Li Yi stood before the large willow tree, observing its unique form. The tree’s trunk was almost entirely black, with only one new bud sprouting from it, its leaves swaying gently in the breeze. If it weren’t for that lone sprout, it would have been hard to distinguish it as a willow tree. Standing in front of it, Li Yi could sense the surrounding spiritual energy was denser than anywhere else, which explained why the people of Shicun often gathered here. However, despite the dense energy, it didn’t significantly aid in cultivation. Over time, though, it could lead to a gradual change.
Li Yi slowly held up the Bai Ze fruit in his hand and was about to place it at the base of the tree. A few people from the village tried to stop him, worried about provoking the spirit by offering something unworthy, but they watched in stunned silence as the fruit disappeared. It was the first time in many years that the Willow Spirit had accepted an offering.
Li Yi wasn’t surprised. The Bai Ze fruit, known for healing internal injuries and extending life, could certainly aid the spirit, especially considering the severity of its own hidden injuries. After the fruit disappeared, another tiny sprout appeared on the tree. It was small, but the moment was significant. Li Yi was startled by the sight, realizing that the fruit’s effects were more profound than he had imagined. The villagers, however, were even more astonished. For years, their spirit had never accepted offerings, and now, a foreigner’s gift had been accepted.
Soon after, Shi Yunfeng arrived. He had been notified immediately of this unusual event. He regarded Li Yi with a peculiar expression, as if unsure about Li Yi’s intentions. "Do you wish to join Shicun?" Shi Yunfeng asked in a serious tone.
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Li Yi was caught off guard by the question, his mind running through the potential benefits and drawbacks of joining the village. It seemed like a good idea, given his current state—his strength was far from sufficient to survive outside, and joining the village didn’t mean he couldn’t leave if he wished. He had also noticed that Shi Yunfeng had left the village for long periods, suggesting that joining didn’t restrict one from leaving.
After weighing his options, Li Yi nodded. Shi Yunfeng’s face lit up with joy. He had thought that Li Yi might be hiding some deep, secret reasons for joining, but this straightforward decision was a relief. The spirit’s acknowledgment meant that Li Yi was now considered part of Shicun, and it was a rare honor to be welcomed so. To join the village, men had to offer a tribute to the spirit first—something that women didn’t need to do. This was because men were seen as the main providers of strength and protection for the village.
Shi Yunfeng rushed off to inform the others, as joining the village was a formal process. Though the most crucial step—gaining the spirit’s acknowledgment—had been completed, there were still rites and rituals that had to be observed. Li Yi, meanwhile, took the opportunity to eat his meal. By the time he finished, word had spread across the village, and preparations were underway for the ceremonies.
As Li Yi wandered through the village afterward, he noticed that the villagers’ behavior toward him had changed. Previously, many villagers had respected him but kept their distance, treating him like a guest. Now, however, they greeted him as one of their own. Children who had once shied away now eagerly ran up to him. The villagers, both adults and children, shared food with him without hesitation—offering it as if he were family, not a guest.
Li Yi smiled as he walked through the village, accepting the food. It was a small but significant change, signaling his newfound place among the people of Shicun.