35 The Vermillion Sparrow (1/2)

Fang woke up to a shining sun with no trace of the previous clouds. Stretching his arms, he got out of bed. Using water to wash his face and body, he went outside.

Immediately, the soft and fragrant smell of flowers drifted over to assault his nose with their delicate tendrils of scent.

Fang opened his sleepy eyes and gaped in shock.

Beautiful scenery surrounded him as the lonely mountain came alive with the gentle rustling of hundreds of beautiful flowers. Blooming petals of red, blue, green, yellow, and many more flowers floated in the wind. Their stems were long and sturdy, reaching out from the moist soil with the vitality of a living and breathing human. They pulsated with spiritual energy and gave off a gentle radiance.

Fang stared at the vast garden that seemed to cover the entire side of the mountain. Shaking his head, he brought himself back to his senses.

”Well... how... what?” he stammered.

[Congralutations! The host has acquired a legendary spiritual mountain and claimed ownership over it. This increases the spiritual energy that these plants have to grow in as well as their rate of growth. The mountain is a vast store of spiritual energy and it continually generates earth and natural energy within its core, providing for the vitality of all the living things on it]

Fang smiled in exultation at this amazing discovery.

”Amazing... so this mountain was really special...,”

Chirping filled the air as a scarlet bird swooped around joyously. It wove through the air in complicated aerial maneuvers. Sweeping downwards, it headed for Fang and landed on his shoulder.

”Fang! Look! Flowers!” it cried.

Fang smiled. So this was why Suzume wished to stay in this mountain: the spiritual energy here was much thicker and much purer than ordinary energy and it would nourish the sparrow greatly. Smiling, he thanked the heavens for bestowing this massive present upon him.

Walking amongst the garden, Fang stroked the flowers.

”Ah... these petals are so smooth!” he exclaimed as he stroked the fallen petals.

[Petals can be used for potions or cultivation]

A voice sounded in his head, reminding him of the use of the petals.

”Suzume! Collect all the petals and put them in the storage!” he commanded.

”OK!” the sparrow chirped.

Flapping its wings furiously, it zoomed about, a tiny speck of flame. Picking up petals with its beak, it transported them to the storage area within seconds. Fang smiled. He rather liked having a mythical existence help him with his farming: it made things twice as efficient!

The sparrow fluttered back to Fang. Chirping, it jumped around in joy at this massive farm. Fang enjoyed its antics and the two passed some time together, amongst the beautiful flowers.

Suddenly, the sparrow became tense.