Experimenting with his system

After catching up with Yan, I asked if she wanted to accompany me to the village market. Her eyes lit up eagerly and she grabbed my hand, skipping along happily as she led the way.

The market was bustling with activity when we arrived. Vendors called out enthusiastically, advertising their wares. The enticing smells of grilled sausages, fresh bread and simmering stews made my mouth water.

Yan eagerly pointed out her favorite stalls as we wandered past plump hanging hams, barrels of pickled vegetables, baskets overflowing with ripe fruit. I was fascinated seeing the vast variety of goods for sale.

My eyes were drawn to a table displaying sturdy iron farming tools. I picked up a hoe, feeling its weight. The blade was dull and chipped from heavy use. My father had mentioned needing to replace some old equipment recently.

I purchased the hoe along with a bag of seeds and herbs my mother had requested. Yan helped me carry everything, chatting nonstop. As we left the market, I realized I no longer needed her directions to find my way home.

After dropping off the herbs and seeds, I hurried to the barn out back where I knew my father would be doing repairs. "Father, look what I got for you!" I presented the hoe proudly.

He examined it appreciatively. "A fine tool, this will help me work the fields much easier. But I can't accept it - you should save your allowance for yourself."

I insisted he keep it. "Please Father, it's only right I replace what I broke being so careless before." My father's stern face softened and he pulled me into a gruff hug.

After he left to tend the animals, I had an idea. Taking the hoe outside, I commanded the Modification System to strengthen the metal and sharpen the blade using 5% Soul Energy. The now enhanced hoe would be near unbreakable and slice through soil with ease.

When my father returned that evening, I could see his shock. "This is incredible craftsmanship! The blade is sharper than any I've seen. You found a true master smith." Beaming with pride, he ruffled my hair affectionately before heading in for dinner.

It felt wonderful being able to support my family and see the joy on their faces. I went to bed smiling that night.

----

The rooster's crow woke me just as the first rays of dawn crept over the horizon. After washing up and dressing, I headed outside to begin my morning chores. As I dumped the pail of kitchen scraps into the compost pile, I heard urgent shouting coming from the village entrance.

"Help! Please, someone help!" a woman's panicked voice cried out.

I dropped the pail and rushed toward the commotion. A young woman I didn't recognize was stumbling into the village, her dress torn and muddy, her face streaked with tears. My parents had emerged from our cottage and hurried over to her.

"What happened?" my father asked, gripping the woman's shoulders to steady her.

"Bandits attacked our village," she sobbed. "They ransacked our homes, killed the men who tried to fight. Then they took our children!" She collapsed against my mother, wailing in anguish.

My father's face hardened. He turned and strode into our cottage, emerging swiftly with his sturdy oaken staff in one hand and a canvas pack in the other. My mother too had equipped herself with her trusty dagger and a bag of medicinal supplies.

I hurried after them as they rushed to the village stables. "Let me come with you!" I pleaded. "I can help rescue the children!"

My father placed a heavy hand on my shoulder. "Absolutely not, Ran. This is too perilous. You must stay here where it's safe."

I tried arguing but my mother silenced me with a quick shake of her head. Her lips were pressed thin with anxiety. I knew then I wouldn't sway them.

Just then, Uncle Meng came striding up, axe slung over his back. "I came as fast I could. Fill me in on the way." His intense gaze told me he was in full warrior mode.

My parents quickly updated him as they saddled their horses. Before leaving, my father knelt and pulled me into a tight embrace. "Listen close to Elder Wei while we're gone. And no reckless stunts!" He stared at me sternly until I nodded, then ruffled my hair affectionately before mounting his steed.

I watched helplessly as the three of them thundered off, my mother's red shawl trailing behind her in the wind. My chest felt tight with frustration and worry. I knew I couldn't just sit here waiting for them to return. I had to find a way to help!

I raced back to the cottage and grabbed my wooden training staff. If I hurried, I could make it to the bandits' location by late morning. My skills were limited, but I had to try. Heart pounding, I slipped out the back way into the woods so no one would spot me leaving.

I moved as quickly as I could, using the trails I'd explored with Yan. I prayed desperately that my family would arrive in time to rescue everyone and defeat the bandits. But if they needed my help, I would be there.

After an hour of scrambling over rough terrain, I spotted ominous plumes of smoke in the distance through the trees. I slowed down and cautiously approached the burning village. The acrid smell of smoke stung my nostrils. Screams and cries rang out, punctuated by cruel laughter. Gripping my staff, I steeled my nerves and crept forward.

The sight that met my eyes turned my blood to ice. Bodies lay strewn about, the ground dark with blood. Bandits prowled through the ruins, grabbing valuables and dragging off captives. I bit my lip, debating if I should try taking on a lone stray bandit to rescue someone. But they were all armed and clearly experienced killers. Even one would easily overpower me.

Just then, a bandit emerged from a burning house, viciously yanking a small boy along by the arm. My hands clenched my staff as the child begged and screamed. Throwing caution aside, I charged forward with a yelled battle cry, bringing my staff down hard on the bandit's wrist. He howled in pain, dropping the boy who immediately fled for his life.

The bandit's head whipped toward me, face contorted in rage. He drew a curved blade from his belt, slashing and jabbing at me with lightning speed. I desperately tried to dodge or block his strikes with my staff, but I was no match for this ruthless opponent. I stumbled backwards, losing my footing, as the bandit loomed over me. He grinned wickedly as he raised his sword. I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing for the blow.

Suddenly, a huge gust of wind blasted into my attacker, sending him flying sideways. I opened my eyes in shock to see Uncle Meng step forward, hands wreathed in glowing azure energy. With a sweep of his arm, a bandit who had rushed at him collapsed like a rag doll. Those who hadn't been knocked out retreated warily, eyeing this new threat.

"You alright, boy?" Uncle Meng asked gruffly, hauling me to my feet. Before I could respond, my parents galloped into view, leaping from their horses to pull me into a frantic embrace.

"Thank the heavens you're not hurt!" my mother cried, checking me anxiously for injuries. My father's grip on my shoulders was almost painful.

"Foolish child! What were you thinking coming here?" He gave me a rough shake. "You could have been killed!"

I lowered my head in shame under his reproachful glare. "I'm so sorry," I mumbled. "I just wanted to help..."

My mother cupped my chin gently. "I know you meant well, Ran. But this was far too dangerous. You must value your own safety first."

Uncle Meng stepped forward, axe at the ready as more bandits converged. "No time for lectures now. Get the boy to safety. I'll handle this rabble." His hands blazed with energy as he strode forth.

With Uncle Meng distracting the bandits, my parents and I searched for survivors. We found a group of children huddled and sobbing in a root cellar. Their tearful reunion with the young woman who had fled for help was heart wrenching. We escorted them away from the devastation.

By the time we returned, Uncle Meng had defeated the remaining bandits and freed the other captive villagers. My father and mother quickly tended to the injured with medicinal herbs and spiritual energy. I did my best to comfort them as well.

The journey home was grim. Though we had saved lives, many were lost. I could not erase the horrific images now seared into my mind. Back at our cottage, I lay awake long into the night, shaken and remorseful.

My actions today, however well-intentioned, had been rash and nearly fatal. I realized that true courage meant being wise as well as strong. If I hoped to ever properly aid and protect my loved ones, I needed much more training to temper my spirit.

At dawn, filled with newfound resolve, I knelt respectfully before Uncle Meng. "Honored Master, I humbly request that you accept me as your disciple. Please guide me on the virtuous path of cultivation."

After gazing at me silently for some time, he nodded. "Very well. Be warned, boy - the path ahead will not be easy. But if you apply yourself diligently, I will teach you all I can."

Bowing low, I swore to follow his instruction with utmost diligence and humility.