As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of gold and lavender, her son continued his meditation, oblivious to the slowly transformed landscape around him.
The vast, open fields that once stretched endlessly surrounding the city's edge had given way to a dense forest.
Once they left the city limits behind, their previously leisurely pace quickened.
The tamed spirit beasts harnessed to the carriages, known as Armored Buffalos, were favored by merchants for their ability to travel even the most demanding routes with ease.
Wild Armored Buffalos move in tightly-knit herds that can stretch across entire valleys, relying on the safety and strength in their numbers. Their approach is often foretold by the thunderous rumble of countless hooves striking the earth, a sound that reverberates through the land like the distant roll of a storm.
Their powerful, unyielding strides allow them to pull carriages effortlessly over jagged rocks and steep inclines where lesser beasts would falter, making them indispensable on treacherous journeys.
One of the most distinctive traits of the Armored Buffalo is its chitinous exoskeleton—a natural armor that encases its frame and gives the creature its name. This tough layer not only protects them from predators but also renders them exceptionally resilient, even in the wild.
Unlike most beasts, Armored Buffalos require minimal rest and sustenance, their near-limitless stamina making them ideal for long, grueling journeys. Paired with such formidable defenses, which makes them difficult to kill, solidifies their reputation as the ultimate beast of burden.
Making them highly sought after by travellers and traders alike, who value their durability on perilous trade routes.
The road this caravan followed was one well-trodden by countless travellers before them, chosen with meticulous care. Fully aware of the dangers lurking in regions inhabited by higher-level spirit beasts, the caravan leader had carefully charted a route that skillfully avoided such perilous areas. Instead of venturing into treacherous lands, they opted for safer, more manageable terrain, ensuring a journey free from the constant threat of encountering deadly creatures.
Along the way, they passed no bustling cities—only a scattering of lonely villages, isolated and silent in the vast wilderness.
The route wove through these quaint, secluded settlements, with little to break the monotony except for a brief pause to rest.
As twilight descended, casting long shadows across the landscape, they arrived at their designated sanctuary for the night. The journey had been costly, not just for the travel and included protection itself but for the provisions as well.
Food and essentials were provided as part of the caravan's service, but for those who paid a bit more money the caravan ensuring that those travellers were well-supplied for the time on the road.
As evening settled in, a gentle spring rain began to fall, its quiet patter filling the air with a soothing rhythm.
The golden hues of the setting sun had long faded beyond the horizon, leaving the landscape draped in a soft, silvery mist. This delicate veil of moisture caught the faint glow from the caravan's scattered fires and lanterns, casting an ethereal light that shimmered through the mist, creating a tranquil yet otherworldly atmosphere around the travellers.
A cool breeze accompanied the rain and small tents were swiftly erected, their occupants seeking warmth and shelter beneath the increasingly heavy downpour. Fires crackled to life, providing much-needed warmth for those without the luxury of cultivation to insulate them from the chill.
Her own tent, though modest in appearance, was discreetly fortified with subtle protective formations, meticulously woven into its fabric, invisible to any casual observer.
The tent was shielded from elemental forces as well, maintaining a comfortable temperature regardless of the weather outside—cooling the interior in the heat of the day and providing warmth during the chill of the night.
Additionally, the tent featured enchantments designed to filter out ambient noise when necessary, creating a tranquil space that remained undisturbed by the outside world.
It was a sanctuary of unexpected comfort. The spacious interior much bigger than visible from the outside was cozily warm, the ground covered with plush animal hides, their softness creating an inviting space in the center of the tent.
Two large futons were neatly arranged, offering ample space to rest. In one corner, a wash basin added a touch of convenience, completing the serene and practical setup.
Though the mountain air outside was cool and damp, within her tent, the atmosphere was one of calm and quiet luxury—a peaceful haven amidst the wilderness, where the rigors of travel could be momentarily forgotten.
Once inside the tent, her son wasted no time settling onto the soft animal hide, his contentment clear in the way he relaxed instantly.
They had already shared their evening meal, and though he insisted he could manage on his own, she gently helped him wash his face. Her touch was tender, a small, familiar gesture of care that he had grown accustomed to despite his growing independence.
As the evening deepened, she pulled out a well-worn book, its pages yellowed with age and softened by countless readings. It had become a cherished ritual—each night, she would read him stories until sleep finally claimed him.
Recently, his curiosity had turned toward the myriad beasts that roamed the cultivation world, so she sought out a text that seamlessly blended lore with knowledge. The book was a rare find by chance at a loose cultivator's market, it detailed the habits, combat prowess, and unique abilities of spirit beasts, offering valuable insights into their weaknesses and the strategies needed to trap or defeat them.
Each lesson was cleverly woven into engaging tales, ensuring Yu'er was both entertained and informed.
That night, they delved into the chapter on avians. She read him two tales—the Misty Wind Red Eagle and the Hidden Mountain Owl—bringing to life the vivid descriptions as her voice painted the scenes of their exploits.
The stories carried him toward slumber, his eyelids growing heavier with each word, until he drifted off, lulled by the the tale.
Slowly she closed the book watching her sleeping child.
Her cultivation had advanced to a stage where sleep was a luxury rather than a necessity—days could pass without her needing true rest, relying instead on meditation to replenish her energy. Still, from time to time, she allowed herself a few hours of sleep to refresh her spirit. But tonight was not such a night.
As the world outside her tent slumbered, she sat in quiet meditation, drawing in the ambient qi to soothe the lingering ache in her damaged Dantian.
A vial of precious medicinal liquid, carefully measured and consumed, worked its way through her meridians, mending what it could of the internal damage.
It was a losing battle.
The warmth of the medicine spread through her, dulling the persistent pain, though it could never fully erase the injury.
Her thoughts drifted to the events of the day, and she opened her journal, meticulously recording every detail. The journal had become a safeguard, a silent testament to her journey, but more than that—it was her gift to Yu'er.
Should fate take her before she could impart all her knowledge, this record would remain, a guide for him in the future. It was a precaution she hoped would never be needed, but in a world as dangerous as theirs, it was a necessary one.
As her thoughts turned to her son, a small smile graced her lips. Yu'er's progress had been nothing short of extraordinary, far surpassing her expectations for one so young. His innate talent and powerful bloodline all but guaranteed his future ascent.
Yet, his path was not without peril. For every step forward, there lay hidden dangers and unforeseen trials, much like the unforeseen misfortune that had befallen her.
Her smile faded slightly, replaced by a quiet resolve. The road ahead for him would be as fraught with risk as it was with potential.
But as long as she could guide him, she would ensure he was prepared to face whatever dangers awaited.