030 An Argument

That night, as Lin Yan practiced her mental strength as usual, she suddenly felt something break.

She then discovered that her perception radius had more than doubled. Had she made a breakthrough?

She could now use her mental strength to perceive a distance of three meters. Within this range, every detail was laid bare; she felt she should be able to exercise absolute control over everything within it.

She immediately tried to lift an object but failed.

Since she began her training, she had constantly tried to move objects with her mind, but unfortunately, she had never succeeded. Yet, her intuition remained that if her mental strength reached a certain level, it would be possible.

Having matched wits and played games with Fatty repeatedly, Lin Yan was certain that at a higher level of mental strength, absolute control—not just mere observation—was achievable.

Entering the Science Museum, she heard Fatty cheering: "Congratulations! Your mental strength has reached Grade C. You have been awarded 100 contribution points."

"There's a reward?" Lin Yan was surprised, as there had been none when she reached Grade R.

She had always assumed rewards were only granted for discovering species that could be cataloged or for making contributions of significant importance to the progress of human civilization.

Fatty replied: "Yes, every future upgrade to your mental strength will come with a reward, and these rewards will continue to increase. Aren't you looking forward to it?"

Lin Yan replied: "Mhm, I am. What is the reward for Grade S?"

Fatty: "..."

"Can't say, right? Well, besides contribution points, are there any other rewards?"

Fatty: "..."

"Can't say that either? Then tell me, what can I do here with Grade C mental strength?"

Fatty: "You have unlocked the visual mode permission. Previously, I could only provide explanations via voice, but now I can accompany them with corresponding visuals."

Lin Yan noticed that the black crystal ball had lit up; it was a display screen that would show images in sync with Fatty's explanations.

For instance, if she cataloged a plant, the corresponding image would appear on the screen.

The crystal ball was divided into two sections: one half displayed her contribution points, while the other served as the display.

Lin Yan finally felt a sense of the technological age. In her own time, all information had been holographic, having long since moved past the era of ancient paper records.

Although this display screen was not holographic, it at least gave her a glimmer of hope.

Having accumulated over a thousand points, Lin Yan did not hesitate and immediately unlocked Room 0104.

As expected, it was filled with books. Lin Yan was not disappointed and began to browse through them hurriedly.

After a rough scan, she was overjoyed. This was a room filled with records on various types of pottery, porcelain, and glass.

Most importantly, it contained instructions on the construction of various kilns and the most primitive smelting techniques.

This was exactly what she needed right now.

When they had been busy firing bricks and tiles, the kilns had been built by Lao Hei and Mao Mu; the resulting bricks were crude. To produce better quality ones, the design of the kiln was crucial.

What delighted Lin Yan most was the glass-making technology. If she could manufacture glass, she would finally have windows for their houses.

During the cold season, windows were covered with straw mats, and Lin Yan had not yet found a suitable alternative.

Fortunately, it was currently the hot season, so leaving the windows uncovered was fine; it actually helped with ventilation, and everyone kept their windows open.

After the excitement subsided, Lin Yan felt a surge of emotions, unable to sleep for a long time. She wanted to dive into various experiments immediately. She needed to build a high-temperature furnace and create glass—there was just so much to do.

Listening to her mother’s deep, steady breathing, Lin Yan eventually drifted off into a hazy sleep.

She woke up the next day to a cacophony of noise, confused about what was happening outside.

When she walked out, rubbing her sleepy eyes, she saw that a crowd had gathered at her door; her neighbors had all come over.

Hua Hong was arguing with someone. "Your child is disobedient; it has nothing to do with my Lin Yan. You just didn't manage him well."

"It is your Lin Yan's fault! She’s led Shuisheng astray. Tell Lin Yan to come out!"

Shuisheng’s mother, Shui Hua, was unrelenting. She insisted that Shuisheng had been ruined by Lin Yan, as he no longer wanted to go hunting every day and spent his time cooped up in the house, lost in thought.

Shuisheng stood before his mother, arguing his case. "Mother, this has nothing to do with Lin Yan. It is my own choice not to go hunting."

When he learned his mother had gone to find Lin Yan, he had rushed over, but he had arrived too late; the argument had already begun.

His chest heaved with frustration as he stood between his mother and the door, preventing her from entering to find Lin Yan.

"If you don't hunt, you'll starve! Shuisheng, food is the most important thing. You used to know that, but ever since you started associating with Lin Yan, you’ve changed. You don't hunt; you just mess around with her all day!" Shui Hua shouted angrily.

Still unsatisfied, she yelled at Hua Hong: "My Shuisheng used to be so obedient. It was your Lin Yan who corrupted him!"

Hua Hong grew angry too. "Your Shuisheng is already a grown man, while my Lin Yan is still just a little child. Anyone can see what's really going on. Besides, my Lin Yan is so smart; how could she possibly corrupt anyone?"

As Shui Hua prepared to retort, Lin Yan interjected, "Mother, Shuisheng, what are you all doing here?"

"It’s nothing, go back inside," Hua Hong said, pulling Lin Yan behind her, fearing that Shui Hua might lose control and strike the child.

Seeing her target, Shui Hua’s aggression flared up. "Lin Yan, you owe me an explanation today. Give me back the obedient Shuisheng you took, and stop dragging him along with your nonsense!"

"Shui Hua, how is Lin Yan messing around? Everything she creates is useful; everyone in the tribe can see that. You’re the only one who’s blind," Ye Zi shouted, unable to stand by any longer. Shui Hua’s words were too much.

"You're the one who’s blind! An old woman like you sticking your nose in where it doesn't belong. This has nothing to do with you!" Shui Hua shot back immediately. She had the confidence to come here and stir up trouble because she had support.

The people living in this area were mostly small families, and she didn't think they dared to challenge her.

Shui Hua’s household consisted of twenty people—a large family. With such strength in numbers, they rarely feared anyone.

Ye Zi said angrily: "Lin Yan is a benefactor to the tribe. If it weren't for her, everyone would still be migrating and fleeing for their lives, and you wouldn't be living in such a fine house. What you’re saying is outrageous. If you look down on Lin Yan so much, then don't live in a house—go back to living in a cave. Take off those straw sandals and go barefoot, and take off your clothes, too; all of those were created by Lin Yan!"

"Exactly! If you look down on Lin Yan so much, then stop using the things she made," Hua Hong added, also furious. This was the first time she had heard someone insult Lin Yan.

Shui Hua retorted: "The items are good, so why shouldn't I use them? I just don't want Lin Yan leading Shuisheng astray; that's a separate matter."

Shuisheng’s eyes were red with frustration at his mother. "Mother, I told you, I asked Lin Yan to teach me; it has nothing to do with her. My decision not to hunt is my own. Can you please listen to me and stop causing trouble here? If Great-Grandmother finds out you’ve been causing a scene, she won't forgive you."

Shui Hua’s arrogance dimmed slightly, as she feared being disciplined by the matriarch.

Shuisheng’s great-grandmother was the head of their family, and she held Lin Yan in high regard, often mentioning how she wished Lin Yan were one of her own kin.