— Thank you for your help, kids. If it weren't for you two, this would have taken days to finish.

  — We're not even done yet, Mr. Hu. Isn't it a bit too early for that? — Ting said, smiling as she lifted the board and pushed it up the roof.

  — Haha, don't get me wrong, this isn't a goodbye. I just... felt like I should thank you... — the hammer hovered near the nail, hesitating. It finally struck after a sigh echoed — You know, we've had a run of luck ever since you showed up. Even a god appeared to help us... Given our circumstances, I think that's reason enough to be grateful.

  Ting froze. She glanced at Noah on the neighboring rooftop.

  We were so na?ve... No, I was.

  She smiled as she picked up the next board.

  To think they wouldn't notice was such foolishness. In such a small town, it's likely almost everyone knows or at least recognizes some names.

  — And aren't you afraid of this "divinity," sir?

  — And is there a reason for that, haha? As far as we know, she seems kindly. — he reconsidered, glancing away — No, I suppose charitable is more accurate. And also... — his eyes drifted to Ting, locking with hers briefly. He shook his head — No, it's nothing.

  — I wouldn't be so sure.

  After placing the last board upright, Ting jumped to the roof's edge. She drew close to old Hu, covering her mouth with a hand.

  — This "god" might turn out to be quite controlling, I think. — she murmured in his ear.

  The old man turned, just to see her nod, as if confirming her own words.

  A burst of laughter cut through the sound of the few hammers working around them.

  — Smile less and work more, old Hu! We want to have lunch! — someone teased playfully.

  The laughter now rang out with a lightness that, unlike before, was not forced. That was obvious now.

  Ting saw the change, already knowing why it happened. She was sure that fixing the western part was the best decision.

  And so the sky turned yellowish, heralding the afternoon that approached without worry, for everyone had lunch after the construction was finished.

  — Huh? Do you need something, Mrs. Yiran? — Ting asked, pulling the bowl closer to herself.

  — No, I just want to thank you both for everything you've done, especially now.

  — It's fine, we don't—

  — It's not much, but I hope it helps you two somehow. — she handed Ting two long, hand-embroidered strips of cloth. The colors swirled between black, white, and red since Mrs. Yiran had used every last good scrap of fabric she had. They were thick but not heavy or rough, on the contrary, they were incredibly soft and comforting — In some places to the southwest, the weather's still a bit odd, colder than usual. I hope these help you both get through that.

  —...Thank you. — Ting examined the scarves, noticing that while one had blossoming red flower details in some places, the other had a red line running through its center, as if marking a horizon. When observed closely, it looked like a sunset sky — They're beautiful.

  — Thank you, ma'am. — said Noah.

  Still, Yiran couldn’t meet his gaze for long. It wasn’t because his eyes were strange, beast-like, it was because she felt as if she was being watched beyond flesh and blood, down to the deepest, most hidden corners of her soul.

  — I won’t bother you any longer, so please continue eating in peace. — she turned away.

  Noah watched her tottering steps move away, seeing the darkness grow ever deeper.

  There’s hardly any light left now.

  Turning back to his food, he ignored the deepening dusk.

  — Here, this one's yours. — Ting wrapped the scarf around his neck. Then she took her own and put it on — Hmm, it smells like—

  — Dust.

  — That’s easily solved, just wash them. They’re beautiful and made with care, that’s what matters.

  With care...

  Noah’s gaze drifted toward Yiran, who was trudging away with painful difficulty.

  Is it really just that?

  He turned back to his bowl. Eating seemed more interesting.

  Finally, the hammering had stopped and they wouldn’t have to return there. Not until Ting wanted to help them with something else. For Noah, this was a relief. Construction wasn’t exactly a problem, but he found many aspects, especially the noise, irritating. He liked that it afforded time with her even there, but he figured they could do the same somewhere quieter.

  Maybe in the bedroom…

  He shook his head, shutting down his own thought. He knew now was not the time to give in to desire.

  His eyes landed on her face.

  — What? Is there something wrong? — she glanced at the scarf, concerned — Does it look weird..?

  Noah shook his head.

  — I'm just looking at you. Is that not allowed?

  —...That is strange…

  Ting turned away, resuming her meal.

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  The shade from the tree above was peaceful, and the scene ahead convinced her everything she had done was meaningful and worthwhile. Even knowing she and Noah were outsiders, nobody cared. They didn’t hate them.

  That’s only because they don’t know… She looked away.

  As gratifying and reassuring as the scene was, it wasn’t entirely pleasant. The small number of people still reminded her, made her question.

  Where are the others?

  She wished she could apologize, even if she lacked the courage to come clean to everyone about what really caused their lives to change so suddenly.

  Huh?

  A commotion ahead caught her attention.

  People seemed to be acting more respectfully, making way for someone to pass.

  — Looks like he’s here. — she commented.

  The old man approached beside Undric with slow steps, bringing darkness and a crowd with him. The people soon dispersed. His loose clothes and long gray hair fluttered in the breeze.

  He stopped in front of Noah and Ting, who remained seated, displaying an indifference so alike one another that it frightened those who had spent the last few days with them. Seeing Ting react like Noah was what surprised people, the latter was expected.

  Withdrawing his hands from behind his back, the old man pressed them together and bowed. That was when the suspicions turned to certainty. One of those who had helped so much was indeed a "god." But there was no question about which one, their eyes spoke the truth, and the old man recognized it immediately.

  — Noah, this is Xia Tao, the person I told you about. — Undric introduced the man beside him, who dared not get up without permission. He would have liked to, but lacked the strength and control over his own body.

  If his legs keep shaking like that he'll fall any minute, Ting thought as she watched him. It's not like I don't understand what he's feeling; I think it's normal. In fact, it would be odd if he reacted differently, especially since he's only in the Qi Foundation.

  — Forgive me, but I won't be getting up to reciprocate your greeting, if that's what you were expecting.

  — N-No, of course not. I wouldn't dare... — the old man looked to Undric after straightening with hesitation, seeking help and receiving only a nod. He sighed, looking away. Being in front of "that" was harder than he expected; his chest was heavy and even breathing was difficult — If you'll excuse me.

  Unable to move any further, his legs wouldn't allow it, the old man sat down on a patch of grass where sunlight lingered. He swallowed hard, hairs standing on end as the chilling breeze whistled around them.

  — I believe Undric told you about the outsiders… — he tried to say aloud, but his voice came out broken. Audible and understandable, yes, but not as he intended.

  — Yes, he mentioned it briefly.

  — I see… — the wind blew, as if to cut him short. Xia Tao’s gaze wandered, pausing for a single instant on the carefree young woman eating. His body trembled, bones creaked; perhaps this wasn't the best idea. Scratching the dirt with his nails, he shuffled away, breathing unevenly — S-Sorry, I didn't mean to—!

  Looking up, Ting met his gaze, puzzled. She glanced at Noah, who turned his head away, evading her look, and then back at the old man.

  — Yes…? — she whispered.

  Even though Noah had asked her opinion first, she didn’t think it would matter if things got serious. She even considered distant herself, only holding back because she thought he wouldn’t like it. Still, she didn’t plan to speak until everything was over.

  — How can we help you?

  We…?

  Xia Tao trembled as he looked between them.

  I get that she's his bride, but… So she can speak for him too?

  He sighed. He thought things would get easier from here, especially communicating.

  — About the outsiders... I don't know how much longer you’ll stay here, but — he hesitated — is there anything I can do so that you might help us if possible? If the next outsiders who come aren’t as friendly as you two...

  Ting opened her mouth, then stopped. She would have accepted, tried to comfort the hearts of those listening through the walls nearby. But... could she?

  Noah nodded when their eyes met, giving her the answer she sought.

  — If there’s something we can do, of course, we won’t do nothing.

  — R-Really, thank you! Truly—!

  The atmosphere around them calmed.

  Ting tucked away both her and Noah's empty bowls into one of Noah’s spatial bags, leaving Xia Tao and Undric slack-jawed. Wrinkles formed on their foreheads and their eyes widened in surprise.

  — That’s…

  They glanced at the other side of Noah’s waist, another similar pouch was there, and Ting had one at her waist as well.

  How…?

  They wondered, not daring to ask.

  — Is there a problem?

  — N-No, just—

  — Do you need anything else? — Noah interrupted him.

  He just wanted to return to the room and be alone. With Ting, of course.

  — It’s just… — Xia Tao averted his eyes. He felt their gazes and how different they were. One scrutinized him as a thing; the other, judged him at every moment. He knew he could ruin everything with the wrong word, but he had to say it — Please help me surpass my current limit in cultivation.

  He didn’t want to die. Not if it could be avoided. He wouldn't accept it.

  — I see, — Noah smiled — you're dying.

  So it’s true. Which means that old lady actually… he confirmed internally.

  Ting looked at him, surprised both at what he said and how he said it.

  Slapping the grass, Undric prepared to stand. Ready to protest.

  — Noah, that's not—!

  — It's true... — Xia Tao admitted, giving a weak, cold laugh — You're more frightening than I imagined, able to see even such things with just a glance. That's amazing, in a way...

  — Sir, is this... is this really true?

  He nodded.

  — No, but—

  Seeing Xia Tao nod, Undric sat quietly.

  Noah observed the old man a moment.

  So this is how death works? Without a catalyst except the world itself. Or am I simply unable to see beyond that? Yes, that must be it.

  He gazed at the deepening darkness.

  As though we can't resist the pull the world exerts on us, Qi slowly seeps from everyone's bodies. For some, it leaks away faster than for others.

  But if that's the case, being unable to advance far in cultivation isn't the only problem for someone with a weak foundation. The higher they climb, the closer to death they are, as the world's pressure grows stronger.

  So will the last stages be the ones that transform the body to endure this limitlessly? Or is that kind of trial only faced after Nascent Soul?

  Noah sighed.

  Old Xia Tao trembled.

  — Please...! Anything... I’ll give you anything if you help me! — he pleaded, bowing. The sound of creaking bones was clear to attentive ears.

  But Noah didn't seem to be paying much attention to what he was saying.

  [New function unlocked.]

  [Due to your understanding of the world's rules, a sword technique will be generated.]

  Unlocked...? I'm tired of saying your creator is terrible with jokes, so—Wait… do I have to do something related to the functions to unlock each one?

  [...]

  ...Can I buy the shop function...?

  [Do you wish to spend your five points to unlock the Shop function?]

  So it costs exactly five points, really?

  The system didn’t reply, making him uneasy and suspicious.

  Don’t tell me… All my points? If I’d really saved as many as possible before this, I’d lose everything?

  [...Are you going to unlock it?]

  Not yet…

  He rolled his eyes.

  The sigh that followed made the old man fear he’d been turned down.

  — Anything, you say... — Noah said, making the old man bow even lower.

  Looking at Ting, he considered a moment. His eyes swept the area before settling on the old man.

  — Alright, — Xia Tao rose, smiling, seemingly indifferent to the pain of his bones from such a sudden movement — but let’s go somewhere else first.