My Spirit Farm Is A Love Magnet

The moon hung high above the farmstead, casting a silvery glow over the ramshackle buildings and the freshly cleared section of the southern field. Inside the farmhouse, Liu Fei sat at the creaky table, her dinner of a single piece of bread laid out before her. Widow Lin's generosity was beginning to feel like a lifeline, though it wasn't nearly enough to sate her growing hunger.

She tore off a small chunk of the bread, chewing slowly to make it last. "Host," the system chirped, "caloric intake insufficient for optimal energy restoration."

Liu Fei snorted. "Tell me something I don't know."

The system continued, undeterred by her sarcasm. "Additional income opportunities are available through completing side missions. Immediate suggestions include taming a spirit chicken or foraging for wild herbs."

Liu Fei set the bread down, her appetite dampened by the reminder of her dwindling resources. "I'll worry about that tomorrow. For now, I just need to survive the night."

She trudged over to the straw mattress, its thin padding already mocking her with the promise of another restless night. She groaned as she lay down, the prickly surface doing little to ease the ache in her muscles from the day's labor. Her mind swirled with thoughts of how she could earn enough to improve her situation. Spirit coins, better tools, and maybe—just maybe—a proper bed.

Her eyes drifted shut, but before she could slip into the uncomfortable embrace of sleep, a loud crash jolted her upright. The sound of something heavy—or someone—landing outside shattered the stillness of the night.

"What now?" she muttered, grabbing the nearest weapon-like object—a rusty pitchfork leaning against the wall. The system immediately sprang to life.

"Host, an unidentified entity has entered the farm premises. Caution advised."

"No kidding," Liu Fei hissed, creeping toward the door. She peeked through a gap in the wood, her heart pounding as she scanned the moonlit yard.

A figure lay sprawled in the dirt, shrouded in tattered black robes that seemed to shimmer faintly under the moonlight. His long hair, dark as ink, fanned out around him like a fallen halo. Liu Fei squinted, noting the faint glow of strange markings etched across his exposed chest. His breathing was labored, and even from a distance, she could see the deep gashes marring his skin.

Her first thought was practical. A thief? But thieves didn't usually crash-land in people's yards with glowing runes on their chests.

"Host," the system interrupted, "entity detected: high-ranking demon. Additional information obscured by interference."

"Interference?" Liu Fei whispered. "What does that even mean?"

"Unknown," the system replied, its usual chirp muted with uncertainty. "Standard identification protocols are ineffective."

Before Liu Fei could press for more details, a low growl echoed from the shadows. Her grip on the pitchfork tightened as her eyes darted toward the tree line. The unnatural darkness seemed to writhe and pulse, and a chill crawled down her spine.

"Host, the intruder is pursued by hostile entities. Engagement is not advised."

"And letting them tear up my farm is?" Liu Fei shot back, yanking open the door and stepping outside. The cool night air prickled her skin as she approached the fallen figure cautiously.

"You! Get up!" she called, her voice wavering slightly. "I don't care who you are, but you're not dying on my land."

The man stirred, his head lifting slightly to reveal sharp features twisted in pain. His eyes, a molten gold, locked onto hers with an intensity that made her breath hitch.

"Leave…" he rasped, his voice rough but commanding. "It's not safe."

Liu Fei scoffed, planting the pitchfork in the ground. "Thanks for the warning, but you're bleeding all over my property."

A sudden rustle in the bushes made her whirl around, the pitchfork back in her hands. The shadows shifted, and for a moment, Liu Fei thought she saw glowing red eyes peering at her from the darkness.

"Host," the system said urgently, "defensive action is recommended."

"No kidding!" Liu Fei shouted, raising the pitchfork as one of the shadowy forms lunged at her. She swung wildly, the rusty tines catching the creature's side and eliciting a shriek. The force of the impact sent her stumbling back, her heart hammering in her chest.

Behind her, the man dragged himself upright, one hand clutching his side as he glared at the remaining creatures. With a guttural snarl, he raised his other hand, dark flames erupting from his palm. The creatures hesitated, their glowing eyes narrowing before retreating into the tree line.

The flames dissipated as the man sagged to his knees, his breathing shallow. Liu Fei hesitated, her instincts screaming at her to keep her distance, but something about his vulnerable state stirred a flicker of pity in her.

"Come on," she said reluctantly, slinging one of his arms over her shoulders. "You're not dying here. Not on my watch."

Inside the farmhouse, Liu Fei laid the stranger on the straw mattress, wincing as it creaked under his weight. His injuries were worse up close, the gashes deeper and more jagged than she had realized. She grabbed a basin of water and a clean rag, setting to work cleaning the wounds despite her lack of medical expertise.

"Host," the system chimed, "entity stabilization requires immediate attention. Suggested action: Apply spirit herb poultice."

Liu Fei glared at the screen. "And where am I supposed to get spirit herbs? You think I just have a stash lying around?"

"Foraging mission available," the system offered. "Task: Gather Moonshade Leaves from the eastern forest. Reward: 8 Spirit Points."

The man's golden eyes opened, his gaze settling on her. "You… should… leave…"

"Not happening," Liu Fei said firmly, pressing a damp cloth to his forehead. "You can barely move, and I'm not about to let you bleed out on my floor."

He gave a weak chuckle, though it sounded more like a wince. "Foolish…"

"I'll take that as a compliment," Liu Fei muttered, grabbing her lantern. "Stay put. Not that you can go anywhere."

With that, she stepped into the night, her resolve hardening. Whatever secrets this stranger carried, she would deal with them later. For now, she had a mission—and a farm to protect.