---
The forest Jin found himself in stretched endlessly, an ancient expanse untouched by the corruption of civilization. The trees rose like pillars of jade, their emerald leaves glimmering under faint sunlight filtered through a mist of spiritual energy. Each breath he took felt alive, infused with vitality beyond the mortal plane.
He stood motionless, letting his senses stretch. This world thrummed with life—birds sang melodies charged with qi, and distant beasts prowled the underbrush, their auras faint yet distinct. Even the soil beneath his feet pulsed faintly, brimming with the world's natural energy.
Jin's expression remained serene, his golden eyes scanning his surroundings. He had no grand plan, no convoluted scheme. He simply wished to walk this land and see what it offered. To experience, that was all.
"Thinking too much is bothersome," Jin murmured, shaking his head. His voice carried through the forest, silencing the nearby creatures for a moment, as if even his musings demanded respect.
He took a step forward, his footfall light, yet the spiritual energy in the vicinity surged in response, as though the forest itself bent to accommodate his presence.
---
The Forest of Quiet Beasts
Jin wandered aimlessly, his steps unhurried. The deeper he ventured, the richer the spiritual energy grew, and the more vibrant the life around him became. Enormous vines snaked across the forest floor, each thicker than an ox, while flowers the size of shields blossomed in vivid, otherworldly colors.
A rustle broke the tranquil stillness.
Jin paused, glancing sideways. From the undergrowth emerged a beast, its form majestic and primal. It was a Silvermane Spirit Wolf, its fur shimmering like liquid moonlight, its aura on par with what Jin recognized as the Nascent Soul stage.
The wolf snarled, baring fangs sharp enough to shred steel. Its emerald eyes locked onto Jin, radiating both caution and territorial aggression.
"Interesting," Jin muttered, his tone devoid of fear or malice. He remained still, hands at his sides, exuding neither hostility nor submission.
The Silvermane Spirit Wolf hesitated. Its instincts screamed at it to attack, yet some primal sense warned against such folly. This man, though standing casually, felt like a mountain—immovable, impenetrable, and utterly beyond comprehension.
With a low whine, the wolf retreated into the shadows, its aggression replaced by reluctant deference.
"Smart," Jin said simply, continuing forward.
---
The Village Beyond the Trees
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, Jin emerged from the forest. Ahead, a small village sprawled across the base of a gentle hill. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys, and the faint hum of human activity reached his ears—farmers tending to crops, women washing clothes in a stream, and children chasing one another in play.
Jin's presence did not go unnoticed. As he stepped into view, the villagers froze, their eyes widening. They weren't cultivators, yet even they could sense that the man before them was no ordinary wanderer.
He walked leisurely, his robe flowing lightly in the evening breeze. The mortals instinctively parted before him, bowing their heads, unsure whether they were in the presence of a wandering sage or a celestial being.
"Honored one…" a trembling elder stepped forward, his frail frame bowed low. "How may our humble village serve you?"
Jin glanced at the man, his golden eyes calm yet piercing. The elder shivered under his gaze, feeling as though the depths of his soul were laid bare.
"Serve me?" Jin repeated, almost amused. "There's no need. I merely passed through."
The elder hesitated, his head still bowed. "This unworthy one insists. We cannot ignore the arrival of someone as esteemed as yourself."
Jin sighed softly. Mortals always thought in terms of hierarchy, as if every being greater than them sought something in return. Still, he did not wish to unsettle them further.
"Then provide a meal," he said plainly.
The elder straightened, his face lighting up with relief. "Of course, honored one! Please, follow me!"
---
An Ordinary Meal
The elder led Jin to a modest hut near the center of the village. Inside, the man's family prepared a simple yet hearty meal—steamed rice, roasted vegetables, and fish caught from the nearby river.
Jin sat cross-legged on the floor, his imposing figure at odds with the humble surroundings. The family served him with trembling hands, their heads bowed.
"Sit," Jin said abruptly, his tone light but commanding.
The elder and his family froze, exchanging uncertain glances.
"You've prepared this meal," Jin continued, gesturing to the food. "You should eat as well."
Awkwardly, they obeyed, seating themselves around him. Silence filled the room as they ate, the family too afraid to speak unless spoken to. Jin, for his part, enjoyed the simplicity of the food. Each bite carried a distinct flavor, unembellished yet satisfying.
"This is good," he said, breaking the silence.
The elder's wife managed a nervous smile. "We are honored you think so, exalted one."
Jin set his bowl down, his gaze sweeping over the family. "You all fear me," he observed bluntly.
The elder hesitated, then nodded, his expression pained. "Forgive us, honored one. Your presence… it is overwhelming."
Jin leaned back slightly, his golden eyes narrowing. "You mortals are always like this. You bow and scrape, as though the heavens demand it of you. It's exhausting to witness."
The family paled, unsure how to respond.
Jin waved a hand dismissively. "Enough of that. Your meal was good. That's all that matters."
The tension in the room eased slightly. Jin rose, his movements fluid and unhurried. "I'll stay in this village for the night. There's no need to fuss. Continue as you would."
With that, he stepped outside, leaving the family to exhale their collective relief.
---
A Quiet Night
As the village settled into its nightly routines, Jin sat atop a small hill overlooking the scattered lights. The stars above glimmered faintly, their radiance dim compared to the infinite expanse of power within him.
He rested his chin on one hand, his expression contemplative.
"This world…" he murmured. "It's loud yet peaceful, ambitious yet content. There's much to see here."
A soft breeze carried the scent of the forest, and for the first time in eons—perhaps lifetimes—Jin felt something he had long forgotten: tranquility.
His journey had only just begun, but already, it promised to be worthwhile.