Childhood Sweethearts

"First-level shop opened. Would you like to browse?" Two options appeared: "Yes" and "No."

Li Mu closed his eyes and solemnly selected "Yes."

The scene in his mind shifted. An ancient circular altar emerged, with stone steps slowly extending to Li Mu's feet.

At the center of the altar lay a massive yak, its back laden with various packs and bottles.

Before the yak stood a wooden table, where a short, silver-haired old woman sat, smiling at Li Mu.

"... No way, is this the shop from that Canyon Game? Isn't this old woman the shopkeeper, that Yordle Merchant? I heard she's the grandmother of the famous Yordle Pet."

A million thoughts raced through Li Mu's mind. The sight before him was utterly unexpected. He never imagined that the Simulation System he'd inexplicably unlocked after crossing over would manifest in this form.

"What would you like to buy, young man? My shop has everything you need."

As the Silver-haired Old Woman spoke, a list of items materialized before Li Mu, its design identical to the familiar Canyon Game shop.

The first page displayed over a dozen items in dazzling array, while the second, third, and subsequent pages were locked with icons, inaccessible.

Li Mu turned his attention back to the first page's item list.

Black Iron Short Sword, a sharp weapon forged by Yordle craftsmen, costs 100 gold coins.

Fine Iron Armor, advanced armor crafted by Dwarf Clan blacksmiths, costs 100 gold coins.

Heart of Gold, a mysterious turtle shell that earns 20 gold coins daily, costs 200 gold coins.

There were also daggers, spears, Philosopher's Stones, and many other items, each clearly priced. But Li Mu noticed a large number at the bottom right of his shop page: zero.

"What would you like to buy, young man? My shop has everything you need," the Silver-haired Old Woman repeated.

"Grandma, I'd love to buy something, but I have no money. How do I get gold coins?"

Simulation System first-level shop gold coin exchange rate list activated. The system supports all the following currency exchanges, with rates as follows:

Cangyun Coins, 1:1

Penglai Stone, 1:25

Black Demon Gold, 1:100

As soon as Li Mu finished speaking, a currency exchange list popped up before him, recording exchange rates for dozens of currencies to shop gold coins, with rates constantly shifting. Cangyun Coins were the legal tender of the Cangyun Empire, and Penglai Stone was the currency of the Immortal Kingdom of Penglai. The others were beyond Li Mu's knowledge, likely currencies from other nations or even worlds.

"Cangyun Coins, 1:1—so I need 100 Cangyun Coins to buy this Black Iron Short Sword? And that's the cheapest weapon on the first page. The later ones must be astronomical."

The Li Mansion was a vast estate, controlling the largest commercial port in the Cangyun Empire, amassing staggering wealth. Yet even so, Li Mu's monthly allowance was only 50 Cangyun Coins. To afford the cheapest weapon in the shop, he'd need two whole months.

"Forget it, I'll stop looking for now. I'll come back when I have money. The priority is to start cultivating. This Li Mu hasn't even reached Core Formation yet—he's pathetically weak."

Li Mu shook his head, closed the shop interface, and his consciousness returned to the room.

From the inherited memories, Li Mu learned that this world's cultivation system centered on immortal cultivation. Strength from weak to strong could be roughly divided into five major realms: Core Formation, Nascent Soul, Boundless, Tribulation Transcendence, and Ascension. Each realm had three minor stages: Entry, Great Completion, and Perfection.

Li Mu had been neglected by his family since childhood, growing withdrawn over time. He'd never seriously cultivated, so he hadn't even touched the threshold of Core Formation.

"First, I need to figure out how to start cultivating." Dressed, Li Mu pondered the first step of his immortal path as he pushed open the door.

"Bang—ah!" A crisp sound rang out as the door swung open, hitting a girl squarely on the head.

The girl stood at the entrance, rubbing her sore forehead. Her skin was fair as snow, her eyes like clear water, stunningly beautiful—radiant as a bright pearl, lustrous as fine jade. She wore a pale yellow long dress, elegant and refined, outlining a lovely figure.

"Brother Mu, you hurt Zhu'er," the girl pouted at Li Mu, though her eyes held no reproach.

The girl before him was Lin Qingzhu. Her father, Lin Yu, was Li Yubai's chief strategist, who had followed Li Yubai for years, contributing greatly to the Li family's current fortunes.

Lin Qingzhu had grown up with the two Li brothers, practically childhood sweethearts. Unlike the rest of the Li family, who fawned over Li Yue and ignored Li Mu, she had always been close to him. Li Mu treated her like his own sister.

"Qingzhu, sorry, I didn't notice you outside," Li Mu said, his face reddening at the sight of the stunning girl. In his previous world, he'd never encountered such beauty, let alone had one act coy with him.

"Hehe, I'm just teasing you, Brother Mu. You were unconscious for so long—I was so worried. As soon as Aunt Liu said you were awake, I rushed over to see you. Now it looks like you're really fine."

Lin Qingzhu stepped closer, patting and poking at Li Mu as if checking if he was intact.

"Ahem, by the way, Qingzhu, I remember you always wanted me to join the academy. After this ordeal, I've had a change of heart. I promise you—I'll join the academy to cultivate."

Flustered and red-faced from Lin Qingzhu's youthful presence, Li Mu quickly changed the subject.

Over the years, Li Mu had refused to truly cultivate, watching his peers leave him far behind. Lin Qingzhu had been anxious for him, always urging him to join the academy with her.

"Brother Mu, you're finally willing to start cultivating? That's wonderful! I'll go tell Teacher Mu right away. We'll handle the enrollment tomorrow."

Li Mu's sudden change thrilled Lin Qingzhu. As his childhood friend, she knew he wasn't the wastrel rumors painted him to be. Even when visiting pleasure houses, he never touched women, and he often went alone to the northern slums to help the poor.

Li Mu had always been the kind brother she'd known since childhood. It was just that outside criticism had slowly closed off his heart.

"Second Brother, did I hear that right? You're going to start cultivating?"

Suddenly, a discordant voice from the courtyard entrance interrupted their conversation.