Chapter 2: Slumbering Past
My name is?
Xilutiya
This was clearly not the name from her past（previous life）, but after waking up this time, some vague memories told the maiden that she was now called Xilutiya.
Could there really be such a thing as reincarnation? She had no memories of her previous life when she was born, and only now did they suddenly come back to her, but as some kind of unexpected side effect, she had instead lost the memories of the early years of this life, leaving only a few vague fragments.
Looking at the clothes on her body, the plain white dress had a style that was not ornate, but certain details, such as the cuffs and hem, were exceptionally exquisite, as if to remind that its price was not low, and continuing to check her palm, its smooth and delicate appearance did not look like that of someone who had done labor.
Her background in this life should be pretty good; if she could find her family and relatives from this life, she would probably have no worries about food and clothing? The maiden pondered the origins of this body in her mind.
Although she did not know what her personality was like in this life, from some vague memory fragments and inner feelings, it seemed not much different from her previous life, with no strangeness or discomfort, just like the same person.
While scavenging for information in the vague memories, a sudden realization arose, and some information appeared in her mind.
————
Name: Xilutiya·※※※※
Race: Human（※※※）
Status: Healthy（No Anomalies）
Talent:
Star【Unknown Grade】: You are favored by the stars. You are not a native resident of this place, but an existence descended from an alien star, yet strangely, you have been accepted by this world and become a part of it. Cherish this blessing, for its implications far exceed your imagination.
Cornflower’s Affection【Rare Grade, Upgradable】: When you use any secret arts and crafted items related to cornflower, you gain enhanced effects. This is a talent flowing in your bloodline, an inheritance from the family bloodline, allowing each generation of inheritor to receive the blessing of one type of flower.
——Those who glimpse the fairy monarch·Spring Star Lord ‘Funexini’ and their bloodline descendants receive the blessing of the ancient promise.
Fate Card: 【Sleeping Girl】（Nature Tier: None）
A strange card appeared in Xilutiya’s consciousness. Its border was wrapped in silver metal wisteria branches. In the center of the card, a silver-haired maiden lay with her eyes closed in deep sleep amid a sea of blooming pale blue cornflowers, while the sky in the distant background was dim, with meteors occasionally streaking across and vanishing in flashes, as if they had never existed.
【Sleeping Girl】
‘You have lost the nature power you once possessed. You can only guess from the silver wisteria frame that this nature power may be related to ‘Brilliant Moon’ or ‘Emerald Honey’. The past memories are deeply asleep. If you wish to awaken that sleeping past, start with ‘Brilliant Moon’ and ‘Emerald Honey’.’
Effect:
【Discernment Eyes Lv.2】: From special talent and physique, you can discern colors and some essences of things that ordinary people cannot perceive.（When you raise the tier of the fate card, this ability will also improve synchronously）
;
Ability Card: 【Empty Slot】【Empty Slot】【Empty Slot】
————
In the center of the fate plate outlined by invisible threads, the 【Sleeping Girl】 with the silver wisteria border was placed there, and below this card, there were three empty slots, which should be able to hold other cards.
One 【fate card】 representing the self, three empty 【ability cards】. This world had strange supernatural powers, which seemed to exist in a card form in tandem with individuals. If one learned special secret arts and skills, they could be converted into ability cards and placed into the soul and consciousness’s fate plate to exert effects.
Walking step by step toward the village at the foot of the mountain slope, Xilutiya saw fiery red evening clouds appearing on the horizon in the distance and quickened her pace, fearing she would not make it before nightfall.
Her snow-white hair strands fluttered, her skirt hems billowed, the village that seemed not far in her gaze was actually not that close when walking. By the time Xilutiya arrived, the sky was nearly dark, but fortunately, the village today was not as early to rest and quiet as usual. Several horse carriages were parked in the plaza in the village, surrounding the central bonfire. The rear doors of the carriages were open, displaying some transported goods, and many villagers were gathered around at the moment.
“Prices have gone up again, Fanderxi.”
“This clothing looks ugly in style too. Is it stuff others didn’t want that you bought cheap and brought here to sell to us?” The villagers gossiped, their voices clearly heard by the maiden.
The language was vastly different from her previous life’s, but she could naturally understand it, probably because she had learned it in this life.
Using the cover of the night, the maiden walked along the road toward the village plaza, thinking in her heart about how to explain her origins to others and first find a simple job here to settle down.
She seemed to have no money on her. While walking, the maiden touched her clothes again, but unfortunately, aside from this good-looking plain white dress and undergarments, there was nothing else.
No, there was one more thing. She reached behind her head and touched the hairband tied in her hair strands.
Untying the hairband, her upright hair fell to the sides of her neck. Xilutiya held a pale blue silk hairband, with beautifully interwoven cornflower patterns embroidered on it in overlapping and staggered silk threads, demonstrating exquisite craftsmanship.
She now had something to exchange, but… the maiden touched her cheek. Although she did not know the exact appearance of this body now, based on vague memories and feel, it should be very beautiful?
Being too beautiful without any power was actually quite dangerous, because she had something others coveted but lacked the strength to protect it.
Thinking of this, her steps slowed down. She began to think about how to cope. If it was a big city, public security should be much better, but this was a small village, and she had no way of knowing the local customs. For now, she indeed had no better choice. If she spent the night outside, she might encounter other difficult situations. Going to a place with more people would always be better and provide some public restraint.
After a brief moment of contemplation, she resumed her pace and walked toward the brightly lit place.
“No way around it, Old Man Pond. This trip wasn’t easy for me either. You know it’s Ti Lang Festival period now, there are plenty of powerful wild beasts on the road. I have to spend more money to hire people to protect the merchant caravan, and I can’t travel at night. See, we arrived late this time too. Normally, how could I pass up such a money-making opportunity? Don’t you think?” The big-bearded merchant clasped his hands together inside his sleeves, explaining the current situation to the village chief beside him.
“Alright, alright, I’ve heard these excuses of yours countless times. Anyway, you merchants always have reasons for making money.” The old village chief waved his hand, indicating he did not care about the other’s cost issues.
“Oh, right, did you bring the iron nails I ordered last time?”
“Brought them, but that stuff is heavy, I put it under the carriage. It’ll probably take until tomorrow to unload. What’s up, do you need them urgently?”
“Not really urgent. I bought the iron nails to reinforce the houses. In another two or three years it’ll be Blowing Wind Season, too late to do it then.”
“You’re preparing so far in advance for something two years away. You really think ahead.”
“Everything prices up during Blowing Wind Season. I’m just preparing early to save a little money.” The village chief shook his head and answered casually.
“Blowing Wind, Heavy Mist. I wonder if this old body of mine can last until the next Trade Wind Season arrives.”
“You will. Your body is so healthy, you’ll surely see the morning light of the next Trade Wind Season.”
“Hahaha, that means living another twenty-plus years.”
……
More noisy voices entered the maiden’s ears. In this life, she had hearing far superior to her previous life; even if ten people spoke at once, she could easily distinguish, understand, and remember them all.
Such ability was truly terrifying. In her previous life, she probably could have gotten into the university of her dreams.
From the conversations between these villagers and merchants, Xilutiya learned quite a bit of information. This merchant caravan passed through the village, and the leading merchant was a regular here. The atmosphere seemed quite harmonious, easing her worries a bit.
Facing the burning orange bonfire, the maiden gradually approached until she stepped into the boundary between firelight and shadow, suddenly revealing herself.
A snow-white silk dress was not something ordinary people could afford, especially to keep it so pristine—even nobles would only wear it on formal occasions. When Xilutiya entered the plaza in the village, she immediately drew quite a bit of attention.
“Excuse me, you… Miss?” When a member of the merchant caravan clearly saw her appearance, he quickly changed his words to polite speech.
Able to enter and exit so leisurely, dressed in luxurious clothes, with an exceedingly beautiful appearance—she must be some noble miss, possibly even the child of a prestigious great noble family.
The merchant caravan’s escorts hurriedly reported to Fanderxi, who also turned his head, bid farewell to the village chief, and quickened his steps toward this silver-haired girl in white dress.
“Greetings, esteemed miss. May I ask what you need?” He tried to imitate the etiquette he had seen before, greeting the maiden.
The somewhat comical and clumsy movements made the maiden want to laugh, but she politely held it back and lightly lifted her skirt in return, as if by instinct.
“Hello.” Her clear, crisp voice was like mountain spring water, soft and pleasant, causing everyone present to pause for a few seconds.
The maiden also paused slightly, surprised by the sound of her own voice now.
“Hello, may I ask where this is?” She spoke again, her fingers lightly touching her ear and cheek, tucking back a few strands of hair to ease the tension.
“This is…” The merchant Fanderxi had not expected someone to ask such a question and stalled for a few seconds before responding.
“We are now in the south of Regas Duchy, Fir Village.”
Regas Duchy… The maiden carefully recalled, feeling no familiarity at all. It seemed she had not been to this place in this life. If so, to recover her identity, she could only rely on raising the relevant nature tier to restore memories; otherwise, wandering aimlessly like a headless fly would yield no results.
Seeing this maiden lost in thought and silent, the few people in front of her grew nervous, unsure where they had failed, but fortunately, the village chief had heard about the situation and walked over slowly.
When Village Chief Pond came before the maiden, this change snapped her out of her thoughts. Her eyes moved slightly, meeting the gaze of this old man.
Her eyes were a pale blue like cornflower petals, pure, as if never polluted. Such temperament surprised even the experienced village chief, who had been an adventurer in his youth and visited many places.
“Miss, may I ask if you are lost?” He asked carefully, probably having discerned the maiden’s issue.
“Yes, I experienced an accident and got lost in the forest not far from here. I currently need some help.” The maiden bowed politely in greeting again.
“I see.” Hearing this, Village Chief Pond and Merchant Fanderxi exchanged a glance, their minds settling.
This noble miss seemed quite approachable, her temper far better than those spoiled young masters they usually encountered in Jiaoshi City.
This was a world with supernatural powers, and nobles possessed many resources and knowledge skills, as well as strength beyond what commoners could reach, so ordinary people generally feared clashing with nobles unless absolutely necessary.
“In that case, how about I arrange a place for you to stay tonight, miss? I still don’t know your name?” The village chief offered proactively.
“My name is… Tiya. Thank you for the trouble.” Out of some caution, the maiden only gave a shortened version of her name.
“No problem, Miss Tiya.” The village chief stroked his beard with a hearty laugh. In his eyes, this maiden was the pure type who stayed long-term in manors or castles, secluded and simple, one of the easiest groups to deal with.
Ordinary minor nobles could not cultivate such temperament; she was probably the daughter of some great noble family. Building a good relationship with her would surely bring benefits, after all, even scraps from great nobles’ fingers were treasures commoners could not obtain in a lifetime.
The three’s conversation gradually ended. While they spoke, many villagers and merchant caravan members quietly gathered around, not too close, but the converging gazes made Xilutiya feel somewhat uncomfortable—not out of fear, but because both her current and previous life’s personalities were not good at handling social interactions, preferring to stay quietly alone.
Fortunately, the situation was soon broken. A girl about Xilutiya’s height ran over at the village chief’s call. She had reddish-brown hair messily tied into a braid at the back of her head, wore a flax yellow short shirt, had a slim and sallow figure, her exposed calves shiny with some oil, and her straw sandals were tight and durable.
“Talil, take this miss home, clean up the room your sister used to live in properly, change to clean bedding, and give it to this miss for the night.”
“Got it, Grandfather.” Talil answered casually, but her gaze did not leave Xilutiya’s face, as if wanting to look closely and recognize her.
“Follow me.”
She reached out and grabbed Xilutiya’s wrist, leading her through the crowd toward the interior of the village.
This action startled Village Chief and Merchant Fanderxi, but it was too late to stop. Fortunately, Xilutiya just followed without displeasure, and the two wiped cold sweat in relief.
“My fault, this child has wild habits at home, I haven’t taught her well.” The village chief recalled that his daily energy was on the village, and the only one he cared a bit about was Talil’s sister, who had recently married.
Compared to the wild and stubborn Talil, her sister Winnie was much more gentle and steady, well-liked, and thus married into a decent family in the city.
Moving through the crowd, Xilutiya slightly lowered her head, avoiding various curious gazes, feeling the hand gripping her wrist. Talil was about her height, with some rough traces on the inner sides of her fingers, probably from a recent scratch that scabbed into hard skin.
Even on first meeting, Xilutiya guessed the other was the type of girl who liked running around and playing everywhere.
Just as Xilutiya was wondering what the living environment here would be like, a rapid sound of horse hooves came from the distance, and she could not help turning back to look, seeing a group of cavalry holding torches racing along the road in the night.
They gripped the reins, their bodies rising and falling with the horses’ running, expressions anxious. Approaching the village entrance, they barely paused, leaping over the low fence, with some later cavalry unable to jump and directly crashing through it.
The dry wood from Xu Feng Season snapped in half with a crisp crack, then this group of cavalry charged straight to the plaza with their torches raised.
“Everyone, prepare for defense!”
A rough roar exploded in the plaza. Many villagers had not yet realized what was happening when another terrified scream rang out.
“Wolves! Wolves!”
From the darkness outside the village, chilling whimpering sounds continuously approached. Nothing was visible in the pitch black, but the constant rustling noises indicated a group of living creatures drawing near.
At this point, some villagers finally reacted, some rushing home to fetch weapons, some women hurriedly finding their children to bring them indoors. The merchant caravan escorts also tensed up, drawing their personal short swords and axes, with some readying long spears to face the unknown danger.
Ten-odd seconds later, a group of blurry running silhouettes appeared outside the village, but what caught the eye more were those pairs of oily green eyes.
Wolves, a wolf pack, about over forty wolves charging out from the night. The leading giant wolf leaped directly, crossing the fence that offered no obstruction. Only then, under the firelight, did everyone clearly see this wolf’s face.
It had sleek orange-red fur all over, its long hairs slightly floating like flames. Even on all fours, it was taller than a person, larger than a common ox. As it approached, scorching aura spread, its narrow eyes revealing ferocity, an intangible pressure instantly shocking everyone present.
Gazing at the giant wave like flowing flames in the plaza, many pieces of information surfaced in Xilutiya’s mind.
———
Race: Forest Wolf（Mutated）
Status: Healthy（Feral）
Talent:
Sense of Smell【Good Grade】: Keen sense of smell, can distinguish and track various creatures. Common talent of wolf-like creatures.
Fate Card: 【Crimson Wolf】（First Order-Blazing Sun）
‘Baptized by ‘Blazing Sun’ Xu Feng, wolves running in the mountain forest gradually take on orange fiery red. When they complete the overall transformation, they step into the first stage of the supernatural nature ‘Blazing Sun’, escaping the realm of wild beasts to become feared fang beasts.’
Effect:
【Boiling Blood Lv.2】: ‘Blazing Sun’s nature power flows in the blood, granting this creature powerful vitality, allowing it to run day and night without tiring, while slightly strengthening the physique, enhancing power and speed.
Ability Card:
【Fangs Lv.2】（Beast Fangs）: Possesses sharp teeth far surpassing wild beasts, can tear some metals, and self-sharpens and repairs.（Most beast creatures gain fang/horn/claw type abilities, originating from the ‘Beast Fangs’ nature instinct flowing in their bloodline.）
———
So that’s how it is. After understanding the information, the maiden realized why these cavalry could not shake off the wolf pack— with the ‘Blazing Sun’ nature boost, these Ti Lang’s stamina was exceptionally enduring; ordinary people and animals could not outrun them and would be exhausted to death if unable to fight.
Thinking of this, she felt a surge of relief. If she had chosen to flee all the way during the day, she would probably have been caught up by that Ti Lang on the road due to exhaustion and become its meal.
“Hurry, go!”
While Xilutiya was still observing and thinking, Talil beside her anxiously pulled her toward the houses deeper in the village, where there were a few stone buildings that could be used for barricades. Many villagers were also running that way now, and at this moment, the battle in the plaza erupted.
“Steel Sharp Blade!”
Invisible light converged into the drawn broadsword, then the sword blade slashed toward the giant wolf’s open bloody maw of fangs, clashing with sparks and blood.
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