Tristan, Zahira, and the two unknown men moved away from the battlefield to a spot they deemed safe enough to avoid any attention the previous confrontation might have drawn.
Tristan glanced at the two cultivators behind him. They had a rough appearance and wore leather and strange animal pelts—far from the common attire of martial artists. Because of this, he couldn't determine whether they belonged to any sect.
He wondered if these people had entered the forest to reach the misty peaks and collect the magical herbs there or if they had some other reason for being here.
Tristan sighed internally in annoyance. He was already wary of Zahira and now had to deal with two new variables. He hoped their encounter with these two men would be brief.
"This place seems quiet enough to me. I think we're safe here," he said to the three people walking ahead of him.
The others nodded with small gestures and watchful eyes, though none of them lowered their guard.
"So, who are you?"
The taller of the two men spoke first. "I'm Feng Haotian, and this is my younger brother, Feng Lieyan."
"Pleasure," Tristan replied in a neutral tone, keeping his eyes fixed on them.
"What are you doing here?"
"Why does it feel like this brat is interrogating us?" Lieyan said, but his brother gestured for him to calm down.
"We're... just simple adventurers. We came here seeking a bit of excitement. We heard this place offers plenty of challenges to test ourselves," Haotian explained.
Tristan sensed they were wary of something.
"I'm Dusk. I'm a disciple of the Flying Sword Sect in Zaguhan. I need to cross this forest to complete my trial."
"Zaguhan? I've heard of that city. It's near the border, right?" Haotian asked.
Tristan nodded.
Haotian looked at Tristan with a surprised expression. "I didn't know the sects in that city were so welcoming to outsiders."
"They're not."
Tristan pointed to Zahira and then to the rabbit-salamander. "As you know, this is Zahira, my traveling companion in this place, and this is Buk, her pet."
"I don't understand how she can talk," Haotian said. "I thought all monsters were just mindless creatures."
"I'm not a monster. I'm half-drya—"
"She's a hybrid beast and a Verdakyn," Tristan interrupted.
"Verda-what?" the brothers asked, confused.
Tristan rolled his eyes. It wasn't surprising that people in this region were completely ignorant of the great races of this world. Most didn't know that the more magical power a being possessed, the more evolved and intelligent they became, and that these traits could be passed down to the next generation of a species.
As far as he knew, almost all races had individuals intelligent enough to learn some form of communication. He was only uncertain about two races: the Fungelites, whose hostile and dangerous existence had isolated them from others, making information about them scarce, and, of course, the dreaded People of the North. 'If they even exist', Tristan thought.
"I've read legends that say some beings are blessed by the Spirits, making them more evolved." He thought linking Zahira to the Spirit Kings might give her a sacred aura that could influence the brothers and reduce the chance of potential conflict.
"The plants that received this blessing were called Verdakyn. Now that I've met Zahira, I think those stories might be true."
"Really? That's so cool!" Zahira exclaimed. "What are Spirits?"
"Anyway," Tristan said, cutting her off.
Turning to the brothers, he added, "It doesn't seem like you've been seriously injured, so I think we can part ways now. I hope you have good luck on your adventure."
"Really? That's a shame. I wanted to talk more with them," Zahira said.
"Actually, this place might be a bit too dangerous for us. You said you were leaving this forest, right? Could we come with you? Traveling together would help us move faster," Haotian suggested.
Zahira agreed enthusiastically.
Tristan weighed the potential benefits and risks of their presence and decided to remain silent.
Thus, the Feng brothers joined the journey.
***
Suddenly, as Tristan and the brothers followed Zahira, he looked up, noticing movement in the treetops. "There's a strange noise in the trees."
Everyone stopped, alert.
Hundreds of eyeless, strange birds burst from the sky, diving toward them.
Tristan gripped his sword tightly with both hands. Using essence to enhance his speed, he spun his entire body, slashing three creatures in quick, precise movements.
He fought using only the speed and agility his cultivation granted him.
Casting a quick glance at the others, he assessed how they were handling the situation.
[Shattering Thunder Strike]
Haotian swung his arm with impressive speed, his whip striking multiple targets simultaneously. In an instant, the birds near him fell lifeless to the ground, a powerful lightning crack accompanying each impact.
With a single attack, he killed over thirteen creatures.
Next, Tristan turned his gaze to the younger brother.
[Stormy Dash]
Lieyan dashed across the battlefield, his body shrouded in lightning. As he passed the beasts, he tore through them with his claws, reducing them to chunks of flesh.
He killed seven birds in mere seconds.
'There's definitely a power gap between them', Tristan noted.
Zahira's performance was equally fearsome. Her thorny projectiles pierced the creatures even from a distance.
As he observed his companions, analyzing their abilities and weaknesses, a monstrous bird nearly slashed his cheek with its eight sharp talons.
He narrowly avoided it.
"I thought Wind cultivators were faster," Lieyan teased.
"But I guess not everyone can be called kings of speed."
Tristan ignored his provocation, focusing on finishing the enemies.
Four martial artists fighting together proved a formidable force. They handled the challenge with minimal difficulty, but time had passed, and night was approaching.
***
With the sun's departure, they decided to find a place to rest for the night. Tristan was fine, but the others weren't as nocturnal as he was.
They lit a small campfire and roasted some of the birds that had attacked them earlier.
"Where did you learn Lightning magic?" Zahira asked the Feng brothers.
"From our parents," Haotian replied. "The Feng family is an ancient lineage of cultivators of this element. Some even say my grandfather, Feng Mu, is the strongest Lightning cultivator in the central region."
They began sharing stories about their hometown, Kamagula, and their parents, recounting family adventures and dangers.
The brothers exchanged glances, and Haotian gave a subtle nod. He pulled a rustic leather flask from his bag.
"Where we come from, sharing drinks is an ancient tradition," Haotian explained, pouring a translucent liquid into small wooden cups. "A toast seals friendship and companionship forever."
Though seemingly casual, Tristan observed their every move with sharp focus.
He sifted through his memories, recalling a similar custom common in the eastern regions. Though he couldn't remember every detail, he assumed it could be genuine and not something the brothers had just fabricated.
"We've just met, but I hope our paths cross again in the future and that we'll be allies once more," Haotian said.
"You humans have interesting customs." Zahira seemed genuinely curious.
Tristan's and the brothers' cups were filled to the brim, while Zahira's was barely half full.
Noticing this, Tristan raised an eyebrow.
"Hey, why do I get less?" Zahira complained.
"This drink is too strong for girls," Lieyan said, downing his drink in one gulp.
"But I'm stronger than all of you!" she protested.
Tristan watched carefully to confirm that Lieyan had truly swallowed the liquid.
Haotian drank next.
Tristan eyed his cup suspiciously. Bringing it to his nose, the scent burned his nostrils. He also detected a floral aroma.
Without hesitation, he poured the liquid into his mouth.
Lowering his head, his shoulders trembled.
"I didn't taste anything," Tristan said, pulling a face.
"Trying to act tough?" Lieyan mocked with a grin.
Zahira took a sip of the drink. "What a strange thing. It's bitter and tickles my tongue."
"Here, Buk, try some."
She held the cup toward her pet on the ground, but Tristan grabbed him before he could drink.
Buk bit his hand.
"I think this drink might be too strong for him."
"Are you sure?"
He nodded.
"Sorry, Buk," she said, finishing her drink. "So, does this mean we'll be friends forever?"
"Of course!" Haotian said cheerfully.
Tristan covered his mouth, hiding a fake yawn.
"I'm feeling a bit sleepy. I think I'll turn in now."
The Feng brothers also claimed to be tired, and soon everyone went to sleep.
Several minutes passed, and an eerie silence filled the air.
Suddenly, the Feng brothers rose to their feet.
Haotian nodded toward Tristan.
Lieyan approached where Tristan lay, finding no reaction from the boy. He placed his fingers around Tristan's neck.
His skin was cold and rigid, with no pulse. There was no sign of life in his body.
Lieyan signaled to his older brother, and the two moved toward Zahira.