Chapter 3: The Seeds of Change
The following days in the sect were quiet, but Lin Chang's senses remained alert. He had learned from his past life not to let his guard down, especially in a world like this. Though he appeared to be a simple servant boy, his mind was sharp, and the Lifespan System had already begun to reveal its potential.
One of his duties was to tend the sect's herb garden, a task that was both menial and important. The herbs there were vital to the sect's needs, used for medicinal purposes, cultivation, and even food. Lin Chang was aware that even the slightest mistake could lead to harsh punishment, but he was determined to succeed. If he could prove himself capable, his position might improve over time.
He walked through the garden, his small hands expertly pulling weeds and pruning the plants. He was surrounded by the soft scents of the herbs, the green of the plants creating a peaceful environment. Yet, Lin Chang knew that nothing in this world was as simple as it seemed.
"Lin Chang, why are you working so hard?" a voice suddenly broke the tranquility.
Lin Chang looked up to see a slightly older servant, a boy around the age of five. His name was Li Bo, and he often helped Lin Chang with his tasks, though not as diligently. Li Bo had a mischievous smile and often took shortcuts with his chores.
"I'm doing what I was told," Lin Chang replied softly, his voice mimicking the innocence of his age. "I want to make sure the herbs are healthy."
Li Bo chuckled. "You're such a serious kid. You know, the elders don't care how well the herbs grow as long as they're there when they need them. Why bother doing it so carefully?"
Lin Chang paused for a moment, his fingers hovering over a delicate herb. His mind briefly flashed to the Lifespan System, where he could see the herbs' life force pulsing faintly. The system allowed him to sense the amount of lifespan each plant had, its potential, and its value to him.
But Lin Chang wasn't about to reveal his secret to Li Bo. For now, he kept the knowledge to himself.
"You may be right," Lin Chang replied, his voice quiet. "But it's still my job, so I'll do it properly."
Li Bo raised an eyebrow. "Huh. Well, if you're sure. But don't work too hard, okay? You're just a kid. You should play more!"
Lin Chang gave a small nod, his gaze drifting toward the sky. The sun was high, casting a warm light over the garden. It was a serene moment, but Lin Chang knew the calm wouldn't last forever. There were always forces at play in this world, and not all of them were kind.
As the afternoon passed, Lin Chang continued working alongside Li Bo, maintaining his facade of innocence. But his mind wandered, reflecting on the events of the past few days—the strange cultivator he had sensed, the aura of danger lingering just beyond the sect walls. There were whispers of trouble outside, rumors of dark forces gathering in the shadows. The world was shifting, and Lin Chang could feel it.
By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, Lin Chang had finished his work. He wiped his brow and made his way back to the servant's quarters. The other children were playing outside, but Lin Chang had no interest in joining them. He preferred the solitude of his small room, where he could think and plan.
As he sat on his cot, Lin Chang accessed the Lifespan System, his finger lightly tracing the holographic panel that appeared before him.
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[ Name: Lin Chang
Lifespan: 1 / 90
Spirit Root: Five Elements Spirit Root (Low-Grade)
Techniques: None ]
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Lin Chang frowned slightly. His lifespan was still so young, and although his spirit root was decent, it was nothing extraordinary. He had much work to do. But for now, he would focus on the task at hand: survival. In a world like this, only the strong survived.
His thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door.
"Lin Chang?" The voice belonged to an elder servant, a woman named Aunt Mei who had taken a liking to him since he had arrived. "It's time for dinner."
Lin Chang stood up, smoothing his robe. "Thank you, Aunt Mei. I'll be right there."
As he stepped into the common dining hall, the other servants were already gathered, chatting and laughing amongst themselves. The atmosphere was warm, and for a moment, Lin Chang allowed himself to enjoy the comfort of food and camaraderie.
The meal was simple—rice, vegetable stew, and a small portion of meat—but it was nourishing. Lin Chang ate quietly, his eyes scanning the room, observing the others. He had learned that the sect's servants were often too busy to pay much attention to each other, but they were always aware of the newcomers.
"Lin Chang," Aunt Mei called out, noticing his quiet demeanor. "You should eat more. You're too thin."
"I'm fine," Lin Chang replied softly, his small hands gently pushing his food around. "I'm just not very hungry today."
Aunt Mei frowned but didn't press the issue. Instead, she returned to her conversation with the other servants.
As the evening wore on, Lin Chang finished his meal and retreated back to his room. His mind raced, thinking about the cultivator he had sensed earlier. He had no idea who they were or what they wanted, but Lin Chang knew it was only a matter of time before something larger began to unfold.
His thoughts returned to his cultivation path. He had yet to start his formal training, but his system was working quietly in the background. The Lifespan System allowed him to accumulate lifespan from the spirit herbs he cared for, and with that lifespan, he could enhance his spirit root or evolve his techniques.
But Lin Chang knew better than to rush. In this world, patience was as valuable as power. He had seen how ambition led to reckless actions in his past life, and he wouldn't repeat those mistakes here.
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[System Notification: You have harvested lifespan from the spirit herbs in your care.]
[Current Lifespan: 13 / 90 ]
[System Note: You have gained 4 years of lifespan from the plants.]
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Lin Chang glanced at the panel. He had gained a small amount of lifespan, but it wasn't enough to evolve his spirit root yet. The process would take time. For now, he needed to remain hidden, to stay out of the way of any potential threats. As long as he was careful, he could build his strength quietly.
With that thought in mind, Lin Chang lay down on his cot, his mind focused on his next steps. The world around him was vast and filled with dangers, but Lin Chang would navigate it with caution. The Lifespan System was his key to survival, and he would use it wisely.
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(End of Chapter 3)