Here is the updated version of Chapter 38 with Mochi's eyes changed to amber:
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The second day of the carriage ride began much like the first, with the gentle sway of the vehicle and the rhythmic clatter of wheels against stone. The sun filtered through the window, illuminating Mochi's bright, curious amber eyes. Her auburn hair shimmered in the light, tied back loosely to avoid getting in the way. She leaned against the window, watching the scenery change from sprawling farmlands to rolling hills and patches of dense forest.
For Mochi, this journey was more than just the next step in her life—it was a rare adventure, a chance to explore the world outside the walls of her family's grand estate. After much convincing from Sachi, her older sister, and a push from her father, Jin, Mochi had reluctantly agreed to join a sect for two years. It wasn't a permanent arrangement, just an opportunity to grow, gain some life experience, and—hopefully—have some fun along the way.
Still, when it came to the actual journey, Mochi had been adamant.
"I don't want them to come and pick me up in some grand procession," she had declared before leaving home, her hands on her hips, her expression firm but sweet. "That's boring! What's the point of leaving if everything is done for me?"
Jin had merely smiled, handing her a detailed map and patting her on the head. "Very well, but remember to take Shimmer with you. I'll rest easier knowing someone's looking after you."
The small, glowing familiar—a soft, golden creature shaped like a fox with wings—floated lazily in the carriage with her now. Shimmer served as both her guide and protector, silently ensuring her safety while allowing Mochi the freedom to explore.
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The Encounter
As the carriage rattled on, Mochi's mind wandered. Her thoughts were broken, however, when the driver abruptly slowed the horses.
"We'll stop here for the night," he called back. "The forest ahead is too dense to travel through safely in the dark."
Mochi stretched as she stepped out of the carriage, her amber eyes scanning the small clearing where other travelers had also stopped. She noticed a campfire already being set up by a few men in simple robes. Her curiosity piqued as she wandered around, her footsteps light and deliberate.
It was then that she spotted her. A girl, maybe a few years older than her, sat on a small boulder off to the side, brushing back her sleek, jet-black hair. Her green tunic, embroidered with faint golden threads, suggested wealth, but the modest way she carried herself was endearing. On her sleeve was a small insignia—an intricate pattern of a phoenix surrounded by blooming lotuses.
The girl seemed lost in thought, her sharp brown eyes focused on the flickering flames of a nearby fire. Mochi tilted her head, intrigued, and approached her with a friendly smile.
"Hi there! Mind if I join you?" Mochi chirped, her bubbly tone breaking the girl's concentration.
The girl looked up, slightly startled, but quickly smiled back. "Of course not," she said softly, gesturing for Mochi to sit beside her.
"I'm Mochi," she introduced herself, plopping down on the grass without ceremony.
"Hua Yi," the girl replied, offering a polite nod.
"You're headed to the Celestial Moon Pavilion too, aren't you?" Mochi asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Hua Yi blinked, her surprise evident. "How did you know?"
Mochi grinned and pointed at the insignia on Hua Yi's tunic. "That's your clan's mark, right? My father told me a little about the Hua Clan. Only someone really serious about cultivation would wear something like that out here."
Hua Yi laughed lightly, her earlier reserve beginning to melt away. "You're right. I've dreamed of joining the Celestial Moon Pavilion since I was a child. It's all I've ever wanted. My clan supported me, but I insisted on traveling alone. I wanted to experience the journey for myself."
"Same here!" Mochi exclaimed, her excitement infectious. "Well, sort of. My dad wanted the sect to pick me up, but where's the fun in that? I mean, how can I explore if I'm just whisked away in some fancy carriage?"
Hua Yi chuckled, nodding in agreement. "It sounds like we have similar ideas. The journey is just as important as the destination, don't you think?"
"Exactly!" Mochi said, her amber eyes sparkling.
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A Shared Meal
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the clearing came alive with the warmth of campfires. Travelers busied themselves with dinner preparations, the air filled with the mingling aromas of cooked meat and roasted vegetables. Mochi and Hua Yi decided to share their food, pooling their supplies to create a simple but hearty meal.
"Here, let me show you how to make something really good," Hua Yi said, her tone confident but kind. She pulled out a small packet of spices and added them to a pot of boiling water.
Mochi watched with rapt attention, her curiosity evident. "Wow, you're really good at this," she said, stirring the pot as Hua Yi instructed.
"It's just something I picked up from my family's cook," Hua Yi admitted with a small smile. "Traveling is a lot easier when you know how to make a decent meal."
As they worked together, their laughter filled the air, blending with the crackle of the fire and the murmurs of the other travelers. When the meal was finally ready, they sat side by side, savoring the warm, flavorful stew.
"This is amazing!" Mochi exclaimed, her voice muffled by a mouthful of food.
Hua Yi laughed, her earlier formality slipping away completely. "I'm glad you like it."
The two girls continued to talk long into the night, sharing stories about their lives and their hopes for the future. Hua Yi spoke of her dream to become a core disciple of the Celestial Moon Pavilion, while Mochi shared her excitement about exploring the world beyond her family's influence.
"I bet you'll be the star of the sect in no time," Hua Yi said encouragingly.
Mochi shook her head, a playful smile on her lips. "Nah, I'm just here to see what it's like. My sister says the sect life is amazing, so I figured, why not?"
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The Journey Continues
The next morning, the travelers packed up their belongings and resumed their journey. The dense forest gave way to rolling hills, and the road ahead seemed to stretch endlessly into the horizon. Hua Yi and Mochi rode in the same carriage, their friendship now solidified.
Shimmer floated lazily beside Mochi, its golden wings glinting in the sunlight. Hua Yi stared at the creature with open fascination.
"That's a familiar, isn't it?" she asked.
Mochi nodded. "Yep! His name is Shimmer. My dad gave him to me to keep me safe and help me find my way. He's pretty smart, but a bit lazy," she added with a teasing glance at the glowing fox.
Shimmer huffed, a soft, chiming sound that made Hua Yi laugh.
As the day went on, they encountered a few minor obstacles—an overturned cart blocking the road, a sudden rainstorm that left the path muddy—but they faced each challenge with determination and a sense of adventure.
At one point, they stopped by a clear stream to rest. Mochi and Hua Yi took the opportunity to explore the nearby woods, their laughter echoing through the trees as they raced to see who could find the biggest, prettiest leaf.
By the time they returned to the carriage, their clothes were speckled with dirt, but their spirits were high.
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A Growing Friendship
As the Celestial Moon Pavilion's territory drew closer, the two girls found themselves looking forward to the challenges ahead. Mochi, with her carefree spirit and boundless curiosity, had quickly become the heart of their small group, while Hua Yi's calm determination provided a steady balance.
Though their reasons for traveling were different, their shared desire for independence and adventure had brought them together. And as the carriage rolled on, the bond between them grew stronger, setting the stage for the next chapter of their journey.