Kaelen arrived at his home and immediately went to the corner where he kept the herb book. This book, a precious inheritance left by his parents—both herb collectors from the Celestial Dragon Sect—held valuable knowledge about the world of spiritual plants.
Unfortunately, his parents had passed away two years ago, victims of spiritual energy poisoning—a common cause of death among collectors who, due to the nature of their work, often died before the age of 40.
He carefully picked up the book, as if merely touching its pages could transmit part of their legacy. The book was worn, its pages yellowed, but the content remained accurate and trustworthy. Kaelen quickly flipped through to the section dedicated to stellar herbs. There was something he needed, something that could help him strengthen himself and advance on his path as a collector.
After a few minutes of searching, Kaelen found the description of the Starlight Ginseng, a rare and powerful herb, but extremely difficult to collect. The herb was at the peak of Rank 1, making its collection highly challenging.
Starlight Ginseng
Usually found in deep ravines and abysses, this plant has thin, slightly curved roots. Its leaves are dark green with a soft, ethereal glow. Its spiritual energy is incredibly dense, capable of healing wounds and increasing a mortal's cultivation potential, but collecting it requires great care and skill.
Kaelen read the description carefully, but something else caught his attention. A sudden beep echoed in the air, and a window of text appeared before him, making his heart race with curiosity. He hadn't expected this interaction with the system.
[Information acquired]
[Would you like to view it?] [Yes] [No]
"So the system has this function too?" Kaelen murmured, surprised. Then, with an ironic smile, he added:
"It would be easier if it had a manual for this."
Silence. No response appeared.
He then clicked "Yes," and within seconds, detailed information began to appear before him—more comprehensive than any book description could provide.
[Starlight Ginseng]
[Suitable location: Abysses and ravines.]
[Appearance: (View image).]
[Required materials for collection: Rope, hook, and gloves (contact with skin causes the herb to rapidly lose its spiritual energy).]
[Would you like to locate it on the map? (1km radius)] [Yes] [No]
"Ah, it has a map search function!" Kaelen said aloud, a satisfied smile forming on his face. He knew this tool would be extremely useful for his future searches. With a quick motion, he clicked "Yes" and waited as the system scanned the area.
[Scanning]
[This may take a few minutes...]
While waiting, Kaelen began exploring more system functions. He clicked on the section called "Compendium," which was marked with a question mark, as if it were a help page.
Compendium
[As long as the host sufficiently knows about something—be it a pill, herb, cultivation technique, or even people with 5-star favorability or higher—it is possible to compile both known and some yet-to-be-learned information. Additionally, it is possible to view information on the map within the radius of action.]
[Current action radius: 1km]
[Action radius linked to cultivation level.]
Kaelen paused for a moment, absorbing those words. This could open up many possibilities for him. However, he quickly returned to what interested him most. He looked at his settings, which were registered in the system.
[Host: Kaelen/Eric]
[Race: Human]
[Age: 15/42 (74)]
[Physical condition: Mild spiritual energy poisoning]
[Cultivation: Mortal]
[Techniques: None]
[Talent: Unable to cultivate (Alterable: In cooldown)]
[Constitution: Susceptible to diseases (Alterable: In cooldown)]
[Luck: Green (Excellent for mortals) (Alterable: In cooldown)]
[Do you wish to accept these settings?] [Yes] [No]
Kaelen clicked "No," as he wasn't yet completely comfortable with these settings. He whispered to himself, thoughtful:
"Hmmm, so I need a rope."
Immediately, the system's text changed, offering another useful piece of information.
[Scanning complete!]
[No compatible herbs found within a 1km radius.]
"As expected," Kaelen murmured to himself, closing the book on the table. He knew that finding Starlight Ginseng nearby wouldn't be easy.
"Looks like I'll have to go to the Misty Mountain Forest to make the most of this function."
With that decision in mind, Kaelen left his house, the sound of his footsteps echoing along the quiet street as he prepared for his journey.
Ermin's house was only a few blocks away, and Kaelen arrived there quickly. Knocking firmly on the door, he waited a few seconds until he finally heard slow footsteps from the other side.
The door opened, and the young Ermin appeared, still looking drowsy, his hair messy from sleep. When he saw Kaelen, he frowned.
"What is it, Kaelen? Why did you wake me up so early? Can't you see it's still dawn?"
Kaelen, surprised, looked up at the sun high in the sky.
"Dawn? Ermin, look up! The sun is right above us, it's already past noon!"
Ermin seemed surprised by Kaelen's energy, who continued impatiently:
"Aren't you going out to collect herbs today? Your parents' inheritance won't last forever, you know that."
Ermin let out a deep sigh and replied, shaking his head:
"Kaelen, I'm not like you. I'm in no rush to get poisoned so soon. What do you want now?"
Kaelen, now with a serious look, asked:
"Ermin, do you have a rope and a hook I can borrow?"
Hearing the question, Ermin hesitated for a moment before answering in a more cautious tone:
"What herb are you after now, Kaelen?"
"I'm looking for a Starlight Ginseng," Kaelen said firmly.
Ermin's expression instantly changed, and he looked at Kaelen with concern.
"Starlight Ginseng? That herb is extremely dangerous to collect. There's a high chance that even a spiritual beast might be guarding it. You'd better forget about it, Kaelen."
Ermin knew exactly what he was talking about. Like Kaelen, he was the orphan of herb collectors and had grown up hearing about the difficulties of stellar herbs. Starlight Ginseng was one of the hardest to collect, posing a life-threatening risk. Spiritual energy poisoning was almost a certainty for anyone who tried harvesting it without proper preparation.
Kaelen thought for a moment, then, remembering the system's mission, smiled to himself.
[Mission: Elder Zhao wishes to refine a pill for an inner disciple and needs a Starlight Ginseng.]
[Objective: Collect Starlight Ginseng for the elder—the higher the quality, the better.]
[Deadline: 4 days, 23 hours.]
[Penalty: Decrease in favorability.]
[Reward: The next alteration will be a critical success.]
"Yes, but the reward is good. It's worth it. Trust me," Kaelen replied with renewed confidence.
Ermin observed him, his eyes softening slightly.
"If you're sure, then wait a moment."
He went inside his house and, shortly after, returned with a rope and a hook.
"Here, Kaelen. This is about 50 meters of rope. I think that should be enough for you to get the Ginseng."
Kaelen took the materials with a grateful smile. They talked a little more, making plans and finalizing details before saying goodbye.
"Well, now I need a horse," Kaelen thought, resolute as he adjusted the equipment he had purchased in his bag.
At the stable in the city of Viresta, Kaelen carefully observed the horse rental posters hanging on the walls. The city, located at the foot of the imposing Celestial Dragon Sect, was a vibrant trade center where cultivators and herb gatherers gathered, always seeking more power or precious medicines.
The posters were organized simply, but each presented a different mount option:
Clydesdale Horse: An 8-year-old horse, strong and ideal for carrying heavy loads. Price: 2 silver coins per day.
Viresta Thoroughbred Horse: Bred especially in the city of Viresta, ideal for long journeys with heavy loads. Price: 4 silver coins per day.
Percheron Horse: Ideal for long journeys, extremely fast, and capable of carrying large loads. Price: 3 silver coins per day.
Wild Chestnut Horse: A golden-coated, temperamental horse, fast and resilient. Ideal for difficult terrains and quick escapes. Price: 5 silver coins per day.
Kaelen was absorbed in the details when, suddenly, a window appeared before him, making him startle. The system was updating.
[Compendium Updated]
[Would you like to view it?] [Yes] [No]
Without hesitation, Kaelen clicked "Yes," and a new tab called "Horses" appeared in the compendium, alongside information about herbs. He frowned, curious.
[Clydesdale Horse]
[Linhage: Clydesdale]
[Age: 8 years]
[Speed: Slow]
[History: Bred in southern Viresta. Ideal for heavy mounts.]
[Fortune: Medium]
[Viresta Thoroughbred Horse]
[Lineage: Thoroughbred]
[Age: 6 years]
[Speed: High]
[History: Of ancient lineage, used in competitions.]
[Fortune: Medium]
[Percheron Horse]
[Lineage: Percheron]
[Age: 9 years]
[Speed: High]
[History: Recommended for long journeys.]
[Fortune: High]
[Wild Chestnut Horse]
[Lineage: Wild]
[Age: 14 years]
[Speed: High]
[History: Captured in the mountains, a fierce and swift steed.]
[Fortune: Medium]
Ah, the system even has detailed information about horses, Kaelen thought with a satisfied smile.
He approached the counter and spoke confidently:
"I'd like to rent the Percheron Horse for a few days. I need a good horse for a long journey."
The horsekeeper, a burly man with a thick beard and a friendly expression, nodded, satisfied with Kaelen's choice.
"Good choice, young man. This horse was bred for heavy journeys. It will handle the tough road well."
After paying the 3 silver coins, Kaelen received the reins of a dark gray horse. Its eyes, calm and intelligent, gave the impression that the animal had traveled many roads. Kaelen couldn't help but smile as he looked at it. It was the ideal companion for his journey.
With dexterity, Kaelen mounted the horse, feeling the firmness of the animal beneath him. The horse, as if understanding its mission, followed without hesitation. He rode towards the city gates, taking one last look at the bustling Viresta.
The road ahead stretched towards the Misty Mountain Forest, and Kaelen knew he had a long journey ahead. The trip would be difficult, but the horse was ready.
As he rode, Kaelen greeted some herb gatherers he met along the way, who responded with a nod or a smile. Most of them were young, like Kaelen, as they rarely lived for long. He was used to this way of life, always immersed in the world of herbs and cultivation.
Midway through the journey, Kaelen activated the system map. The landscape around the city of Viresta began to extend within his field of vision, and the map expanded as he moved further from the city. The system provided a detailed 1 km radius of vision, and although it was limited, it was still enough to guide him. He could see the region around him and proceed with confidence.
After a few stops for sleep and meals for both himself and the horse, Kaelen finally arrived at the Misty Mountain Forest. The tall, dense trees seemed to enclose everything around them, and the mystical atmosphere of the forest created a heavy yet calm environment.
At the forest's edge, Kaelen spotted some small houses and establishments scattered around the area. People conversed quietly, and some were engaged in business involving rare herbs.
However, as he approached a passage leading into the forest, a guard—a burly man in simple armor with a serious expression—raised a hand, stopping him.
"Halt. What is your name and your purpose in the forest?"
Kaelen lightly pulled the reins of his horse, making it stop. With a discreet smile, he responded:
"My name is Kaelen, no surname. I have come at the request of Alchemist Zhao to retrieve a spiritual herb from the forest."
The guard looked at him, assessing his words before nodding and noting something on a wooden plaque.
"You have three days to leave the forest. Otherwise, we will consider you dead and inform the city of Viresta."
With the warning given, the guard stepped aside, allowing Kaelen to pass.
Kaelen nodded and advanced with his horse into the forest. As he moved forward, he opened the system interface to check his mission. The glowing letters rearranged themselves before his eyes:
[Mission: Elder Zhao needs a Starlight Ginseng to refine a pill for an inner disciple.]
[Objective: Collect a Starlight Ginseng. The higher the quality, the better.]
[Time Limit: 4 days and 2 hours.]
[Penalty: Reduction in favorability.]
[Reward: The next modification will have a critical success.]
Satisfied with the information, Kaelen took the opportunity to check his relationship tab.
[Name: Zhao Yufeng]
[Cultivation: Not allowed to view.]
[Talent: Not allowed to view.]
[Age: 52 years.]
[Favorability: 3 stars]
[Name: Ermin]
[Cultivation: Mortal.]
[Talent: Not allowed to view.]
[Age: 15 years.]
[Favorability: 4 stars]
He analyzed the data for a moment and then closed the window, focusing on the trail ahead. The small town that served as an outpost for the forest had rustic buildings spread along the main road, with inns, supply stalls, and even a few small shops selling rare herbs.
As he approached the inn, a sharp beep echoed in his mind, and a new window appeared before him.
[Cooldown Complete!]
[Would you like to roll the dice now?]
[Yes] [No]
Kaelen narrowed his eyes.
"So the cooldown lasts about a day…"
He reflected for a brief moment before making his decision. With a firm movement, he tapped [Yes].