Wu Ming carefully examined the silver Thaler in his hand.
The coin itself gleamed with a metallic luster, but due to improper storage over some time, it had developed a thin layer of black tarnish. Its edges bore signs of being clipped, giving it an uneven appearance.
At the center of the silver coin was a portrait—the legendary “Conqueror” Thaler. He had once united the entire Windfire Plains and expanded outward, establishing a kingdom. He was of the purest blue blood.
This was also the largest denomination of currency William could ever hope to possess.
As for the golden Guilder, he could only dream about it.
“I guess you could say my house is completely bare…”
Wu Ming looked around and sighed helplessly.
Unconsciously, night had deepened.
A dark shadow darted out from William’s small cottage, skillfully avoiding the watchtowers, and slipped out of the town from a corner.
“Hunting shouldn’t be this troublesome, but it really is…”
Wu Ming thought helplessly while running through the shadows.
His current body was still an ordinary one, needing salt and medicine, unable to live a primitive life.
Yet rising above others in the village, even slightly standing out, was not easy.
The tax collector, waving tax notices, would teach you a lesson in no time.
Even when hunting, he could invent all sorts of taxes—hunting tax, butchering tax, etc. For officials like him, this was almost instinctive, since most of the income would end up in his own pockets.
As for the law?
Sorry! In the entire barony, apart from the free peasants’ own farmland, everything else belonged to the baron himself—fields, forests, and game alike!
The baron’s word was the law! And as a tax collector, he had the authority to interpret the law however he pleased!
How could commoners, who couldn’t even read or write, dare to oppose officials?
Under such inequality between social classes, even possessing the truth was of little use.
Take someone like Lori An, for example; even if he casually hunted something, the constable and tax collector would pretend not to see it, but for William, it was impossible!
The more ignorant and backward the world, the more terrifying the restrictions on the lower classes!
To the “lords” of the barony, they practically wished all their subjects would become serfs or work animals!
“My current status is somewhat sensitive… and I have no backing, so I should keep a low profile…”
After walking for more than half an hour, Wu Ming finally reached his destination—a dense forest.
This place usually had small animals and was a paradise for hunters from the village. Of course, going deeper was very dangerous, possibly encountering wild tribes or cannibals.
“The path for commoners to rise in this world is too narrow. One must become nobility to have a chance to achieve one’s ambitions!”
A sharp gleam flashed in Wu Ming’s eyes: “Of course… this path is also very arduous. First, I must obtain power! The most basic step is to improve this body! That means eating salt and meat!”
The salt used by commoners in this world was barely worth mentioning. Wu Ming could only buy it and refine it himself for personal consumption.
As for selling it? Patents? Profiting from it?
That was thinking too much. Before becoming nobility and possessing his own territory, Wu Ming wouldn’t even consider such ideas.
If he could seize the right opportunity and present this small technique to a noble like the baron as a stepping stone, he would already consider it a good deal.
Coo! Coo!
The forest at night was quite serene, with a breeze carrying the scent of green grass and the calls of unknown birds.
Wu Ming focused all his attention on his five senses. The heightened perception brought by his True Spirit made him exceptionally capable in this aspect, surpassing even some experienced scouts and wanderers.
He moved lightly, making no sound at all, with most of his figure hidden in darkness, resembling stealth.
Snap!
Wu Ming raised his eyebrows slightly, and in an instant, he fired a simple slingshot in his hand. A stone whistled into the bushes, causing a scream.
“A gray-feathered dove?”
He pushed aside the bushes and saw a bird resembling a pigeon, with gray feathers all over its body, and a touch of blue on its back and neck lying there, surrounded by a circle of feathers.
“Got something…”
Wu Ming gazed into the forest as if looking at untapped treasure.
Half an hour later, by a stream.
A pile of gray feathers and entrails was gathered and carefully buried.
The original several doves were cleaned and skinned, then wrapped in leaves, coated with mud, and slowly roasted in the fire.
This was the rustic method of making beggar’s chicken, perfect for emergencies when there was no pot.
When the meat was cooked, Wu Ming scattered the fire, took out six or seven mud balls, cracked open the shells, and immediately a fragrance spread, making one’s mouth water.
“Not bad…”
Although the only seasoning was salt, the flavor was still delicious, tender but not greasy. With a slight shake, the bird meat naturally separated from the bones, emitting a unique fragrance.
After eating five or six doves, Wu Ming stood up, patted his stomach, and let out a satisfied sigh.
“The previous William was destitute, rarely eating meat. Although farming had built his muscles, it had consumed his potential and lifespan. Now, it’s time to slowly replenish…”
After eating his fill, he began collecting various plant and animal specimens in the forest.
As a celestial immortal and master alchemist, simple medicinal preparations naturally posed no difficulty for him. Once he became familiar with the medicinal properties of this universe, he could prepare the most basic potions.
Thinking of the treatment methods of the scholar-physician in the village, Wu Ming couldn’t help but shudder.
In William’s mind, the healer only knew four treatments: inducing vomiting, purging, bloodletting, and using devil flowers for anesthesia…
One could imagine how terrible that was!
Essentially, even in the village, when others fell ill, they mostly relied on their own strength to survive. Of course, Wu Ming guessed there was another reason—they simply didn’t have enough money…
“Starting from scratch, from the most basic level, understanding the rules of this universe…”
“And also, strengthening this body while searching for supernatural forces—the clues to the power rules of this universe…”
Wu Ming silently made plans for his future.
Anyway, his original body had a long lifespan, so there was no rush for such matters. He could proceed gradually.
…
Spring passed into autumn.
Soon, several months had passed.
Outside the village, vast fields of oats were harvested. The golden ears swayed in the breeze like waves, bringing the joy of harvest.
At this time of year, the village’s only mill began working day and night, with the tax collector standing beside it, watching meticulously.
He was collecting the mill tax. According to the estate law, every villager who used the mill had to pay one-tenth of the flour milled as tax to the baron’s pocket. This was a major source of income.
At other times quiet, the mill was now bustling with activity.
In William’s memories, during idle times, this place was the best spot for young lovers to steal moments of intimacy. Countless boys and girls had become men and women here.
Of course, Wu Ming wasn’t thinking about any of that now.
After storing his findings, he pulled out the broken iron sword in front of his small house and began training diligently.
“Thrust!”
“Power slash!”
“Spin!”
“Block!”
…
He trained in sweat, nourished by daily feasts and abundant nutrition, growing taller and stronger, with bright eyes. No longer was it the previous kind of false strength from exhausting life force, but a robustness emanating from his bones.
This William, full of masculine charm, naturally attracted many gazes.
At least Wu Ming had noticed that when walking on the streets, he received more and more “attentions.” Sophia from Auntie Roa’s house even often visited him on various pretexts.
“Hey, William!”
Just as Wu Ming finished practicing his self-modified sword techniques, two boys came over excitedly, clapping spontaneously.
“That’s amazing… Can I touch it?”
A boy with freckles and covered in dust swallowed hard, looking at Wu Ming’s broken sword with excitement.
“Of course you can, little Awa. But be careful, it’s heavy and sharp. It could hurt someone if you’re not careful!”
Wu Ming handed the hilt to Awa, and the other boy immediately showed envy on his face.
“Alright, little Allen, if you like, you can also try…”
He patted Allen’s head, watching the two boys play excitedly, then turned around: “Good day, Instructor Lori An!”
His real guest was standing outside the fence, his face showing astonishment: “William… your swordsmanship…”
Wu Ming scratched his head: “This is just some routine I worked out myself. What do you think, Instructor?”
He looked like a nervous young man at this moment.
“Very good… very good…”
Instructor Lori An was at a loss for words.
Although Wu Ming’s sword techniques mainly focused on breathing coordination, exploring ways to exercise his entire body’s muscles, the mechanics of force application were also incredibly perfect, leaving the experienced Lori An in awe.
“You have a real talent for being a warrior!”
He praised: “You just need an opportunity! It’s coming!”
“I’d like to treat you to a drink, Instructor!”
Wu Ming smiled slightly, and both knew exactly what the other meant.
Moments later, at Auntie Roa’s inn, Wu Ming ordered beer and roasted meat, sitting opposite Lori An, slowly eating and drinking.
Even though he usually kept a low profile with his wealth, this occasional treat for Lori An would probably not raise any suspicions.
“I’m sorry…”
Lori An spoke first.
“If this is about the previous matter, then there’s really no need. After all, the war ending is good news for all of us!”
Wu Ming smiled.
This referred to the aftermath of the previous battle.
Viscount Garcia was a wise and courageous nobleman. After testing the limits of the Windfire Plains lords, he did not escalate the conflict but wisely chose to retreat.
With no war breaking out and many prisoners of war being released after receiving ransoms, Lori An’s previous non-committal promise naturally fell through.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage