While walking back to his humble dwelling, Liu Xun wandered here and there to gather food in the forest.
The scenery was full of lush green. Birds sang in tune as the gentle breeze rocked the tree branches making rustling sounds in the background.
The smell of wet soil, fresh grass, and wood mixed with cold air created a relaxing atmosphere.
Had it not been for knowing the plot ahead of time, this would have been almost like a healing trip for the office workers such as Liu Xun.
Added to the reality of being in poverty, Liu Xun who smiled on the surface shed tears endlessly in his heart.
That's why while the sun was still up, he took the opportunity to collect some food so that he wouldn't be starved to death later on.
Since it rained heavily last night coupled with the right altitude and temperature, there were a lot of mushrooms waiting to be picked.
Probably, not many people were as poor as him and could afford the food at the dining hall, Liu Xun didn't have a hard time finding them.
"Is it because there is spiritual energy and no pollutants in the air that you guys grow so well?"
Liu Xun marveled as he dug a giant Matsutake. After carefully covering up the soil with moss and dead leaves, he held it with both hands in front of his face.
How much would this one cost if he were to sell it in his world?
As he thought of this, he happened to spot another bunch of edible mushrooms not far away which caused the corner of his lips to curl upward rejoicing at his luck.
Just as Liu Xun was about to get up, he was startled by a loud voice that came out of nowhere.
"Brother over there! Did you find a lot of mushrooms?!"
Liu Xun hurriedly lifted his head and looked around but failed to find anyone.
Thinking that the owner of the voice might not necessarily refer to him, he continued with what he was doing.
"Ah Brother, are you squatting down to release a big one? Sorry to bother you!"
Liu Xun: "..."
At this point, Liu Xun would rather be embarrassed for answering in someone else's stead than be misunderstood for doing business in the woods out in the open!
"Don't talk nonsense! I am simply digging for mushrooms!"
Soon enough, the same voice responded but in a more excited mood, "Are there still a lot left?!"
Liu Xun wordlessly glanced at ten-something mushrooms on the ground and lied without even blinking his eyes, "There is none left! No need to come here!"
"Oh."
After hearing this disappointed sigh, Liu Xun reckoned the other party had finally given up on conversing with him.
In the next second, however, he suddenly heard the rustling sound of the leaves as if someone had shaken the tree branch. The swallow's startled cry and the flapping of their wings from being disturbed.
In a matter of seconds, Liu Xun could feel the cool raindrops that previously gathered on the leaves of the tree canopy directly poured all over his head.
Liu Xun sharply raised his head to look at the top of the tree and immediately met with a pair of smiling eyes belonging to a young boy carrying a bamboo basket on his back.
Leisurely standing on a tree branch as thick as a man's arm, the young boy sadly shook his head, "As expected, when it comes down to food, you shouldn't trust anyone."
Done saying this, the young boy leaped down from the tree landing on the spot right beside Liu Xun with ease.
Putting down his basket, the young boy dressed in the same blue uniform enthusiastically spoke as if he was not the one putting on a sad face just a moment ago, "As a consolation, about you share some of these with me?!"
Liu Xun was so speechless with this kid's shamelessness that he simply stared at him without uttering a single word in return.
Seeing his lack of response, the boy scratched the back of his head in embarrassment, "It is not that I want to steal yours but brother, listen! I woke up at dawn to go into the forest but I am still new to this place and got lost. I unexpectedly crossed to another mountain peak and only returned here just now!"
While the boy was rambling on, Liu Xun quietly observed his appearance.
He had thick eyebrows, a small nose, and light pink-colored lips. His skin was tanned and his face was a little round with chubby baby fat on his cheeks.
The childishness between his eyebrows was still there making him look particularly pitiful while recounting his little adventure.
The boy continued to sigh, "Had it not been for meeting those kind-hearted Senior brothers, I wouldn't know that I had strayed to another peak!"
Finally, Liu Xun reacted and hesitatingly asked, "... What did they say to you?"
The boy was happy that he was actually willing to talk to him and excitedly replied, "You, Outer disciples do not belong here! Go back to your place!"
Liu Xun looked at him sympathetically with an expression saying 'I knew it'.
The Outer Sect occupied a small mountain and the closest peak to their place was Immortal Jade Peak which belonged to the Inner Sect.
There were six peaks in total in the Heavenly Sect: Senerity Peak, Moon Shadow Peak, Harmony Peak, Immortal Jade Peak, Blazing Sun Peak, and Xinghai Peak.
As a number one sword sect, they didn't lack any resources and manpower.
Each peak operated differently. For example, Senerity Peak was a medicine hall and a storehouse for countless precious herbs, elixirs, and pills.
Blazing Sun Peak was a weaponry hall where many artifacts and magic weapons were being kept and crafted. The disciplinary hall was also situated there.
Harmony Peak mainly studied formation and array which was responsible for the Sect's enchantment and regulating the Cloud Nine Tower.
Immortal Jade Peak was where those who sought to learn the way of the sword scrambled and they had the largest population among the six peaks.
Xinghai Peak was where the Sect Leader stayed and where meetings were conducted.
Moon Shadow Peak was but a small and desolate Peak that was given to Elder Shi who was a well-known sword cultivator to retreat and cultivate with peace of mind. This was also the place where the female protagonist was going to stay in the near future.
Thankfully, the distance between Moon Shadow Peak and Jinglu slope was quite far from each other. Liu Xun could be at ease from running into the female protagonist by chance.
Anyway, he was not the male protagonist so it was unlikely to bump into her for no odd reason.
Liu Xun momentarily pushed this matter aside and continued his line of thought. Since the Immortal Jade Peak was where strong and talented sword cultivators gathered, they were the most arrogant bunches within the sect.
Disciples of Immortal Jade Peak had their noses pointed toward the sky, therefore, it could be easily imagined how much disdain they held toward an insignificant Outer disciple who couldn't walk through the Inner gate.
As an elder, Liu Xun patted the boy's shoulder in encouragement and slowly got up, "Take all of them."
The boy beamed at his words, "You are so kind, Brother! Then I wouldn't be polite anymore!"
Liu Xun gave one last sigh and decided to head back. Just as he turned around he unexpectedly caught sight of colorful mushrooms inside the bamboo basket and abruptly paused.
Liu Xun: "..." Kid, are you planning on committing suicide?
As if wondering why Liu Xun stood still without doing anything, the young boy curiously looked over, "What's wrong?"
"... There are poisonous ones in your basket."
Liu Xun kindly reminded him to avoid any disaster later on. He thought the boy would be shocked and sad at this news but to his surprise, the other side merely issued an 'Ah' before continuing digging, "Don't worry, they are all for my Shizun, not me."
Liu Xun: "..." Kid, What kind of enmity do you have against your Master to be this cruel?
While Liu Xun was feeling complicated by this revelation, the boy continued to chat merrily, "He said that he was craving chicken stew with mushrooms the other day. I thought it was a good opportunity to repay his kindness for helping my village and take me in as his disciple."
Liu Xun: "..." You are so grateful that you are going to give him a free ride to his grave? Is this supposed to be his last supper?
There were only two Elders in this place. He was not sure which one the boy was referring to but as someone who came from the 21st century, he was unable to stand still witnessing a potential murder.
In the end, Liu Xun persuaded him to discard those poisonous things and helped him collect another bunch.
The boy was grateful beyond words, he began to introduce himself in high spirits, "My name is Ji Yan, may I know what Brother's name is?! I have been here for a week but have never seen you before!"
Liu Xun would like to hide his identity but after recalling his disfigured appearance, he realized that it was useless to do so.
"... Xiao Xu."
"Then Brother Xu, see you around soon!"
The young boy vigorously waved his hand and bid his farewell. Unlike his childish and naive personality, his footwork was surprisingly good for his age and soon disappeared from Liu Xun's view.
Seeing a kid around his age move as if he were flying like a squirrel, Liu Xun felt rather bitter.
His Meridians and Dantians were damaged. Not to mention his spirit root was gone, Liu Xun couldn't practice like others and was limited to mortal practise only.
Giving another sigh, Liu Xun took his harvest and walked back to his house thinking that he shouldn't be bumping into that kid anytime soon.
That being said... What is he doing here?
"Brother Xu! We meet again!"
Liu Xun stared dumbfoundedly at the foolish-looking kid who was cleaning the mushrooms right outside the kitchen.
He asked in surprise, "You are Elder Chen's disciple?!"
The boy excitedly nodded his head in response to which Liu Xun belatedly realized something.
Liu Xun: "..." So... Elder Chen turns out to be that unfortunate Master?
"You two know each other?"
Wan Yu popped up out of nowhere and seemed to overhear their conversation. His small face was full of curiosity as he looked at them back and forth.
Before Liu Xun could answer, Ji Yan smilingly responded, "This is the kind-hearted brother who helped me gather mushrooms!"
"Ah, no wonder, there were no problems with them." Wan Yu softly muttered under his breath.
Liu Xun who accidentally overheard him, "..." Wait, you knew he had a problem but didn't even try to stop him?!
"Okay, I am done!"
Liu Xun snapped back to his senses due to his loud energetic voice. His eyes were subconsciously attracted to that big pile of glistening mixed mushrooms.
Not only a lot of them were damaged and became ugly, but he even saw that some still had dirt stuck onto them.
Liu Xun: "..." Are you planning to add a nature touch to the food and let him eat dirt?
To save Elder Chen who was his benefactor from this misery, Liu Xun rolled up his sleeves and said with a solemn face, "Step aside. I will do it."
Liu Xun grabbed a small knife and first got rid of those parts stained with dirt. Dropping them into a basin full of water, he started to gently scrub them with a piece of plant leaf.
Afterward, he neatly arranged them on the strainer letting the excess water dripped on the ground.
Liu Xun went to check the kitchen and quickly organized the dishes based on the existing ingredients.
Ji Yan had caught a fat chicken but he hadn't dealt with it yet so it was still alive and kicking on the floor.
"Go make the fire for me. Two preferably."
After putting down this word, Liu Xun grabbed the chicken by the legs and coolly walked away with a knife in his right hand.
The chicken frantically shrieked and struggled but soon, the sound gradually disappeared.
Ji Yan and Wan Yu glanced at each other. The former scratched the back of his head, "Then I will go and make the fire?"
Wan Yu who had experienced Ji Yan's glorious deeds in his previous life momentarily went silent before expressionlessly saying, "I will do it."
He didn't want to see the kitchen burn down for the second time.