Prologue

Prologue

My eyes open suddenly to a blue sky. Mind swirling, as I groggily look from one side to the other within a fog of blurriness. As my eyes focus, unfamiliar buildings surround me as I feel the cold, rocky ground on my back. A thought appears.

Oh, no. Please dont tell me this is what I think it is?

Rising to my feet, I glance around quickly, seeing only buildings reminding me of Chinese architecture. Looking back at the clear blue sky.

Fuck. This must be one of those transferred to another world situations.

The last thing I remember was a massive earthquake while sitting at my computer and the floor opening to a black pit. However, I live on the third floor of my apartment and no one else in the apartment seemed to notice the shaking.

A hole, unnatural in its depth. Dark beyond all reason floated beneath my feet.

and then I dropped.

So, either this is the last breaths of my mind or another world. Why is the first thing that comes to mind, that this is another world transfer instead of a dream? Well, mainly because Im a nerd that reads fantasy isekai novels in my free time. Id much rather believe its that situation rather than the alternative.

As I continue to look out at my surroundings, I can see a flying blur suddenly stop, high in the air. Straining to see what it could be, I can barely recognize the shape and form of the object. Is that an old lady flying on a sword? I unconsciously mutter. For a second after I say that, I feel a slight shiver, as I could have sworn. She looked down at me. However, just as quickly as she had stopped, she continued moving at top speeds across the sky.

Ah, shoot. Please dont tell me this is a cultivation world. Please, please no.

Right then, I can hear the women from the street gossiping Oh! That was Senior Gu from the Heavenly Skies Sword Clan. Shes so amazing, I hear that shes the youngest Senior in their group in 50 generations of disciples!

Yeah, I heard that too, Ive also heard that she has a rampaging feud with Senior Song in their shared Revolving Heavenly Light sect. Some people wonder if its not just a feud, but something more. Though, I bet if she gets serious, it would be as easy as turning over her hand. Too bad her fight wit

I tune out because of the shock of the situation. Ah dammit. If that didnt prove it, then nothing else will. Looks like I will need to keep low and learn more about this cultivation world. I really wish I transferred to a fantasy world instead. Cultivation worlds always seemed brutal to me.

A sudden thought comes to me about the comment I made earlier and the feeling of being watched. With a shiver, I can only hope that I was wrong about that. If Im not, I must pay proper respect when I see her again.

Unfortunately, before I can continue analyzing my situation, I can see some people gathering on the other side of the alley. It might be time for me to get out of here. There appears to be a stream of people on the street next to me, so I quickly merge with the flow of the groups. While some people look strangely at me, I try to act as natural as possible.

One of the first things I notice as I walk with these people, is that everyone is Asian or Caucasian! In fact, Im the only black guy around.

One good thing that I picked up, is that while people look at me as a curiosity at first, they seem to recognize that Im from somewhere and lose interest. This tells me that there are black people in this world, but they might just be a rare sight. I must look into this more, covering my bases.

While I continue to walk with the crowd, I check my pockets to see if I still have what was on me. I seem to still be wearing all the clothes I had prior and items. My phone, wallet, and keys are still on me. The phone has a full charge and seems to still be working, however there is no signal (obviously). Luckily this is a somewhat new phone, so it likely will keep the charge for a while.

To save power for when I might really need it, I turn on battery saving and turn it off. Just in case. Checking my wallet, it has all of my identification information and $51. Not sure how much this will help me, though.

Physically, I seem to be fine, but have a slight headache. It could be from the transfer or hitting the ground, but I cant really be sure. Putting away the stuff, I just avoid a kid bumping into me in the opposite direction. As I avoid him, I hear a humph as he continues barreling through people. Realizing that tactic from my world, I check my pockets. Looks like everything is still on me, nothing stolen. I must be careful out here.

It is at this point, that I get to the market. Open stalls with food, trinkets, and other materials are everywhere! Vendors yelling out about what they offer, people bargaining for deals. This is a crazy thing to experience. It doesnt look very sanitary.

However, this is exciting. There are so many foods and items Ive never seen before from this unfamiliar world, that Id like to learn more about. Separating from the crowd, I take a quick look at something that appears to be like a potato. However, something even more surprising than an extra food comes into mind. Once I looked at the potato, automatically I felt information pour into my head about this simple root.

Feeling that it was too much at once or to even remember, I tried to stop the flow and change how I perceived it. Familiar with the concept of scanning abilities from isekai fantasy novels, I tried to make it turn into a familiar form. Somehow, I did so before my headache turned worse. Transparently and somehow not impeding my vision, the below text box came up before my eyes.

Rogoda

Plant RootFood Ingredient

Quality Extremely Poor

Value 1 copper coin.

Inferior version farmed incorrectly

After a moment of shock, I step back and deeply contemplate what I saw.

YESSSSSS, I have a scanning ability! Just what I needed to succeed in this world. Here I was wondering whether Id be able to survive day to day, but this should at least let me have an advantage in this world. Immediately using this, I scan everything around me. Which mostly provides more of the same information. However, a strange idea comes to me I try to use the power on.

Staring down into the distance, I mentally try to have my scan affect the city, instead of a specific concept.

Monchon City

City Small-Medium

Founded 523 years ago by Monchon Yu

Excellent. I wonder how far I can go with this. I use it on more and more concepts, like a planet, solar system, and even the air. What Ive found (that is useful), is that the solar system is the Stilled Void. The Planet is the Revolving ExpansePrivilon. It appears most people just call it Privilon.

As I tested the air, I tried to draw comparisons between this world and my previous one. It brought up more information and a side-by-side comparison.

Half-Silver: 50 dollars5 days stay in an average inn with nutritious meals, upper end of poor medicinal items, inferior quality mortal luxury goods

Silver Coin: 100 dollarCost of a weapon, average medicinal items, average mortal luxury goods, weakest spirit stone

Big Silver Coin: 1,000 dollars - Cost of a poor home, cost of armor, poor cultivation ingredients, high quality mortal medicinal items, high quality mortal luxury goods

Half-Gold: 50,000

Gold Coin: 100,000 dollars

Big gold coin: 1,000,000 dollars

Half-Jade: 50,000,000

Jade Coin: 100,000,000

Big Jade Coin: 1,000,000,000

The comparison of the items came from what I could see around. The higher value coins (starting at Half-Gold), I wasnt able to see an example of. I could only get the currency system from the query. Once again, after pushing for the currency system, I seemed to get a headache. It might be time to stop pushing it so much. With this in mind, I will need to find some way to get money, so I can buy it.

Coming up with an idea, I pull out a dollar and attempt to figure out how I can use this. Maybe I can sell this as a luxury item or something. Ive perused through most of this entire market, with only a few to go. I think it would be better to go to someone who doesnt seem as busy. Walking over to one stall I havent been to; I can see that it is a medicinal seller.

A quick perusal of his wares shows typical pills for healing mundane illnesses and wait a second. What is that? A closer look at the pill reveals:

Body Refinement Pill

GradeHigh

True Value/Market Value/Perceived Value: 25 Big Silvers/1 Half-Silver/30 Big Silvers

Helps a non-cultivator prepare their body to undergo cultivation. Ingesting this pill helps refine the body by removing impurities, which can help with a breakthrough into cultivation and strengthens their cultivation base. Qi Condensation Cultivators can benefit from this pill to clear their bodies further of impurities, but has reduced effects. The higher the grade of the pill, the more impurities removed and the higher their starting cultivation base.

This is a bit of a conundrum. Based on this information, the person in front of me knows the true value of this pill. However, they are still selling it for a single silver. This reeks of trouble. As I attempt to walk away, I hear a whisper almost like it is in my ear.

Wait.

My body freezes, almost out of my control. Turning back around carefully, I take a better look at the man. Wearing a conical hat covering his face, his arms folded under long sleeves, the only visible part of the older mans skin, is his mouth.

Did you see something you like, among my wares? his voice whispers, yet seems to be loud enough to be easily heard above markets hum. Somehow, I feel as if every aspect of myself is being watched. Even down to my cells, I feel a slight prickle.

For a moment, I consider scanning him to see what Im dealing with, but decide it isnt worth the risk. This might be that divine sense Ive heard of in cultivation novels, and if it is, that means he is a cultivator who can easily kill me. In fact, if I had to say, it feels purposeful that I can feel this.

I say the truth, Um, I saw that pill there. It seems different from the others. If you dont mind my asking, but why are you selling it for that price?

The merchants mouth twitches, but he remains silent for a small time, pondering his response. With a grin, he decides. Humph. Well, I wasnt expecting you to just come out and ask. Well, I guess thats a strategy of its own it looks like you determined the worth of this pill. Unfortunately, this pill isnt for you. Now, normally I would just wipe your memory and be done with it. However, I have an errand that needs doing, and it seems to match with something that could be helpful for you.

He motions to my back pocket. You seem to have no money and do not understand what you are doing.

Cautiously, I nod.

Great. You could sell those pieces of paper in your leather casing for a decent amount. If you head to the luxury seller near the center of town, you can get a decent price for it. Drop this package off to him and you should be good. Note that it is valuable. So, dont get lost.

He lowers his hand slowly. You could decline and have your memory wiped instead. Thats always an option. Quickly, I shake my head in stark denial of that option.

Excellent, at least you have common sense. Heres the package.

Handing me a fist-sized orb wrapped in a velvet cloth, his hat raises enough to meet my eyes. Good luck on your journey, kid. Oh, and just some advice and a warning. He says offhandedly.

Not all people are as nice as me. Some people would just as easily kill you for your clothes and items as look at you. Not only that, but make sure you treat people accordingly when you learn of their status when compared with yourself.

Being too honest and open with your intentions, leaves yourself open to being removed. You would do well to understand this culture and quickly, if you want to survive.

I will say there are some benefits to being the way you are. With that said, the old man shakes his hand and lowers his hat again, dismissing me.

As I turn away, he stops me one last time. Oh, and Im not sure how you would do it, but really consider where and when you use that ability to read people. Not all things are as hidden as you might think.

I freeze, with one of my abilities laid bare. Slowly, turning back to him, I realize what I must do. I pull from my knowledge of Chinese culture and bow to him as low as I can.

The advice and insights he gave to me are something that I needed to realize. Ive been treating this subconsciously like an adventure. This is not that. This is survival. Until Im able to defend myself and understand the rules of this world, I need to be more aware of my actions. I cant assume my abilities are hidden. I must take this slowly and watch what I do.

After holding the bow for a few seconds, I rise to complete the mission he gave to me.

How do you like this concept?<ul dpmb="yes"> <label dpmb="yes"> It's Great!</label> <label dpmb="yes"> It's Okay.</label> <label dpmb="yes"> I'm not sure yet.</label> <label dpmb="yes"> It's Not That Good.</label> <label dpmb="yes"> Author Crushing Choice: It's Bad.</label>Results are only viewable after voting. You must be logged in to vote.<input type="hidden" value="2009"><input type="hidden" value="1"> Oops! We ran into some problems. View Results: How do you like this concept?