Chapter 1: A Mortal in a Mystical World


    The sky above was vast and endless, painted in shades of blue that Li Wei had only ever seen in photographs. A gentle wind carried the scent of blooming flowers and something faintly metallic, as though the air itself held traces of power. Li Wei stood at the edge of a jagged cliff, overlooking an expanse of untamed wilderness—towering trees, rolling hills, and streams that glistened like silver threads under the sun.


    It was a breathtaking view, but Li Wei felt no peace. Instead, he was confused, and more than a little annoyed.


    “This can’t be real,” he muttered, running a hand through his disheveled black hair. "One minute, I’m eating instant noodles and watching Wanderlust Chefs, and the next, I’m in... whatever this is."


    His voice echoed faintly, answered only by the call of distant birds.


    “Hello? Anyone out there?” he yelled, his voice tinged with desperation.


    The silence was broken by an unexpected sound—a soft ding, followed by a calm, mechanical voice.


    "Welcome, Li Wei. You have been chosen as a participant in the Grand Rebirth Initiative. This world is known as the Eternal Dominion, a realm where mortals seek to transcend the boundaries of existence through cultivation, mastery of skills, and the pursuit of Dao."


    Li Wei froze, his eyes darting around for the source of the voice. “Okay, I’ve officially lost it. Too much MSG in those noodles. Hallucinations. That’s all this is.”


    "This is not a hallucination. The Eternal Dominion is a world of cultivation, where mortals strive to ascend the Heavens by harnessing spiritual energy, understanding universal truths, and mastering the laws of existence."


    Li Wei’s jaw slackened as the words sank in. “Cultivation? Like in those novels?”


    "Correct. However, this world is not fiction. The Eternal Dominion is as real as the life you once knew. Here, mortals battle for survival, strength, and enlightenment."


    Li Wei’s laugh was half disbelief, half hysteria. “Great. I’ve been isekai’d into a Chinese fantasy novel. What’s next? A cheat ability to make me invincible? A destined love interest? Maybe I’ll overthrow an empire while I’m at it!”


    "Your path is yours to decide," the voice replied evenly, unbothered by his sarcasm. "You have been granted the Life Skill Mastery System, designed to aid you in mastering practical and esoteric skills. This system will not provide cultivation techniques or enhance your spiritual power. Your journey will be shaped by your choices and efforts."


    Li Wei blinked. “Wait. You’re saying you can’t help me become one of those superpowered cultivators?”


    "Correct. This system specializes in the development of skills— craftsmanship, culinary arts, and more—but spiritual cultivation lies outside its domain. Survival and prosperity depend on your ingenuity."Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    He groaned. “So, I’ve been dumped in a world full of sword-wielding, spell-casting demigods, and you’re telling me I can’t become one of them? What am I supposed to do, open a noodle shop?”


    The system didn’t respond immediately, as if considering his words.


    "A noodle shop is a viable choice."


    Li Wei almost choked. “You’re joking.”


    "This system does not joke. You have been provided a starting location—a modest courtyard on Spiritwind Mountain, equipped with necessities. Your journey begins now. Good luck."


    Before Li Wei could protest, the voice vanished, leaving him standing alone on the cliffside.


    ---


    When the world didn’t immediately collapse or reveal hidden monsters, Li Wei reluctantly began his trek down the cliffside. After some trial and error—mainly error—he stumbled across a narrow path that led to a clearing. There, nestled among the trees, was a small courtyard.


    The structure was simple: a single-story building made of wood and stone, surrounded by a low wall. Inside the courtyard was a small vegetable garden, a well, and an old tree whose branches stretched protectively over the space. It wasn’t much, but it looked surprisingly livable.


    Li Wei sighed as he walked through the gate. “Well, it’s no five-star resort, but I’ve had worse apartments.”


    The interior of the building was just as modest: a bed, a table, a few chairs, and shelves stocked with tools and supplies. There was a tiny kitchen area with a stove and an assortment of unfamiliar ingredients.


    “Well, I guess this is home now,” he muttered, flopping onto the bed. “I wanted a change of pace, but this is a little extreme.


    ---


    The next morning, Li Wei woke to the chirping of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves. For a moment, he forgot where he was. Then reality—or whatever this was—set in.


    He sat up, rubbing his face. “Okay, Li Wei. Time to figure this out. You’re stuck in a world of cultivators, you have a courtyard, and you’re apparently great at skills. What’s the plan?”


    His stomach growled, answering for him.


    “Right. Food first, plans later.”


    In the kitchen, he examined the ingredients. Most of them were strange plants and powders he didn’t recognize, but there were a few basics: rice, salt, and some kind of leafy vegetable. With a little experimentation, he managed to cook a decent meal, surprising himself with how effortlessly it all came together.


    As he ate, an idea began to take shape.


    “If this world is all about cultivation, people must need food, right? And not just any food—something to keep them going. Maybe... maybe I really could open a tavern or something.”


    He chuckled at the absurdity of it, but the more he thought about it, the more sense it made. He had a courtyard, basic cooking skills, and, most importantly, no better ideas.


    “Why not?” he said aloud, grinning. “A tavern sounds way better than running around fighting monsters. I’ll be the guy people come to after their epic battles.”


    ---


    But before he could set up a tavern, Li Wei realized he needed to understand the world better. And that meant leaving the courtyard.


    With nothing but a small pack of supplies, he set out into the forest. The path was overgrown and uneven, but the air was fresh, and the sights were stunning. He marveled at trees taller than skyscrapers and streams so clear he could see every pebble at the bottom.


    The journey wasn’t without challenges. At one point, he encountered a snake the size of a car, basking in a patch of sunlight. Li Wei froze, his heart pounding, until the creature slithered away, uninterested in him.


    “That’s it. I’m definitely sticking to cooking,” he muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.


    By late afternoon, the forest began to thin, and he spotted signs of civilization: trampled paths, the distant sound of voices, and the faint smell of cooking fires. Following these clues, he eventually came upon a small village nestled in a valley.


    The sight of people going about their daily lives—farmers tending fields, children playing, and merchants unloading goods—brought a wave of relief.


    “Well, hello there,” he said to himself, smiling for the first time since his arrival. “Maybe this place isn’t so bad after all.”


    And with that, he stepped into the village, ready to begin the next chapter of his new life.


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