Getting out of bed, Yu Xuan looked around but saw no one. The person who had fed him had already left. Walking to the door and stepping through the threshold, he lifted his gaze upward and was greeted by the blazing sun.
"Noon, huh?" he guessed the time, stretching his shoulders. "In three weeks, the second main step will begin."
Yu Xuan's lips curved into a smile. Until now, he had been procrastinating about the crater in the middle of his house, since the hole would be useful later.
Uncovering his mouth, he looked south with deep eyes. "For now, I'll ignore the village."
Yu Xuan felt ashamed to face Xianan at that moment, without giving anything in return. It was a stupid reason—he knew that—but what could he do? In his life without restraints, one of the greatest burdens was owing something to someone.
If he stole, he could feel at ease; but receiving something directly was far too strange. Especially when there was no benefit behind it—only kindness. If he could choose, he would rather the other party come with self-interest, so he could act without guilt.
"Xianan... Xianan..." Yu Xuan sighed after murmuring the woman's name twice. Letting out another long breath, he began a simple routine for the following weeks.
Living a repetitive life every day, he didn't feel bored—only a quiet sense of enjoyment, savoring every instant of these peaceful moments.
He watched as the sun grew hotter throughout the day. It was early July, a season when grains ripened and cicadas sang cheerfully.
After one month and one day since obtaining the diary, Yu Xuan rose from his mattress with a calm expression. His eyes were like deep waters, containing the serenity of the ocean. During those tranquil days, his aura was that of a scholar preparing for an exam.
"And today is the day Xiao Jin begins his evolution," he murmured softly. Yet beneath his calm voice were faint traces of anxiety. Yu Xuan wanted to see what the silkworm would become.
Suppressing his excitement, he walked to the two jars. Both creatures were doing well—Yu Xuan had been feeding them daily: the butterfly with what was left of the candy, now only in small bits, and the silkworm with mulberry leaves.
When Xiao Jin saw him, his gaze was proud, accustomed to Yu Xuan's daily presence.
The butterfly, on the other hand, looked panicked, still trying to escape the container. But too bad—the glass had only small holes, leaving no way out. To make matters worse, its wings had been cut.
"Little one, remember what I said before? That you could evolve into a race beyond comprehension? The moment has come. Once you swallow this butterfly, your evolution will begin."
Xiao Jin blinked his golden eyes at those words, then looked at the green butterfly, instantly overwhelmed by an urge to devour it. That creature had a strong effect on him; its nature would complement his solar transformation.
Watching every movement, Yu Xuan rested his chin on his hand. "Just as I thought, Xiao Jin really is unique."
He smiled, then lifted the jar with the silkworm and quickly placed it inside the other.
Once both creatures were together, the butterfly felt the gaze of a predator. It immediately turned and fled to the opposite side. Xiao Jin, watching, simply extended his silk.
"Ohhhh! So this guy can use silk? Well, he is a silkworm, so it's not unusual... but he actually used it?" Yu Xuan had never seen Xiao Jin produce silk before, no matter the situation.
Thrilled, he enjoyed the spectacle unfolding inside the jar.
The butterfly, running for its life, suddenly sensed danger behind her. Glancing back, she saw a golden thread—like fine wool—whistling through the air. Within seconds, it crossed the space between them and pierced her chest.
She was trapped. Driven by the will to survive, she tried to tear the silk apart, but couldn't rip even a centimeter. The material was tough and hot; every time she struggled, her body was seared with intense heat.
Behind her, Xiao Jin released more silk, slowly crawling closer.
Seconds passed, then a minute, and time kept flowing.
Yu Xuan's mood darkened as he watched. He couldn't wait any longer—Xiao Jin was far too slow. To help, he slid his hand underneath and flicked the butterfly. She shot forward with the impact of his fingers.
Xiao Jin opened his mouth, watching his meal come straight toward him.
Before the poor insect could do anything, it was swallowed whole and dissolved inside his stomach.
After eating, the golden silkworm yawned and closed his heavy eyes. Soon, his own silk wrapped around him, forming a cocoon.
"Hibernation has begun," Yu Xuan said cheerfully, his mood now much lighter. Lifting the jar, he tried to pick up the cocoon with his hand—but the moment he touched the silk, a scorching shock flooded every cell in his body.
"Hot... hot!" Yu Xuan pulled his hand back, blowing on his reddened fingers, feeling a familiar sensation. "Damn it, this thing has the same temperature as the diary—but instead of cold, it's burning hot."
He grumbled, frustrated but still composed. Picking up a racket from the table, he slid it under the silk, but the metal wires melted as if under fire.
Working quickly, Yu Xuan leaned forward, crouched by the crater, and dropped the silk into it. It fell to the ground, rolling a few times among the rubble instead of disintegrating.
Letting out a sigh of relief, Yu Xuan went outside, grabbed his axe, and headed for the trees, chopping several trunks. Returning with the logs on his shoulders, he placed them into the hole, covering it.
There were still gaps letting in light, so Yu Xuan fetched some planks he had stored away and sealed the crater completely.
When he finished, cold sweat ran down his forehead. Wiping it with his sleeve, his eyes grew calm and patient.
For the next three months, he would have to be more patient than ever.
The great moment was approaching.
"I have to find the Spring Pool no matter what!" Yu Xuan's determination was firm. He had suffered greatly for this goal.
"Life isn't easy," he said, fully agreeing with his own words.
If someone desires something, they must chase it—no matter the cost. One cannot expect a pie to fall from the sky.
"I have to work hard. Finding the Spring Pool is only the beginning."