Zhi’s home is actually a bit outside of the main collection of buildings, closer to the fields and one of the many water irrigation ducts. Just far enough away that most people don’t come over towards it that often. Most of the villagers live around the village elders house, which is more of the town meeting hall than anything else, but the elder also uses it for his family's home.

Taking a look around the valley a bit more, Zhi finally turns towards the elders house and begins making his way to the center of the village. It’s almost 15 minutes before he gets to the edge of the village. No one pays the boy much mind, only a passing glance, but no greetings as he makes his way to the elders building.

This kid really wasn’t close to anyone in this place, especially after his parents passed away.

[No Ming Zhi was a loner, even when he worked. He didn’t talk to anyone and never went to any of the village festivals. Hopefully his next cycle is better, his karma wasn’t bad.]

Arriving at the village elders house, he raises his hand and lightly knocks on the door. A few seconds pass and a young man opens the door.

“Ming Zhi? Why are you coming to visit the elder so late in the day? Did something happen?”

Looking at him I recognize the village elder’s son, Huan Wu.

Zhi extended his hand and spoke, “Greetings Wu, I was wondering if Elder Huan was in. I have something to discuss with him” He eyes slightly widen at the greeting, but he shakes the offered hand anyways.

[Would you like to see the fate of Huan Wu?]

This skill activates on touch? I was wondering how it worked. Sure, show me his fate.

“Please come in, Zhi. I will get my father for you.” As he motions Zhi to follow him inside, a screen pops into his vision off to the side. Zhi Ignores it while following Wu as he leads him to a side room. The room is unadorned with only a small table and a few chairs inside. After sitting down at the table Zhi glances over the info as Wu goes to get his father.

-------------------------------

Name: Haun Wu

Age: 16

Karma: Good

Cultivation: Xiantian 3/9

Occupation: Assistant to Elder

Mood: Unsatisfied with his life

Talent: Green thumb

-------------------------------

That leaves a lot to be desired, but I can work with this skill for now. Does it only work with touch?

[Correct, only through physical contact currently. You will get more info as the skill levels up, also the next level of the skill works with only a glance. Till then, it’s just this basic info.]

The elder walks in with Haun Wu following behind him and sits down on the other end of the small table, while Haun Wu stands behind his father on the right side. “Welcome to my modest home, Ming Zhi. My son said you wished to talk with me? Do you need some food? I know you have been sick for over a week and are probably running low.”

“While I did come about some food, Elder Haun. I came to announce that I am leaving for Sky Metal City tomorrow. It is short notice but I hoped to trade my house and land for some provisions for my trip.”

The elder and his son both look startled, the elder responds quickly “Sky Metal city?! Why do you wish to go there and to trade your family's house and farmable land? Are you not planning to return?”

“I don’t think I will be back this way for a very long time. So no use letting the property and land go to waste. It’s not much, but someone will be able to use it well. Would I be able to trade it for a small pack, filled with food and a decent sized water skin? Possibly a bed roll if it’s not too much. As for the reason, I am not the best farmer, so I wish to see more of the world and hopefully find my place in it.”

Elder shook his head and said, “Not too much? Zhi, we might be considered a poor farming village by most, but your house alone is worth more than that amount. Add in the land and I could give you 100 times what you asked for and it wouldn’t be enough. When the land was farmed correctly your father could make almost 5 Bronze Tal a season. Not a fortune, but enough to live comfortably through the year and still have a good amount left over for anything unexpected that could come up.”

“I have an idea what the land and house are worth, Elder. But I am fine with whatever is possible to be given in a short time frame Elder Haun. I would be willing to take some coins also if it would make you feel better. But I plan to leave tomorrow before first light, whether I have the supplies I would like or not.”

The Elder paused for a moment and looked up, then he let out a sigh. Looking back at Zhi he said, “I will see what I can do for you, Zhi. But at most expect some food, water skin, travel pack, bed roll and a tent. I would normally need to find someone who was interested in the land and then sell it to them for you. But on such short notice I probably won’t find a buyer. I could possibly sell it to the village. But it won’t be the same price as selling it to someone who actually wants it.”

The Elder turns to his son, “Wu, go and start collecting supplies for Zhi. Once you are done come find me and we will double check everything and pack it for him.”

Wu nods slightly, “At once father. Zhi, it was good to see you again. I wish you luck on your journey if I do not see you again before you leave.” Wu turns and walks out the door right after as Zhi stands to extend his hand to the elder, “Thank you for your time Elder and I appreciate anything you can do for me.” As they clasps hands, another [See Fate] pops up and Zhi glances at it.

-------------------------------

Name: Haun Ao

Age: 58

Karma: Good

Cultivation: Xiantian 6/9

Occupation: Village Elder

Mood: Concerned about his son

Talent: Natural Leader

-------------------------------

Zhi released his grip and said, “Elder, do you mind if I speak freely for a moment?”

“Speak at ease Zhi, what do you wish to say?”

Zhi pauses while he considers how to respond. “If Elder doesn’t find a buyer for my home from the other villagers. He might possibly consider Haun Wu. I know you are training him to be the next village leader, but I believe he would enjoy being a farmer more. I have seen the way he looked when helping me tend to my crops. I have never seen another villager look as happy as him when working in the fields.”

Zhi bowed to the Elder, “I will take my leave now, Elder.” He does not reply, looking lost in thought as Zhi makes his way to the exit.

As Zhi leaves the Elder's house, he makes his way home. When he arrives it’s still dusk, but there should be another 30 minutes of light or more left. Walking inside and grabbing the cleanest set of clothes he can find. Zhi takes them and then walks out of his house to the back, following a small trail over 100 yards. There he finds a water irrigation duct used to help water the fields. Zhi’s parents had dug a small channel from it that went into a 5 foot deep water basin. It was lined with some kinda rock clay, and made taking a bath really easy.

Laying the clean clothes on a rock and then striping naked. Zhi Looked down at himself, finally taking a minute to check his new body over. Standing at just over 6 feet, his body is lightly tanned and his muscles are well defined over his thin frame. Looking down into the still water and the immature face of a boy in the dying light stares back at him. His eyes are a bright piercing blue. His black hair is short, like it had just been completely cut off recently.

Nothing like my old body, but not bad at all. I will miss my beard the most though. Hopefully I can grow a decent one after I age.

Dropping into the basin, he realized it was a terrible idea. His nether regions retracted inside of himself, while he exclaimed, “Why the hell is this water so cold! It's only fall but it is almost freezing.”

Quickly grabbing his dirty shirt from the ground, he started soaking it and ringing the water out of it. Once it looked clean enough, he used it as a rag and proceeded to clean himself off as fast as possible. Once done he climbed out of the water and immediately began to dry himself off with his clean clothes while heading back to his house.

Once back inside he tossed 2 big logs onto the fire pit and stood in front, letting it dry him off while warming him up at the same time.

Any advice you have for me Buddha? You have been pretty quiet since we talked to the elder.

[Yes. You should remove your potato, I believe it is fully cooked.]

Looking down it does look pretty cooked. Reaching in Zhi, pulls it out and pours a little water over it. After cleaning it off of ashes, he looks it over and then takes a big bite out of it.

Thanks, but you know what I meant. You also didn’t reply to my other question.

[I have no advice to give you. I also have nothing to add currently, that can help you in any way. Maybe once your balls drop I will have some advice for you.]

Zhi shakes his head while smiling. Well at least you still have some jokes. Will you only be talkative when it comes to the system or will that change at some point? I noticed that you like to throw in a wisecrack every once in a while.

[The system will evolve over time to be more compatible with the host. Depending on host actions and how they interact with the system will determine how system evolution will occur.]

Alright, sounds good. I do have a question though, you have access to all my memories correct? Are they like how I recall them or are they better quality?

[Better, I can see every little thing that happened in them, even stuff you didn’t notice or missed when you lived through it. You will also have this ability when you become a stronger cultivator.]

So hypothetically, if I wanted to hear some music. Would you be able to play it for me?

[Hypothetically yes, if i was a music player. But I am not, so that won’t happen. But when you level up the system you can purchase something like that with your points, if you wish to waste them.]

Finishing off the bland potato, he began to eat the now soft but slightly soggy bread. Finished with his meager meal. He waits for his body to warm up, and dry fully. Picking up his new robe and unfolding it. He notices there are actually four different pieces to the robe. The robe itself, a bottom half called a sarong, a belt and to his surprise and happiness a pair of what look like black cotton boxers. Rubbing his fingers over the fabric and confirming his thoughts he slipped them on.

Now this is so much better. Nothing beats some comfortable underwear. Buddha, could you wake me up before dawn?

[I am not an alarm clock, but you can buy one from the system store once it opens.]

Nevermind, thanks anyways though.

Setting the rest of his robes to the side he lays back on the bed. Pulling up the old blanket, he closed his eyes trying to fall asleep. It takes a while, but he finally falls into a restless sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Loud knocking on the door jolts him awake. “Ming Zhi, are you up yet?”

Sitting up he noticed that it's still completely dark outside. But the fire pit still has some small flames going. Stretching out he replied, “Yes I am Wu, please come in.” Reaching over to toss another log into the fire. He grabs the poker and moves the fire around to catch the new log.

The door opens and Haun Wu walks in, he looks tired. But a smile is plastered on his face. He sets down a traveling pack by the door. “You know after you left, I ended up talking with my father till midnight. He wasn’t happy at first, but after talking most of the night he decided on helping me buy your house and the surrounding farmland.”

Bowing deeply he says “I thank you very much for your words to my father. He always wanted to groom me into taking the position of village elder when I was older. But I've only ever wanted to be a farmer, I don't like dealing with the bickering of the villagers.”

Waving his hand in a dismissive manner, Zhi replies “It was just an insignificant thought I had in passing. Think nothing of it.”

“You might consider your words insignificant, but to me they were a life line. I could never bring myself to broach the subject with my father. He was so set on what he wanted for me and he would always be so proud when I put one of his lessons to use. I just couldn’t bring myself to disappoint him.”

Wu bows deeply again, then points to the pack, “I made sure you have over two weeks of travel food, dried meat, trail bread and some potatoes. Two water skins that are full, a tent and bedroll. There is also a flint and steel striker and a crude map my father made for you. My father and I also put in a small money pouch, it’s 2 Bronze Tal. That doesn’t really cover most of what the land and house are worth, but it’s all we could spare. I can save more and pay you back whenever you return.”

“Keep your money, invest it in this little house and your future family. Just promise to tend to my parents' graves in my absence and we will be even.”

Wu reaches over with his right hand and gives Zhi a firm handshake. “I will gladly keep this promise. You have my thanks, Zhi. I wish you a safe journey and a happy life. I will leave you to prepare. First light is over an hour away.” As they release hands Zhi glances at [See Fate].

-------------------------------

Name: Haun Wu

Age: 16

Karma: Good

Cultivation: Xiantian Level 3

Occupation: Farmer

Mood: Happy

Talent: Green thumb

-------------------------------

“I wish you a happy and long life Haun Wu, give your father my thanks.”

Nodding his head once, he leaves the house leaving Zhi alone once again. Walking over, Zhi grabs the pack, moving it to the bed. Opening it up he sorts through the contents.

Everything is there like he said, I didn’t doubt him, but it never hurts to double check.

Moving things around so the money pouch and the two system books are on the bottom of the pack. He then stacks in the food followed by the tent and last is the bed roll. Making sure it’s all secure and nothing will come loose, he sets it aside and begins to put on his robes.

I have to admit, these robes look damn good.

The robes are slate grey, and the belt sash is a dark purple. It’s so dark it almost looks black in the light from the fire pit. Zhi put on the sarong, then the top robe. Tying the belt sash and then looping the Japamala around it. Letting it rest on his left hip. Taking the crude map and placing that in his sash on his right side.

After double checking his outfit, he reached down grabbing the travel pack, once it settled on his shoulders. He takes one last look around the house making sure he has everything. Noticing the fire pit, he uses the fire poker to move the logs apart to let the fire die out.

Bending over, grabbing his khakkhara, he stands back up, then heads out the door. Once outside he looked around and noticed his rice hat on the wall hook to his right. A smile plays across his face as he grabs the hat, placing it on my head.

Zhi starts walking to the corner of the farm, where the only tree is. There is a pair of graves there, underneath the ancient tree. He pauses and then bow deeply to the graves. “Your son has passed from this mortal coil and has returned to the great wheel. I hope that all of you will live a better life in your next cycle.”

[You know, for not wanting to be a monk. You have the words down pretty well.]

Zhi released his bow and turned towards the south of the city.

I liked to read in my spare time, but you know that already.

He makes it pretty quickly through the village, no one is outside at this time but a few houses have light streaming out from under their doors. The silence of pre-dawn is only broken by the slight rustle of his clothing as he walks. His left hand is holding the top of his Khakkhara, to stop the rings from making any sound.

Once he gets to the southern road, the sky begins to brighten slowly with the pre-dawn light. He makes his way down the small road at a brisk pace, the rings on his Khakkhara rattling with each step. By the time the sun is finally cresting the horizon. He has made it to the top of the plateau that rises above the southern side of the valley.

It might be the two moons in the sky. But this is one of the most impressive sunrises I have ever seen in either life.

Standing upon the plateau, a few feet from the edge. His gaze lingers on the opalescent orange of the rising sun, watching as the first rays of sunshine trickle into the valley below him. From here he can see all of the valley, watching in silence as the valley below comes to life. Reaching down, he pulls out a piece of grass. Setting it in his mouth he begins to hum faintly to himself. After a few minutes he turned and began his journey down the road. Pulling out the map to take a look.

Seems like the elder helped me out a lot with this map. I see about 5 towns on the way to Sky Metal City. I wonder how long till we get to the first one. Most of them look pretty close to Sky Metal City. Only two are farther out. Buddha, could you save this and pull it up for me when I need it?

[I am not your personal GPS. But when you level up the system, it will give you access to a map function. Till then you could store it in your inventory for quick access.]

Inventory? How do I even use that?

The map disappears from his hand at the thought.

Okay I guess that is how it works. No heads up sooner? I could store pretty much everything in here it looks like.

[You were shown you have an inventory of one meter cubed, when you look at your status. Whether or not you realize what it is, it is not my fault.]

Okay. Show me my stats, Buddha and please explain what each of these are.