The old man, whose name Li Xuan would soon learn was Elder Jiao, ran his calloused fingers over the soft rabbit fur Li Xuan offered. His eyes, though weary, held a spark of genuine appreciation. "Rabbit fur, cleanly tanned," he murmured, his gaze shifting from the pelt to Li Xuan's slightly disheveled but determined face. "Where did you acquire such fine work, stranger? We haven't seen fur of this quality traded in these parts for many a year."
Li Xuan maintained a calm demeanor, internally reviewing his prepared responses. "My sect, the Falling Leaf Sect, has... unearthed some ancient methods," he explained, choosing his words carefully. "Methods that allow us to utilize the resources of the forest more efficiently. We found these rabbits, and applied our techniques." He offered a small, polite bow. "We are simply seeking to establish a friendly relationship with neighboring settlements. We offer useful goods, and hope for fair trade in return."
Elder Jiao's gaze was sharp, scrutinizing Li Xuan's every move. He was clearly accustomed to dealing with desperate individuals, and Li Xuan's relatively clean appearance and confident (if slightly awkward) bearing must have stood out. "The Falling Leaf Sect," he mused again, a low murmur passing through the handful of villagers who had slowly gathered. Their faces were a mixture of suspicion, curiosity, and a palpable weariness. Their clothes were threadbare, their skin tanned and rough from manual labor. This was a place touched by hardship.
"And what would you seek in return for such goods?" Elder Jiao finally asked, his voice still guarded. "We are but humble farmers, living at the edge of the wilderness. Our coin is scarce, and our harvests barely sustain us."
Li Xuan had anticipated this. He had observed enough RPGs to know that desperate villages usually meant a lack of monetary resources, but an abundance of other, often overlooked, assets. "We are not necessarily seeking coin, Elder," Li Xuan replied, sensing the man's honesty. "While coin is useful, our sect's immediate needs are... diverse. We seek resources. Tools, for instance. Perhaps common grains or building materials that your village might have in surplus. And information." He paused, looking around the small, sparse hamlet. "We are new to this region, despite the sect's ancient roots. We seek knowledge of the surrounding lands, the dangers, and other settlements."
Elder Jiao's eyes widened slightly at the mention of tools and knowledge, less so at grains. "Tools are hard to come by," he grunted, "and we have no surplus grain this season. The beasts are bolder, and the soil less yielding. But information... what kind of information?"
Li Xuan considered his words. He couldn't appear too powerful, lest they fear him. Nor could he appear too weak, lest they dismiss him. He needed to project a sense of quiet capability. "We are cultivators," Li Xuan stated, his voice firm, "working to restore a place of power. But we are few. We wish to understand the threats common to this area. Are there bandits? Dangerous beasts? Other cultivators or sects nearby that we should be aware of?" He subtly put a hand on the hilt of his Falling Leaf Spirit Sword, a silent hint of his true capabilities. The movement was subtle, but Elder Jiao's eyes flickered to the blade.
The old man stroked his chin. "Bandits, aye. A scattered few, mostly scavengers, not much of a threat to a cultivator. Beasts, always. The forest is deep. But other cultivators... none have come this way in years. Not since the last 'great sect' fell, centuries ago." He looked Li Xuan up and down, a flicker of something akin to hope in his eyes. "You say you are restoring the Falling Leaf Sect? The one of the ancient legends?"
Li Xuan nodded. "That is our purpose." He knew the legend would carry more weight than his current reality.
Elder Jiao looked at the fur again, then at the other villagers. A murmur of agreement passed between them. "This fur... it would be a blessing for our children in the coming cold. We have... little to offer for it. But perhaps... perhaps we could trade you some of our knowledge of the forest trails, and certain rare herbs we know to grow nearby? We lack the means to gather them, but perhaps a cultivator could."
Li Xuan's internal System displayed a new message, solely visible to him:
[New Resource Identified: Rare Herbs (Value: Moderate)]
[New Opportunity Detected: Information Exchange (Value: Moderate)]
[Trade Offer: Rabbit Fur (Untanned) for Local Knowledge & Rare Herbs]
This was it. His first true trade opportunity, not for gold, but for invaluable resources and information that would directly feed back into his sect's growth. He had 22 Sect Points in his internal balance. This kind of successful, mutually beneficial interaction could very well trigger the "Establish a Basic Sect Income Source" objective.
"That sounds like a fair exchange," Li Xuan said, a genuine smile gracing his lips. "Show me these trails, and tell me of these herbs. And I will provide furs in return." He extended his hand, holding out the rabbit pelt.
Elder Jiao took the fur, his gaze lingering on it. "My son, Jian, will show you the paths," he said, gesturing to a young man, barely older than Li Xuan, who stood shyly in the background. Jian was lean, with quiet eyes and a watchful demeanor. "He knows the forest as well as any. As for the herbs... some grow in dangerous places, beyond the reach of common folk."
"Dangers are something cultivators are trained to face," Li Xuan replied, maintaining his confident façade. He knew he was still new to this world, but his recent breakthrough had given him a new confidence.
The trade was made. Li Xuan handed over three more rabbit furs and the badger hide, keeping a few furs in his inventory for future potential trade. In exchange, Jian began to draw a crude map on the ground with a stick, showing winding paths and marking certain areas with symbols for specific herbs, or even for potential dangers. Elder Jiao also provided a rough oral history of the region, detailing old, forgotten paths, the migration patterns of certain beasts, and whispers of old ruins far to the east – fascinating, but for now, irrelevant.
As Jian meticulously drew his map, Li Xuan observed the village. He noticed the lack of proper tools, the rundown state of their homes, the thinness of the children. Their struggle was evident. This wasn't a place of wealth, but it was a place of need. And Li Xuan had something they desperately wanted: resources from the forest. And perhaps, something else.
"Elder Jiao," Li Xuan began, changing the subject slightly, "your village seems to struggle with certain... common threats. Wild beasts, perhaps even the occasional bandit. Do you have any means of defending yourselves?"
Elder Jiao sighed, a weary shake of his head. "We have rusty axes and sharpened sticks, young Sect Leader. We manage. Barely. A few good hunters among us, but they are old. The young men... they often leave, seeking better prospects in the cities."
"Prospects?" Li Xuan seized on the word. "What kind of prospects?"
"Work, coin, safety," Elder Jiao explained. "Some seek to join the armies of the distant lords. A foolish venture, most of them never return. A few, the lucky ones, find work as guards or laborers in larger towns. None speak of cultivation, not for common folk like us."
This was it. His second objective. Disciples. Young men, perhaps even young women, who sought a better life. If he could offer them cultivation, genuine power, and a place to belong, perhaps they would join the Falling Leaf Sect. It wouldn't be easy; they were wary, and he was an unknown. But he had a foot in the door now.
"My sect," Li Xuan said, projecting an air of earnestness, "seeks to provide a haven. A place where dedicated individuals can learn to strengthen themselves, to protect their homes, and to find a path to true prosperity. Not just survival, but growth. We offer training, knowledge, and a purpose beyond mere subsistence." He paused, letting his words sink in. "Perhaps, some of your young ones, those with ambition and a strong spirit, might consider a different path? A path of cultivation."
The words hung in the air. Elder Jiao's eyes widened, then narrowed in thought. He looked at Jian, then at the other villagers. A ripple of hesitant curiosity passed through the small crowd. Cultivation was a distant dream for commoners, something spoken of in legends, not a practical reality. Yet, Li Xuan stood before them, a seemingly powerful individual from the fabled Falling Leaf Sect.
"Cultivation?" Elder Jiao repeated, a tremor in his voice. "For common folk? That is... unheard of. What would be the cost?"
Li Xuan held up a hand. "There is no cost, Elder. Only dedication. The sect provides. We seek individuals with spirit, loyalty, and a desire to better themselves and protect others. In return, we offer training, food, shelter, and a future they could only dream of." He painted a picture of a revitalized sect, a community of strength and purpose, a stark contrast to their current struggling existence. He didn't promise immediate power, but he promised a path.
Elder Jiao closed his eyes for a moment, deep in thought. The implications of such an offer, if genuine, were staggering. "This is... much to consider, young Sect Leader. Our people are wary. Life has taught us to be. But if what you say is true... it could be a salvation." He opened his eyes, meeting Li Xuan's gaze. "We will discuss this among ourselves. Return tomorrow, Li Xuan. We will have an answer for you. And if you wish, Jian can guide you to some of those herb patches and hunting grounds in the interim."
Li Xuan nodded, a sense of quiet triumph swelling within him. He had planted the seed. He had made contact, secured a trade, and opened the door for recruitment. This was far more successful than he had dared to hope.
"Thank you, Elder Jiao. I will return tomorrow. Jian, your guidance would be greatly appreciated." He looked at the younger man, who nodded, his shy eyes still watchful.
As Li Xuan turned to leave, walking back towards the edge of the forest where Qing'er was hidden, he heard Elder Jiao's voice, a low murmur to his villagers. "He spoke of cultivation... The Falling Leaf Sect... Could it be true?"
Li Xuan grinned. The game was truly on now. He wasn't just surviving; he was building. And the first steps of building a financial foundation and attracting new talent had just been taken. He had 22 Sect Points in his pocket, a promising lead for more, and the tempting vision of that Qi Condensation Breakthrough Pill was closer than ever.