Hui Cao could not come out of her stupor after seeing that man leave as if nothing had happened, right in the middle of her own home. Although there were teleportation arrays within the empire, none of them could compare in any sense to what that man had done.
Blackie watched the man leave and felt a hint of sadness as he walked calmly, observing the girl with his steady eyes.
After a few seconds, she realized that the The Man Without a name had left her alone in the middle of his home, guarded only by a horse.
Her anger boiled fiercely as she stared toward the place where the man had gone, kicking dust with her foot and stripping away all the elegance of an imperial princess.
—Aaaaaah, how can a man like this even exist? Has he never seen a princess or been in society?— she shouted, continuing to kick the ground while looking toward the right side of the farm.
She had barely arrived through the same area she had entered last time, so a wicked idea appeared in her mind.
—Since he keeps his things so neatly organized, I'll mess everything up so when he comes back, he'll have no one to blame but himself for leaving me alone, hahaha— she said as she walked to the chest with the common machetes, took one out, and placed it in the chest where the ropes were kept.
The horse looked at the girl with a trace of pity, watching her seem to grow crazier with every passing second.
She continued mixing the chests as much as she could until she began to sweat, something that startled her slightly. Moving objects that weighed less than 600 kilograms would not normally make her sweat, much less small weapons and ropes.
Finally, she reached a chest labeled
Tungsten Ore. When she opened it, she saw a piece of metal as large as a hundred-year-old tree trunk. When she picked one up, it felt as if she were lifting a ton, and she immediately set it back down.
Looking at the spatial ring her mother had given her, she got an idea. Inside were only various spiritual roots and pills, along with a large amount of spirit stones, so she began in her mind to empty out the least important things first.
She threw out some gold coins she had stored.
They were consumed into particles, and the system spoke calmly.
"25 gold coins of 20 karats detected. Converting to 24-karat gold nuggets. Please wait a few seconds… Conversion complete. Two 10-gram 24k gold nuggets have been added to your bank account."
After that, the system fell silent for a few seconds before speaking again.
"Guest must approach the bank of New Amster to open an account for the nuggets to be credited. If an account is not created within one day, the funds will be transferred to the host's account."
Hui Cao looked toward the voice of the heavens and ignored it. Although for common mortal families of the empire three gold coins would be a year's livelihood, for a cultivator this meant nothing, so she continued emptying the other items, since that was all the gold she had.
An energy-gathering pill fell to the ground as it turned into particles, and the system spoke again.
"Basic pill detected. Minimal stamina recovery. Added to the herbal bank for crafting. Higher-grade recipes added: Medium Stamina Pill, Maximum Stamina Pill."
After that, the system returned to silence.
The words about grade improvements for the energy-gathering pills caught her attention. If this gathering pill was considered maximum, what effect would it have on someone's cultivation?
She continued throwing things away, but the other gathering pills simply remained on the ground. Continuing, she found a 300-year-old ginseng spiritual root, something that had cost her one hundred thousand high-grade spirit stones, and she hesitated before throwing it.
She hesitated for a few seconds, then hurled it forcefully against the ground.
"New plant seed detected. Ginseng. Tuber type. Common grade. Cultivation time: 5 hours. Produces two ginseng items per seed."
She picked up her 300-year-old ginseng from the ground and cleaned it with both affection and sorrow, toward the sacred plant that had been labeled common.
After storing it back in the ring, she continued, now deciding to empty the ring completely to see whether the voice in the sky would keep calling her treasures basic and common.
After all her treasures fell to the ground, it looked like a small mountain of wealth from a distance.
A blue light took everything away except the basic pills, roots, and spiritual herbs that remained in place.
In a rapid burst, the voice began speaking without rest, while Hui Cao watched as it devoured all her savings without mercy.
"New seed found. Sunflower, common grade. Growth time: two hours. One seed produces two sunflower items."
Hui Cao looked at the solar energy-gathering herb being called common, and in her heart she knew that if she found anything with a green glow among her herbs, she would be lucky.
"New seed found. Plant not recognized under Old West standards. Tree type. Name found engraved on its seeds: Moon Fruit Tree. Common type. Produces one fruit with a flavor similar to an apple. Cultivation time: 9 hours. Two Moon Fruits per harvest."
The voice continued speaking as Hui Cao listened, watching the sacred tree from her mother's sect be labeled common.
"New poison detected. Name not recognized. Analyzing… Name identified: 'Yang Energy Gathering Pill.' Available at the armorer's table."
On Hui Cao's face, the word poison seemed to carve itself into every pore. As someone who had used those pills and knew their cost, this was a tremendous insult to her cultivation.
"A carbon-like substance has been added. Name not recognized by the system. Analyzing… Name identified: Sacred Fire Pill. Can be used in smelting for 8 hours. If used in cooking, its effect lasts 6 hours."
This made Hui Cao want to spit fire. She even released a small flame from her mouth, but managed to restrain herself.
"A full common canteen–like item has been added. Name not recognized by the system. Analyzing… Name identified: Sacred Lunar Water Pill. Provides a total of 15 thirst points."
Finally, she released a burst of flames toward the sky, expending a small amount of her spiritual energy.
"A Spirit Recovery Pill has been added. Common grade. +10 spirit. Analyzing… Higher-grade recipes added: Medium Spirit Recovery Pill, Maximum Spirit Recovery Pill. Please search the herbal table."
Hui Cao thought for a moment and could only recall one pill in her mind that had anything to do with the soul or spirit.
—You seriously call the Ying–Yang Soul Pill common? You even upgraded it. That pill is made by the best alchemists of the kingdom— even my father has to stand in line for it!— she shouted at the sky, which answered only with another notification.
"New seed detected. Herb type. Name: chive. Cultivation time: one hour. Each seed produces seven chives. Cooking recipes added. Requires a wok to be used. Can be found during the Chinese New Year event."
Hui Cao looked down and found the herb that was glowing at that moment, but its color was such a dull gray that it made her heart ache.
The herb's name was Celestial Onion. Although it looked like an ordinary chive, it allowed advancement into a minor cultivation realm, even enabling a mortal to begin cultivating.
"Fuel added for generator. Name not found. Analyzing… Name identified: Celestial Thunder Stone, uncommon grade. Adds 14 hours to generator operation. Now available in the iron mine."
Hui Cao looked as if she wanted to tear her hair out.
After that, she looked at the food still on the table and approached it, trying to find some peace, though the system's voice continued speaking.
"A new seed has been found. Tuber type. Common radish. Cultivation time: 4 hours. Each seed produces two radishes."
Hui Cao ate slowly as tears fell from her face—some because of the incredible flavor of the food, and others because she finally understood what common meant in this world, as yet another 500-year-old spiritual root was classified as common.
"A new poison has been found: Qi Gathering to Qi Control Breakthrough Pill. Poison type: uncommon. Added to the armorer's table."
At that moment, Hui Cao's mind recalled the pill her master had given her years ago, and out of pure curiosity she asked—
—How does this poison affect a person?—
She took a sip from the cup, only to spit it out because of its bitter taste.
The system finally answered, and Hui Cao's heart jumped violently.
"The poison within this pill causes a temporary surge in spirit energy. However, after several years, spirit energy can no longer be recovered. The formula appears to have been modified for this result. To replicate the true version, an original is required."
It spoke with complete indifference.
In Hui Cao's mind resurfaced the harsh lessons and fair treatment from her master during cultivation. To avoid crossing a tribulation, he had given her that pill, which had been so close to being used. The imperial family's innate technique—the Golden Dragon Fire—could be used from the very start of cultivation, but its control was extremely difficult until the next stage.
She slammed her fist against the table, recalling the praise for her masterful control of the innate technique and how her master's expectations had pushed her toward using the pill sooner.
The voice spoke calmly again, reaching a small stone that looked like trash—something Hui Cao had kept in her ring since childhood simply because she found it interesting.
"New animal added. Terrestrial type. Epic grade. Name not found in the Old West world. Analyzing… Analysis complete. Primordial Chaos Stone Serpent. Can be raised on the farm. Primordial Chaos Venom added. Requires armorer's table upgrade to epic grade for use. Primordial Serpent Skin Hat, Primordial Serpent Sheriff Suit, Primordial Skin Poncho, Primordial Serpent Skin Boots, Primordial Serpent Skin Pants, Primordial Serpent Stew—ready for crafting."
Finally, noticing the reddish hue of the stone, a trace of happiness reached Hui Cao's heart, even with the weight of betrayal still pressing upon it.
She continued eating, now more calmly, an idea growing in her mind—one meant to make those who betrayed her pay.
Taking another sip of coffee, swallowing it despite the bitterness, she felt as if all her energy had been restored. As she thought this, notifications continued to fall.
"New seed found. Shrub type. Red berries. Common type. Planting time: 3 hours. One seed produces two berries. Red Berry Pie recipe added to the kitchen."
"Herbal ointment–like item found. Name not recognized. Analyzing… Name identified: Ying New Life Pill. Restores 15 health points upon use."
This continued until the system spoke one final time.
"Four million two hundred thousand EXP obtained. Level 107 reached. One free stat point available for use. Repeated resources have been organized into their respective chests. New complementary armor recipe obtained: Hidden Steel Plate. Single-use protection against low-caliber gunfire."
The system finally fell silent.
Hui Cao had finished her meal long ago and continued walking toward the right side of the farm territory.
Now, as if a divine revelation were unfolding, she began to recall every moment of her life while gazing at the arid land dotted with a few decorative cacti.
—This is my daughter Hui Cao. She will reach the heavens and face the immortals. The Golden Dragon bloodline will endure for thousands of years— her father had said when she was three.
—Hui Cao, continue cultivating. The empire needs a cultivator who can face the sects until no resistance remains— her master had said when she was barely five.
—Hui Cao, do you truly pursue immortality for your own heart?— her aunt had asked when she was six.
—Little sister, you truly are incredible and the pride of the empire. To control our bloodline's innate technique at only seven years old— you will reach the heavens in an instant— her brother, the one who had killed her mother, had said.
—My daughter, very soon the orthodox sects will see the Golden Dragon rise above their heads. Just continue cultivating immortality— they said when she turned eight.
—Hui Cao, why don't you want to play with us anymore? We're your siblings— the children of the other concubines asked when cultivation no longer allowed her to leave her room.
Months passed like wind carving into her soul. A year passed in isolation, with only cultivation and nourishing pills.
—Hui Cao, if you truly do not wish to continue on this path, please tell me. I will do everything possible to take you away from here— the young son of the imperial general, who had fallen in love with her long ago, said when she turned ten.
—Hui Cao, my daughter, I see your injuries. Don't overexert yourself. You can cultivate as an adult— so why don't you try living calmly?— her mother said when the general's son died of illness, when Hui Cao was eleven.
—Mother, how can I forget the expectations everyone places on me? How can I play when the empire looks at me as a beacon for tomorrow? What is love against the will of the people?—
Her fists bled, splinters driven deep into her flesh, tears covering her face.
She finally remembered her mother's last words before throwing her into the spatial rift.
—Live freely, as you always should have, my child.—
Even now, with that memory vivid, she still did not understand what it meant.
Until she looked back at the cabin.
The man who had saved her was free. He had chosen, by his own will, to let her in. There had been no gain in it for him.
He spoke simply from the heart, without any hidden intention. Every scornful word she had thrown at him—she now realized that to that man, her status, the people's hopes, and her position as a supreme beacon meant nothing.
That man only saw a child. Even if she offered him the treasures of her empire, he would look upon them with indifference.
She looked into the distance where a granary stood, and continued walking, wanting to feel the courtyard ground again with her siblings—those like her, children of a concubine.
To finally visit Tao Ying's grave and offer her flowers, regardless of the rumors the officials and nobles would spread.
To go to the mountains where the Bright Moon Sect resided and visit her aunt.
To buy her own toys, to finally feel the excitement she had watched from the study window and despised with fervor.
Her steps stopped before the old, silent barn. But in her mind, she no longer saw rotting wood. She saw possibilities.
That list of wishes… was not an impossible dream. Not if she survived. Not if she grew strong. Not in the old world, with its iron rules—but perhaps… yes, here.
Could this "system," which turned centuries-old spiritual roots into "common seeds," give her the tools to return? Not as a pleading princess, but as someone with power of her own. To visit that grave. To cross those mountains. To walk through a market and choose a toy, simply because she wanted to.
A fire different from anger or cold determination ignited in her chest. It was hope—bittersweet and dangerous—because she knew the price she would have to pay to obtain it. Blood, sweat, and the learning of a completely new kind of violence.
When she opened the doors, she saw the animals—cows embodying the same Yin and Yang, something she did not even need her divine sense to recognize.
—And what if my destiny was to die alone as a princess lost to history, one who lost her cultivation? And what if my brother wanted my death so badly that he killed my mother out of incompetence and jealousy?— she said, looking again at a small calf that stared back at her with indifference.
—I'm in a place where reality doesn't apply, and while I'm here, I can continue. I want to cry oceans for Tao Ying. I want to create a record of my own life as vast as the heavens, and if I can't—then at least I'll die on my own terms.—
She left the building, pointing toward the sky. Fire burst from her mouth in a blazing column so tall it seemed to touch the heavens.
The cows merely watched the flames calmly, as if indifferent to them.
Finally, a black horse approached and licked the princess's face. Without mockery now,
Hui Cao's golden eyes met the horse's blue ones, and she laughed—truly laughed—while Blackie continued licking her face.
The horse lay down beside her, allowing the princess to mount him at last.
The trot was slow as she checked the chests on this side of the farm, finding one labeled Chinese New Year Event and opening it.
She found fried rice with egg, took it, and began eating without restraint, sharing some with Blackie.
She continued on without worry, letting her curiosity explode fully as she took a Guan Dao from the same chest and walked on.
She opened another chest labeled in a language she could not understand. Inside, she pulled out a scarecrow the size of her fist, with a pumpkin instead of a head.
She took it and threw it onto the ground. As she did, it grew to two meters tall, releasing a faintly threatening aura.
She touched it, holding its pumpkin head in her hands and looking inside, noticing soul energy within.
—What is this puppet called?— she asked the air.
"The object is Jack-o'-Lantern Scarecrow Doll. Increases cultivation efficiency by 5% and reduces growth time by 10%. When Halloween arrives, it will come to life and seize the farmland, activating the side mission: Living Plant Lands."
She stared at the doll, placed its head back carefully with some fear, and continued her search until she found another chest with a different name—one she barely managed to pronounce after hearing it from that man.
—Event… Christmassy?—
She pulled out a shotgun that looked as if it were made of cookies and candy, its barrels resembling candy canes.
She set it back down. Though she was curious about how the man's weapons worked, she did not want to destroy something that had cost him effort. The concern she had seen in him regarding that "Christmas" reached her heart.
She continued searching, pulling out candy canes and chocolates, along with a poncho bearing a Christmas tree in its center. She put it on, and it fit her perfectly. The sweets emitted such a wonderful fragrance that she took a couple before closing the chest.
Holding her sweets, she noticed a small pond in the distance, with koi fish swimming inside.
This time, she looked to the sky and asked calmly—
—What is this pond called?—
The system replied as Hui Cao approached the water.
"True Moon Decorative Pond. Found in the Chinese New Year event. The fish within vary from carps to koi depending on the season."
—Are they dragons?— The sensation in Hui Cao's heart intensified with every step closer.
Her hand entered the water. An ethereal, faint glow gathered in the air around the pond, reflecting a small crescent moon at its center.
"New event added: Dragons Become Fish. Can be found at the sea pier beyond the radio tower. Event not accessible due to lack of maximum-level horse and radio tower activation. A free trial of the event has been granted in the lake. Please select a fish to convert into a dragon."
"Fish available for selection."
"Brilliant Golden Carp. Will take three months to become a Brilliant Golden Dragon. Pet effects unknown until conversion."
"Rainbow Luck Koi. Will take six months to become a Rainbow Fortune Dragon. Pet effects unknown until conversion."
"Platinum Scale Carp. Will take one year to transform into a Platinum Scale Dragon. Pet effects: passive defense +580, weapon damage against spirit beasts +400."
"Golden Scholar Luck Koi. Will take one year to transform into an Imperial Scholar Fortune Dragon. Pet effects unknown until conversion."
"Small Dark Fish. Will take five years to transform into a Dark Lotus Dragon. Pet effects unknown until conversion."
Conversion time can be reduced using a Mythical Weapon Creation Ticket. Available tickets: 60.
She recalled the legends in her mind—those stories about creation—and said without hesitation—
—Since he's not here and surely knows nothing about history, hahaha, I choose the small black fish.—
"Choice accepted. As the guest has been left in the home, the decision has been approved. Waiting time: four years, 361 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes until the dragon pet is ready."
The small dark fish leapt with incredible force into the residual image of the crescent moon, passing through it and disappearing without a trace.
Hui Cao felt excitement surge through her heart at the thought of seeing a true dragon in just a few years.
She continued on, carrying her Guan Dao, until she reached an area filled with wooden dummies shaped like men wearing hats, holding machetes, spears, and other physical weapons. Targets were painted on their heads, hearts, and vulnerable points.
—What kind of training field is this?— she asked calmly, before the system responded.
"It is called the Training Hall of Strength, Uncommon grade. If the guest wishes to begin training, say 'Training Hall.' Four hours of training are required to add one point of strength."
—Training Hall.—
In an instant, a barrier enclosed the girl. The wooden dummies came to life, along with their weapons, which looked just as sharp as real ones.
Hui Cao felt her martial strength being restricted. The Guan Dao in her hand became moderately heavy.
"Training time: 3:59:59. The guest will be returned home if they enter a critical state with maximum health points."
As it spoke, a spear flew toward Hui Cao.
She dodged swiftly, thrusting her Guan Dao into one of the dummies' chests.
As a cultivator, she had always been versed in martial combat techniques. Though useless against stronger cultivators, they were perfect against groups of mortals. The techniques she possessed were the Moon Sect sword techniques and the Imperial spear technique.
The dummy struck in the center of its torso simply staggered back, pulled the Guan Dao from its body, and charged again.
Hui Cao noticed the wound in the wood closed instantly. Spears began to fly. She spun the Guan Dao at high speed, deflecting them all, causing some to strike the head targets of several wooden dummies.
Feeling fatigue after that movement, she kicked off the ground, using the Guan Dao to propel herself into a machete-wielding puppet, striking the heart target and sending it flying.
"Uncommon-grade puppet damaged by three percent. A small stamina recovery has been granted."
Hui Cao stopped taking the situation lightly when she noticed an archer in the distance and an arrow grazing her arm.
She turned the Guan Dao, exposing its blade on the right side, and slashed one of the nearby puppets.
"Uncommon-grade puppet destroyed. Precision bonus granted. All strikes will land for the next five seconds."
The Guan Dao began cutting rapidly through the machete-wielding puppets until the bonus ended. A puppet wielding an iron hammer attacked Hui Cao, forcing her back. She felt little pain, having blocked the blow with the Guan Dao.
"Ten Uncommon-grade puppets destroyed. True Precision bonus granted. Puppets' intelligence increased. User vision now highlights puppets' weak points."
She felt the shift in the air and noticed the spear puppets now taking cover behind the one holding the iron mace, while the others charged in a pincer formation.
Hui Cao attacked however she could, leaping from head to head, kicking and slashing.
Then she saw a spear already dangerously close to her head. She barely noticed it before the attack completed, twisting her body just enough for it to bury itself deep into her shoulder.
Blood poured from her arm as she screamed in pain, ripping it free and locking eyes with the puppet wearing a feathered headdress that had thrown it.
With her arm numb, she held the Guan Dao with her other hand and unleashed a burst of fire toward the approaching puppets.
"Spirit attack detected. A Rare-grade puppet penalty will be applied to the encounter."
"Strength bonus granted for eliminating 15 Uncommon-grade puppets. Critical hits guaranteed for 19 seconds."
She stared at the wooden puma that was approaching.
She watched it for a few seconds before sprinting forward, dodging arrows and spears aimed at her.
She attacked everything she could, hurling nearby puppets backward to distract the puma.
Her adrenaline peaked as she quickly used enemy weapons against the beast, whose wounds remained superficial.
Seeing this, Hui Cao's heart skipped. Her bleeding arm was beginning to take its toll, causing her to collide with an iron-mace puppet in her path.
Fortunately, that collision saved her from the puma's ferocious leap, which she never saw coming.
She was sent flying by the iron mace's blow, feeling her ribs shatter, nearly unable to breathe. From above, she looked down at the puma and finally saw the weak point at the junction of its neck and head.
With her remaining willpower, she aimed her Guan Dao at the opening as she fell at high speed.
The puma's head was severed in a single slash. Hui Cao's vision began to dim as she heard the system speak again.
"Rare-grade puppet defeated without using spirit energy. Calculating bonus. Bonus: +2 Strength points. You may view your increase by saying 'Statistics.'"
Hui Cao dissolved into particles and vanished from the area. After a few moments, her eyes snapped open as she felt the bed she had slept in the night before beneath her once more.
She checked her entire body, expecting torn clothes and fresh wounds, but instead her skin remained smooth, as if nothing had happened.
She wrapped herself in the blankets, hugging them tightly. The Guan Dao beside her clattered to the floor.
Overwhelmed by anguish, she fell asleep, her muscles twitching uncontrollably.
Hours passed. Sunset fell. And the Man Without a name appeared on the distant mat that read "Welcome."
A sharp whistle echoed from afar, jolting Hui Cao awake.
Still feeling her muscles tremble, she dragged herself to the entrance. Her stomach growled. She pulled out the chocolate she had taken from the chest and took a massive bite.
The taste of the chocolate—or rather, the Christmas energy within it—soothed her mental state somewhat. Feeling this, she began devouring the rest of the chocolate and sweets rapidly.
Now calmer, she looked into the distance where The Man Without a name was approaching atop his steed.
—We need to talk.—