The forest clearing still held the lingering scent of charred meat and venom, a reminder of the fierce battle they had survived. The massive snake's lifeless body had been reduced to a pile of carefully carved flesh, neatly skewered and roasting over a modest fire. The flames flickered gently, fed by the ethereal white fire of Kai's Flame of Heaven, casting warm light onto the mossy ground.
Kai carefully turned the skewers, the aroma of cooking meat mixing with the faint bitterness of snake venom. The smell was oddly tempting, yet a strong sense of caution held him back from eating too quickly. It was not every day one got to feast on a dangerous beast, but survival demanded prudence. Fen, on the other hand, showed no such restraint. She eagerly gobbled down her portion, feathers ruffling with delight as she chirped happily.
Once their meal was secured, Kai's thoughts drifted toward their journey ahead. The ancient road beneath their feet—rough and uneven at first—had gradually transformed. The mossy stones gave way to a clean stone path, well maintained and free of weeds. The edges were lined with faintly glowing formations designed to repel beasts, humming softly with contained power. The signs of civilization were unmistakable.
Kai lowered himself onto the ground, crossing his legs in the traditional cultivation posture. He closed his eyes briefly and activated the healing aspect of his Flame of Heaven. A pill dissolved smoothly in his mouth, its spirit-healing properties soothing the ache in his meridians. The battle with Master Lu still haunted his muscles and mind, and the recent fight with the colossal snake had only added to the strain. He needed to recover fully before confronting whatever threats awaited them beyond this road.
Fen's sharp voice broke through the calm.
"Ready to move on?" she asked, licking her beak as she hopped from one foot to the other.
Kai opened his eyes, letting out a tired sigh. "Yeah. No use delaying the inevitable."
He stood and stepped onto his shield, which hummed softly beneath his feet. The glide was smooth and effortless, a welcome luxury compared to dodging under low branches and scrambling over roots. The path ahead was straight and wide, and for a moment, Kai allowed himself a small smile.
Fen, however, was not content to stay grounded.
"Catch me if you can!" she taunted, darting ahead with a burst of speed and light.
Kai chuckled, shaking his head. "I need a technique for flight," he muttered, chasing after her laughing form.
The forest gradually thinned as they traveled, and soon the path widened to reveal a wooden palisade nestled among towering trees. Faint pulses of beast-repelling formations shimmered along the gateposts, the same subtle magic protecting the road itself.
Kai slowed, bringing his shield to a stop and storing both it and Steel Claw safely in his ring. He knew drawing attention here could be dangerous. They needed to blend in, move quietly.
"Fen," he said, glancing at the small phoenix, "play the owl for now."
She pouted. "Frost owl again? How about Frostwind Bird instead? Sounds cooler, right?"
Kai smiled, entertained by her persistence. "Owl works. Keep it low profile."
He approached the gate carefully. Voices drifted outward—strange, yet somewhat familiar. The language had a tint of accent Kai could not place, but it was close enough for him to catch words without strain. Relief settled in his chest. Communication would not be a barrier here.
Peering through the gate, Kai took in the simple village scene. Wooden houses with mica windows stood modestly against the forest backdrop. Villagers in plain clothes bustled about, tending gardens or carrying supplies. At least a dozen cultivators in Qi Condensation stage patrolled casually, their auras calm but alert.
Near the entrance, a group of burly men argued loudly with a stout figure wearing a bright yellow coat that clashed vividly with the more traditional hanfu Kai recognized from his homeland. The portly man sneered with obvious disdain.
Kai stepped forward, but his progress was abruptly blocked. One of the guards—a tall, muscular man—glared at him with hostility.
"Stop, vagrant!" the guard barked, his tone sharp and unwelcoming. "No entry for drifters!"
The portly man laughed, his voice thick with contempt.
"A tramp?" he jeered, pointing at Kai. "Boys, break his legs!"
The guards moved closer, cracking their knuckles menacingly.
Turning to the merchant standing nearby, the yellow-coated man sneered again.
"You're next, peddler!"
Kai's instincts screamed for battle, but he kept his aura low, suppressing any sign of strength. A fight here could bring more trouble than he needed—drawing attention not just from guards but from unknown forces lurking beyond the gate.
He studied the scene carefully.
What lay beyond the gate to provoke such hostility? Why were these people so quick to threaten violence?
Kai took a slow breath, preparing himself. The path forward would not be easy, but turning back was not an option. Whatever this place held, answers—and dangers—waited inside.