Finding Someone

The first week had been relatively calm for Bai Yunfei. He spent his days improving his shelter, crafting a few tools — all made of stone — and, of course, cultivating.

After opening the first seven meridians, Bai Yunfei gained some permanent attributes. Some meridians granted him Spirit, others Strength or Agility. It depended on which meridian he opened.

But the more meridians he opened, the harder it became to open more. He was not the same cultivator he once was, and the Qi in this region was not particularly abundant to begin with, so it would take him quite some time to open all of his meridians.

'I think I might need a few years...'

Bai Yunfei also crafted a stone spear for both hunting and combat. He was renowned for his skill with the spear, and twin blades as well. Those were his primary weapons, and that wouldn't change.

In truth, he wanted to learn new things, things he hadn't mastered in his previous world. However, the beginning of the game was crucial, so Bai Yunfei wanted to use his strongest weapons to gain an advantage over the other players.

On the eighth day, a sense of unease prickled Bai Yunfei's senses as he ventured into the forest for his daily hunt. The familiar signs of wildlife were interspersed with something new - the faint traces of another's passage. Footprints, disturbed foliage, a subtle shift in the energy of the forest. Another player was nearby.

Caution replaced his usual hunting focus. He moved more stealthily, his spear held at the ready. The tracks led deeper into the woods, towards a rocky outcrop he hadn't explored before.

As he rounded a bend, he saw it - a small cave entrance, partially concealed by vines. A flicker of movement caught his eye, and a figure emerged from the shadows.

It was a woman, her features delicate yet strong, her eyes sharp and alert. She held a crudely fashioned dagger, her stance tense. They regarded each other in silence, suspicion hanging heavy in the air.

Bai Yunfei was the first to speak, his voice carefully neutral. "Greetings. I am Bai Yunfei."

The woman hesitated, then lowered her stone dagger slightly. "I am Liu Mengyan."

A tense conversation ensued, each probing the other's intentions. Liu Mengyan revealed she had also been alone, struggling to survive and cultivate in this unfamiliar world. She had seen and heard other cultivators in the area, and the isolation was starting to weigh on her.

"Being completely alone might not be the best idea," she suggested, her gaze steady. "Perhaps we could work together, create some kind of community."

Bai Yunfei considered her proposal. It was true that safety in numbers was a sound strategy. But there was another factor influencing his decision - Liu Mengyan was undeniably attractive. Her beauty, combined with her strength and resilience, intrigued him.

"I agree," he said finally, a hint of a smile touching his lips. "We can help each other."

Relief washed over Liu Mengyan's face. She led him into her cave, which, though small, was surprisingly well-organized.

Bai Yunfei was surprised that she was willing to work with him so readily. It seemed Liu Mengyan was genuinely afraid of the other cultivators who might be in the region.

"I know we won't really die," she explained, "But I don't want to lose my progress, especially in the early stages."

She had a valid point. The areas were quieter because everyone wanted to stay hidden and grow stronger before venturing out into the world.

There was no sense in going out, dying, losing progress, and repeating that cycle of frustration. Everyone simply wanted a safe and calm place to cultivate.

It was the beginning of the game, so there were no established sects that players could join for advantages. Bai Yunfei and the others were the pioneers, the ones who would help build this province.

"So, where do you live?" Liu Mengyan inquired. "You've seen my base, so I need to see yours. But remember, we won't be sleeping in the same place. I don't trust you yet."

Both of them felt the same way. Bai Yunfei knew that sleep was when he was most vulnerable, and a pretty girl with a dagger wasn't exactly comforting company. He wanted to get to know her better before anything else.

"No problem. Come with me," Bai Yunfei said, "But let me finish my hunting first."

Bai Yunfei ventured back into the woods, Liu Mengyan trailing behind him at a safe distance. He moved with the same practiced stealth as before, but this time, he was acutely aware of the observing eyes. He couldn't help but feel a slight thrill at the prospect of impressing her.

He spotted a plump squirrel perched on a branch, its bushy tail twitching nervously. With a swift motion, he hurled his spear, the stone tip finding its mark with deadly accuracy. The squirrel tumbled to the ground, its struggles quickly ceasing.

Liu Mengyan's eyes widened in surprise. 'He's incredibly skilled,' she thought, a flicker of admiration crossing her face. 'Perhaps this alliance will be more beneficial than I initially thought.'

Bai Yunfei retrieved his spear and the squirrel, a satisfied grin playing on his lips. He turned to Liu Mengyan, offering her the kill. "Here, let's share this."

She accepted it with a grateful nod, her initial reservations slowly melting away.

They made their way back to Bai Yunfei's camp, the setting sun casting long shadows across the forest floor. As they approached the makeshift tent by the river, Liu Mengyan couldn't help but frown.

"This... this is your base?" she asked, her voice laced with disbelief.

Bai Yunfei chuckled sheepishly. "It's a work in progress," he admitted.

Liu Mengyan surveyed the flimsy structure, her expression thoughtful. "It's... not very secure," she observed tactfully. "We'll need something more substantial if we're going to survive in this world."

Bai Yunfei nodded in agreement. "I was thinking the same thing. Perhaps we can build something together, something more permanent."

A spark of enthusiasm lit up Liu Mengyan's eyes. "I'd be happy to help," she said, her voice firm. "I have some ideas..."

And so, the unlikely partnership began to take shape, fueled by a shared desire for survival and, perhaps, a hint of something more.