Volume One, Chapter 11: Overflowing with a Sense of Security!

No good deed goes unpunished!

These words were deeply etched into Lin Yifan’s very bones.

It was the same back on Earth. In a place where even basic sustenance was hard to come by, he didn’t believe anyone would be so kind-hearted as to hand him blueprints for free.

However...

He truly could not refuse this one: the Feathered Arrow Blueprint.

The Wind-Chasing Skybreaker Bow he held was a bronze-grade weapon. At the early stage, it was absolutely top-tier.

But bows and arrows required arrows, which were consumable. When he first obtained the Skybreaker Bow, it came with some arrows, but such ammunition was quickly used up. Without a steady supply, he dared not use it recklessly.

Therefore, this Feathered Arrow Blueprint was like a pillow delivered just when he was about to fall asleep—something he absolutely had to get.

After a moment’s thought, Lin Yifan sent a message to Ruan Qingtan:

“I want the blueprint, but I don’t like taking things for free. Name your price.”

Ruan Qingtan was slightly taken aback upon seeing his message.

Still, she decided to be straightforward and replied bluntly:

“Big shot, I’m giving you this blueprint not without reason. I just want to build a good relationship with you.”

“To be honest, my survival skills aren’t great, and my ability to find food is even weaker. Luck doesn’t seem to favor me either.”

“But whenever I open a treasure chest, the chance of getting blueprints is very high. So I hope to get on your good side, so I can trade blueprints for food in the future.”

Lin Yifan hadn’t expected such honesty from her.

It made him a little embarrassed, but he quickly realized that Ruan Qingtan’s talent was probably related to opening blueprints.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t be so confident.

Yet, every person’s talent was a secret, often their trump card in survival.

Few would willingly reveal their special gifts.

Lin Yifan himself was no exception. Though he had his suspicions, he didn’t press further.

In any case, forging a good relationship with someone who could easily obtain blueprints was definitely beneficial.

So, Lin Yifan initiated the trade, sending three skewers of meat and twenty blueberries.

Ruan Qingtan’s face lit up with joy when she saw the meat and berries.

She had been ready to use the blueprint as a bargaining chip, but she hadn’t expected Lin Yifan to be so principled.

She hurriedly transferred the blueprint to him and gratefully messaged:

“Big shot, thank you, truly thank you!”

“No need to thank me; you deserve it,” Lin Yifan replied, then added after a moment:

“If you really appreciate it, then in the future, if you open any blueprints you want to trade, I hope you’ll let me see them first.”

“Don’t worry, I’m no saint, but I do have basic principles. I won’t let you lose out.”

Ruan Qingtan’s whole plan in offering the blueprint was to build goodwill, and she eagerly agreed:

“Of course, no problem! From now on, except for what I need myself, any blueprints I open will be shown to you first. You can pick what you want, and I’ll put the rest on the market.”

“And if you need any specific blueprint, just tell me in advance. Before opening chests, I’ll pray to all the gods in the sky, maybe I’ll get lucky and find it.”

“Of course, the last part is a joke, haha...”

Lin Yifan almost laughed out loud at her playful remark.

Before, he had only guessed, but now he was nearly certain Ruan Qingtan’s talent was indeed linked to blueprint acquisition.

She might even be able to open specific blueprints, though it could come at a cost.

In any case, such a talent was extraordinary in a world where crafting anything required blueprints.

Naturally, Lin Yifan was happy to maintain a good relationship with her.

After a bit more casual chat, they ended the private conversation.

At that moment, Lin Yifan’s order to buy clay at the auction house was finally all sold.

He hurriedly retrieved all the materials needed to upgrade his shelter and prepared to proceed.

A brand-new thatched hut (5 square meters)

Grade: Level 1.5

(Overview: This is a newly built thatched hut. Though its protection is still weak, it’s enough to shield from wind and rain!)

Next level: Level 2 shelter — Rough wooden house

Upgrade requirements:

Black iron-grade wooden house blueprint: 1/1 (fulfilled)

Basic wood: 50/63 (fulfilled)

Basic stone: 50/54 (fulfilled)

Basic clay: 30/30 (fulfilled)

Note: All upgrade conditions met. Proceed with upgrade?

(Kind reminder: If you find a higher quality shelter blueprint, you can build according to that instead, granting better safety!)

Lin Yifan saw the upgrade prompt and chose to upgrade without hesitation.

Although the final reminder tempted him somewhat,

no higher-level shelter blueprint had appeared on the market yet, and he had no patience left to wait.

Just thinking about the terrifying swarm of mosquitoes lurking in the forest made the thatched hut feel utterly insecure.

Once he confirmed the upgrade, the ground beneath him trembled slightly.

The original thatched hut began to disassemble from the top down, and simultaneously, a wooden roof emerged.

Then the straw walls quickly broke down and transformed into sturdier, more secure wooden walls.

Finally, a wooden floor replaced the muddy ground beneath.

When the process finished, the transformation was complete.

Lin Yifan didn’t know how the exterior looked, but from the inside, he was quite satisfied.

The entire house was constructed of wood. Though the wood was roughly finished, almost rustic in appearance,

the sense of safety inside was substantial.

He opened his holographic screen, and the shelter’s information appeared immediately.

Rough wooden house (15 square meters)

Grade: Level 2

(Overview: A wooden house made from primitive lumber. Though the craftsmanship is crude, it effectively shields against wind and rain. It can fend off small animal attacks, but beware of wild boars—they’re too much for this humble house to handle.)

Next level: Level 3 shelter — Rough stone house

Basic upgrade requirements:

Black iron-grade stone house blueprint: 1/0

Basic wood: 300/13 (fulfilled)

Basic stone: 500/12

Basic clay: 200/0

Basic pig iron: 100/0

(Kind reminder: If you find a higher quality shelter blueprint, build accordingly for better protection!)

Finally, he had reached a level 2 shelter!

Lin Yifan exhaled a satisfied breath but felt a slight headache as he studied the shelter’s details.

Upgrading to level 2 was easy, but going to level 3 would be a real challenge.