In the game's starting area Brown Soil Village there were three known ways for a mortal to obtain a cultivator's opportunity.
The first came through farming.The second through working at an inn.The third through the village library.
These opportunities were not provided by Mister Shi characters like him did not exist in the game. Instead, they were all arranged by a village elder. The three recommended jobs were farmer, inn worker, and library staff.
Each path differed greatly.
As a farmer, a player would eventually stumble upon a hidden inheritance buried within the farmlands of the village.As an inn worker, a certain mysterious stranger would one day be impressed by the service provided and personally bestow cultivation methods, pills, and guidance.
Both paths allowed rapid cultivation growth, backed either by inherited resources or the generosity of a powerful cultivator.
So why am I standing in front of the library?
Because the library was different.
This place guaranteed access to a cultivation technique slow and weak, perhaps, but reliable.
The other two paths relied heavily on luck. And luck was something Shen Yi refused to gamble on.
I would rather cultivate slowly with a weak technique than remain a mortal forever.
But for that to happen, he needed a job here preferably as a librarian.
I know the cultivation manual exists somewhere on these shelves… just not exactly where.
With his thoughts organized and his resolve firm, Shen Yi stepped inside.
The library's entrance was modest, but the interior was vast.
Four floors, he observed. From the ground floor to the third floor, all filled with shelves… and every shelf filled with books.
Just how long will it take to find that damned manual?
He walked straight toward the reception desk near the entrance.
A middle-aged woman sat there. Her hair was a mix of brown and white, tied neatly behind her head, and faint wrinkles lined her face, especially around her sharp eyes. Though age had left its marks, her posture was straight, and her gaze carried an unmistakable authority.
Shen Yi bowed slightly."Hello. My name is Shen Yi. Mister Shi sent me here."
The woman looked up."My name is Li Wenjing," she replied calmly. "But everyone calls me Lady Li. As for Mister Shi's request, I received it yesterday morning. Why are you here so late?"
Ah… there goes my first good impression.
Shen Yi panicked internally but kept his composure.
"I did leave yesterday," he said honestly. "But I ran into trouble with some villagers. I was beaten and passed out. I only woke up a few hours ago."
"I see," Lady Li said, narrowing her eyes. "Is that why your robe looks so dirty? But wait your face and body look clean."
"I cleaned myself," Shen Yi replied simply.
"Hmph. At least you have manners," Lady Li said coldly. "But I won't give you a job if you're not educated enough."
"Don't worry," Shen Yi said quickly. "Mister Shi taught me a lot especially over the past year. Please ask me anything."
He spoke confidently, but inside, he was nervous.
She's strict…
Lady Li picked up a book and handed it to him."Read."
Shen Yi read several pages before she stopped him. Then she began questioning him on the meanings of the words and passages he had read.
He answered every question correctly.
After a while, Lady Li nodded.
"Good. You can start working immediately if you wish."
Shen Yi let out a breath of relief."What will my payment and working hours be?"
"Five silver coins per month, since you're educated," Lady Li replied plainly. "Working hours are from ten in the morning to six in the evening. Overtime when needed, with extra pay."
Shen Yi hesitated for a moment, then said shamelessly,"May I request two silver coins as an advance? As you can see, I'm not in presentable condition. I need to buy clothes and rent a place to stay."
Lady Li paused.
Advance payment?She studied him carefully. Did this boy learn that from someone… or did Shi teach him? No Shi never asked for advances.
Finally, she sighed.
"Take these two silver coins," she said, handing them over. "Go down the street and buy decent clothes. Then find Elder Chi and ask him to lend you a room. Tell him I sent you. He won't charge more than one silver coin for a month."
"Thank you very much, Lady Li," Shen Yi said sincerely.
"Come back in two hours," Lady Li added. "This place is full of dust."
"Of course. I'll return in two hours and start cleaning this pla—"He froze. "Wait. Why do I need to clean?"
Lady Li looked at him with a strange smile."Why do you think I hired you?"
Shen Yi frowned. "I thought I was hired as a librarian…"
"A librarian?" Lady Li chuckled, her smile turning sly. "No. I hired a cleaner specifically, a Floor Sweeper. The books and shelves are resistant to dust and insects on their own."
Her smile widened, clearly enjoying his reaction.
"Then why did you test me on books?" Shen Yi asked, feeling like he was about to burst.
"Hmph," Lady Li snorted. "This library is as old as the village itself. Scholars come here for knowledge, not for foolish advice from an ignorant cleaner. I tested you so you wouldn't embarrass yourself or me."
Her tone sharpened.
"And this job? I'm only giving it because Mister Shi is an old friend. Now go. You've already wasted five minutes. Buy decent clothes."
Shen Yi felt helpless.
Seven hours a day… from ten to six.As a floor sweeper, my time to search for the cultivation manual will be drastically reduced.
"What are you waiting for?" Lady Li snapped. "Move."
"Y-yes, Lady Li," Shen Yi replied bitterly, accepting his reality as he turned to leave.