Cultivating Immortality Begins with Selling Oneself

Chapter 1 Selling Yourself at the Beginning

Morning light breaks
The pale sky spread like light ink on rice paper, and the quiet village gradually woke up from its slumber.

“Oh~oh~oh~~~~~~”

Accompanied by the passionate crowing of a rooster, Zhaojia Village seemed to come alive, with smoke rising and lingering over the bluestone-paved alley.

In a remote corner of the village, Zhao Shounong, the head of the family, had a worried look on his face, smoking his pipe and considering whether to donate his land to the village chief.

After all, the harvest this year is not good, and there is a high probability that taxes will not be paid.

The village chief's family has an official, so they don't have to pay taxes. As long as they donate their land to the village chief, they can become the village chief's tenant and then rent their land back. At least they can make a living without paying taxes.

Of course, the disadvantage is also obvious: the land no longer belongs to you!
This is the most difficult choice for the common people who work hard in the fields.

Of course, there is another way instead of selling the land.

Zhao Shounong looked towards his yard. The five children had all gotten up and, led by a little one, lined up to wash their faces and rinse their mouths.

Although it was not the first time he had seen such a scene, Zhao Shounong was still very surprised.

These furry kids are all at the age of being naughty, but they are all well-behaved, standing in line in order, which shows the prestige of the leading little guy.

But the little girl in the lead was only eight years old, and she was a girl. How did she manage to get the older brothers and sisters who were in their early teens to listen to her?

It is said that children in rural areas grow up early. Although the little girl is only eight years old, she already has a maturity and stability that does not belong to her age.

The morning sunlight filtered through the sparse treetops, dappling onto the little girl. Her simple linen dress, though not ornate, was immaculately washed, casually tied at her waist, revealing a lively and innocent air. Her hair was simple yet orderly, a few strands brushing against her ears, adding to her playful and endearing beauty.

Shen Fuyu felt somewhat helpless. So what if he traveled through time? It was one thing to be in the body of a child, but the family conditions were too difficult. The child didn't even have a name.

Because she was the second girl, she was named Erhua, and Shen Fuyu was her name in her previous life.

That’s not the worst part. We can barely even afford to eat at home!

Because of this, my parents are getting older and their hair is turning white with worry.

She is only eight years old. What can she do in this ancient-like environment?
Even if she really made money with the wisdom of later generations, she would probably not even know how she died.

Besides, the gossipy old ladies in the village swore and vowed that they had seen fairies flying over the village. Perhaps this world is much more dangerous than in ancient times.

After thinking for a day, Shen Fuyu made an important decision.

"Father, please leave me to Uncle Nine."

Zhao Shounong was startled and took a deep drag on his pipe: "Erhua, have you decided...?"

What does Uncle Nine do? He works in the dental industry. Giving it to Uncle Nine means selling yourself, a complete gamble.

If you are lucky, you will be bought as a maid. If you are unlucky, you will be bought as a child bride and may be sent to a remote mountain to live a miserable life.

But no matter what, it's better than starving to death now.

"I've made the decision. I don't regret it."

Although Zhao Shounong was reluctant, he had no choice in the current predicament.

In the end, Shen Fuyu was sold for three taels of silver.

Before leaving, my mother secretly slipped a tael of silver to Uncle Nine and said, "Uncle, Erhua is now in your care. You must find a good family for her!" My mother wiped her tears as she spoke. Uncle Nine took the silver without leaving a trace and said, "Erhua has always been smart. I must find a good family for her!"

Without much delay, Shen Fu got on the pawnshop's carriage.

The carriage was a semi-enclosed compartment with poor ventilation. The only exit was at the front seat to prevent children from escaping.

Shen Fuyu took a quick look and saw seven or eight children in the carriage, each occupying a small corner, huddled together like helpless little animals.

She glanced at the top of each child's head, and saw a light yellow block on each one.

This was the only golden finger she brought with her from traveling through time. It allowed her to see how friendly other people were towards her. Combined with her adult knowledge and wisdom, it was easy for her to win over her brothers and sisters at home.

Yellow represents vigilance and subtle hostility.

These were children sold by their families, so it was normal for them to be hostile to other children. She had no interest in these children either, and the most important thing was to keep them healthy.

Uncle Nine, who had a light green block on his head, patted the seat behind the door and motioned Shen Fuyu to sit closest to him.

The position behind the door is the most convenient for getting on and off the bus. Since you can see the scenery outside, it is the best position in the car. It is usually also the manager chosen by the gang members to supervise other children and prevent them from escaping.

Seeing this scene, the children in the carriage had different reactions. Some of the yellow became darker, from light yellow to dark yellow; some of the color blocks gradually changed from light yellow to light green.

Shen Fuyu sat with her knees hugged, leaning against the carriage. The carriage's shock absorption was very poor, and the bumpy ride made her bones ache.

Basically, the children don't need her supervision. After all, those who are sold are there to try their luck at making a living.

If you jump out of the car and run away halfway, is there any other option besides being eaten by wild beasts?
Children in rural areas have to grow up early, and no one is a fool.

Thanks to Uncle Jiu's care, Shen Fuyu was able to have enough food to eat. After all, human traffickers had to sell the children they bought. If the children were too hungry and had lost their energy, how could the employers look down on them?

The journey was bumpy and dark, and we picked up a few more children along the way, so the small carriage was almost full.

Three days later, they arrived at a big city - Qinchuan City.

Because there are seven rivers flowing through the city, which look like the strings of an ancient zither, it is named Qinchuan.

Although the city has a beautiful name, it also harbors filth and corruption. For example, the Xicheng District where Shen Fuyu was taken, where the pawnshop is located.

There are countless men and women waiting to be sold here. There are not only poor children, but also families of criminals whose property has been confiscated, dark-skinned Kunlun slaves, and cages covered with black cloth. Uncle Jiu said that the people inside are non-humans.

Shen Fuyu wanted to ask more, but unfortunately Uncle Jiu had stopped introducing him.

Arriving at the pharmacy, the children were handed over, and Uncle Nine specifically pointed at Shen Fuyu and gave her some instructions. Soon, several girls, including Shen Fuyu, and a few handsome boys were taken away by a middle-aged woman with a fierce look to give them a simple cleaning.

For the pawnbrokers, people like Shen Fuyu, who have a clean background, are young and have a certain appearance, are the most valued and are much more sought after than the families of officials.

Therefore, Shen Fuyu, who has outstanding appearance, was arranged to sit at the back of a row, which was also a strategy of the brokerage.

I didn't expect that even in a world like the ancient times, I still have to rely on my looks to make a living.

At this moment, a gorgeous woman in extremely gorgeous clothes came in from the door. There was a hint of spring between her eyebrows and eyes, and a beauty mole on the left corner of her mouth. Her waist swayed as she walked, and it was obvious that she was not a decent person.

As soon as the woman came in, Shen Fuyu stared at her!

Because the woman just glanced over here from a distance, and a red square immediately appeared above her head.

Very red!!
(End of this chapter)