Chapter 8: Yu Miao, the great actress comes!

The next morning, Liu Haoyu handed Shi Yun a basic body training manual, the simple cover worn but filled with profound insights. "Study this carefully and practice on your own," he instructed before turning away.

Shi Yun nodded earnestly, clutching the book as though it were a sacred treasure. He quickly found a wooden stick and began practicing in the courtyard, his movements awkward but filled with determination. Meanwhile, Liu Haoyu strolled to the herb garden, his calm presence radiating authority.

Kneeling by the soil, he poured spiritual water over the roots of the plants. The water shimmered with a faint blue glow, forming ripples of transparent energy. As the plants absorbed the water, their growth became visibly rapid, shoots stretching upward and leaves unfurling as though awoken from a long slumber. Within moments, the air grew thick with the potent fragrance of herbs, their scents so rich and intoxicating that it seemed the world itself had paused to take notice.

The aroma spread beyond the garden, drifting into the nearby forest. Liu Haoyu's sharp senses detected subtle shifts—the rustling of leaves, the soft growls of hidden creatures. Beasts and birds alike grew restless, drawn by the allure of the herbs. The powerful spiritual energy was too tempting, even for creatures who understood the danger.

Anticipating this, Liu Haoyu retrieved his black dragon from the space ring. The massive creature emerged with an earth-shaking roar, its obsidian scales gleaming like polished onyx under the sunlight. The roar echoed through the forest, carrying a primal authority that sent lesser creatures scurrying for cover. Even the bravest beasts hesitated, held at bay by the dragon's dominating presence.

The dragon, however, turned its piercing golden eyes toward Liu Haoyu. "Master, what is your command?" it asked, its deep voice resonating with suppressed power.

"Guard the garden," Liu Haoyu said simply. "And keep Shi Yun company."

The dragon huffed but obeyed. It perched near the garden, coiling its massive body protectively around the herbs. Its presence alone was enough to deter any daring intruders.

Attracted by the roar, Shi Yun abandoned his training and sprinted to the garden. His eyes widened as he took in the sight of the magnificent dragon. "Master, is it going to stay outside with us from now on?" he asked, his voice tinged with awe.

"Hm. It will guard our house," Liu Haoyu replied with a faint smile.

Shi Yun frowned slightly. "But it's so big! Won't people notice it?"

The dragon snorted indignantly and, in a flash, shrank into a chubby, palm-sized version of itself. It folded its tiny wings smugly and said in a high-pitched, milky voice, "I can turn small, you insolent human!"

Shi Yun gasped in delight. "Wow! Master, I always wanted to raise a puppy, but now I don't need one. This is even better!"

The dragon's smugness vanished, replaced by a look of pure outrage. It stomped its tiny foot and roared in its childlike voice, "You dare compare this great master dragon to a dog? Believe it or not, were it not for your status as Master's disciple, I would roast you alive!"

"Enough noise," Liu Haoyu said flatly, his tone instantly silencing the dragon. The tiny creature straightened and saluted. "Yes, Master! Long Yi obeys!" it said solemnly before turning to glare at Shi Yun. "Hmph!"

Liu Haoyu left the garden to resume his leisure on the reclining chair. Meanwhile, Shi Yun returned to his training, glancing occasionally at the pouting dragon lying on the grass.

Days passed in peace until one afternoon when the tranquility was shattered by a loud, desperate knock at the gate. The forceful sound startled Shi Yun, who was practicing with his wooden stick, and even roused Long Yi from its nap.

The gate burst open, and a young woman stumbled inside, slamming the gate shut behind her. Her hair was disheveled, her face streaked with dust, and her clothes had small holes in several places. She was breathing heavily, her chest heaving with each panicked gulp of air.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" she exclaimed, locking the gate hastily before leaning against it for support. Her wide eyes darted around, taking in her surroundings.

Liu Haoyu's eyes narrowed slightly as he observed her from his chair. His calm gaze pierced through her, noticing something others wouldn't: a faint, intangible presence clinging to her like a shadow. Within her consciousness, a peculiar exchange was taking place.

"Stupid system! Why did you bring me to such a dangerous world? I could've died multiple times by now!" she berated. "First, you threw me into a forest full of wild animals, and then I had to fend off those perverted men! If not for the chili powder you gave me, I'd have lost my dignity! And now this?"

"Host, I apologize! I didn't anticipate these difficulties. I only brought you to your destined place—"

"Destined place, my foot! I never suffered like this back on Earth! Twenty-one years of peace ruined in a single day because of you! I might have trauma. I don't know what sin I committed in my previous life to meet such an unreliable system like you! What will gonna happen of me in future!" she ranted, her voice thick with frustration.

Shi Yun, unaware of her internal dialogue, stepped forward and frowned. "Who are you? And why did you barge into our house uninvited?"

The woman's eyes flicked to him, softening. "Oh, what a cute little guy!" she said sweetly, crouching slightly to meet his gaze. "My name is Yu Miao."

Before Shi Yun could respond, the tiny dragon let out a sharp growl, its beady eyes glaring at the newcomer. Yu Miao's eyes shifted to Liu Haoyu, and for a moment, she froze. His flawless appearance caught her entirely off guard. "My god!" she whispered internally. "What an eye-candy! A feast for the eyes! This might be the only good thing about coming to this world."

"Host, you're drooling," the system teased.

"I am not! I'm just admiring from afar! Don't mistake me for a shallow person, I am a bachelor for life and haven't you heard of a saying? Flirting with no intention to marry is a scumbag behaviour. I have no such intention towards him. Or, perhaps you doubt my character?" she asked with gritted teeth inside her mind.

Liu Haoyu's calm voice interrupted her thoughts. "Why are you here?" he asked, his tone indifferent.

Yu Miao straightened, her expression shifting instantly to one of helplessness. "Sir, I'm just a poor, weak orphan being hunted by evil people! You look like an extremely kind and good person. I know you will definitely help this weak woman. I beg you, sir!' Yu Miao shed two drops of tears and praised herself for her acting. Please, let me stay here for a few days. I promise I won't cause any trouble!" She even managed to squeeze out a tear for added effect.

Liu Haoyu's gaze didn't waver. After a moment, he said simply, "Fine."

Her relief was immediate. "Thank you, sir! I'll never forget your kindness!" she gushed, quickly wiping her tears away.

"Liu Haoyu," he introduced himself calmly. "That's Shi Yun, my disciple, and the little one is Long Yi, our house guard."

Yu Miao blinked at the introductions, her thoughts already racing. "A disciple and a pet dragon? What kind of life have I stumbled into?"

Shi Yun, still skeptical, crossed his arms. "Stay out of trouble," he said firmly, earning a grin from Yu Miao.