Waking up, Noah Drake felt heavy and exhausted, as though he had just gone through an intense workout.
A notification panel appeared:
"Congratulations on completing the first simulation in a series of 8 consecutive simulations.
Data calculation in progress."
...
Dragging himself out of bed, Noah felt every muscle ache — from his back, waist, neck, arms… His head felt heavy too.
"Am I sick or something?" he wondered.
"System, what's wrong with me?"
The system responded:
"Due to your weak physical condition, fatigue is a natural consequence following the simulation. The system recommends you improve your physical strength as soon as possible."
...
After a few morning stretches, Noah started feeling better. His stomach growled in protest.
He stepped out and looked around. The sun was high, its rays warm and bright, and flowers were blooming in full glory. The summer scenery was vibrant with life, yet he couldn't shake off the feeling of a cold winter chill.
Judging by the sun's position, it was likely nearing noon.
"System, why did this simulation take so long?"
The system answered:
"There were no anomalies in this simulation. However, the prolonged time you spent living within the dream directly correlates to your extended rest in reality. Typically, 500 years in the simulation equates to 8 hours of sleep. This time, you lived for 800 years, requiring 12 hours of recovery."
"So if I lived for several thousand years in a simulation, I'd sleep for days?"
"To prevent starvation from extended simulations, the system will conclude the simulation at every 1,000-year interval based on your physical state. This limit can be adjusted as your abilities improve. There's no need to worry."
"I see..."
He glanced at the notification panel, which displayed:
"Data calculation in progress: 1 hour 20 minutes remaining."
"Let's eat something first," he muttered.
Making his way to the kitchen, he found it empty.
"Is anyone here?" he called out.
"System, where is everyone?"
The system replied:
"All members of the manor have gone to fulfill their assigned duties. You can view their tasks using the command token in your possession."
...
"Oh, how could I forget?" Noah picked up the token and thought of Lalatina Celeste. Information streamed into his mind, indicating she was currently assigned to clean the front yard of the manor.
Luna Hart and Aurelius Liora were also assisting with the cleaning.
As for Zhao Yu and Kim lian, they were planting vegetables in the backyard.
Noah placed his thumb on the circular emblem at the base of the token. After a few seconds, the token vibrated.
"Lalatina, come meet me in the kitchen immediately."
As he waited, memories of his life on Earth surfaced. Whenever his mother was away, he'd stay home and make instant noodles for himself.
Looking around the kitchen's ancient-style setup, he sighed. There would be no instant noodles here. Shaking his head, he resolved, "I must grow stronger and become someone worthy of admiration."
Hearing the token's transmission, Lalatina hurried to the kitchen. Upon arriving, she noticed her lord standing pensively in front of the stove, seemingly lost in thought.
She stepped closer, bowed slightly, and spoke in her clear voice.
"My lord, I have arrived."
Her melodious voice snapped Noah out of his reverie. Turning to Lalatina, he noticed how beautiful she looked today.
Her usual elegance and gentle demeanor were complemented by her radiant presence. She looked like a blooming rose, pure yet enchanting. Her jet-black hair was intricately braided, adorned with delicate gold ornaments. Her outfit, far more elaborate than usual, featured intricate floral patterns and fine fabric. Though ornate, it maintained a harmonious balance, accentuating her grace while exuding luxury.
"She must be in a good mood today," he thought.
"My lord, why are you staring at me?" Lalatina asked, puzzled by his gaze.
Realizing he had been staring too long, Noah composed himself and replied,
"You look stunning today."
...
"I called you here to cook. You agreed yesterday, remember? Go ahead, I'll wait here."
Lalatina bit her lip slightly, hesitated for a moment, and then said,
"My lord, could you cook with me? My mother always said food tastes better when prepared together."
She wants me to cook with her? Noah thought. Her tone and demeanor suggested that his "secret tactic" had been effective. "Well done, Aurelius Liora. I'll reward you next time."
"Alright, as long as I'm not a bother, I'll help."
While cooking, Noah's attempts to assist often led to unintentional mishaps, though Lalatina patiently guided him. She exuded a captivating fragrance, both alluring and refreshing, that he found himself wanting to breathe in endlessly. More than once, he had to suppress the urge to embrace her.
After much effort, they finally completed their meal. The beautifully arranged dishes on the table were the fruits of their labor.
Noah invited Lalatina to sit and eat with him. They chatted as they dined, and he learned that she loved rainy days, tea ceremonies, and music but disliked poetry, painting, and insects.
Afterward, Noah asked her to read some scriptures from this world to him for reference. She readily agreed.
When they finished eating, they washed the dishes together. Before she left, Noah reminded her to seek him out if she ever faced difficulties.
Returning to his room, he saw the countdown on the notification panel nearing its end.
"One minute left until the data calculation is complete. I wonder if I'll succeed in entering the cultivation path this time."
The panel changed:
"Calculation complete. Data transfer initiated.
Warning: The content exceeds your current comprehension level. Excess data has been sealed and will unlock as you advance in rank.
Prepare for unconsciousness in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1..."
When he woke up again, it was already dusk.
"Slept for so long again?" he murmured, sitting up.
He soon realized that his mind was now brimming with knowledge—cultivation techniques, detailed explanations, meridian routes, and training insights.
He practiced a basic martial technique, feeling his movements flow smoothly as though he had rehearsed it countless times before.
"This foundation technique…" he marveled, sensing an increase in strength after just one round.
He recalled that in the simulation, it had taken him three years to master this, though with resources like Heart Flame Pills, Ancient Blood, or Demon Heart Herbs, the process could have been drastically accelerated.
"But where can I find such treasures now?"
He suddenly remembered the formidable experts under his command. "With them around, I shouldn't lack resources."
Noah picked up his command token and thought of Bui Tuyen, who was apparently chopping firewood behind the mountain.
"Why are my top experts doing such mundane tasks?"
With a sigh, he headed east, toward the section of the manor managed by the Heavenly Path.
The scenery there was rustic and serene, blending seamlessly with nature. It was a place where talents were nurtured, and Noah figured he might learn a thing or two from observing.
As he walked, he noticed the area was eerily quiet. If not for the well-maintained houses, neatly trimmed flowers, and distant sounds of chirping birds and howling apes, it might have seemed abandoned.
Approaching the forest at the back, he suddenly heard a robust voice shouting,
"One, two, three! Again! One, two, three!"