Chapter Eighteen: Embarking on the Journey of Cultivation

He took his first step away from the mountains and onto the path of cultivation. That step was heavy and resolute, and in the years to come, it would prove to be of extraordinary significance—not only for him, but for the entire world of cultivation. When he left the mountains and entered the grasslands, he noticed that about ten miles from the foothills, herds of cattle and sheep grazed freely. Some ran, some played with each other, while others calmly munched on the fresh grass. Though these animals differed somewhat from those on Earth, their general shape and habits were similar enough to be considered the same, or at least closely related species. There was no trace of wildness in their demeanor; rather, the signs of domestication were clear. This alone was enough to conclude that these herds belonged to the pastoralists living in the simple wooden huts scattered across the grasslands.

Perhaps because he had spent extra time practicing the spells he had learned during his recent training, his departure from the mountains did not follow his usual routine. Thus, he encountered these herders at this time and place. It was spring on this planet. From his observations, the region experienced abundant rainfall during this season, with plentiful sunshine, fertile land, and flourishing grass.

Just like the wild creatures of this world, these domesticated beasts harbored a deep fear of the mysterious mountain range. He watched as, from time to time, a cow or sheep would inadvertently run close to the ten-mile boundary near the mountains, only to flee back in panic, glancing over their shoulder at the looming peaks with eyes full of terror.

He had witnessed this reaction countless times among wild animals. He had even tried to force some of them into the mountains, but as soon as they crossed that invisible line, they would panic, shrieking in terror and struggling desperately to escape. So he was not surprised by what he now observed. He believed there was a mysterious force shrouding the mountains, one beyond human perception but keenly felt by ordinary creatures. Wild animals might have learned to fear the range after experiencing its dangers, but these herded cattle and sheep, new to this place, must have sensed something dreadful within the mountains by instinct alone. Since he was ready to leave, he did not dwell further on the matter.

Having resolved to enter human society on this unfamiliar planet, he saw no need to conceal his presence any longer. In fact, he reasoned that making contact with these grassland herders might be beneficial—and safer. If their livelihood depended on herding, they likely possessed little power. Furthermore, these nomads of the open plains must be far simpler and kinder than those living in complex societies rife with intrigue and power struggles.

With this judgment in mind, he did not carry his laser gun in his hand, but slung it over his right shoulder after retrieving it from his bag—a testament to his cautious nature. Such wariness was essential in this world of cultivation, fraught as it was with danger and the unknown; sometimes, it could even mean the difference between life and death.

The domesticated cattle and sheep showed no fear at his approach. Some glanced up at him; others ignored him entirely. This confirmed what he had learned about the world of cultivation: on each planet, whether among mortals or cultivators, humanity was dominant, and these animals were accustomed to their presence.

This fact reassured him that it was time to explore the planet and interact with its inhabitants. Since the people here were also human, his arrival would not cause a great stir. Even if he did not understand the local language at first, he believed not everyone on such a vast planet—larger than Earth, as he had deduced from the gravity—could possibly speak the same tongue.

After passing through the herds, he walked toward the wooden huts he had spotted earlier. Along the way, he saw more animals scattered across the grassland. Thanks to his improved cultivation, his unhurried gait now covered ground at a pace nearly matching a jog. Soon, he saw the huts in the distance. Yet just as he was about to approach, a commotion arose from a hollow in the grass not far to his left—amid the noise, he thought he heard a woman weeping.

After a moment’s hesitation, he walked toward the sound. As he drew near, he saw a group of more than ten people gathered in the depression. Their clothing was very different from that of Earth, but their appearance and manner marked them as herders. At the center of the group, a woman cradled a motionless child, tears streaming down her face. Two men crouched nearby, anxiously discussing something; one kept glancing at the child in the woman’s arms.

Everyone was focused on the scene before them and did not notice him until he was upon them. His sudden appearance caused a small stir. All eyes turned to him, even the weeping woman paused to look.

He remained silent, observing them, knowing they needed a moment to process his unexpected arrival. After half a minute, a man who seemed to be their leader approached, stopping just over a meter away, and spoke to him.

He did not understand the words. Shaking his head, he replied, “Hello, my name is Li Xingyu. I am traveling across these grasslands. Can you tell me what happened to this child?” As he spoke, he pointed at the child.

Hearing a language they did not recognize, the people looked puzzled, but they understood his gesture—he was asking about the child.

The leader spoke again in his own language, but, realizing he was not understood, he walked to the child’s side and pointed at the boy’s exposed lower leg, then looked at Li Xingyu hopefully. He must have guessed that this stranger was a foreign adventurer drawn to the mysterious mountains—such travelers were not unheard of, and often possessed unusual abilities. Thus, they harbored no hostility toward him.

Following the man’s gesture, Li Xingyu saw that the child’s lower leg was badly swollen and blackened, with four puncture wounds, the upper pair slightly larger than the lower. From these symptoms, he quickly deduced that the boy had been bitten by a venomous snake—a particularly deadly one, for ordinary snakebites would not have troubled the seasoned herders of the plains.

Their lack of surprise at his presence, and the fact that they did not expect him to understand their language, confirmed his earlier assessment. Since they meant him no harm and he wished to learn about this world from them, he decided to help the child. After all, his backpack contained serum effective against nearly any snake venom.

As he stepped toward the child, one of the men who had been crouching nearby tried to stop him, but another held him back and spoke a few words. The man looked at Li Xingyu, then at the leader, and seeing no objection, he relented. As Li Xingyu knelt to examine the wound, hope mingled with despair in the eyes of those watching.

Today’s update is late; there will be at least one more chapter later!

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