Connected Cultivation

The sound of raindrops filled the area in Zhihao's front room. The man with black hair that flowed to his back poured his brew into a ceramic white cup, preparing what the woman needed.

In no time, he placed the liquid with a magnetic scent that was capable of uplifting the mood on the table – surrounded by couches. He slid the remaining collected ingredients into the waiting jar, each addition contributing to the alchemical flavors and fragrances.

[You have a Mission!]

[Cultivation Connection:

Let your concoction be consumed by someone.

Reward:

Profession EXP: 100

Skill Unlocked: Power Link (1/3)]

He was bewildered as he arranged his elixir into the glass cabinet. "What is this mission?" he muttered, still unable to understand what it meant. "Just let her drink?"

The system's continued silence irked Zhihao, prompting a resigned acknowledgment. "Alright, so, I have to wait then," he mused, turning his watch towards the closed door. A subtle intensity in his eyes, a flicker of curiosity and anticipation. "Who is she?"

Realizing the impracticality of wearing soaked clothes, Zhihao ventured into Meisha's room, opening the closet in search of a solution. "Wonder if sister Meisha has spare clothes here?" he mumbled, the rustle of fabric accompanying his exploration.

Zhihao's fingers traced the contours of a red dress, lifting it from the closet with careful appreciation. The fabric is draped, displaying beautiful and enchanting motives. "Ah, is this it?" he pondered, the loose silhouette suggesting a comfortable fit. "Guess so."

Exiting the room, Zhihao folded the outfit on the basket with her clothes covered right in front of the bathroom door. He was nervous at first, but he had the courage to knock on that wooden door.

"Excuse me, I have some apparel for you here," Zhihao shouted, in case she didn't hear that because of the sound of rain. "Please wear it, you'll catch a cold if you wear your earlier clothes that are still wet."

No answer was heard from inside as he set his ear closer. "Alright, take your time," he expressed, a touch of reassurance in his voice. "I've made a brew for you to make you feel better."

A resounding roar of thunder echoed through the room as Zhihao observed from the windows. The rain showed no sign of relenting; instead, it intensified into a relentless storm. The trees danced in the wind, dissuading any thoughts of venturing out in this tempest.

Zhihao stood there, watching the situation outside until a voice made him turn around instantly. "T-Thank you for your kindness, sir," the woman was now wearing the attires Zhihao had provided, the red color was not too bright but somehow, when worn by her, it looked elegant.

"Ah... sure, anytime," the man strode, approaching the woman who was still bowing her head, both hands clasped in front. "Take a seat."

Caught in a moment of hesitation, she settled onto the tanned sofa, seemingly oblivious to Zhihao's sight across from her. "I truly apologize for inconveniencing you to the extent of needing these clothes," she expressed, a touch of embarrassment coloring her words.

"Don't worry about that," Zhihao smiled warmly as he poured a teapot filled with hot tea into the cups. "My sister certainly won't mind this. Well, although I might get scolded by her for not asking permission first."

"Oh, no wonder you have this woman's dress," she unintentionally cast her eyes toward Zhihao - those hazels linked to his emerald eyes. "Where is she? I want to thank you."

"Uhm..." Zhihao didn't know Meisha's whereabouts at all, she hadn't given him any news in the form of either a letter or a memory. "She went somewhere, she didn't tell me."

He served the hot tea to the woman in front of him and placed it right next to her concoction. "This is for you."

"May I know your name?" she inquired, causing Renxian to freeze. "It feels inappropriate that I do not know who you are when you have helped me."

"I am Lin Zhihao, what about you?"

"Wu Xinran, nice to meet you," bowed and showed her manners, she seemed not to be from the neighborhood.

"For real, don't be so courteous with me," the man rearranged his seat, drank his brew then chuckled. "I'm fine with it!"

Xinran turned to the drinks in front of her eyes, there were two different beverages. "Is this the concoction you are talking about? The white one?"

"Yes, it's a little sour but if you mix it with tea, it will taste better," he suggested, much to Xinran's confusion but she complied, mixing the thick white fluid into the tea.

The brownish color turned into a caramel-like color, the aroma of tea now unable to be smelled but replaced by the fragrance of the herb – which could make the nasal circulation smooth and unimpeded. Xinran, who was curious about the taste, did not wait any longer to taste it.

[Cultivation Connection.]

Mission Completed!

Reward:

Profession EXP: 100

Skill Unlocked: Power Link (1/3)]

Benefits: (Have a chance to acquire a unique skill at each cultivation level) Your cultivation will thrive as the consumer base strengthens. Connection limit: 1 individual.]

Zhihao choked and stopped Xinran from drinking, surprised by the man. "Are you okay?" she murmured.

The man moved his hand in a gesture that he was all right. "Yeah... all good," he breathed, composing himself. "I probably drank it too fast."

[Connection Information.

Name: Wu Xinran

Race: Human

Sex: Female

Profession: Martial Artist (Adept)

Age: 19

Cultivation: Chi Condensation (Gain 50% experience from each improvement)

Possible Acquired Unique Skill: Defensive Technique.]

"Isn't this interesting?" he mumbled, contemplating. "At first sight, she doesn't even look like a martial artist at all despite her uniform back then."

He squinted, scrutinizing more facts. "But, there is no detailed information about her. Meh, though I want to know her background," he then shifted his gaze toward the woman in front. "Doesn't matter, at least the system is now active. I am eager to know how this will work."

"Be careful," she said then returned to sip the elixir while looking out the windows. "It seems the rains didn't cease for a bit."

Zhihao came to his senses, looking up as the sound of falling water conveyed no sign of abating. "That's fine, you can stay here until the situation improves again. Your house is around here, no?"

The woman, whose hair was tied in a ponytail, set the ceramic back into its saucer, smiling kindly. "No, I'm not from here," she answered, flicking her hair behind her ear. "I was looking for a carriage but I couldn't find one in the usual spot. So, when the rain started, I had to find a shelter."

"Ah, I see," Zhihao sipping his concoction again. "We will find it together when the situation becomes better."