The morning sun bathed the landscape in golden light as the group gathered outside the inn. To Lucas's surprise, instead of setting off on foot as they'd originally planned, a large, ornately decorated carriage awaited them. The carriage was crafted from dark wood, polished to a high shine, and emblazoned with the banner of their sect: a lotus flower surrounded by intricate patterns symbolizing growth and enlightenment.
Elder Rin stood beside the carriage, his hands clasped behind his back as he addressed the group. "Given the distance and the potential dangers along the way, we have arranged for transportation to Azure Lotus City. This carriage will carry you safely through the Northern Hills and beyond. The journey will be smoother, and you will have time to rest and prepare yourselves for the challenges ahead." Northern hills were in the opposite direction of the forest Lucas came from.
Lucas, Rowan, and Elaria exchanged glances, clearly relieved at the prospect of a more comfortable journey. They were soon joined by the other recruits as they climbed into the spacious interior of the carriage. The inside was lined with soft cushions and had enough space for everyone to sit comfortably. Lucas took a seat near one of the windows, curious to observe the passing landscape.
As the horses were hitched to the carriage, Elder Rin called out instructions to the driver, a seasoned sect member who would lead them safely through the hills. Once everything was ready, Elder Rin gave a final nod, and the carriage began to move.
The rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels on the dirt road created a soothing backdrop as they left the bustling town behind. The sect's banner fluttered in the breeze above the carriage, a proud symbol of their affiliation and purpose.
As they travelled, Lucas noticed two other carriages in the distance, each bearing different banners. The first was a crimson-red banner adorned with a stylized blade, sharp and imposing—this was the banner of the Crimson Blade Sect, a rival sect known for their prowess in combat and martial arts. The second banner, a shimmering silver veil against a dark background, belonged to the Ethereal Veil Sect, a group renowned for their mastery of illusion and spiritual techniques.
Lucas's eyes narrowed as he spotted a familiar face among the Crimson Blade Sect's recruits—Aldric. He was seated at the front of their carriage, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings with an air of authority. Aldric was tall and well-built, with short, dark hair and a stern expression.
Rowan, noticing where Lucas's attention was directed, leaned over and whispered, "Do you know him?"
Lucas nodded slightly, his expression guarded. "Yes, I do. That's Aldric... We've crossed paths before."
Elaria, catching the hesitation in Lucas's voice, glanced at Aldric and then back at Lucas. "Is he an enemy?"
"Not exactly," Lucas replied, his gaze still fixed on Aldric. "He is someone I know but he doesn't know me."
Elaria in confusion asks "What does that mean."
Lucas replied laughing "It meant nothing and didn't say anything."
as Elaria and Rowan saw that Lucas didn't want to give an answer so they didn't ask him as they were not so close to ask everything from him.
As the carriage continued its journey, the rival sects' carriages remained in sight, travelling along parallel paths. The presence of the other sects added an undercurrent of rivalry to the journey, with each group keenly aware of the others. The recruits from each sect exchanged glances through their carriage windows, silently assessing their future competitors. But after some time he saw the other two sect carriages going in different directions.
As they entered the Northern hills, the landscape began to change. The forest thinned out, giving way to open, rolling hills covered in tall grasses and wildflowers. The path was rugged, with uneven terrain and the occasional steep incline. The forest around them was thick with towering trees, their leaves forming a dense canopy that filtered the sunlight into a soft, green glow. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the earthy scent of moss and damp soil. The only sounds were the crunch of boots on the dirt path and the distant calls of birds echoing through the trees.
As they went inside the Northern hills, Lucas took the opportunity to observe his surroundings more closely. He noticed the occasional glimmer of Qi-infused flora, plants with vibrant colours and an otherworldly aura that hinted at their potency in alchemy and medicine. He also saw traces of wildlife in the surroundings.
As the carriage continued its journey through the hills, the path occasionally branched off into smaller, less travelled trails, some of which were marked by old, weathered signs pointing toward the distance. But Elder Rin, who rode alongside the carriage, guided them along the main route.
As the sun began its descent toward the western horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the landscape, the group decided it was time to rest. They had travelled steadily through the hills without any significant incidents, and the day's journey had brought them to the banks of a gently flowing river. The water, clear and cool, sparkled in the fading sunlight, inviting them to pause and refresh themselves.
Elder Rin called for a halt, and the carriage came to a stop near the riverbank. The recruits climbed out, stretching their legs and taking in the serene beauty of the area. The river was bordered by smooth stones, and the gentle sound of the water flowing over them added to the peaceful ambience.
"We'll rest here for the night," Elder Rin announced. "The river provides fresh water, and the open space allows us to keep watch for any potential threats."
As the carriage came to a halt by the riverbank, the recruits and sect members quickly got to work setting up camp. While some of the recruits set up tents others prepared a simple meal from the town they had brought along. The smell of cooking food filled the air, mixing with the earthy scent of the forest and the freshness of the river. Lucas also set up his own tent.