The morning sun bore down on the southern field as Liu Fei gripped her hoe with an air of grim determination. The field was every bit as rebellious as she had anticipated, with weeds that seemed to snarl at her attempts to uproot them. Her arms ached, her back protested, and sweat clung to her brow in defiance of any semblance of dignity she might have once possessed.
"Host," the system chimed brightly in her mind, "your weed-clearing efficiency is currently at 32%. Adjusting angle and force of swings may improve productivity by 8%."
Liu Fei paused mid-swing, narrowing her eyes. "You're telling me how to swing a hoe now?"
"System guidance ensures optimal farming performance," the system replied, undeterred by her sarcasm.
"I'm sure it does," she muttered, resuming her work with exaggerated vigor. Each swing of the hoe was accompanied by a mental image of the system's metaphorical face, if it had one. Her arms burned from the repetitive motion, but she refused to stop. The weeds were stubborn, their roots deep and tangled, almost as if they were alive.
Across the field, Old Farmer Zhu leaned on his cane, watching her with the intensity of a hawk scrutinizing a particularly inept sparrow. He hadn't said much since arriving to "observe," but his occasional grunts of disapproval spoke volumes.
"That weed's got roots deeper than your resolve, girl," Zhu remarked, nodding toward a particularly stubborn clump of greenery.
Liu Fei gritted her teeth, giving the weed a tug that sent her stumbling back. "I'm getting there, Zhu-shifu," she replied, using the honorific with just enough cheek to earn a snort of amusement from the old man.
The system, as always, chose the least opportune moment to chime in. "Host, weeds with deep roots indicate poor soil balance. Planting low-grade spirit herbs in such areas will purify the soil over time, improving future yield potential."
Liu Fei straightened, wiping her brow with the back of her hand. "So you're saying these weeds are a symptom, not the disease?"
"Precisely," the system confirmed. "Effective farming requires addressing both surface and underlying issues. Soil quality is impacted by lingering spiritual imbalances. Cultivating purifying plants will gradually restore harmony."
Zhu's sharp eyes flicked to Liu Fei as she muttered to herself. "Talking to the weeds, are we? That's one way to farm, I suppose."
"Just… strategizing," Liu Fei replied hastily, returning to her work. The last thing she needed was Zhu thinking she'd lost her mind.
By mid-morning, Liu Fei's arms felt like lead, and her enthusiasm for farming had dwindled to a faint ember. She plopped onto the ground, reaching for the canteen Widow Lin had given her earlier. The water was lukewarm but refreshing enough to revive her spirits, if only slightly.
"Host," the system said, its tone as chipper as ever, "breaks should not exceed 15 minutes to maintain optimal momentum."
Liu Fei glared at the air. "I'll take a break as long as I want, thank you very much."
Zhu ambled over, his cane thudding against the ground. "Giving up already?"
"Just pacing myself," Liu Fei replied, though her tone lacked conviction. Her hands were blistered despite the thin gloves she'd found in the barn, and the thought of returning to the field filled her with equal parts dread and determination.
The old farmer chuckled, lowering himself onto a nearby rock with the ease of someone accustomed to a life of labor. "Your grandfather had the same stubborn streak," he said, his gaze distant. "He worked this farm until it broke him."
Liu Fei hesitated, her curiosity piqued. "What was he like?"
Zhu's expression softened. "Old Liu was a good man. Stubborn, yes, but he cared deeply for this land. Spent his last years trying to revive it after… well, after the blight hit. Never did figure out what caused it."
The mention of a blight sent a shiver down Liu Fei's spine. "What kind of blight?"
"Strange thing," Zhu said, shaking his head. "Crops withered overnight, beasts grew restless. Some said it was a curse. Others blamed the heavens. All I know is that it ruined him."
As Zhu's words lingered in her mind, Liu Fei found her thoughts drifting to the original owner of her body. "System," she said quietly, "tell me about… her. The girl who owned this body before me."
The system hesitated, a rare occurrence that sent a ripple of unease through Liu Fei. "Original Host Liu Fei: Alignment Neutral-Good. Background: Orphaned at a young age, she inherited the farm from her late grandfather. Despite her efforts, she lacked the resources and support to succeed. Cause of death: Exhaustion."
Liu Fei's chest tightened. "Exhaustion?"
"The original Host's health declined due to prolonged malnutrition and overwork," the system replied matter-of-factly.
Liu Fei glanced at her calloused hands, a surge of guilt washing over her. This farm had been someone else's burden before it became hers. "She tried," Liu Fei murmured, more to herself than anyone else. "She really tried."
"Indeed," the system said. "Your efforts now honor her legacy."
Liu Fei sighed, pushing herself to her feet. "Guess I'd better make them count, then."
Zhu watched her with a thoughtful expression but said nothing. Instead, he stood and gestured toward the weeds. "Still plenty left to do. Best get to it."
As the day wore on, Liu Fei's rhythm improved, each swing of the hoe more precise than the last. The system offered occasional pointers, most of which she grudgingly accepted. Zhu, for his part, remained a silent observer, his approval hinted at only by the occasional nod.
"Host," the system said, "progress update: Southern Field is now 15% cleared. Estimated time to completion: 3 days at current pace."
"Three days?" Liu Fei groaned, leaning on the hoe for support. "You couldn't have told me that sooner?"
"Earlier notification would not have altered the task's requirements," the system replied, unapologetic.
By the time the sun dipped toward the horizon, a small section of the field lay cleared, the once-stubborn weeds piled high like trophies of her labor. Liu Fei's muscles ached, but there was a flicker of pride in her chest.
"Not bad for a first day," Zhu said, his tone grudgingly complimentary. "You might have a farmer in you yet."
Liu Fei managed a tired smile. "High praise coming from you."
The infernal rooster crowed again, signaling the end of another long day. Liu Fei glanced at the glowing bird, then back at the cleared field. For the first time since her arrival, she allowed herself to feel a glimmer of hope.
"Tomorrow," she said, gripping her hoe tightly, "we do more."
The system chimed softly. "Achievement unlocked: First Field Cleared. Reward: +10 Spirit Points."