night's rain was quite heavy. I hadn't realized the earthen floor had become flooded. If the water level rises any higher, the platform floor will get soaked too. The fireplace and stove are already submerged.

The newly formed water surface reflects the little light that sneaks into the room. Strangely, there's no current disturbing the water, which means the irrigation near the house is either broken or clogged.

I ignite the edge of my shirt with a flame, painting the room with an orange glow. The reflection on the water's surface becomes clearer, revealing a man with long red hair staring back at me. The luxurious clothes I wore upon arrival have been replaced by a simple tunic with a green belt.

"!?" Suddenly, the ghostly silhouette of a blue fish darts across the water's surface, blurring the reflection. Another fish appears beside it, and they swim around each other like a yin-yang symbol.

My breath catches in my throat, afraid to disturb the magical scene. I cautiously approach the water's surface, the wooden floor creaking with each step.

I lean down for a closer look. The two fish seem unfazed by my presence. My reflection becomes distorted whenever they pass over the water's surface. Their forms are blue and translucent.

My mind hasn't been this active since I arrived in this world. I'm witnessing something truly magical – not the natural beauty or grandeur of the landscape, but something truly out of this world.

Are these magical creatures? Why have they appeared in my house?

I release spiritual energy into the air, letting my spiritual senses caress the natural energy within the room. I take a shallow breath and hold it as I discover the natural energy in the room has increased tenfold since yesterday.

Did I unconsciously draw in this energy during meditation? Is this the reason these magical fish have appeared here? So many questions arise. Even my eyes tell me they are spirit creatures made of pure energy.

Curiosity gets the better of me, and I extend my spiritual senses towards the two fish. The moment my senses touch them, their forms burst like dye in the ocean.

Ugh, they just vanished? I spread my senses throughout the room but find nothing. For the first time, I activated the Mystic Eyes of Reason ability. An overwhelming amount of information pierces my mind, and I quickly deactivate it.

Even for that brief moment, I managed to glean the information I needed. Essentially, this room has become a pseudo-spirit spring due to the concentrated natural energy. The two fish weren't living creatures but nature spirits representing the newly formed spirit spring's tears. It should have taken hundreds of years to form, but I inadvertently created a temporary microscopic hole in the nearby Dragon Vein, causing the pseudo-spring to develop spirits. And I just accidentally killed those newborn spirits.

I want to curse my stupidity, but the sound of water splashing in front of my house stops me. Soon after, a knock echoes on my door. With a helpless sigh, I extinguish the flame on my shirt and move to greet the guest at the door.

Opening the door, I found Yurou standing there, looking adorable in a straw hat shaped like a ꓥ. Her bangs peeked out from under the brim, and her clothes clung to her damp skin. Her cheeks were flushed and wet from the rain.

"Yurou?" I was surprised to see her again. There shouldn't have been any reason for her to visit.

"Good morning! Aw, come on, aren't you happy to see me?" she pouted, her eyes narrowing playfully.

I shook my head. "It's not that, I'm just surprised. Did the village chief give you another task?" I moved aside to let her in. "Come on in."

Yurou entered with a mischievous grin. "Actually, no tasks this time," she said, taking off her hat and shaking off the raindrops. "Just wanted to check on you. And maybe... share-" Her voice trailed off as she saw the state of the room. Murky water reached up to our ankles and several baskets were overturned. A musty smell hung in the air, mixed with the scent of wet earth and a faint trace of Yurou's floral perfume. "I saw it from the front, but I didn't know it was this bad. Did your irrigation break?" Her voice softened, and her smile faded, replaced by disappointment.

"Probably," I replied simply. Yurou deflated a little, her shoulders slumping and the corners of her lips turning down. The sparkle in her eyes dimmed.

"I brought some ingredients," she said, revealing a basket she had hidden behind her back. "I was hoping to cook here at your place. But-" Her gaze fell on the flooded fireplace, and sadness washed over her face. However, she quickly composed herself and placed the basket on a dry spot. "Alright, priorities first," she declared, rolling up her sleeves. "We need to find the source of the problem."

I gently but firmly grasped her arm, stopping her in her tracks. Her smile froze, replaced by surprise. Her eyes, usually sparkling with mischief, widened as she turned to face me. Silence filled the room, broken only by the soft patter of rain and the sound of our breaths.

"This is my house, at least let me handle this."

Yurou's surprise slowly melted away, replaced by curiosity. Her gaze searched my face as if trying to understand the meaning behind my sudden assertiveness. The playful glint in her eyes softened, replaced by a look of intrigue and perhaps a hint of admiration. The rain continued its gentle rhythm on the roof, accompanied by the chirping of insects and croaking of frogs, creating a soothing backdrop.

As if just realizing my action, a faint blush crept onto Yurou's cheeks. I felt a subtle tremor run through her body, revealing a vulnerability I hadn't expected from her. She quickly pulled away and released my hand.

"Sorry, no other man has ever touched me before." Her words hit me like a punch, making me realize my mistake. "N-not that it's bad, I was just surprised."

"No, I'm the one who should apologize," I said, lowering my head in shame. I had forgotten where I was. "I'll fix the water channel right away, then we'll see if the fireplace can be used soon." I only saw a small nod from Yurou before she rushed out as if escaping the awkward air in the room.

I let out a long sigh. How could a girl make me act like this? I pushed the thought aside and focused on the water surrounding me. The fresh air outside felt refreshing after the previous awkwardness. Yurou's nervous words and the way she hurriedly pulled away from my touch made me feel terrible.

Alright, forget about it, time to work. Following the small stream of water, I found the overflowing irrigation channel near my house. As I approached the channel, the sound of rushing water grew louder, contrasting with the quietness of the house. I knelt down, examining the blockage. A large branch, mud, and some small stones had accumulated at the water channel's entrance, causing the water to overflow and flood the surrounding area.

I removed the branch and cleared the debris, restoring the flow of water to its proper course. As I worked, my thoughts involuntarily returned to the earlier incident. I should have acted more calmly. I sighed as if trying to rid myself of the unsettling feeling in my chest.

The channel was now clear, and the water flow quickly increased as it exited into the irrigation system. But at this rate, it would take some time for the water to recede. Should I enlarge the channel? No, that could cause the water's edge to erode and widen uncontrollably.

It seems Yurou and I had to wait. I then returned to the house.

Stepping into the house, I saw Yurou humming as she organized the scattered baskets on the water's surface. She had tied up the ends of her tunic, revealing her legs and knees, and her sleeves were rolled up to her shoulders.

I cleared my throat. "The channel's clear," I offered, "but it'll take a while for the water to drain fully."

Yurou turned, a playful smile gracing her lips. "Looks like we both had quite the busy morning," she said, gesturing towards the receding floodwater. "So, are you still sure you don't want my help?"

A small smile tugged at my lips. Her lightheartedness was infectious, and I finally felt myself relax. "Alright," I conceded. "Where should we start?"

Yurou surveyed the room, her gaze lingering on the mud-caked floor and the waterlogged furniture. "We should probably start by moving everything outside to dry," she suggested. "Then we can tackle the mud."

With a nod, I rolled up my sleeves and tied my tunic like hers, then joined her. We worked in comfortable silence, the rhythmic sloshing of water and the pitter-patter of rain filling the air.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the house began to dry, and a sense of accomplishment washed over me. I didn't know cleaning could be so enjoyable. If I used the Shroud of Power: Volcanic, I could probably clean this up faster, but this wasn't so bad either.

We paused for a moment, leaning against the doorway, and surveyed our work. The baskets, cooking utensils, and some bricks I had left scattered yesterday were all removed, leaving the room feeling empty. I was also a bit sad because the stove I had repaired was useless, I had to fix that stove again.

"Not bad for a morning's work," Yurou commented, a hint of pride in her voice.

"Indeed," I agreed, "though I'm sure the real challenge lies ahead." I gestured towards the layer of mud that coated the floor like a thick carpet.

Yurou's smile widened. "A challenge? I'm not afraid of a little mud. Wait a minute, I'll get some buckets to help us."

Yurou returned with buckets in each hand. "Alright," she exclaimed, setting the buckets down with a thud, "Let's defeat this mud monster!"

I chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Lead the way, General Yurou," I said, bowing playfully.

She grinned and dipped her bucket into the nearest puddle, murky water splashing over the container's rim. "The strategy is simple," she explained, "scoop, carry, dump, repeat. We'll start from the back of the house and work our way to the front."

And so, we began our muddy assault. The work was dirty and tiring, but there was a strange satisfaction in seeing the clean floor emerge from beneath the grime. We fell into a rhythm, our movements synchronized as we scooped and dumped the mud some distance away outside.

As we worked, I found myself observing Yurou more closely. The way she furrowed her brow in concentration, her jaw set in determination, her hair clinging to her forehead in damp tendrils – it was all so captivating. I realized that beneath her cheerful demeanor, there was strength and resilience.

Although I still didn't understand why she was helping me, we had only known each other for a few days. And she didn't seem too used to being around men, did she like me? I shook my head. I wasn't ready for things like this.

"You know," I said, breaking the silence, "For someone who admitted to never touching a man before, you seem pretty okay."

Yurou stopped, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Well," she mumbled, pursing her lips. She looked hesitant for a moment before meeting my gaze directly. I was surprised by her sudden boldness. "I'm not, but there is something I want," she said shyly, seeming to hold herself back from looking away.

I leaned closer, my heart admittedly skipping a beat. "And what's that?" I asked, my voice low.

She looked up, her eyes meeting mine, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away. The only sound was the soft dripping of water.

Suddenly, a loud thud from outside shattered the moment. We both jumped, startled, and turned towards the source of the sound.

The thud echoed through the house, bouncing off the walls and amplifying the sudden silence that had fallen between us. Yurou and I exchanged glances, our eyes wide with surprise and a lingering awkwardness.

"What was that?" Yurou whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of the rain.

"I don't know," I replied, my voice just as quiet. "But it came from outside."

We cautiously approached the front door, our steps light and uncertain. I reached for the doorknob. Slowly, I opened the door, peering out into the rain-soaked landscape. Looking around, I saw the creature that had crashed into the wall of the house.

It was... a squirrel?

Hold on a sec, those eyes and ears are way too big for a squirrel. Maybe a cat? But there are no whiskers, and the tail has a thick fur at the end.

This white cat, with black patches on its face, looked completely drenched. Its thick fur clung to its body, making it appear smaller than usual. Its long tail lay limp on the floor, and muddy paws hinted at a recent journey through the muck. The cat's deep green eyes darted around, its nose twitching as if searching for something. Its small ears drooped, weighed down by the rain.

"Lord Daijin?" Yurou spoke, watching as the animal emerged from behind me and approached her.

She knelt beside the cat, extending her hand cautiously. "Lord Daijin, what are you doing here?" she asked gently, her voice laced with concern.

Whoa, hold on. This is definitely not your average feline. I unconsciously relaxed my Mystic Eyes of Reason and instantly confirmed its identity. It's the guardian spirit of the spirit spring! But unlike the fish from earlier, this cat isn't entirely a spirit, but a normal animal that developed self-awareness by binding itself to the spring.

Kneeling beside the cat, Yurou gently stroked Lord Daijin's head, her fingers running through the soaked white fur. The cat purred softly, enjoying the gentle touch, its green eyes half-closed in contentment.

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The cat, now known as Lord Daijin, looked up at Yurou with its large green eyes. It meowed softly, but the sound that emerged was like that of a small child.

"Yurou, you're here," it stated firmly.

Yurou froze, her eyes widening in shock. She stared at Lord Daijin with her mouth agape, as if unable to believe what she had just heard.

"Lord Daijin?" she stammered, "Did... did you just speak?"

Lord Daijin nodded slowly, its tail swaying gently. "Yes, Yurou," it replied in its childlike voice, "Of course I can."

Yurou's jaw dropped, her eyes wide with a flicker of delight in her pupils. But the spirit cat didn't seem to notice. "Yurou, did you know? I smell spirits."

I joined Yurou, squatting beside her and observing Lord Daijin with curiosity. This morning's events still had me reeling, and I hadn't expected to encounter another spirit so soon. I cautiously reached out, hoping to stroke its fur.

However, Lord Daijin, with its fur still dripping wet, shifted away from my hand, moving closer to Yurou and rubbing its head against her leg. Why!?

"Yurou, the spirit scent is coming from inside your house," Lord Daijin stated, its voice like that of an innocent child. Is this spirit young, or is its self-awareness just like this?

So, it did sense the fish spirits from earlier. Ugh, how am I going to explain this?

Yurou fell silent, her eyes shifting between Lord Daijin and me, confusion and questions evident in her gaze. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but no words came out.

Lord Daijin, seemingly oblivious to the tension between us, continued to nuzzle against Yurou's leg. Its tail swished playfully, and its soft purrs filled the air.

"The spirit scent..." Lord Daijin sniffed again, its nose twitching, "...it's from inside your house, Yurou. Are you hiding them?"

Yurou seemed frightened by the accusation. Biting her lower lip, her gaze returned to me. I could see the anxiety in her eyes, a mix of curiosity and a hint of fear.

I sighed, realizing I could no longer hide the truth. "Yurou," I said softly, "I didn't want to explain things like this, but I guess it's impossible to keep it hidden any longer. But before I do, I need you to promise to keep this a secret, from everyone else, Gouzi, your sisters, even your father."

Yurou nodded slowly, her eyes still fixed on me.

I took a deep breath, preparing to explain the morning's events – about the fish spirits appearing and disappearing, the pseudo-spirit spring forming in my house and my mistake that led to the spirits' demise.

Yurou listened intently, her eyes widening as I recounted the tale of the fish spirits and the pseudo-spirit spring. Her expression shifted between amazement, confusion, and a touch of fear. I knew she still had many questions for me.

Lord Daijin, initially disinterested, now sat upright, its ears twitching as I mentioned the fish spirits' deaths.

Yurou remained silent for a moment, processing the information she had just received. She then let out a long sigh and looked at me with an unreadable expression. "I... I don't know what to say," she finally uttered. "This... this is all so incredible."

Lord Daijin suddenly jumped up, stood in front of Yurou, and looked towards me. Its ears and tail drooped sadly. "They died?" It tilted its head as it met my eyes. "Pity." With that, it turned and left.

Yurou and I watched in silence as Lord Daijin disappeared into the curtain of rain. Its sudden departure left a void in the air as if it had taken a part of the morning's magic with it.

I let out a long sigh, breaking the silence. "So, I know it's the guardian spirit of the spirit spring, but who is Lord Daijin?" I asked.

Yurou shifted her gaze from where Lord Daijin had vanished, returning to me with an unreadable expression. "Lord Daijin is the god of harvest. The entire village worships him; there's a temple not far east of the village."

I paused, digesting the information I had just received.

Do the villagers worship a spirit? But nature spirits should be deeply connected to their homes. Perhaps Daijin is a forest spirit, and its status as a guardian spirit exerts a significant influence on the wilderness in this village.

Yurou and I remained kneeling on the wet ground, our eyes meeting. The silence between us felt heavy, filled with unspoken questions and a mix of emotions.

Yurou bit her lower lip, her brows furrowed in confusion. "So... what are you going to do now?" her voice was soft.

I paused for a moment before replying, "Nothing. Lord Daijin didn't seem angry with me, and the spirits appearing were a coincidence. We should continue our work."

Yurou nodded slowly, a soft sigh escaping her lips. "Alright," she said, as if whispering to herself. She stood up and extended her hand towards me. "Let's finish."

I was surprised by the gesture; wasn't she afraid of a man's touch? But I accepted her hand nonetheless, feeling the warmth and softness of her skin.

The warmth of Yurou's hand seeped into mine, a stark contrast to the chilly morning air. Her grip was gentle, yet I could sense a hidden strength within it. My heart rate quickened, and I wasn't sure if it was due to our closeness or the bizarre events of the morning.

We resumed our work, scooping and discarding the remaining mud. Our movements were in sync as if we'd been doing this together for years. A comfortable silence settled between us, and I could tell Yurou was lost in thought, though still focused on the task at hand. Our eyes met occasionally, and I felt at ease in her presence.

As the sun peeked through the gray clouds, signaling the arrival of noon, our work was complete. My stomach grumbled, reminding me we hadn't eaten since morning. I glanced at Yurou, her face now adorned with beads of sweat and a few mud splatters.

"Yurou," I called, halting her nimble hands. "That's enough for now, I can finish the rest later when it's dry. It's time for a break. You haven't had lunch yet, have you?"

She straightened up, wiping the sweat from her forehead. "Ah, yes," she replied with a faint smile. "I'm quite hungry too."

We stepped out of the house, leaving behind a clean floor. Fresh air greeted us, carrying the scent of damp earth and rain-washed leaves. I surveyed the village, coming back to life after the rain.

"Where do you want to eat?" I asked Yurou.

"At my place," she answered. "Yuyan must have prepared lunch by now."

As we walked toward the village head's house, Yurou suddenly spoke. "Earlier, I mentioned wanting something."

I stopped, turning to her, waiting for her to continue. She looked down, fiddling with the edge of her tunic. Her face was resolute, yet tinged with a subtle blush.

"I..." she stammered, her voice barely audible. She bit her lower lip, hesitant to proceed.

I waited patiently, giving her time to gather her courage. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, carrying the faint scent of wildflowers. The sound of trickling water from the irrigation channels and birds chirping filled the silence between us.

"I want..." Yurou lifted her head, her eyes meeting mine with determination and vulnerability. "...I want to leave the village. I want to see the world."

I was taken aback, and surprised by her request. I stared at her, trying to understand the meaning behind her words. I didn't understand why this involved me. Was it because of the spirit encounter this morning? No, she had wanted to express her desire even before meeting with Lord Daijin.

"Why are you telling me this?" I finally asked.

Yurou averted her gaze, looking down the path ahead. Her fingers played with the edge of her tunic as if searching for the right words.

"Because..." she said softly, her voice almost lost amidst the chirping birds and gurgling water, "...I think you can help me."

I frowned, confusion clouding my thoughts. "Help you? How?" I asked, trying to grasp her meaning.

She sighed, then turned to face me, her eyes locking with mine. I could see the determination in her gaze.

"I know you're not an ordinary person, Lie Yan," she said, her voice now firmer. "You possess incredible power, and you must know a lot about the outside world."

I remained silent, not surprised by her observation. I hadn't been particularly subtle about hiding my strength, but I didn't expect Yurou to be so blunt.

She stepped closer, the distance between us now merely a few inches. I could smell the faint scent of wildflowers from her hair. "I..." A sudden gust of wind blew, tousling her long hair. Tucking a strand behind her ear, she continued, her eyes holding mine steadily. "I'm trying to tempt you," she confessed softly, yet with unwavering resolve. "I want to learn about spirits, about the outside world, about... everything."

"By taking advantage of me," I stated quietly. Our faces were close, our breaths mingling. The unfamiliar scent of flowers mixed with the faint smell of wet mud; it was a pleasant aroma despite her being heavily perspired.

I sighed, bewildered by her boldness. "You don't know me. Aren't you afraid I might exploit you without helping you?"

Yurou smiled, a smile I had never seen before – a smile filled with determination and confidence. "No," she answered firmly, "I'm not afraid."

She moved even closer, the space between us now mere inches. I could feel the warmth of her body, and the scent of wildflowers grew stronger. My heart pounded, and I wasn't sure if it was due to our proximity or her words.

"I know you're a good person, Lie Yan," she continued, her voice soft yet filled with conviction. "I can feel it."

Her gaze held mine, deep and searching, as if she could see into my soul. I felt exposed under her scrutiny, all my secrets and doubts laid bare.

"And I know you want to leave this village too," she added, her voice barely a whisper. "I can see it in your eyes."

I was stunned. It was true, I did yearn to leave this village, to explore the outside world, and to discover more about the power I possessed. I had never admitted it, not even to myself. Deep within, I still craved adventure, but the desire for a peaceful life was also true, perhaps even stronger than the thirst for exploration. Was she just guessing? How could she know?

She extended her hand, palm open towards me. I looked at her hand, then back into her eyes. Her gaze had determination and hope, and I was torn between accepting and rejecting it.

I stared at Yurou's outstretched hand, her slender fingers and tanned skin a stark contrast to my pale complexion. Her eyes were sincere, and I knew she wasn't lying about her desire to learn and explore the world.

Yet, doubt gnawed at me. I couldn't simply abandon this village; it was the perfect place, the place I had always desired. I also wasn't sure if I was ready to take responsibility for someone else's safety, especially Yurou, who seemed naive about the outside world.

Why did I care about her? Why should I put my desires aside for her?

"Yurou," I finally spoke, my voice hoarse with inner conflict, "I... I'm sorry. I don't know you. I can't just leave this village. I still have responsibilities here." I averted my gaze, unable to meet her eyes.

I saw Yurou's smile falter at the edge of my vision, but the determination in her eyes remained undimmed. "What responsibilities?" she asked gently. She wanted to say something but stopped, then shook her head. "I understand. But I won't give up."

I remained silent, my gaze returning to meet hers. "This time, it's not just about adventure, but I also want you." A mischievous smile and determination shone clearly on her face.

My heart pounded, not from fear, but from something I had never felt before. I wanted to deny it, to say that my feelings meant nothing, that I had to firmly reject her, but the words seemed stuck in my throat.

"Yurou," I finally said, my voice hoarse, "I... I don't know what to say."

Yurou smiled a soft and understanding smile. "It's okay," she said, "Come on, Yuyan's cooking is waiting for us." She smiled brightly, then pulled me along, continuing our journey to the village head's house.

Yurou's grip tightened, pulling me forward. I let her guide me along the wet path, each step feeling heavy, not from physical exertion, but from the weight of thoughts and emotions swirling within me.

The faint aroma of cooking mingled with the scent of wet earth and rain-soaked leaves. Laughter and chatter from the villagers drifted from afar, creating a peaceful atmosphere that contrasted with the turmoil inside me.

We arrived in front of the village head's house. Yurou released her grip, and I felt a strange sense of loss. She turned to face me, her cheerful smile returning as if her confession moments ago had been a mere dream.

"Let's go in," she invited, her voice bright. She opened the door and stepped inside.

I followed her into the simple yet cozy house. The delicious aroma of food filled the air, tickling my nose and making my stomach rumble. Yuyan, Yurou's older sister, greeted us with a warm smile.

"Lie Yan, Yurou, you're here," she greeted us kindly. "Lunch is ready."

The village head's house was clearly larger than my small hut. It had several rooms, even a large table, but like my house, it was a stilt house, and there were obviously no chairs. So we sat at the dining table without chairs.

I sat at the dining table, facing Yuyan and Gouzi. Yurou sat beside me. The delicious aroma of food wafted, tempting my hungry stomach. However, my mind was still fixated on Yurou's confession moments ago.

Yuyan placed a bowl of rice and a piece of meat in front of me. "Please eat, Lie Yan," she said kindly. "Sorry if our cooking is simple."

"Thank you, Yuyan," I replied, trying to smile. I picked up my chopsticks and started eating, but my appetite was gone. My gaze occasionally fell on Yurou who was sitting next to me. She seemed calm as if nothing had happened. However, I could see her occasionally glancing in my direction.

Gouzi talked about his work in the fields, about harvest plans, and about the unpredictable weather. Yuyan occasionally chimed in, adding details or cracking jokes. I just listened, occasionally nodding or giving a thin smile. My mind was still filled with Yurou, her confession, her gaze, and the faint scent of wildflowers.

After lunch, I excused myself to return home. Yurou offered to walk me back. I hesitated for a moment but eventually declined.

She walked me to the front of the house, and then said, "You don't need to answer my request, I think we'll know when you decide."

I nodded slowly, looking into Yurou's eyes that sparkled under the afternoon sun. Her cheerful smile felt calming as if she truly understood the turmoil within me.

"Alright," I finally replied, my voice hoarse. "I'll think about it."

Yurou smiled broadly, her eyes sparkling with joy. She waved her hand, then turned and walked towards her house.

I returned home, but my mind was still filled with Yurou and her confession. I let out a long sigh. I couldn't deny that I was attracted to Yurou. Her sincerity, her spirit, and her courage had touched my heart. However, I still wasn't sure what I wanted to do.

I stepped in front of the house, breathing in the fresh afternoon air. The sky was still cloudy, but the rain had stopped. The scent of wet earth and rain-soaked leaves filled the air, calming my chaotic mind.

My gaze fell on the pile of belongings that had been taken out of the house. Wicker baskets, clay cooking utensils, and some unused bricks were scattered in the yard. I sighed, realizing that the work wasn't finished.

I started moving the items back into the house. The wooden floor was still a little damp, but dry enough to walk on. I put the baskets and cooking utensils in their places, then took a broom to clean up the remaining dried mud.

After cleaning, I turned to the waterlogged stove. The bricks that I had painstakingly arranged were now a mess, the clay that hadn't fully dried had become soft and sticky. I sighed, realizing that I had to start all over again.

I took the bricks that were still intact, cleaned them of mud, and carefully arranged them again. I took the clay that was still usable, mixed it with water, and applied it between the gaps in the bricks.

As I worked, my thoughts returned to Yurou, her confession, her gaze, the faint scent of wildflowers. I sighed again. I closed my eyes, pushing the thought away.

When I opened my eyes, the sky outside was already dark. The sounds of crickets and frogs filled the air, creating a peaceful night atmosphere. I got up and lit a fire in the fireplace, feeling the soothing warmth.

I sat by the fire, staring at the dancing flames.

"Wanting to learn about spirits, about the outside world, about... about everything... hmm, why not both? What do I want?"

Leaving this village with Yurou...

I looked at the dancing flames, the orange light dancing on the walls of the house, creating flickering shadows. The warmth of the fire spread throughout my body, driving away the chill of the night.

I finally closed my eyes and let my mind go blank, then slowly the gentle hand of drowsiness carried me into the realm of dreams.