Serena met Jessica's gaze with her usual calm expression. "I am Serena Stark," she replied softly, her voice carrying a hint of coolness that contrasted with Jessica's warmth. "I am a core disciple as well, under the 7th mountain peak. I'm rank 5."
"What!?" Jessica took a step back, shocked by what she heard. She quickly approached Serana, her eyes wide with disbelief. "You're the disciple of THAT elder!?" she asked, seeking confirmation.
After all, she had met that infamous elder and talked to him, though in an unfriendly manner.
Serana nodded calmly, unfazed by Jessica's reaction. "Yes, he is my master."
Jessica slowly stepped back, stunned. "You're his disciple… yet, you're already rank 5. I've been in the sect for almost a year now, and you... you've only been here for four weeks, right?" Jessica felt her heart bleed as she realized that this person she had initially thought of as her senior was actually her junior.
Serana nodded again, her expression unchanged. "Yes, it has been four weeks."
Jessica was speechless for a moment, her mind racing to process this information. She had struggled and worked hard to reach her current rank, and here was someone who had surpassed her in such a short amount of time.
"How can this be! Ugh!" Jessica considered herself talented, but the realization stung that someone is even more talented that its almost terrifying, what's worse is that she's taught by THAT useless elder! What if Serana was taught by her master, wouldn't she achieve far higher than what she had attained right now?
"Damn, your master is lucky to have you. Known for being unlucky, to be this lucky ah!" Jessica felt her head spinning and clutched her head.
She still finds that elder annoying because he snitched her out and told her wrong doings in front of her master! She admits that she was wrong, but she still lost face with her master due to her shameless act!
Serana looked at Jessica and deep in her heart found Jessica a little amusing, she didn't mind to have an energetic companion for this mission.
…
Serana and Jessica went towards the map about the surrounding region at the center was the sect's place. The forest where the herbs are located is in the northern forest called frostfall forest, that place is covered by snow, a comfortable place to be in for Serana, however, Jessica is the opposite.
Jessica cultivates wind qi, she's still not proficient at controlling her wind to protect herself from the environment due to her sword art technique that primarily focuses on amplifying sword skills.
Serana asked about Jessica if she were to be able to handle cold and she nodded with a smile, "I've prepared and bought some heating potions to warm myself."
"Okay, when do we start?" Serana asked lightly.
"Whenever you are ready!" Jessica laughed while looking at the map, analyzing stops and spots to settle in as the route would be harsh.
"I'm also ready." Hearing that, Jessica looked at Serana who's also analyzing the map. She had some doubts about Serana's strength but the aura she radiates indeed is 5th rank, when she thought of how strong is she, Jessica instantly recalled on why Gabriel went to her peak.
Right, her sword arts came from her peak, thus she was able to trust Serana skills. But when it comes to combat, how effective her learnings are, she decided to see if her master was able to properly teach her sword skills from her mountain peak.
"Then tomorrow?" Jessica suggested.
"Fine." Serana only nodded, there's nothing much for her to do anyway so she agreed.
…
A day later, Serana stood at the gate in the peak of 7th mountain peak, looking at the hall where her master usually stays. But the hall is devoid of life as her master wasn't here, and she doesn't know where her master usually cultivates when it comes to closed door cultivation.
"Master, I'm going out for a while." Serana said, hoping her farewell was able to reach her master within the mountain. With a clack, she closed the gates and descended the mountain to meet up with Jessica at the entrance of the sect.
It took an hour for Serana to arrive at the entrance of the sect, it's been a while since Serana came here, it was when she entered the sect weeks ago, but now she's going out as a core disciple doing a mission for the sect.
This area is filled with people due to all from Outer, Inner and core disciples going on and from here. At the gates, Serana saw Jessica talking at the street vendor seemingly bargaining prices at the vendor.
Seeing the lively figure of Jessica, a faint smile appeared on her usual cold face as she approached Jessica.
"Mister, you're clearly ripping me off! This is just a pack of tofu why does it cost one gold? It should be about a hundred coppers!" Jessica frowned, annoyed by the blatant schemes of this vendor.
The old man snorted, "I've travelled hundreds of kilometers just to get here, it might be just tofu, but the labor absolutely costs as much!"
"Nonsense! If this tofu came from hundreds of kilometers these would've been stink! Stinky like you old man!" Jessica finally got irritated, insulting the vendor.
"You!" The old vendor was about to hit her but realized that this person is a cultivator, so he held back, "Shoo, shoo, you're messing with my business! If you're not buying, go away!" The old man dismissed.
"Hmph!" Jessica kicked the nearby empty pot on the ground before moving away from the scammer. "It's just a damned tofu, humph!"
When she turned her face back at the sect, she noticed the beautiful figure of Serana approaching her, with her face still cold as ice while carrying a simple sword on her hand. But, unlike Serana, Jessica expression lit up and walked up to her. "You're finally here!" She happily reached her hand and shook Serana's hands together.
…
Serena and Jessica stood at the gates of the Grey Mountain Sect, their backpacks filled with provisions and essential gear for their journey into Frostfall Forest. The morning sun cast a golden hue over the rugged landscape as they prepared to depart, the air crisp with the promise of adventure.
"Are you ready, Serena?" Jessica asked, her voice tinged with excitement as she adjusted the straps of her pack.
Serena nodded silently, her icy phoenix blue eyes scanning the familiar terrain one last time, especially the 7th peak at the distance before they embarked on their mission. She felt a sense of anticipation, a rare flicker of anticipation for the challenges for what to come, it's her first mission after all!
Together, they stepped beyond the threshold of the sect gates and onto the winding path that led northward. The road stretched before them, flanked by towering pine trees whose branches whispered secrets to the wind. Birds chirped overhead, their songs a cheerful backdrop to the steady rhythm of their footsteps.
As they walked side by side, Jessica filled the air with chatter, sharing stories of her previous missions and humorous anecdotes about fellow disciples, since she had been in the sect for a year. Serena listened attentively, her reserved demeanor softening slightly in response to Jessica's warmth and enthusiasm.
It wasn't that bad to have a fun and happy person to go along with, treating Jessica as a background noise.
"Did you know," Jessica began, "there's a hidden waterfall not far from here? It's said to be a favorite meditation spot for some of the elders." She said while pointing at random hill in the distance.
Serena glanced at Jessica, her lips quirking into a faint smile at her partner's lively storytelling. "No, I didn't," she replied softly, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity.
Encouraged by Serena's response, Jessica continued to share tales of the sect's history and the legends surrounding Frostfall Forest. She spoke of the mystical beasts rumored to inhabit the forest.
As they traveled farther from the sect, the landscape gradually transformed. Rolling hills gave way to rocky terrain dotted with patches of wildflowers, their vibrant colors contrasting against the gray stone. The air grew cooler, carrying the scent of pine and earth as they ascended into higher altitudes.
Occasionally, they passed by fellow cultivators from neighboring sects, exchanging nods of camaraderie and brief greetings before continuing on their respective paths. Serena observed their interactions with quiet interest as she let Jessica do the talking.
Hours passed in a comfortable rhythm of walking and conversation, punctuated by moments of shared laughter and quiet contemplation. By midday, they paused beside a clear mountain stream to rest and replenish their water supply, the sound of rushing water a soothing melody in the tranquil wilderness.
"Serena," Jessica said earnestly as they resumed their journey, her tone softening with genuine warmth, "thank you for agreeing to partner with me on this mission. I know we have our differences, but I believe we make a great team."
Serena met Jessica's gaze, her own expression reflecting a newfound appreciation for their burgeoning friendship. "Thank you, Jessica," she replied sincerely. "I believe so too."
Serana's heart felt light as she enjoyed a new companion, although her master had always been there for her, there's a barrier that blocked between them that seemed impossible to cross. But with a person, who's your fellow disciple of the sect there's no such thing as barrier, thus Serana felt happy having a friend without formal relationship like how she and her master had.
…
As the sun departed on the horizon sky, the two decided to camp out near a clean water source.
Dusk settled, Jessica and Serena found a suitable spot near a small clearing by the stream. They set up a simple camp, using their packs as makeshift pillows and gathering twigs for a small fire.
Jessica, ever the chatterbox, attempted to start a fire, but her enthusiasm quickly turned into a series of comical failures. She struck the flint repeatedly, only to have the sparks fizzle out.
"ngh! Damn it." Annoyed, Jessica stood up and kicked the ground then throwing the flint at the campfire.
Serena watched with a raised eyebrow, her lips twitching in amusement. She put her sword down on the wood she sat at and came over to Jessica.
"Need some help?" Serena asked, her voice carrying a hint of a smile.
Jessica pouted, her cheeks flushing slightly. "No, I got this," she insisted, kneeling again and starts striking the flint again with exaggerated determination. This time, a small flame caught on the twigs, but it sputtered and died almost instantly.
Serena couldn't help but soft chuckle. "Here, let me show you." She took the flint from Jessica and, with a deft movement, produced a steady spark that ignited the kindling. Within moments, a warm, crackling fire illuminated their campsite.
"No way! Aren't you too good?" Jessica sighed in relief, plopping down next to the fire. "Thanks, Serena. I guess I'm better with a sword than with fire-making."
Serena smiled softly, her expression less icy than usual. "Everyone has their strengths," she said, poking the fire with a stick. "And it's not like I'm an expert either." She's only used to this because she always cooks for her master every morning ever since she came to the sect.
Jessica grinned, pulling out a small bag of dried fruits and nuts from her pack. "Let's eat!" she declared, offering some to Serena.
They shared the modest meal, the firelight casting dancing shadows around them. Jessica continued to talk as usual, sharing random stories. Serena listened to a true gossiper she had met in her life, occasionally contributing a dry comment that made Jessica laugh.
As the night grew darker and the stars emerged in the sky, Jessica lay back on the grass, staring up at the twinkling constellations deep in thought, while Serana sat on a log, holding her sword while leaning on a tree behind her as stared at the flickering campfire, the calming sound of the night was too peaceful, soon her eyes had closed.
Just as they were about to drift off, a loud rustling sound came from the nearby bushes. Jessica bolted upright instantly, clutching her sword and removed it from the scabbard as the moonlit shined on her sword, creating a terrifying glint. Serena remained calm with her hand on the hilt of her sword, ready to take an action as her eyes narrowing at the source of the noise,
Out of the bushes stumbled a small, disoriented rabbit, its nose twitching as it sniffed the air. Seeing the cute little fellow Jessica let out a nervous laugh, lowering her sword. "Looks like we were almost ambushed by a fearsome bunny," she joked.
Serana felt amused, nodded her head. "It's good to stay vigilant," she replied, her eyes sparkled with amusement.
With the fire crackling and the stars above, the two friends settled back down, this time no disturbance was made making the two comfortably pass the night as they slept.