Awakening, Noah felt his body heavy, exhausted. As if just endured an intense bout of exertion.
A notification appeared.
Congratulations, User, for finishing the first of eight consecutive simulations.
Data processing in progress…
Groaning, Noah dragged himself from the bed. Pain throbbed from back, waist, neck, arms… Mind foggy, weighed down…
Could it be… I'm sick?
"System, what's wrong with me?"
System: Due to your weak constitution, post-simulation fatigue is normal. Recommend enhancing strength urgently.
After a few morning stretches, Noah felt vitality return. Stomach growled, craving food.
Stepped out, glanced around. Sun high, rays warm, flowers blooming. Summer's vibrancy abounded, yet a chill lingered, like midwinter's bite…
Judging the sun's position, nearly noon…
"System, why was this simulation so long?"
System: No anomalies occurred. Extended in-sim lifespans prolong sleep. Typically, 500 years equate to 8 hours. In this simulation, you lived 800 years, requiring 12 hours.
"So, live thousands of years… sleep for days?"
System: To prevent starvation or death during simulations, based on health, the System terminates simulations per 1,000 years. This limit adjusts with capabilities. No need to worry, Host.
Understood.
Glanced at the panel—data processing: 1 hour, 20 minutes remaining.
Food first…
Following the path to the kitchen, found it deserted. Not a soul.
"Anyone here?"
"System, where are they?"
System: All manor members are on assigned tasks. View individual task details via the token.
Right, forgot.
Holding the token, thought of Lalatina. Token hummed: Lalatina accepted a task to clean the front courtyard.
Luna and Liora, same task.
Zhao Yu and Kim Lian… tilling soil for vegetables in the back garden?
Pressed a thumb to the token's circle. Moments later, it vibrated.
"Lalatina, meet me in the kitchen now."
…Waiting..
Noah's mind wandered to Earth. When Mom was away, always cooked instant noodles alone…
Entered the kitchen, eyed ancient utensils. No noodles here, obviously. Shook his head. Must grow up fast, become a man worth admiring.
Lilatina, hearing the token's call, hurried to the kitchen. Seeing the Manor Lord, sensed a weight in his gaze, as if lost in old memories.
Stepped forward, bowed lightly, voice clear.
"Manor Lord, I've arrived."
Noah snapped back, her voice stirring him. Turned—Lilatina, somehow more stunning today.
Her grace, poise, allure unchanged—white teeth, rosy lips, sparkling eyes, like a rose blooming at dawn, pure yet captivating.
But her sleek, raven hair, intricately braided, adorned with… a golden hairpin? Unlike yesterday's simple attire, today's outfit bore elaborate floral patterns, finely crafted. Though ornate, it harmonized, elegant, neat. Fabric clung where needed, flowed where it should, intricate yet refined.
This outfit's costly… No, priceless.
On her, it shone like a flower in bloom.
She's dressed like this—must be in high spirits.
"Manor Lord, what are you staring at?"
Lilatina, puzzled, wondered why he summoned her only to stare.
Realizing his lapse, Noah composed himself, feigning calm.
"You look beautiful today…"
…
"Called you here to cook. You agreed yesterday.
Get cooking. I'll wait."
Lilatina bit her lip, hesitated, then resolved.
"Manor Lord, could you… cook with me?
My mother said cooking together makes food taste better."
She wants me to cook with her? That hesitation—Liora's subtle work at play. Well done, Liora. Next time, you're getting a reward.
"Alright, if you don't mind my clumsiness, I'll help in the kitchen."
While cooking, for reasons unclear, Noah brushed against her—sometimes by accident, sometimes not. Helped little, disrupted much. Yet she remained patient, guiding him gently. Her scent—seductive, fresh—drove him wild, tempting him to pull her close, to cherish her. Restrained himself, barely.
After bustling about, they finished. Dishes, artfully arranged, adorned the table—their labor's fruit.
Invited her to sit beside him. Over the meal, they chatted about everything. Learned she loved rain, tea ceremonies, music, but disliked poetry, painting, and tiny bugs. Offered to have her recite this life's scriptures for reference. She agreed without hesitation.
After eating, they washed dishes together. Before parting, told her, "If you face troubles, come to me. No need to hesitate."
Back in his room, the panel showed one minute until data processing completed.
Will I succeed in stepping onto the cultivation path this time?
The panel shifted.
Processing complete. Data transfer initiated. Warning: Content exceeds your current capacity. System has sealed knowledge beyond your realm, to unlock when conditions are met.
Warning: You will faint in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…
Awoke again at dusk…
Sitting up, What? That long?
Recalling cultivation, a flood of knowledge surged—techniques, detailed explanations, meridian routes, training insights. Everything needed for the Martial Path.
Sat on the bed, cycled a heavenly circuit. Leaped down, practiced a martial form—movements fluid, as if honed countless times.
This is a basic technique…
One practice, and my fists felt a spark stronger.
Recalling the simulation, took three years to master this. But with Xichin Pills, Tiangu Blood, or Mahsin Herbs—common heavenly treasures—progress would soar.
Three years' training… Need resources. Where do I find them?
Wait… In the simulation, I grew strong by consuming treasures?
Training via treasures… Who doesn't know that? No need for a simulation. But where do I get them?
Right, I have top-tier elders… No worry about lacking resources.
Grabbed the token, thought of General Pei Xuan.
Pei Xuan's chopping firewood in the back mountains…
These elders are odd. Last time, those two swept the courtyard endlessly. Now this one's chopping wood, felling trees…
Though their cultivation dropped to mortal, surely not their wits? Speaking of which, manor members can't join secret faction missions, but… If I have them invite Langya City's lord for a visit, introduce Princess Yang Zhao, then those elders… Would he not submit to me?
No, if it leaks, enemy forces might attack. Just make him swear secrecy. Perfect. Will discuss with Luna later.
Noah trekked to the eastern wing of the manor, managed by the Heavenly Path. Here, scenery was simple, rustic—living in harmony with nature, free and unburdened.
This area trained talents for the Heavenly Path. No harm in sneaking a lesson or two, right?
Wonder how they train…
Following the path, saw no one. If not for tidy houses, neatly trimmed flora, distant birdsong, and monkey calls, it'd feel like an abandoned village.
Reached the forest's edge, heard a booming male voice roaring.
"One, two, three, go! … One, two, three, go!"