Luo Shiyu left with a heavy heart, while Li Nianfan returned to his peaceful, carefree life.
Playing the qin, tending to flowers, fishing—when the mood struck him, he would write poetry or paint, enriching his spirit.
One day, he was sitting by the pond in the backyard, fishing, with Big Black lying at his feet, quietly watching the water.
"Strange. I release so many fish into the pond every month, but I never catch any."
Li Nianfan frowned as he held the fishing rod, his suspicious gaze turning to Big Black. "Did you eat them all? I remember releasing a golden carp at the beginning, but now it's completely gone."
Big Black jolted up, looking utterly innocent, and shook its head in a very human-like manner.
"Guess I'll have to go down the mountain and buy more fish."
Li Nianfan didn't press the matter. Seeing that he wasn't catching anything, he packed up his fishing rod and headed down the mountain.
Fishing brought him a deep sense of relaxation and peace, and Li Nianfan thoroughly enjoyed it. He also loved the taste of fresh fish, but unfortunately, that wasn't happening today.
"Xiao Bai, you stay and watch the house."
"Yes, my dear master."
Li Nianfan took Big Black with him, and the two of them headed down the mountain.
Over the past five years, while living a semi-reclusive life, Li Nianfan hadn't completely cut himself off from the world. After all, he wasn't a true immortal, and staying isolated for too long would drive him mad. The mountain he lived on wasn't far from the city.
The city was called Luoxian City, mostly populated by mortals, with the occasional cultivator passing through. There were even stories of immortals taking on disciples on the spot.
"Ah, Young Master Li is here!"
"Young Master Li, try this steamed bun. It's on the house."
"Young Master Li, what are you buying in the city today? Stay a while longer."
"Yes, I have so many things I want to ask you about."
As soon as he entered the city, many familiar faces greeted him.
Over the past five years, Li Nianfan had occasionally come down the mountain. Although he wasn't a cultivator, the system had trained him to be highly skilled in many areas. Whenever he shared his knowledge, people were amazed. He also helped treat the sick, and many in Luoxian City had benefited from his kindness.
Li Nianfan smiled and greeted everyone, making his way to the city's market and stopping at a fish vendor's stall.
"Young Master Li, here to buy more fish?" The vendor, who was quite familiar with Li Nianfan, greeted him with a smile.
Li Nianfan nodded. "Yes, give me double the usual amount this time!"
"Sure thing!" The vendor laughed as he packed the fish. "Young Master Li, you just bought some not long ago. Why do you need so many this time?"
Li Nianfan sighed. "Don't even ask. I released the fish into my pond, but I haven't been able to catch a single one."
The vendor paused, his expression turning serious. "Young Master Li, that's quite unusual."
"I think so too."
The vendor warned, "Young Master Li, you should be careful. There might be a monster in that pond. It's best to stay away."
Li Nianfan's heart skipped a beat.
Could there really be a monster?
Did it eat all the fish I raised?
He felt uneasy, but he had lived in the courtyard for five years and was reluctant to move. Besides, if he left, he wouldn't know where to go.
"Young Master Li, I happen to have a tortoise here. These creatures usually stay in one place and come out to bask in the sun at noon. You can release it into your pond. If it's safe, the tortoise will come out. If it doesn't, then there's probably a monster in the pond." The vendor suggested.
This was essentially using the tortoise as a test. If it didn't come out at noon, it was likely eaten by a monster.
Li Nianfan's eyes lit up. "Boss, I'll take the tortoise!"
"Young Master Li, if it weren't for you, my stall would have gone under long ago. This tortoise is just a juvenile and isn't worth much. How could I charge you for it?"
In the end, the tortoise was given to him for free along with the fish.
Li Nianfan carried the fish and the tortoise, ready to test whether there was a monster in his pond.
As he reached the city gate, he noticed a crowd gathered, with cries of distress coming from within.
In the middle of the crowd, a middle-aged woman was sitting on the ground, weeping.
Li Nianfan quickly stepped forward and asked, "Auntie Zhang, what's wrong?"
Auntie Zhang was a kind-hearted woman who had helped Li Nianfan when he first arrived in this world.
Seeing Li Nianfan, Auntie Zhang's eyes lit up with hope. "Young Master Li, you're so capable. Please, save Nannan! She's been taken by a monster!"
"Nannan was taken by a monster?"
Li Nianfan was shocked and filled with worry.
He remembered the lively and adorable little girl vividly. She always wore two pigtails and would sweetly call him "Big Brother" whenever she saw him. Children were like angels, and she was particularly endearing.
"Auntie Zhang, you're too distraught. Young Master Li may be resourceful, but he's just a mortal. Asking him to go would only put him in danger."
"Don't worry too much. Didn't three cultivators go up the mountain? They'll definitely save Nannan."
"Those three looked extraordinary. Nannan will surely be fine."
"Ah, what kind of world is this? Monsters dare to cause trouble in the city now."
The crowd murmured, wanting to help but feeling powerless.
After a moment of thought, Li Nianfan said, "Auntie Zhang, don't panic. I'll go take a look and bring Nannan back!"
"Thank you, Young Master Li! Thank you!" Auntie Zhang had more faith in Li Nianfan than in the three cultivators and repeatedly expressed her gratitude.
"Young Master Li, monsters use dark magic. It's too dangerous for you to go."
"We're just mortals. We should report this to the imperial court and let the cultivators handle it."
Many people tried to dissuade him.
Faced with their concern, Li Nianfan said, "Three cultivators have already gone. I'm just following to see if I can help. Thank you for your concern."
His mind was made up. After asking for directions, he set off.
The monster had fled to a nearby mountain. As Li Nianfan climbed, he pondered his options.
The best-case scenario would be if the three cultivators had already subdued the monster, and he'd just be there to observe.
If the cultivators weren't a match for the monster, Li Nianfan tightened his grip on the pendant Luo Shiyu had given him. He could only hope it would serve as a deterrent. Luo Shiyu was a cultivator, and her status seemed high. Perhaps the pendant would work.
Li Nianfan didn't dare delay or rest.
Monsters eating people wasn't a myth. If he was too late, Nannan would surely die!
"Please, Nannan, be safe." Li Nianfan murmured.
Just then, Big Black, who had been following him, suddenly sped up, turning into a black shadow as it raced up the mountain.
"Big Black, what are you doing? This isn't the time to cause trouble. Stop!"
Li Nianfan shouted, but he could only watch as Big Black disappeared into the distance. He muttered anxiously, "Stupid dog! Are you rushing to your death?"