Chapter 193: Chapter 193

Several days passed in the blink of an eye. With Xiao Shi, the birth mother of the original body, delivering meals day after day, An Ning quickly adapted to this new body.

Of course, this adaptation didn’t include the occasional visits from the group of ghostly sisters who appeared before her at night.

“Um… Host, have you forgotten? Our system mall actually sells ghost-repelling talismans for just fifteen points. Also, the protective jade talisman you used last time still works…” These ghosts are seriously creepy…

Perhaps out of guilt, the system had become much more attentive these past few days. Not only did it voluntarily show concern for its unlucky host, but it even offered to scout the surroundings for information.

Unfortunately, the moment it spoke up, An Ning raised her hand to stop it and even forbade it from wandering outside.

What’s more, for such a long time, An Ning hadn’t used any system items—not even the space storage. Every day, she pitifully gnawed on the hard flatbread delivered by her poor mother, Xiao Shi, and at night, she huddled timidly in the corner of the room.

Worse yet, every time she opened her eyes, she was greeted by the sight of those ghostly sisters…

Recalling how her host in the previous life had roamed freely across the land, indulging in all kinds of rare delicacies without a care, even the system couldn’t help but shudder at the drastic contrast.

“Ugh, when will this miserable life finally end?”

“Don’t worry. It won’t be long—just a few more days.”

Just as An Ning predicted, this streak of misfortune didn’t last much longer.

The next day, staring at the rare, steaming-hot white steamed buns and freshly stewed braised pork in front of her—and Xiao Shi’s barely concealed drooling—An Ning pursed her lips.

Her small, palm-sized face flickered with unease as she eyed the unusually lavish meal, unsure of what to do with her hands.

She stood stiffly in place, unmoving.

Perhaps because she hadn’t spoken much in so long, An Ning’s words came out haltingly, her entire demeanor timid and hesitant.

Seeing her daughter , a pang of heartache flashed in Xiao Shi’s eyes—but it was soon replaced by boundless joy.

Now uncaring about any “unclean” contamination, she hurried forward in a few quick steps and pulled the frail little girl close.

“A-Ning! Ning-Ning! Wonderful news! Just this morning, the village chief came around to inform every household! In just a few days, the immortals from the heavens will descend to recruit disciples!”

“This is truly wonderful!” Tears welled up in Xiao Shi’s eyes, her speech growing even more emotional as she kept repeating, “So wonderful, just so wonderful!”

“Just wait a few more days—our A-Ning is truly blessed with great fortune!”

“Immortals?” On the rickety little bed, An Ning tilted her small face upward, blinking in confusion.

Xiao Shi, suspecting nothing, quickly explained:

“Ah, of course! The immortals from the immortal mountains! The ones who can summon wind and rain, capable of anything! Every few years, they descend to recruit disciples from various places.”

“The village chief said that as long as you’re between six and eight years old and pass their test, you can go with them to live a life of luxury—maybe even become an immortal yourself!”

“Ah, I thought you’d miss this chance, but who knew… Ah, this girl truly has good fortune!”

As she spoke, excitement and relief flickered repeatedly in Xiao Shi’s eyes. Meanwhile, An Ning simply nodded lightly, not bothering to ask why they had such high expectations for her.

The answer was obvious, wasn’t it?

Looking at the clearly dilapidated little hut, and recalling how the Chen family—despite their general disdain—had still “supported” her for years…

Unlike other children, the original body had been able to see unclean things since childhood, and her presence seemed to attract them even more. Logically, for such an “abnormal” child—especially in a superstitious rural setting—why would the Chen family carefully maintain her for years?

What else could they be waiting for, if not this very day?

Even in the cultivation world, ordinary farming families understood that “special” often came with opportunity.

Sure enough, once news of the immortals’ arrival spread, An Ning’s living conditions improved dramatically. Not only did her meals become twice as good (no more fixed gruel and steamed buns), but even her usual tattered bedding was replaced by Old Lady Zhou’s daughters-in-law.

Even the uncles, aunts, and cousins who had previously avoided her like the plague now managed to force smiles at her—though the fear in their eyes hadn’t faded much.

Tch. No matter the era, humans are born gamblers.

Facing the family’s sudden change in attitude, An Ning simply pressed her lips together, feigning timidity—but she had no qualms about accepting whatever was handed to her, eating and drinking without restraint…

Much to the envy of her cousins.

Hmm… This eldest aunt might not be much, but she certainly knew how to cook—especially when she wasn’t stingy with oil.

Time flew, and soon, the day arrived. Streaks of light shot down from the sky.

Watching the flying swords soaring through the air, crowds surged forward. But when it was time to gather at the village entrance, An Ning didn’t immediately join them. Instead, she pretended to feel unwell, leaning against a wall in a slightly secluded corner.

Just as the system was wondering if its host had changed her mind, a familiar voice suddenly rang out nearby:

“A-Ning! The immortals are here—why aren’t you going?”

“A-Ning! There you are! Aunt Chen’s been looking everywhere for you—she’s so worried!”

As she spoke, An Ning bent over, clutching her clearly swollen ankle in feigned pain.

The small girl’s legs and hands were smeared with dirt, as if she had just taken a nasty fall. Seeing this, the person before her hurried forward, carefully helping her up.

An Ning quickly recalled who this was from her memories.

Chen Ping—the village chief’s son, eight years old this year, and the original body’s only childhood friend. Or rather, the only child in the village willing to play with her.

Due to her unusual constitution since birth, the original body had often been confined indoors, growing pale and sickly. Basic social interactions were already a struggle—how could she have friends?

But a turning point came a year ago. When everyone else avoided her, this boy had inexplicably defied the adults’ warnings, bringing a handmade paper dragonfly to play with her…

With someone who didn’t shun her, the two gradually grew close. Some villagers even jokingly teased the boy for his attentiveness.

Because of this, Chen Ping had been confined at home by the village chief recently, forbidden from coming out.

Watching as he helped her up, dusted her off, and acted with excessive eagerness—almost like he was currying favor—An Ning’s eyes flickered slightly.

If she remembered correctly, in the original body’s memories… wasn’t this boy also selected this time?