Night settled over Lianfen. Most of the village was quiet and dark, except for a few lit areas. In a particular inn, a window stood out, defiantly open despite the cold night air, a stark contrast to the shut ones of neighboring rooms. Through that window, the dim light revealed the silhouette of a figure, seated still as a statue for hours. Before this shadowed figure, on a wooden table, lay an assortment of tools and objects unfamiliar to this world.

 

Orion had completed basic repairs on its shoulder and left arm. It successfully reconnected the cables and restored functionality to the severed arm. However, due to its inability to weld the metal frame made of stainless steel, Orion resorted to using the good old duct tape to join the left arm. While the left arm was operational again, it wasn't capable of bearing heavy loads or suitable for combat.

 

Due to the limited tools and spare parts available, there were other damaged components and sensors that Orion couldn't fix. Orion will need to retrieve the necessary tools and spare parts from the Lander. Notably, the multi-band phased array antenna was damaged after the encounter with the bandits. Prior to the damage, this antenna had been functioning optimally, scanning a vast range of frequencies but never picking up any unaccounted radio signals from the planet. However, after the skirmish with the bandits and the subsequent makeshift repairs, the antenna began behaving erratically.

 

Continuous alerts from Orion's internal diagnostic system indicated sporadic and unexpected frequency detections. Considering the antenna's recent damage and the previous absence of such signals, Orion initially regarded these readings as false positives or residual interference. Deciding to prevent further distractions, Orion disabled the antenna.

 

Orion spent the night working diligently. It reviewed new data provided by the Orbiter, adjusted the Orbiter's plans accordingly, and performed a regular system check to identify any issues. Preparing for the next day, it processed previously gathered data to further refine its Linguistic Analysis and Translation function. By replaying past interactions among the villagers, Orion deepened its understanding based on what it had observed and heard.

 

Without the need for rest, Orion could accomplish much in the night hours. As dawn broke and the sun began to rise, Orion swiftly packed away everything on the table into the storage ring and slipped it onto its right-hand finger. To any onlooker, the ring would appear as just a regular, normal ring. "This storage tool is truly invaluable," it mused.

 

With the sun casting a soft glow over Lianfen, Orion had already left the inn, embarking on its exploration for the day. Its goal was to map out the village, identifying different zones like residential areas, markets, public spaces, and any specialized districts, to better understand the layout and function of each part of Lianfen.

 

After roughly an hour, Orion had grasped the general layout and design of the village. As the sun climbed higher in the morning sky, Orion proceeded to the market. The robot methodically moved from stall to stall, discreetly observing transactions, discussions, and the items on display. It cataloged various items, noting their quality and price range, and absorbed a wealth of information regarding the economic intricacies of this world.

 

What was most interesting was that Orion was able to learn the art of haggling. Observing several housewives expertly bargaining with stall owners and managing to significantly reduce prices provided invaluable insights. Thus, a robot from another planet that had just arrived in the village became a master bargainer, rivaling the skills of the most experienced housewives.

 

However, Orion took haggling to an entirely new level. Unlike the housewives, Orion had the capability to meticulously observe and analyze human behaviors, employing its sensors to detect even minute changes in pupil dilation and other subtle reactions. This gave Orion an unparalleled edge in negotiation scenarios.

 

>Modifying AI module.

>Developed: Advanced Haggling Protocol.

 

After a period of observation, Orion decided to actively participate in the marketplace, putting its newly developed haggling skills to the test. The results were impressive. Orion procured a sizable backpack made of a material that closely resembled rattan from Earth. The robot's venture into the market led to the backpack being filled with a variety of items that piqued its interest.

 

Given that Orion hadn't observed any other individuals utilizing storage tools and wanting to maintain an air of secrecy around the storage ring, it decided to return to the inn. There, Orion transferred all the items from the backpack into the ring before embarking on another exploration.

 

The next destination was an area of the village catering to those seeking the riches of the Yuezhi Forest. Orion visited a blacksmith's shop run by an individual who resembled what would be called a dwarf in Earth's fantasy novels, games, stories, movies, etc. Though they were named differently here, Orion simply registered them as dwarves.

Orion managed to identify and purchase small amount of materials like iron ore, copper, coal, zinc, tin, aluminum, silver, gold, platinum, nickel, and magnesium – all familiar resources from Earth, albeit with local nomenclature. Additionally, Orion acquired several materials unique to this world. The robot also acquired some uniquely designed tools.

 

Subsequently, Orion checked out the local pharmacist and alchemy shops, which were managed by individuals reminiscent of elves from Earth's fantasy narratives. However, Orion opted not to make any purchases there. Despite them having a different name in this world, Orion mentally categorized them as elves. The robot explored several other stores until its backpack was once again filled to capacity. Following another trip to the inn to unload its acquisitions, Orion ventured out again.

 

Orion roamed the streets, inspecting stores and interacting with locals. Its understanding of the local languages had significantly improved. It hoped to find a public library or a similar resource but realized that such an establishment might be rare in this smaller settlement. Eventually, Orion stumbled upon a store selling scrolls and books. The quality of the paper was markedly inferior compared to Earth's, but the price tag suggested these materials were valuable here.

 

"Welcome, dear customer! How may I assist you? Are there particular scrolls or books you seek?" the store owner greeted Orion warmly.

 

"What genres or themes do you have?" inquired Orion.

 

"We have a myriad of books ranging from legends and martial arts to literature and encyclopedias about medicinal plants, herbs, spirit beasts, and more," the store owner explained.

 

"And which genres are the most popular?"

 

"Stories and legends about cultivators are particularly popular among mortals. Many dream of becoming cultivators, rising above the mundane and reigning supreme in the world," he replied with enthusiasm.

 

"Are these tales grounded in myth or reality? And what exactly is a cultivator?" Orion asked. The store owner looked stunned by Orion's questions.

 

"Do you truly not know of cultivators?" he asked, almost in disbelief.

 

"I come from a very far away place, so I'm unfamiliar with the concept," Orion explained.

 

"Ah, I see. In secluded places, it's not uncommon for people to live their whole lives without encountering a cultivator. Think of them as deities. They possess longevity, can soar through the skies, control the elements, and eradicate mere mortals with a mere thought," the owner elaborated.

 

Orion pondered. "This concept seems... familiar. Wait, isn't the term 'cultivator' akin to those from Earth's fantasy novels?"

 

The store owner looked puzzled. "Novels? Earth? I'm afraid I don't follow."

 

"Do these cultivators have the power to cleave mountains, part seas, obliterate entire cities with a single strike, exhale fire, and traverse the skies on swords?" Orion inquired.

 

"Yes, precisely!" the store owner exclaimed. "However, it's worth noting that such formidable abilities are attributed to high-level cultivators. The ones I've seen, though still more powerful than mortals, don't command such world-altering power."

 

"You swear you're not deceiving me?" Orion pressed.

 

"I would never dare lie to a patron! Everything I've shared is genuine, though the earth-shattering feats are characteristic of exceptionally high-level cultivators," the owner reiterated.

 

Orion was taken aback. So, have I been transported to a cultivation world akin to Earth's fantasy novels? Could such stories be rooted in reality? Orion's processors whirred as it tried to grapple with this revelation.

 

"So, do you want to buy any book?" the store owner inquired.

 

"Uhh... yes, I'd like to purchase some books. But why are they so expensive?" Orion, recovering from its shock, inquired about the hefty price tags on the books.

 

"The price is quite standard. Books that use paper tend to be expensive. If you're seeking a cheaper alternative, you might consider our products made from animal parchment," the store owner offered.

 

Orion pondered for a moment before responding, "If I buy them, would you assist me in reading parts of the book? As I mentioned, I come from a distant place, and I'm unfamiliar with the local script. I'd like to learn."

 

"This..." the store owner hesitated, why should I read it for you and also help you learn to read? he grumbled internally.

 

"I will pay for the extra service. And currently, there's no other customer here, so you have plenty of free time," added Orion.

 

"Well, if that's what you wish, I can assist you with reading. But I'm not certain you'll easily grasp our script," replied the store owner.

 

"You don't need to be concerned about that," Orion assured him. If the store owner knew that Orion had mastered his language in just days, he would be astounded. But then, Orion was no ordinary being – it was a robot with advanced AI.

 

"Very well. Which book are you interested in purchasing?" the store owner asked as Orion perused the shelves, assessing the books, scrolls, and their corresponding prices.

 

Orion selected numerous books from the shelves, causing the store owner to face the task of reading through many of them. Initially, he was skeptical about this customer's ability to afford such a large purchase. However, when Orion revealed a pouch brimming with gold coins, the owner's demeanor shifted to sheer enthusiasm. I've landed a wealthy customer! he thought gleefully.

 

After more than two hours of continuous reading, the store owner's mouth felt like it was on the verge of giving out. Despite his fatigue, his spirits remained high, buoyed by the day's impressive sales.

 

"Thank you for your generous purchase. Please do visit us again," the store owner said cheerfully. Feeling accomplished and with a weary jaw, he decided to close the shop early that day and take a well-deserved rest.

 

Orion's rattan backpack was filled with books and scrolls. With these in tow, the robot set its course towards a location where many cultivators gathered, a location it learned about from the bookstore owner . Orion was keen to observe and verify whether this truly was a cultivation world, akin to those described in Earth's fantasy novels. It sought confirmation.