The mountain's descent unfolded like a story rewritten. The harsh, frozen silence of the Frost Ridge gave way to pockets of life patches of vibrant green breaking through the snow, promising warmth and renewal. The cold air gradually softened, and Kai felt sparks of fire Qi dancing across his skin, tingling like the first whisper of a flame against the chill. The ancient road beneath them, though cracked and half-swallowed by time, wound steadily through a forest of towering trees. Their emerald leaves fluttered gently in a breeze that carried the scent of pine and fresh earth, a symphony of life so starkly different from the deathly quiet of the Frost Ridge.
Birdsong echoed all around them sweet, clear notes that stirred something deep within Kai's soul. It was a welcome contrast to the eerie stillness they had fled. Kai balanced carefully on his hovering shield, feeling his confidence grow with every passing moment, though Fen's constant teasing made maintaining his focus a challenge.
"This is so exciting," Fen snickered, gliding effortlessly beside him. "Watching a fledgling take wing. You look ridiculous."
Kai shot her a look as he fought to steady the shield beneath him, which wobbled with every gust of wind.
"Keep laughing," he warned, "You forgot we're racing, didn't you?"
Fen puffed out her chest proudly.
"Pfft, beating you isn't even fair. I'm letting you win."
Kai grinned despite himself. The warmth in the air, the life around them it stirred something unfamiliar yet welcome in his chest. He let his gaze wander over the lush canopy, imagining a life beyond the shadow of the Shen Clan. A life where he could cultivate without fear, without running from enemies or betraying friends.
Yet, just as vividly, Aina's face rose in his mind — her silver hair, the fierce determination in her eyes. Had she recovered from her injuries? Would she forgive him for leaving without so much as a goodbye? The questions tightened around his heart, but he shoved them aside. There was no room for regret yet. Survival came first.
Fen's voice broke through his thoughts.
"What's wrong with that tree?" she asked, tilting her head toward a small sapling nearby. "Is it sick? Mutated? Tainted by demonic Qi or something?"
Kai followed her gaze to the tree's glossy green leaves shimmering in the sunlight. He fought back a smile.
"It's just a normal tree," he said. "This is how they're supposed to look."
Fen's eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"Normal? You're telling me all trees here are green and healthy? Don't mess with me, Kai."
Kai raised an eyebrow.
"Didn't that old dragon tell you anything about this place?"
Instant regret hit him. Fen's knowledge was limited shaped and twisted by Xu Xe's isolation and lies.
"Don't call him that!" Fen snapped, feathers ruffling defensively. "He's not bad. He's just… lonely. I feel sorry for him."
Kai said nothing. Explaining that Xu Xe planned to use Fen as a vessel for Lin Shi would only hurt her. Instead, he shifted the conversation.
"So, what's your plan?" Fen asked, cocking her head. "You have one, right? You didn't just jump into a random new world hoping everything would magically fix itself?"
Kai's expression hardened with resolve.
"Survive."
Fen nodded sagely, as if impressed.
"Wow, so strategic."
Then she giggled, breaking the tension.
"Oh, and congrats on your breakthrough! Should've said earlier, but I forgot."
Kai chuckled, grateful for the distraction.
"Thanks. Seriously though find people, settle down, cultivate to Core Formation. Maybe come back someday, if I feel like it."
Fen looked away, quiet for a moment.
"I'm… not ready to go back yet," she admitted. "This is a whole new world. I want to explore!"
Kai nodded, understanding her feelings. The Frost Ridge was full of pain and betrayal for both of them. The system had offered to reactivate the ruined arch — but the cost, ten million spirit stones, was a fantasy far beyond reach for now. They needed to adapt, survive, and find their footing here.
The road beneath them gradually improved, the moss-covered stones hinting at a long-forgotten civilization that once thrived here. Kai's shield glided smoothly now, his balance better, though his meridians still throbbed painfully from the fight with Lu. He needed rest, but first, he checked the system.
His stats appeared before his eyes, but one line made his heart skip:
Qi Reserve: 704 / 3180
The awakening of his first node had multiplied his Qi reserves twentyfold a testament to the eternal ice's strange power during his breakthrough. How much Qi did a cultivator at Core Formation have? A million? More? The thought was overwhelming. It explained why he'd defeated Lu borrowed power, expert aid, and a heavenly artifact sacrificed for him.
Speaking of artifacts...
Kai drew a new sword from his ring. The blade was identical to his old one but ranked Earth — the Steel Claw, forged with Mountain's Durability and Qi Conductivity. A generous gift from Belozar, far beyond what most cultivators wielded. Kai strapped it securely to his belt, the familiar weight grounding him.
Fen's curious gaze shifted to an envelope in his hand.
"What's that?" she asked, hopping closer.
Kai smiled faintly.
"A letter from So Yun. For me."
Fen huffed and turned away with a dramatic flair.
"Hmph, keep your secrets. I won't tell you mine either."
Kai's fingers tingled with anticipation as he prepared to open the letter. Its protective formation had vanished, promising answers perhaps about Aina. But what truths awaited inside? Only time would tell.