Chapter 3: Of Taverns and Crossroads


    The sun was dipping below the horizon as I made my way back to the mountains. The soft glow of twilight bathed the path in golden hues, and the air was cool and fragrant, carrying the scent of pine and wildflowers. Birds chirped their final songs of the day, and the gentle rustle of leaves filled the silence.


    As I climbed higher, the village lights twinkled in the distance like fireflies. Despite the pleasant evening, my thoughts were far from peaceful.


    “Alright, system,” I muttered, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. “Let’s talk about taverns.”


    Silence.


    I sighed. “I mean, you did give me that courtyard, so technically, this is your fault. You’ve got to help me with this.”


    Still nothing.


    Annoyed, I stopped in the middle of the trail and shouted, “HELLO?! SYSTEM?! ARE YOU THERE?”


    A familiar, emotionless voice rang in my head.


    “Host, there is no need to yell. I am always present.”


    “Oh, really?” I folded my arms. “Then why do you only show up when it’s convenient for you?”


    “I respond when it is necessary. Unnecessary complaints do not qualify.”


    I rolled my eyes. “Fine, whatever. Let’s talk about the tavern idea. I was thinking—”


    Before I could finish, the system interrupted.


    “Before we discuss the tavern, it is crucial for you to understand the significance of your current location.”


    “My location?” I frowned, glancing around at the towering peaks and dense forest. “What’s so special about these mountains?”


    “The mountains you now inhabit serve as a crossroads between distinct realms: the mortal world, the immortal cultivation world, and the spirit world.”


    I blinked. “Crossroads? Like a joint highway?”


    “If that helps you comprehend, yes. These mountains are a place of convergence, where mortals seek enlightenment, cultivators pursue immortality, and spirits manifest their presence.”


    I let out a low whistle, gazing at the mountains with newfound respect. “So, this place is like the ultimate hub for mystical stuff. And you dropped me here without a warning?”


    “Host, your presence here is not accidental. This location aligns with your potential. However, your success or failure depends solely on you.”


    “Great,” I muttered. “No pressure or anything.”


    The system continued. “Many travelers pass through these mountains—mortals seeking shelter, cultivators searching for rare resources, and spirits drawn by the natural energy of this place. A tavern here would attract all manner of beings.”Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    I rubbed my chin thoughtfully. “So, it’s not just a tavern—it’s a gathering place for everyone. Mortals, cultivators, and even spirits. That could work.”


    “Shall I proceed to create the tavern, Host?”


    I nodded. “Go for it. But, uh, make it classy, okay? I don’t want some shabby inn that looks like it’s falling apart.”


    The air around me shimmered, and a soft hum filled my ears. Before my eyes, the courtyard transformed. What had once been an empty, barren space was now a breathtaking tavern that seemed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings.


    The structure was made of dark wood, polished to a glossy sheen, with large windows that allowed the golden light from inside to spill out into the twilight. The roof curved gracefully, resembling the wings of a bird in flight, and intricate carvings adorned the beams, depicting scenes of nature and mythical creatures.


    The front door was wide and inviting, flanked by two lanterns that emitted a warm, steady glow. A stone path led up to the entrance, lined with flowering shrubs that filled the air with their sweet scent.


    Inside, the tavern was just as impressive. The space was open and airy, with high ceilings and large beams. The walls were lined with shelves stocked with jars of herbs, bottles of wine, and neatly folded linens. Long tables and benches filled the room, their surfaces smooth and polished. A massive fireplace dominated one wall, its hearth filled with a crackling fire that cast a cozy glow over the space.


    I stepped inside, marveling at the attention to detail. The air was warm and carried a faint hint of spices, as though the tavern itself was welcoming me.


    “This…” I said, turning in a slow circle, “is amazing.”


    “The tavern is equipped with necessities for food preparation, storage, and lodging,” the system informed me. “However, decorations are absent. You will need to handle that yourself.”


    I raised an eyebrow. “You built an entire tavern but couldn’t throw in a vase or two?”


    “Host, your creativity should be reflected in the decor. It is an opportunity for self-expression.”


    I snorted. “Oh, sure. Self-expression through interior design. That’s definitely my strong suit.”


    Once the initial awe wore off, I turned my attention back to the system. “Alright, let’s circle back to the important stuff. This world—what’s the deal with cultivation? Can I do it? Or am I stuck being the tavern guy while everyone else shoots fireballs and flies around?”


    The system’s response was maddeningly cryptic. “Cultivation is a path that requires determination, understanding, and perseverance. Whether you can cultivate depends entirely on you. I cannot assist in cultivation.”


    I frowned. “But is it possible for me? Do I have the potential?”


    “It is possible,” the system replied. “However, success depends on your choices and actions.”


    I sighed. “So basically, it’s a yes, but also a maybe.”


    The system didn’t respond, which I took as confirmation.


    “Fine,” I said, crossing my arms. “What about skills? Do I have anything useful to start with, or am I starting from scratch?”


    “Host’s life skills are all maxed out, and they become better and better moving forward.”


    I blinked. “All maxed out? What does that mean?”


    “Host possesses mastery in all non-combat skills, including cooking, cleaning, crafting, and brewing. These skills will aid you in managing the tavern and interacting with others.”


    A slow grin spread across my face. “So, I’m basically a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to life skills? That’s not bad.”


    “Indeed. However, life skills alone are insufficient for survival in a world where strength often determines one’s fate.”


    My grin faltered. “Thanks for the reminder, system. Real mood booster, that one.”


    After the system went silent again, I took another look around the tavern. It was a masterpiece, no doubt, but it felt empty. It lacked personality, warmth—the little touches that made a place feel alive.


    “Well,” I said, rolling up my sleeves. “If the system won’t do it, I guess it’s up to me. Time to make this place my own.”


    With a deep breath, I stepped outside and gazed at the mountains. The stars were beginning to appear, their light casting a silvery glow over the peaks.


    “This is my starting point,” I said quietly. “A tavern at the crossroads of three worlds. It’s not exactly where I expected to end up, but maybe it’s exactly where I’m supposed to be.”


    I chuckled to myself. “And who knows? Maybe running a tavern won’t be so bad. After all, everyone needs a place to rest, eat, and share their stories. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll find my own story along the way.”


    With that thought, I turned back to the tavern, ready to take the first step in this strange, new world.