Chapter 6｜Exchanging Grain for Shelter

The winter winds of the seventies arrived early.

Before dawn, frost had already settled in a white layer at the village entrance.

As Li Xing hoisted the last sack of game onto the cart, his shoulders sagged slightly.

This time, he and Zhao Yun had spent three full days in the mountains.

Over a dozen wild rabbits, seven or eight pheasants, and two not-too-large wild boars.

The haul far exceeded what one family needed to get by.

Zhao Yun wiped his face and murmured, “This much... we can't eat it all, and we can't hide it either.”

Li Xing nodded. “We won't keep any. We'll trade it all today.”

Inside the house, his mother heard the commotion and came out. Seeing the cart piled high with game, she paused in surprise.

“Xingzi, isn't... isn't this too much?”

Li Xing's tone remained steady: “Mom, we're trading for food. We need to have a proper New Year at home.”

His mother didn't press further. She sighed, turned, and went back inside to fetch water for them.

The system appeared in Li Xing's mind:

“High-value survival resources detected. Recommend exchanging for daily necessities to enhance household stability.”

The supply point was in town.

They didn't sell openly—it was done through acquaintances, private exchanges.

Bag after bag of game was carried away, but the goods exchanged in return warmed the heart.

White flour.

Rice.

A jar of lard.

Two packets of brown sugar.

And a small bag of milk powder—this Li Xing had specifically requested.

Zhao Yun glanced at the milk powder and murmured, “Your sister could use that.”

Li Xing nodded, saying nothing more.

Finally, they exchanged for a small bundle of cloth, some cash, and a few ration tickets.

Not much, but in this era, it was considered “comfortable.”

On the way back to the village, the cart felt lighter, but their hearts grew heavier.

Zhao Yun suddenly said, “Xing, did you notice? We're not trading our lives anymore—we're trading for a better life.”

Li Xing hummed in acknowledgment.

The system silently prompted:

“Family living conditions improved. Mental stability enhanced. System growth efficiency slightly increased.”

Evening.

The stove fire blazed brightly.

The aroma of white flour steamed buns slowly filled the room.

Li Yu sat at the table, holding a bowl of hot porridge, her eyes shining brightly.

“Brother, today's meal... smells so good.”

Mother served the rice while murmuring softly, “Eat slowly, don't choke.”

Li Xing sat beside them, watching this scene unfold, a sudden calm settling in his heart.

For the first time, he felt that the power the system had given him wasn't just for facing danger.

It could also bring this kind of peace.

After dinner, Zhao Yun didn't rush off.

The two slowly made their way up the hillside behind the village.

This had once been the old path, but it had collapsed and was now rarely used.

Li Xing’s system suddenly gave a faint vibration.

“Abnormal metal reaction.”

He stopped, parting the dry grass.

Half a knife handle emerged.

Li Xing crouched down, carefully digging away the soil.

A knife wrapped in oilcloth slowly came into view.

The blade was long and slender, its lines perfectly straight.

Though old, it showed no rust.

Zhao Yun sucked in a sharp breath. “This blade... is no ordinary weapon.”

The moment Li Xing grasped the hilt, his wrist felt a slight weight.

The system murmured a prompt:

“Detected cold weapon: Tang sword.”

“Condition: Excellent. Compatibility: Extremely high.”

The blade slid from its sheath.

A flash of cold steel, yet unassuming.

Not a decoration.

A true instrument for killing and protecting.

Zhao Yun murmured, “Something must have happened here before.”

Li Xing didn't respond, merely sheathing the blade again.

Deep into the night.

The Tang sword was placed into the system space.

No light effects, no anomalies—just lying quietly.

The final system prompt appeared:

“Acquired critical melee weapon. Survival capability enhanced.”

Outside, wind swept past the eaves.

Inside, his mother and sister slept soundly.

Li Xing sat in the darkness, slowly closing his eyes.

He knew—

For now, all remained calm.

But the mountains wouldn't forever offer only prey.

Something—

Was already drawing near.