As the sun dipped below the jagged horizon, painting the fields in swathes of gold and crimson, Liu Fei stood in the center of her dilapidated kitchen. The glow of twilight did little to illuminate the grim state of the space. Cobwebs clung stubbornly to the corners, and a rickety wooden table wobbled under the weight of a single clay pot and an assortment of what could only generously be called "ingredients."
"Host," the system chimed in her mind, "your energy reserves are critically low. A proper meal is required to ensure optimal performance tomorrow."
"No kidding," Liu Fei muttered, surveying her limited options. A sack of millet, a single onion that looked like it had seen better centuries, and a small jar of what she assumed was salt sat on the counter. Next to them, a pile of firewood mocked her with its unfamiliarity.
"Cooking level: Novice," the system announced cheerfully. "Recommendation: Prepare a basic porridge. Ingredients detected: Millet and salt."
"How very… creative," Liu Fei said dryly. "And how exactly am I supposed to cook this? I've never used anything other than an electric stove."
The system paused, a rare moment of silence that only added to Liu Fei's mounting frustration. Finally, it replied, "Instructions for operating a traditional stove: Step one, build a fire. Step two, place the pot over the flames. Step three, do not burn down the kitchen."
Liu Fei stared at the firewood, unsure where to even begin. Her mind drifted back to the sleek kitchen appliances of her past life. The concept of manually starting a fire felt absurd, and yet here she was. Her stomach growled, adding a sense of urgency to the task.
"Host," the system chimed again, "failure to consume sufficient energy will result in a performance debuff tomorrow."
"You're not helping," she muttered, grabbing two pieces of flint she'd found in a corner of the room. "How hard can it be?"
Several minutes and a lot of cursing later, the firewood remained stubbornly unlit. Frustration bubbled within her. "This is impossible!"
"Fire-starting progress: 0%," the system noted unhelpfully.
Before Liu Fei could throw the flint in a fit of rage, a knock at the door startled her. She turned to find Widow Lin peeking inside, her ever-present mischievous smile firmly in place.
"Liu Fei, dear, I couldn't help but notice your… struggles," Lin said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. Her gaze swept over the sad pile of firewood and the visibly frustrated Liu Fei. "Let me guess, you're trying to make dinner?"
"Trying being the operative word," Liu Fei replied, gesturing to the pile of ingredients. "I'm working with limited resources here."
Widow Lin laughed, a hearty sound that filled the small space. "Limited resources and limited skills, from the looks of it. Move aside. Let me show you how it's done."
Under Lin's expert guidance, Liu Fei learned the basics of fire-starting. The older woman's hands moved with practiced ease as she struck flint against steel, coaxing the dry wood into a crackling flame.
"There's a rhythm to it," Lin said, her voice taking on a slightly lecturing tone. "Fire isn't just a tool; it's a living thing. Treat it right, and it'll serve you well."
Liu Fei nodded, her curiosity piqued. Despite her earlier frustration, there was something satisfying about the process. The flames danced merrily, casting flickering shadows across the walls.
As the fire stabilized, Lin began preparing the porridge. She measured the millet with practiced precision, adding water to the clay pot before placing it over the flames.
"Cooking isn't just about filling your stomach," Lin said. "It's about creating balance. A good meal can restore not just the body, but the spirit."
While the porridge simmered, Liu Fei's mind wandered to the system's earlier commentary. "Hey, system, what's with the cooking levels?"
"Cooking is a vital skill for a spirit farmer, Host," the system replied. "Higher levels unlock advanced recipes, which in turn provide greater benefits, such as improved stamina and enhanced cultivation efficiency."
"So, cooking isn't just about survival here?" Liu Fei asked, intrigued.
"Correct," the system replied. "Proper meals will directly impact your farm's growth and your overall progress in cultivation."
Widow Lin raised an eyebrow at Liu Fei's seemingly one-sided conversation but chose not to comment. Instead, she handed Liu Fei a wooden spoon. "Your turn. Stir gently, and don't let it stick."
As Liu Fei stirred the porridge, the system continued its commentary. "Host, this is an excellent opportunity to improve your Cooking level. Consistent practice will yield Spirit Points, which can be used to unlock new tools and recipes."
Liu Fei sighed. "Why does everything have to be about points with you?"
"Progress is the foundation of success," the system replied, its tone unyielding. "For example, once you earn 10 Spirit Points, you can upgrade your basic cooking tools, allowing for more efficient meal preparation."
The promise of upgrades piqued Liu Fei's interest. She glanced at the crude wooden spoon in her hand and imagined something sleeker, perhaps even enchanted. "Alright, fine. I'll humor you."
By the time the porridge was ready, night had fully descended. The two women sat at the wobbly table, each holding a steaming bowl. Liu Fei took a tentative bite, her eyes widening in surprise.
"It's… good," she said, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Lin chuckled. "Of course it is. Porridge might be simple, but when made right, it can warm both the body and the soul."
The system chimed again. "Cooking level: Improved. Achievement unlocked: First Meal! Reward: +1 Spirit Point."
Liu Fei allowed herself a small smile. For the first time since arriving in the Six Realms, she felt a flicker of hope. The farm might be in ruins, and her skills might be laughable, but with a bit of effort—and perhaps some guidance—she could make it work.