The sun hung bright in the sky, illuminating the foliage of the trees. Through the dense forest there was a beaten path. It was obvious that this was one of the popular routes. It was wide enough for two oncoming wagons to meet. It seemed that this path was regularly used for trade.
At this moment, one such trade caravan was travelling along this road. It was quite long and crowded with goods. On the sides, there were people riding on horses. They were martial artists who were ensuring the safety of the caravan. Almost all of them were at a high Cultivator stage. And in the caravan itself, there were still a few Cloud Sphere people, but they were well hidden.
It was clear that this caravan was not that simple. Few people in the Shadow Sect's territory had the ability to wield such strength.
In one of the carriages, there was a guy travelling who was drinking wine and laughing loudly. He was talking to a man in his fifties who was dressed in armour. From his physique, one could tell that he was definitely a martial arts master.
- Why is the captain being so nice to this guy? - Asked one of the caravan guards who was riding at the side of the caravan.
- I don't know, but it's best not to provoke anyone. The captain is not a stupid man... If he behaves like that, it is necessary. You'd better keep quiet. - The other answered quickly, giving some friendly advice.
This captain, was a martial arts master in the Cloud Sphere. In this caravan, he was one of the strongest, if not the strongest warrior. And the other person was Kai, who was currently acting rather relaxed.
It had already been over a fortnight since he had left the Border Beast City.
Shadow City was located at the extreme west of the Shadow Sect's territory. The road from the Border Beast City was quite impressive. For the first few days, Kai travelled on his own, navigating by the sun and asking for directions to the next settlements whenever he saw someone along the way.
It wasn't until two weeks later that he was lucky enough to meet a trade caravan. But what was even better was that they were also heading to the City of Shadow! That was why there were so many craftsmen in it.....
These merchants were bringing goods to the main city of the Shadow Sect, and that was why they had such strength. It was obvious that they had spared no expense in security. A caravan like this wouldn't be attacked by any bandits. Once they saw him from afar, they would scatter.
When Kai met them, he decided to pay them to take him with them. Some of the guards were immediately rude, insinuating their superiority. But at that moment, the captain spoke up, shutting their mouths. He had kindly offered Kai to ride with him in his wagon. And now he even offered him a drink, joking and laughing along the way. The other men in the escort couldn't understand what was going on.
In fact, after cultivating in the Tomb of Time and breaking through to the Cloud Sphere, Cai's control had reached a new level. He was now incredibly good at concealing his aura. Those who were below him in cultivation might think that he was just a mortal guy.
Except that the captain wouldn't be so easily fooled. He was quite a skilled fighter and was at the middle stage of the Cloud Sphere himself. When he saw the young fellow who was only slightly below him in cultivation, he immediately drew conclusions. He realised that this person might not be that easy and it was best not to provoke him.
- Boy, how do you like the wine? It's good, isn't it? Ha ha. - The man laughed, taking a sip from the burdock.
Across from him, sat Kai, dressed in black robes and with a carelessly tied up lock of hair. After also taking a sip, he smiled and said:
- Brick, thank you so much for picking me up! And thank you also for the wine! I must repay you for it... Hehehe. - With slyness in his eyes, Kai said.
At the same moment, he waved his hand, manifesting two beautiful, sealed wine barrels in the air. As soon as they appeared, Kai deftly caught them and placed them on the floor of the wagon.
- One for you as a gift, the other we will drink together. Now you will realise what good wine is! - Kai said cheerfully.
Although the alcohol that the captain had offered him earlier was not bad. But only by the standards of ordinary masters. In the Border Beast City, Kai had enjoyed the best wine. Compared to it, what Brick offered was a joke.
When he left the Border Beast City, Kai took a lot of goodies with him. He had plenty of alcohol. He decided he had to repay the kindness of the captain and the entire caravan.
As soon as he said that, he started getting more. True, what he was taking out of the ring now was of a lower order. But compared to what all the guards usually drank, it was still of incredible quality!
- Brick, this is for your guys. We can't drink while the others are drooling! Guys need to wet their throats, too! Hehehe. - Said Kai, taking out more than ten small kegs.
Right now, they filled almost half of the wagon... Hearing Kai's words, smiles appeared on all the guards' faces. They were incredibly satisfied! Soon there would be a rest stop for the night, and then they could have a good drink. So not just a drink, they now had a bunch of premium alcohol!
- See? I told you the captain was a smart man! - Said one of the guards who were discussing Kai earlier.
- Wow... Thank you man! Let's give it a try! - Smilingly said the captain while swallowing drool a bit.
In fact, as an escort of a trade caravan, he already had a rough idea of what kind of wine it was. Until now, he had never had a chance to taste it. Such wine was too expensive, only the rich could drink it.
Brick thought about that, and also that Kai had a spatial artefact. He decided that he had done the right thing by inviting Kai to his place. It seemed that the guy really wasn't easy.
- Alright, let's try a glass now and finish the rest with everyone else! It's somehow not nice to make others just watch! Hehehe. - Laughing said Kai.
With just these words, Kai had already gained respect for himself. All the guards started to look at him from a different perspective. It seemed like they had already taken him as one of their own. People of their type were quite simple..... It didn't take much to build a relationship with them.
As soon as Kai opened the keg and poured some wine for Brick, he drooled just from the aroma alone.
- To getting to know each other! - Kai said with a smile and drained the glass.
Brick instantly followed him. Having drunk all the wine in a few gulps, he put the glass down beside him. At that moment, a blush began to show on the captain's face. This alcohol could stupefy even martial arts masters.
- Fuck! This wine is fucking amazing! I've never tasted anything like it in my life! - With a slight twinkle in his eyes, Brick said contentedly.
- I agree! Believe me, although the wine is a little worse for all the guys, it's also very tasty and strong! Hehehe. - Kai said with a laugh.
He had already expected such a reaction. Kai liked to drink, and he knew how good it was.
- How about another glass? Ha-ha. - Brick asked smiling slyly, rubbing his palms together.
It was obvious that he was already a little intoxicated... Having tasted such wine, he wanted more. Especially if there was a whole barrel!
- Let's wait for everyone. I think the tradesmen and coachmen will want to relax too. I have to thank you somehow for taking me in! - Kai said with a smile.
- Ehhh! Okay... - Brick said a bit sadly, but after a bit of silence he smiled, - Ehhh! That's it! Let's stop for a break! We're gonna start resting early today! - He shouted loudly, giving the command to halt.
Watching this, Kai didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
- It seems like you really appreciated my wine. Hahaha. - Laughing loudly, Kai said.
- I'm not hiding it! This is something everyone should try! - Brick said with shining eyes and started to get off the wagon.
Watching all the wagons move a little bit off the road to organise a place to sleep, Kai started to smile.
"These seem like really nice guys. Good thing I found them, I won't have to keep asking for directions..." - Kai thought.
The way should be much easier now. He would be able to get to the City of Shadow in peace. He also wanted to find out more information. The head of the Border Beast City, only told him about the path to Shadow City and gave him a letter of recommendation. So, there was still a lot that Kai didn't understand....