Lin Xun’s newly found residence was located in the northern sector of Feiyun Village and consisted of three thatched houses and a weeping willow.
There was also what should have been a garden but it was currently overgrown with weeds.
Since this was Lin Xun’s first home in the Ziyao Empire, he had planned to properly tidy up the old yard in the morning.
However, he did not expect that he would see numerous villagers already gathered in his small yard after opening the doors.
What astonished Lin Xun the most was that these villagers had brought freshly killed chickens, rabbits and various utensils. Some of them were weeding the yard while a few strong men were repairing the broken buildings and walls.
All in all, it was a busy scene. However, everyone seemed to have a certain tacit agreement; no matter what they were doing, they would try their best to keep the noise down as if they were afraid to disturb him.
At the sight of this, an imperceptible smile rose from the corners of Lin Xun’s lips as understanding dawned upon him.
“Ah, Brother Lin Xun is up!”
“Dammit Old Yang, I kept telling you to be a little quieter. Good job, you’ve now woken up Brother Lin Xun.”
“Hmph! You’re just trying to slander me because you dislike me! You’ve been hammering so roughly on the roof, even a dead pig would be awakened by the noise, let alone Brother Lin Xun! Ah, Brother Lin Xun, I wasn’t trying to scold you by comparing you to a pig.”Upon seeing Lin Xun appear, the villagers in the yard immediately dropped what they were doing and swarmed towards him in a panicked manner, as if desperate to obtain the best spot to face him.
Lin Xun nearly jumped back at everyone’s friendliness and hurriedly asked, “Eh, respected elders, may I know what this is about?”
A muscular man stepped forward and grinned, “Brother Lin Xun, the method you used to help Tie Shan eliminate his pest problem yesterday was truly magical. We can’t help but admire you…”
Before he could finish, he was interrupted by a middle-aged married woman, “Stop beating about the bush! Can’t you see that Brother Lin Xun is getting impatient?”
She chided before looking towards Lin Xun with a friendly smile, “Brother Lin Xun, since you’re going to be part of our Feiyun Village family, we felt that you might have some difficulties living alone so we brought some daily necessities for you.”
At her words, the villagers nodded one after another, “Right right right! Missus Liu knows how to express our thoughts best. This is exactly what we want to say.”
A genuine smile from the heart appeared on Lin Xun’s slightly pale face and he cupped his fists together in gratitude, “Thank you for the trouble, respected elders.”
The crowd of villagers soon scattered and began to once more help Lin Xun tidy up the yard, even finding places to store the gifts they brought.
Lin Xin originally wanted to chip in as well but was quickly stopped by Missus Liu. She prepared some hot water to help him wash up before bringing him a bowl of aeth grain porridge and a plate of salted meat for breakfast.
Her overwhelming enthusiasm made it impossible for Lin Xun to reject her actions, and he could only receive it all with a smile. While they were chatting, Lin Xun gradually changed the way he addressed her, calling her Aunt Qiao, which made her beam in delight.
By the time Lin Xun finished breakfast, the entire yard had changed completely. The ground in the courtyard had been swept clean and paved with limestone tiles. The garden in the corner had been weeded and replanted with vegetable seeds.
The three thatched houses had been repaired and refurbished. A thick layer of golden straw covered the roofs, gleaming brightly under the morning sun.
In the kitchen, pots, pans and plates had been neatly arranged while bundles of dried meat hung from the walls.
Only now did the previously dilapidated residence look as if someone was living in it.
Lin Xun took in everything with a smile, feeling quite moved by the villagers’ gesture. This simple and warmhearted village culture was something he had never experienced before.
Just as the villagers were about to leave, Lin Xun seemed to recall something. “Please wait, respected seniors.”
The crowd came to a stop and looked towards him.
Aunt Qiao was a straightforward person by nature and asked, “What is it? Is there anything else the place lacks? Feel free to let us know and we’ll see if we can get it for you.”
Lin Xun smiled and shook his head. “I believe everyone has seen what happened last night. I might not have other talents, but I do have a special method to deal with worm infestations in aeth fields. If anyone needs help, do let me know…”
Before he could finish, Aunt Qiao slapped her forehead with a grin, “I nearly forgot. Brother Lin Xun, truth be told, my family’s forty acres of aeth fields has encountered the same worm infestation problem as Tie Shan. I’ve been so worried and anxious watching the aeth grains slowly wilting. Could you find some time to help out your Aunt Qiao?”
The other villagers began to panic. Although they had come before daybreak to send gifts and help Lin Xun tidy up his residence, it wasn’t just because they wanted to become familiar with him; their main goal was to seek his help.
Like Tie Shan, the other villagers’ aeth fields had also been infested by worms. With their annual harvest about to be ruined, everyone could not help but feel worried.
Lin Xun’s appearance was undoubtedly akin to a ray of hope for the villagers.
After all, what happened yesterday in Tie Shan’s aeth fields had been far too miraculous. A beam of golden light shot into the heavens, drawing down dazzling silver moonlight that swiftly eradicated the worms. These events had shocked the villagers like never before.
“Brother Lin Xun, uh...my family’s 60 acres of aeth fields have also been infested by worms and the situation has become very dire. If you could lend a hand, I will definitely treat you as family!”
“How can your problem be as bad as mine? In less than seven days, my family’s 67 acres of aeth fields will be ruined!”
The villagers immediately spoke up without waiting for each other to finish, displaying pitiful expressions as they begged Lin Xun.
Lin Xun was taken aback. He had not expected so many of the fields to be infested.
For a time, he hesitated over his next move, not knowing who he should agree to first.
At Lin Xun’s current capabilities, he could draw at most a single Light Drawing Rune per day. There was no way to do more unless he advanced to the third layer, Organ Opening, which would allow him to double his output.
However, that was clearly impossible for the time being.
His cultivation had been stuck for two years. Even he did not know when he would progress.
What should he do?
Who should he promise first?
Lin Xun found himself unable to make a decision under the villagers’ expectant and hopeful gazes.
A deep voice sounded, “All of you back down. I shall discuss this matter with Lin Xun before helping everyone solve their problems.”
A tall, elderly figure walked into the yard. It was Village Chief Xiao Tianren.
Lin Xun cupped his hands together, “Uncle Xiao, you’ve come at the right time. I’m still new to this village and do not know the situation. This matter will definitely require your input.”
The villagers immediately understood that Lin Xun had basically agreed to help them and they only needed to wait for the village chief to arrange the details. Hence, they happily departed.
Before long, only Xiao Tianren and Lin Xun were left in the yard.
“More than a hundred years ago, this residence was also inhabited by a rune master. Back then, I was only fourteen…” Xiao Tianren placed his hands behind his back as he walked towards the weeping willow. He gently caressed its rough trunk as a sliver of reminiscence emerged in his eyes.