As the evening sky painted itself in hues of orange and purple, Eric's training session with Ria came to a close. Advising her to rest before resuming her cultivation, he stepped out of the cave, carrying the wooden flask.
The tranquility of the moment was abruptly broken as a small pebble whizzed through the air, expertly caught by Eric in a reflexive motion.
Turning, he saw Joya, the demonic cultivator he had previously encountered. She stood outside the first cave of the Azure Dragon Echoing Caves, her sleek attire clinging to her form, motioning him to come closer with a look of earnest pleading.
"Please come with me. I have a task that might interest you," she whispered urgently as he approached.
"Little girl, what are you planning this time? Didn't I warn you about trying to manipulate me?" Eric, cautious yet intrigued, asked with a tinge of suspicion.
