Torvin internally scoffed at Bai Ji's assumption. 'Reside here? Permanently? Unlikely... though the scenery is good'. Viltrumites were bred for war and conquest, and even a half-breed Viltrumite like Torvin, was against the idea of stagnation despite being influenced with Earth's culture of "Inclusion, Integrity, Humility and Humanity" for almost the entirety of his life.
"This place," He stated, voice carefully neutral, "is merely a destination in the grand scheme of life, only another small step towards the apex. My objectives lie beyond the comfort of these mountains." His words projected the vicissitudes of a certain Li Qiye, with a palm outstretched towards the mountains beyond in imitation of King Canute.
He subtly shifted his weight, preparing to inquire further about his departure.
However...
[Bio-Interface Alert: Physiological status - Energy reserves critically low. Recommend immediate nutrient intake.]
The internal prompt was mundane, accompanied by the simultaneous, visceral ache radiating from his stomach. The Overdrive Protocol had burned through reserves he didn't even know he had, leaving a demanding void that needed to be fed.
He turned back to Bai Ji, focus shifting to immediate needs. "But Elder Bai," His tone was flat, practical even. "Sustenance is required before any further activity."
Bai Ji chuckled softly, perhaps misinterpreting the abrupt shift as youthful impatience. "Of course, Young Friend Li. Contribution requires energy. But first, a brief orientation. As you are here under the Palace Master's… unusual patronage, you should understand the basic structure."
He gestured towards the magnificent peaks surrounding them. "Lanyue Palace is vast. We have Outer Courts, Inner Sects, Core Disciple Peaks… and numerous specialized training facilities. Should the Palace Master grant you continued residency, some might become accessible. We have the Bladewind Steps for agility cultivation, the Mirror Illusion Halls for mental fortitude..." He paused, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "And for those focused on tempering the physical vessel, there is the Gravity Crag, deep within the Western Ravine. A natural formation where gravitational forces are drastically amplified. Excellent for strengthening bone and sinew, though typically restricted to core disciples or those demonstrating exceptional physical aptitude." He glanced at Torvin meaningfully. "Access requires recognition, official disciple status... or, perhaps, direct acknowledgement from the Palace Master herself, given your unique arrival."
'Gravity Crag.' Torvin internally logged the information. 'High gravity – certainly optimal for Viltrumite conditioning. Access tied to status, specifically the whim of Wu Qingcheng. Objective logged: Gain access to Gravity Crag. Method: Fulfill prerequisites or gain necessary acknowledgement.'
[Data Point Logged: Lanyue Gravity Crag. Location: Western Ravine. Function: High-Gravity Environment (Physical Conditioning). Access Constraint: Lanyue Palace Status / Palace Master Dispensation. Priority Assessment: High (Post-Recovery).]
The System merely recorded the data point, like entering a note into a spreadsheet. No reward, no permit offered. Just information logged.
"Understood," Torvin replied curtly. "Now, let's talk food."
Bai Ji smiled. "Patience. First, your assigned contribution." He seemed to take Torvin's continued presence as agreement. "The Palace Master wishes to observe your… diligence. A simple task: Prepare five acres of the spirit fields nearby for planting."
'Ah yes, I now finally understand the joy of delegation...' Elder Bai mused to himself, simply finding an excuse to dump his workload onto Torvin. As for the Palace Master's wishes? Just some bull to incentivize the young lad.
[Bio-Interface Alert: External Task Assigned. Parameters Received: Manually prepare five (5) acres of designated spirit medicine fields. Method: Bare hands requested (External source: Bai Ji relaying Palace Master's intent). Time Limit: Five (5) days.]
'Bare hands? A test of endurance? Or maybe this Ugly Bastard is dumping his job on me?' Torvin analyzed. 'Irrelevant. Task completion likely necessary for continued stay and potential access to resources like the Gravity Crag.' He gave a curt nod. "Specify location. Provide sustenance first."
Seeing Torvin's direct acceptance, Bai Ji looked pleased. "Excellent! Diligence is a virtue." He waved his hand, and the spatial ring revealed a table laden with food. "Eat well, Young Friend Li. You will need the strength."
Torvin consumed the meal with ravenous efficiency, ignoring the okay-ish taste, prioritizing energy intake. Bai Ji watched, still slightly bemused by the sheer volume consumed and the utter lack of expressed enjoyment.
Once finished, Torvin stood. "Lead the way, Elder Bai."
Bai Ji guided him to the vast terraced fields. "These five plots," he indicated the marked acres. "Five days. The Palace Master specified manual labor – no tools. She wishes to gauge your raw effort." He didn't leave tools this time. "Begin when ready." With that, he departed, leaving Torvin alone as dusk began to settle.
Torvin looked at the task before him. Five acres. Bare hands. A grueling, menial undertaking. Yet, within it lay the path, however indirect, to necessary resources – food, shelter, information, and potentially, the Gravity Crag. Both his Viltrumite heritage and modern Earth standards screamed against the indignity, but survival demanded compliance.
He stepped onto the first acre, tore off the remnants of his upper clothing, and knelt. The rich spirit soil felt cool beneath his hands. He took a steadying breath and began to dig. Each scoop of earth was a small step towards regaining control, towards accumulating the strength needed to navigate this bizarre, dangerous new reality.
High above, unseen, Wu Qingcheng's consciousness briefly touched upon the scene.
'I left this matter to Bai Ji, but to plow with bare hands? I think this Little Elder Bai needs a little bit of talking, or otherwise my Lanyue Palace would be seen as a backwater place that can't even afford tools for farming...'
Wu Qingcheng watched as Torvin proceeded to plow the fields with no complaints, just immediate compliance and focused effort. Her interest remaining analytical and detached. At the same time, Bai Ji's consciousness also lingered, a silent observer of the lone figure toiling under the twilight sky.
'Strange lad for sure...' Bai Ji thought, certain that most would question the lack of tools should others be in Li Qiye's stead. 'But where this path leads him, fortune or ruin, remains unseen.'