Already thinking about his next goal, he finally sets foot in the village of Changgong.
It's quite nice, very much like a "starting village."
A gentle breeze blows a wind of freedom his way. Can he settle here? No, he mustn't stay too long, he's still too close to his sect, but it's a first step.
"It's Shoi-Ming gongzi! It's Shoi-Ming gongzi!"
What?! Oh no! Already spotted! Time to make a quick getaway!
As he prepares to pick up the pace and not stop here, he realizes that those coming towards him are just street kids. Should he feel reassured? What do they want from him? And above all, wait, do they know him?
Already, a small hand reaches out to grab the hem of his robe, while he is almost immediately scolded by what appears to be his brother.
"Didi! Don't be rude to Shoi-Ming gongzi!"
The little boy pouts and gives a sorry smile, even though he is upset, tilting his head and clasping his fist to his palm.
"Please forgive me, Shoi-Ming gongzi, it's been so long since we last saw you that I let myself get carried away."
Huh? Huh??? He gives them a slight wave of his hand to rise up, as if he doesn't hold it against them.
Does he know them? Street children? Yesterday, he was told that Shoi-Ming lived in poverty.
"Gongzi! We found an honorable job as you asked us to, and they pay my brother and me well! Look!"
The child, almost resisting the urge to jump up and down, shows him the few taels he has in his possession.
...Listen, kid, with that, you'll survive two days at most. But many don't even manage to get what they have to buy food.
"We won't steal anymore, we promise! We'll become like you, a great man! Please take us as your disciples as soon as we're ready," the youngest adds.
The two bowed again.
It breaks his heart. This corny guy cares about the poor? He puts his hand over his heart, felling it tighten. What is it, guilt? Regret? Shoi-Ming, damn it, you know very well you have no ability. Don't tell him you promised to take them on as disciples when you have nothing to teach them!
"We will continue to protect your honor, we will beat up those who speak ill of you! The other day—"started the same one but, the older brother covered his mouth, glaring at him and laughing nervously, deciding that it was not appropriate to talk about this.
"Don't pay any attention to my brother, Shoi-Ming gongzi. The master is good to us. Of course he has a good reputation wherever he goes. He's the best!"
Ouch, it really hurt. He has a bad reputation! Don't defend him, for heaven's sake, he doesn't deserve it! The others are right to laugh at him. You're going to get into trouble because of him.
Keeping up appearances, he couldn't help but rub their heads gently, as if to thank them for their concern. No, he had to do better. He rummaged in his sleeve and took out some more taels and put them in the older one's hand.
"To both of you, for your hard work. Don't overdo it and keep training; I'm sure that one day you'll be great fighters."
The children, amazed by Shoi-Ming's sudden generosity, accept with eyes shining with gratitude. For them, it is a considerable sum that represents a real treasure. They thank him warmly before walking away. Now alone in the quiet street of Changgong, he can explore the possibilities offered by this traditional village.
The GM seems to wake up and offer him several possibilities:
[ Please choose your course of action:
Find a place to rest: After a difficult night's sleep, you can look for an inn or tavern to rest and recharge your batteries.
Look for work: Although you are capable of getting by as a vagabond, finding temporary work to earn some money and obtain the resources you need to survive will be necessary.
Explore the village: Changgong is full of markets, shops, and other points of interest where you can find useful information, items to buy, or even opportunities to advance your personal quest. Be aware that most are closed at this hour.
Meet the locals: Interacting with the locals could help you make allies, learn more about the area, or even find side quests that could be beneficial. ]
Oh no, he's too tired, he'll do all that tomorrow. He's yawning again, proof of that.
An inn, please, he's falling asleep.
Tomorrow he'll see about earning some money and visiting the village, then he'll leave to get away from his sect. So he decides on the first option and heads for an inn, hoping to find a comfortable refuge to rest his tired body. The inn is modest but welcoming, with a worn wooden facade and lanterns that dimly light the entrance.
Upon entering, he is greeted by a comforting warmth and the enticing aroma of cooked food. The innkeeper, a kind middle-aged man, approaches him with a friendly smile.
"Welcome to the Blue Lotus Inn, traveler. How can I help you tonight?"
He sounds... just like an NPC. It's caricatural.
After explaining that he needs a room, Shoi-Ming is quickly settled into a small room with a clean futon and cozy blankets. However, this bed is nothing like the comfort of The Ethereal Clouds Sect.
[ Congratulations! You deserve a well-earned rest. Constitution: +1 thanks to a comfortable night's sleep at the Blue Lotus Inn. ]
In the morning, after doing some stretches and realizing that he is in much better shape, he thinks about a way to be productive.
He has an idea. The game of three pots and a ball.
If he finds the ball every time, he will make some money. It may seem ridiculous, but his luck will help him, that and certainly his eyes to follow the movements to mix. People love games.
Well, he feels a little ashamed after meeting these hard-working children, but he doesn't have the physical strength to do the same. It's better for him to stay away from them while hoping they make it.
But... Shoi-Ming has risen a little in his estimation; he's not such a bad guy. Pitiful, certainly, but with heart, and perhaps he prefers that to the opposite.
Agreeing with this conclusion, he left the inn and set up his little stall, placing three cups and a ball next to them. On the sign, written in beautiful handwriting, he wrote: "I always find the ball, test me for two taels."
He had set a low price to ensure he would have several customers. It was still a game, so he had to make it accessible. He would spend the morning doing this and then go to the market to see what was there and perhaps gather some information.
Soon, a few passersby begin to stop and watch.
Some seem intrigued by the challenge and decide to try their luck. Shoi-Ming attracts attention with his simple but engaging game, and the laughter and exclamations of the spectators begin to fill the air.
Between rounds of play, he has the opportunity to chat with the locals.
He quickly learns that Changgong is a prosperous village. He also discovers that it is ruled by an alliance of merchants.
Could they teach him the job? No, no, he has to leave, and if they are important people, they may know his sect and his name. He doesn't want to go back there. When he reaches an acceptable level, then? That won't be anytime soon, that's for sure.
Yet he can't help but worry about the latter and the others too. Even civilians are the first to die in role-playing games during disasters.