As Jian Chen strutted into the village, he kept his eyes peeled, sizing up the surroundings like a streetwise hawk. The place was modest, with wooden houses huddled together like they were gossiping about the latest village drama. The thatched roofs sagged under the weight of time, and chickens scurried around like they were auditioning for a pecking order reality show. Villagers cast suspicious glances at him as he passed, like he was some celebrity crashing their low-budget film.
Whispers followed him, the villagers muttering about the strange young dude who'd popped up out of nowhere, and Jian Chen walked on as if he was the headliner of a one-man show.
Then he spotted an old man chilling outside one of the houses, carving a piece of wood with the precision of a surgeon but with the vibe of a guy who could tell you the best barbershop in town. The man's hands were weathered, each line telling a story of hard labor, and his eyes sparkled with that hard-earned wisdom only found after a lifetime of dodging life's curveballs. He looked up and peered at Jian Chen's chessboard, clearly intrigued.
"A young man with an old man's game," the elder chuckled, his voice like gravel but with a hint of warmth. "Not something you see every day."
Jian Chen raised an eyebrow. "This ain't just a game, old-timer. It's a strategic masterpiece, like chess but with a side of street smarts. I'm talking high stakes, my man." Why was he being mysterious? Maybe he just wanted to sound cooler than the average villager.
The old man cackled, putting his carving down like he was done with the day's work. "In this world, many things are more than they seem. But be careful, boy. The world of cultivation is not kind to the unprepared. It's like stepping into a street fight without knowing how to throw a punch."
Jian Chen nodded, intrigued. He figured he might as well soak up some wisdom like a sponge in a puddle. "I'm fresh off the boat in these parts. Any chance you can share some sage advice?"
The elder gestured for Jian Chen to take a load off on a nearby stump. "This village is far from the flashy sects and big cities. Out here, we're like blades of grass, easily trampled by those with real power. You know, the ones who could crush your dreams faster than a kid stomping on a soda can."
Jian Chen's eyes narrowed. This world was all about muscle, where the strong could shape destiny or stomp on the weak like bugs. But he wasn't planning on being grass; he was aiming for the big leagues.
The elder continued, his tone turning serious. "Outsiders like you… they often come here chasing fortune or strength, dreaming of reaching heights that others can't even imagine. But remember, ambition without caution is like playing with fire and expecting not to get burned."
Jian Chen flashed a grin. "Caution and ambition gotta be best buds then. So, what kind of cultivators have swung by this place?"
The old man paused, as if weighing his words like a seasoned barista deciding how much espresso to pour. "They come from distant sects and clans, rocking strange powers and auras that could shake the ground. Some are on the hunt for rare herbs and beasts, while others come to test their strength in the mountains." He glanced at Jian Chen's chessboard again. "And then there are those with bizarre artifacts that leave everyone scratching their heads."
Jian Chen tightened his grip on the chessboard. This relic felt like it was vibrating with secrets. It wasn't just a game; it was like holding the keys to the universe—or at least a really good pizza place. He eyed the pieces, each shaped like royal figures—a king, a queen, knights, and pawns. He could almost hear them whispering sweet nothings about strategy and power.
Before he could go down the rabbit hole of pondering life's mysteries, a loud voice crashed into the moment.
"Old man! Stop filling the newcomer's head with useless talk. It's not like he's gonna do anything with it anyway!"
A young dude sauntered over, all muscles and bravado, with a face that looked like it had seen too many hard days in the sun. He had the attitude of someone who thrived on making others feel small, and he was sizing Jian Chen up like a dog looking at a new chew toy.
Jian Chen felt a flicker of annoyance but kept his cool. This guy's arrogance was as familiar as the smell of street food on a summer day. He had zero tolerance for this type, especially not in his new turf.
The young man scoffed, eyeing Jian Chen's chessboard like it was a fancy pastry in a bakery. "You come here with that snazzy game, thinking you're better than us."
Jian Chen met his glare with a calm smile. "I don't need a game to know my worth, buddy. I'm like a diamond in a pile of rocks."
For a heartbeat, silence hung like a bad pun in the air. The young man clenched his fists, clearly seething, and Jian Chen realized he'd just made his first rival. But hey, he'd survived worse back on Earth, so he could handle this new world's drama like a pro. This was just the opening act, and he was ready to steal the show.
In this realm of cultivation, he wasn't just a pawn. Oh no, he was playing the long game, and soon, they'd all see he was more than meets the eye.