Chapter 2: The Lonely Hill
Alex wandered for hours, moving without effort, the system quietly guiding his steps.
He passed rivers that shimmered with qi, forests that whispered ancient tales, and meadows where spirit beasts watched him warily before fleeing. He could feel their instincts: they sensed his power, buried just beneath the calm exterior. Even he could tell—if he willed it, he could probably turn the sky red.
But he didn't want that.
He was searching for stillness. Somewhere untouched by ambition, battle, or blood.
Then he saw it.
A lone hill rose at the edge of a valley, not far from a peaceful village. At its foot flowed a small, clear river. Patches of wild grass danced in the wind, and the land smelled rich, fertile. The qi here wasn't violent or thick—it was calm and nurturing.
Alex stopped at the base of the hill, the sun warming his skin. "Here," he said aloud. "This is the place."
"System scanning location… Qi stability optimal. Soil fertility: Grade A. Water source: Clean. Host approval required to begin construction."
"I approve."
"Begin constructing home?"
"Yes."
In an instant, golden lines of light traced across the hilltop, shaping walls, roof, and foundation. Wood appeared from thin air—polished but humble. A single-story cottage took form: wide windows, a sloped tile roof, and a porch facing the sunset. A small garden plot unfolded beside it, already tilled.
"Home constructed. Name your residence?"
Alex tilted his head, then chuckled. "How about... 'Still Wind Hill'?"
"Name recorded. Still Wind Hill is now your residence."
He walked up the small stone steps and opened the door. The interior was warm and simple. Wooden floors. A table and chairs. A small bed. Bookshelves. Even a kettle was placed by a stove that never needed wood.
"All furnishings are spirit-grade. Self-repairing. Self-cleaning. Water is drawn from the river and purified."
He stepped outside and looked down at the fertile valley below. The village was small—no more than fifty homes—but the smoke rising from their chimneys and the laughter of distant children told him all he needed to know.
This was a place of life. Of simplicity. Of peace.
Alex sat on the porch as the sun dipped below the horizon. He poured himself a cup of tea the system had conjured, and for the first time in both his lives… he felt content.