After waking up, I tried to cultivate again without any success. I ate the food that had been prepared and went to talk with Xiao.
"Working hard, I see," I said to the fat man, who was sweating from head to toe.
"Yes, sir. I've finished the census. It's quite strange. There's a perfect proportion between men and women—no children and no elders. We have one medic, one herbalist, and two blacksmiths. I've already discussed with Elizabeth the number of houses that will need to be built. We've also planned to construct a small clinic for the medic and herbalist."
"How long will it take to settle everyone down?"
"After using the building acceleration from the resource pack, it should probably take around a week."
After speaking with Xiao, I searched for the general. I found Yue Fei training the 20 strong men and asked what he was doing. He was currently teaching them basic army cultivation techniques to strengthen their bodies and increase their stamina. As I listened to his explanation, I realized something. When I entered that ethereal state, I had tried to gather the energy by physically breathing, but I needed to attract the energy like a magnet. But how could I do that?
While I was contemplating this small enlightenment, the blue panel appeared again:
[A day has passed. Just as every human is progressing, Earth's other beings are also ascending and are on the move. For the next seven days, there will be constant beast attacks in every territory. For those with weak minds, surrender your right to the throne, and you shall be reborn later when the time is right.
With great risks come great rewards! Don't fall behind.]
Before I could fully comprehend the message, my eyes began to burn. Every lord had received an Eye Blessing I, granting the ability to inspect people and items. I realized how careless I had been. I hadn't even considered the dangers. A newfound fear gripped me as I went to talk with Yue Fei and a new screen appeared in front of me:
Name: Yue Fei
Bloodline: Human
Titles: Rare Talent {locked}
Job: Not Assigned
Cultivation: {locked}
Current Rank: Mortal, Ninth Step Body Refiner
Talent: General {locked}
Loyalty: 100%
[If your subject's loyalty is under 50%, they can go against the lord's commands. Under 20%, they can flee your territory or even rebel. Be aware!]
How lucky am I? At least I don't have to worry about Fei stabbing me while I sleep. But why is everything locked? Were you cursed in your previous life?
"This new world limits my soul, but the restrictions should fade as I regain my strength," Yue Fei said.
"Good! From now on, we must prepare for future attacks. Talk with Xiao and find someone skilled in drawing. I want you to explore and map the area around the city. Expose your men to some danger but be careful. Also, inform him that the soldiers' food portions should increase—a well-fed army is a strong army."
"Thank you for your compassion, my lord," said Yue Fei, kneeling with a small smile on his face.
After arranging the expedition, I returned to my office. I inspected myself in front of a mirror, and the results were somewhat depressing:
Name: Wei Long
Bloodline: Human
Titles: City Lord {You are bound to the city}
Job: Not Assigned
Cultivation: Basic Cultivation Manual
Current Rank: Pre-Mortal
Talent: None
[Weak. Less than weak! Work harder, or even a small worm would kill you.]
"Who the hell do you think you are, you shitty system? Why don't you come here and fight me like a man, you bastard!"
[...]
Damn it. Breathing slowly, I tried to calm myself. Once more relaxed, I focused on the rhythm and, after some time, I entered again in the ethereal state. However, I didn't try to forcefully gather the energy this time. Instead, I completely lowered my consciousness. In doing so, I felt a strong force within me, like a vacuum, and finally, the energy began to accumulate in my body.