Noah studied the bronze compass.
"No mythical item?"
This draw yielded a Mountain Guardian Array, manor furnishings, and a chair.
Placed the chair beside the table, sat down. Felt far more comfortable.
But…
The array protects the manor from external attacks, growing stronger with more energy, up to Tribulation realm level. Why need it when the Heavenly Dao shields me? Plus, it consumes Spirit Stones monthly. Spirit Stones, the System's currency, were essential for everything.
"Utterly redundant…"
Stomach growled. Haven't eaten all day. Headed to find food.
"Zhao Yu, stop staring. Sweep."
Waved the compass.
"Like it? Stay loyal, work diligently, and I won't shortchange you."
…..
The kitchen stood empty. Beyond utensils, no ingredients. Seriously? Tables without chairs, now a kitchen without supplies?
"System, there's no food."
The System doesn't provide meals. Host, please forage and sustain yourself.
"Only one option left…"
Stepped into the main courtyard.
"Zhao Yu, gather firewood and find something edible. Hmm… It's been ages since I ate. I'm craving a meal. Hurry, and I'll gift you that compass."
Picking leaves, Zhao Yu froze. Did he say craving food? Glanced at the lord, one hand holding a sugar jar, dipping and licking with refined grace. This is his manor. Shouldn't I be the one asking that?
Sensed something off but replied.
"Manor Lord, my storage bag broke. Everything's gone."
"How about this: I saw wild greens I ate as a kid. If you don't mind, let me cook for you to try."
Noah's eyes narrowed, skeptical.
"You cook? Fine. Kitchen's that way."
…
Soon after, a dish appeared—one plate of boiled greens, two types mixed.
"When in Rome…"
Took a bite. Incredibly delicious. Sweet, savory, perfectly balanced.
"This is good."
Handed over a token.
"Here's your identity token. Take it. No need for formalities—I don't like that. Just call me Manor Lord, not Senior or Junior. Sit, eat with me."
Zhao Yu complied.
"Thank you, Manor Lord."
"Steward Zhao, propagate these greens urgently. I mean, plant a garden tomorrow. We need fresh vegetables."
Zhao Yu nodded obediently.
"Yes, I'll plant a garden tomorrow."
Noah waved a hand, sternly.
"None of this 'servant' nonsense. Just call me Manor Lord."
An elder calling himself 'servant'? Feels weird.
Night fell, meal done. Candlelight bathed the room. Noah still couldn't adjust.
Zhao Yu, curious, studied the golden token. What material is this? Solid, cool to the touch. No ordinary item.
Seeing the Golden Core cultivator's interest, Noah spoke.
"That token. Raise it with both hands, face the sky, and shout, 'Manor eternal, Manor Lord everlasting, activate token!' It'll open a special space only manor members can enter. Try it."
Zhao Yu inwardly screamed, Cult nonsense! But kept a calm face.
"One question. Earlier, when you summoned that compass… Manor Lord, you were divine, with glowing gemstones in hand. I mean, it was incredible."
Flattery, huh?
"That? I keep my word. Here, take it. As a manor member, enter the special space, and you can do it too."
"Try it. I'm here. Any issues, I'll help."
Zhao Yu thought, Need help? Took a deep breath. Who am I? I've seen it all. Can't disappoint the Manor Lord. Small matter.
Raised the token reverently, shouted.
"Manor eternal, Manor Lord everlasting, activate token!"
Nothing happened. Face flushed. What's wrong with me?
Noah sat beside, silently querying.
"System, what's going on?"
Zhao Yu's token hasn't recognized him due to his chaotic mind.
Seriously? Again?
"Try calming your mind. Again."
"No good?"
"Change posture. Meditate."
"Still nothing?"
Zhao Yu, face stern, ears red, muttered.
"You're not teasing me, are you?"
Doubting me? Felt his kindness trampled.
"Would I lie to you?"
Silence.
Regained composure, spoke gently.
"The token must recognize you to make you an official member. Perhaps some inner conflict blocks its approval. Your mind's too turbulent. Relax, calm down, and it should work. Reflect in your room or sit under the tree… the banyan outside."
Lying in his room, gazed through the window. A cloudless sky, stars twinkling.
"No moon tonight… So alien. Like a dream. This Zhao Yu, a Golden Core cultivator, isn't what I imagined. Gotta get stronger and return home soon."
"System, open inventory."
Ten simulations available. Need a new identity symbol to unlock missions. I'm safe for now.
"Start by boosting my strength."
"Activate ten simulation items."
Life Simulation: Enhances inner foundation. During simulation, the host enters a dream, living a full life. Upon completion, all experience and knowledge transfer to the host.
Reminder: Simulations can enhance up to three traits—bravery, courage, cunning, etc. Opposing traits diminish. For example, with 7 bravery and 5 timidity, choosing bravery yields 10 bravery and 2 timidity. Subsequent dreams retain one-tenth of the prior foundation. Events are random. Waking mid-simulation ends it abruptly, risking side effects like headaches or dizziness.
"Confirm use."
Confirmed. Initializing process…
Entering simulation in five minutes.
Tucked into warm blankets, locked the door, fully prepared.
3, 2, 1… Begin.
Meanwhile, in another room, Zhao Yu sat on his bed, meditating.
My mind's chaotic? From what? Past, present, or future?
Impossible! My cultivation method is unique. Mental unrest would scatter my power.
Try that strange tree? Wait—why seek the token's approval to become an official member? I need to escape. But leaving's wrong. He healed me, even my hidden wounds. He doesn't seem bad. I'm no ungrateful wretch.
In this oddly normal manor, only that tree stands out.
Must be the "banyan" the Manor Lord mentioned. Its glowing leaves, layered mystically, emit a faint, soothing fragrance. In the quiet night, it's enchanting… Surely a treasure.
Sat beneath, the scent washing over. Recent memories flooded back, clarity dawning.
This manor, the Manor Lord—he's quirky, a bit scheming, cult-like, but not truly bad. Just eccentric. Most seniors are. I misjudged him, foolishly.
Still not working? Then it's not this.
Stared at the token. What's holding me back?
An illusion flashed—his sacrifice to save his disciples.
What's this?
A faint voice echoed.
"Cowardly, weak, lacking self-belief, hiding behind a genius facade. You fear facing your sect, bearing responsibility, so you fled. Sacrificing for disciples—a perfect excuse, isn't it?"
Silence. The voice faded.
Zhao Yu froze, stunned.
True. I've been deceiving myself. The pressure from peers, sect, master…
The illusions vanished, reality returned.
Gripped the token, a connection formed. Clenched fists, raised it reverently, shouted skyward.
"Manor eternal, Manor Lord everlasting, activate token!"
Space quivered within three meters. Mist swirled, knowledge of the manor, duties, and privileges poured into his mind. Calmly spoke.
"Open Celestial Reunion."
A sword appeared—Mindfix Blade, sharper with stronger resolve.
I don't practice swordsmanship. Is the Manor Lord urging me to temper my mind?
Gazed at the tree, then the Manor Lord's room, eyes resolute. He saved my body and soul. Yet I doubted him. This debt, I'll repay. Bowed deeply.