The village Tavern
Chapter 6: The Village Tavern
The village tavern was alive with energy as Li Wei and the group of cultivators stepped inside. The smell of roasted meat and ale filled the air, mingling with the sound of lively conversation and laughter. It was a bustling place, where travelers, mercenaries, and traders gathered to share stories, make deals, and seek work.
Jian, the leader of the group, led them to a quiet corner table. He motioned for them to keep a low profile, reminding them that their mission required discretion. The tavern was filled with a mix of people—some in traveler's garb, others in warrior's armor, and a few in the robes of various sects. Li Wei noticed a group of heavily armed mercenaries at the far end of the tavern, their eyes scanning the room as if searching for something.
As they settled in, Jian ordered drinks for the group. Li Wei sat beside Lin, the archer, who seemed more relaxed in the lively atmosphere. She gave him a small smile, her eyes reflecting the flickering light of the tavern's torches. "Welcome to the central plain," she said. "It's not always this busy, but the village is a popular stop for travelers."
Li Wei nodded, taking in the scene. He noticed a bard playing a lute in one corner, singing a ballad about a legendary warrior who defeated a dragon. The music added to the vibrant ambiance, but beneath the surface, there was a sense of tension. The village was a hub for information, and people often came here seeking rumors and leads.
As Jian spoke to the tavern keeper, asking about recent travelers and any news related to the artifact, Li Wei opened the Immortal Cultivation System interface to review his skills. The system displayed a detailed list of his current abilities and provided hints about leveling up through specific tasks. He knew that training and completing tasks were crucial to improving his skills and cultivating his strength.
System: Immortal Cultivation System
Name: Li Wei
Skills: - Sword Mastery (low) -
Spear Technique (Low) -
Archery Precision (low) -
Staff Combat (Low) -
Gale Step (Movement Technique - low)
Cultivation Level: None
Evaluation: Very Weak
Tasks for Skill Leveling: - Complete 100 sword strikes in rapid succession. - Perform 50 spear thrusts with precision. - Shoot 30 arrows at moving targets. - Execute 20 powerful staff strikes without interruption. - Use Gale Step to evade attacks 10 times.
Li Wei studied the tasks, noting that they were designed to train him and improve his proficiency in each skill. The tasks seemed challenging, but he was determined to complete them to grow stronger. The system's evaluation of "very weak" was a reminder of his current limitations, but it also fueled his desire to prove himself.
As Jian continued his conversation with the tavern keeper, Li Wei overheard snippets of other conversations around the tavern. People were discussing recent events in the central plain, including rumors of a powerful artifact that had been hidden for centuries. The artifact was said to possess great power, and several sects and clans were rumored to be seeking it.
Lin leaned over and whispered to Li Wei, "We need to be careful. Everyone's talking about the artifact, and some aren't as friendly as they seem. Keep an eye out for anyone who might be interested in us."
Li Wei nodded, understanding the importance of caution. The central plain was a complex place, with alliances and rivalries that could shift at any moment. The cultivators' mission to retrieve the artifact was risky, and they needed to stay alert to avoid drawing unwanted attention.
As they sat at their table, one of the mercenaries from across the tavern approached them. He was a large man with a scar across his cheek, his armor dented from battle. He looked at Jian with a cold glare. "You're not from around here," he said, his voice low and threatening. "What brings you to this village?"
Jian remained calm, his hand resting casually on the hilt of his sword. "Just passing through," he replied. "Looking for some information, that's all."
The mercenary narrowed his eyes. "Information, huh? You should be careful. This village isn't as safe as it used to be. Lots of people looking for trouble."
Jian nodded, his expression unchanging. "Thanks for the advice. We'll keep that in mind."
The mercenary grunted and walked away, but Li Wei could feel the tension in the air. The village was a dangerous place, and they needed to be cautious about whom they interacted with. Jian instructed the group to finish their drinks quickly and prepare to leave. The tavern was useful for gathering information, but staying too long could attract unwanted attention.
Li Wei went back to his system interface, studied the tasks, noticing that they were designed to test his abilities and improve his proficiency in each skill. The system interface provided detailed instructions on how to complete the tasks, emphasizing that they were meant to train and strengthen him. He secretly left, found a secluded spot behind a nearby building and began practicing the sword strikes, completing them in rapid succession as instructed by the system. The movements felt natural, but he noticed that the system had altered the techniques to make them more advanced. The sword strikes were more intricate, with added flourishes and variations that made them unique.
As Li Wei performed the tasks, he felt the system's energy guiding him, adjusting his form and correcting his mistakes. The system's ability to transform copied techniques into something more sophisticated intrigued him, adding a sense of mystery to the training process.
After completing the sword strikes, he moved on to the spear thrusts, focusing on precision and accuracy. The system provided real-time feedback, encouraging him to improve his technique and maintain proper form. The spear technique, though copied from one of the cultivators, felt different—more refined and complex.
Li Wei continued with the tasks, practicing the archery and staff combat with dedication and focus. He used Gale Step to evade imaginary attacks, testing his agility and swiftness. The system's guidance was invaluable, helping him refine his skills and gain confidence in his abilities.
As he finished the tasks, he felt a sense of accomplishment. The system interface updated, The techniques he practiced now had a unique edge, reflecting the system's ability to transform them into more advanced forms.
Li Wei knew he had to return to the tavern before the cultivators grew suspicious of his absence. He made his way back, feeling more prepared to face the challenges of the central plain. The tasks had given him a taste of what he could achieve with dedication and hard work, and he was eager to continue his training to level up his skills.
Back in the tavern, Jian raised an eyebrow as Li Wei rejoined the group. "Where'd you go?" he asked, his tone casual but curious.
"Just needed some fresh air," Li Wei replied with a smile. "It's a bit crowded in here."
Jian nodded, accepting the explanation. "We're about to leave. Got the information we needed. Stay close, and don't wander off again. This place can be dangerous."