After traversing into a world governed by martial arts, Chen Fan discovered an extraordinary secret: the skills he had mastered could train themselves automatically. Sparring would enhance the efficiency of this automation, and enlightenment came as easily as drinking water... "You have unlocked the martial art, Tiger Fist. Automatic cultivation in progress, current efficiency: 5% per day." "You observe the movements of a cat and fall into a state of enlightenment. Tiger Fist cultivation progress increases by 50%." "During a sparring match, you employ the movement technique 'Three Thousand Thunder Steps.' In battle, you comprehend its profound essence, advancing 'Three Thousand Thunder Steps' to the subtle realm." "You slay an enemy with the 'Three-foot Sword.' Its precision improves, and your automatic cultivation becomes more efficient!" ... "In this cold, unforgiving world, only extraordinary talents can bring me warmth." — Chen Fan
As dusk gradually fell, the storeroom of the Datong Trading House was shrouded in a gentle gloom.
Dressed in coarse linen, Chen Fan set aside his abacus and brush, stifled a yawn, and stretched his weary limbs, his joints crackling with small pops. The dim sunlight outside filtered through the window, illuminating the distant, gray-brown city walls. Though this delicate-featured youth looked no more than thirteen or fourteen, his eyes betrayed a depth of emotion far beyond his years.
“It’s been half a year since I arrived here...”
He was a traveler from another world.
The place he now found himself in was a feudal realm known as the Great Qian Dynasty, a nation that existed in neither memory nor record from his previous life. All Chen Fan knew was that this was Feiling County, a small town under the jurisdiction of Yandu City in Qinghe Prefecture; beyond that, he understood almost nothing.
As his mind wandered, the door creaked open and an elderly man entered. Chen Fan quickly reined in his wild imaginings and fixed his gaze on the cloth pouch in the elder’s hand.
The old man inspected the ledgers and papers Chen Fan had been working on, then nodded with satisfaction. “Little Chen, you’ve worked hard this month...” he said, handing over the pouch. “This is your monthly wage.”
Chen Fan accepted the pouch with delight. “Thank you, Steward Hou.”
“Keep up the good work.” The old man stroked his beard, nodded kindly, and left without further words.
Only then did Chen Fan untie the pouch, letting the copper coins and scatte