The caravan crested the final hill, revealing the sprawling expanse of Redwater City beneath the morning sun. Nestled beside the vast Redwater River, the city thrived as a vital hub of trade and maritime activity in the eastern part of the Xiang region. The river's surface shimmered with countless vessels—merchant ships, fishing boats, and luxurious pleasure barges—all bustling with purpose.
High stone walls encircled the city, their weathered battlements a testament to centuries of defending against both man and beast. Beyond the walls, the city's skyline was a mix of sturdy warehouses, elegant towers, and the fluttering sails of docked ships. The air was filled with the rhythmic calls of dockworkers, the clang of hammer on anvil, and the faint tang of saltwater carried by the breeze.
Redwater City was a beacon of wealth and opportunity in the Xiang region, its position on the river making it the center of maritime commerce. Goods from across the eastern lands passed through its docks—silks, spices, rare ores, and exotic beasts—all destined for distant shores or the region's elite. The city's economic power was unmatched, its influence radiating far beyond its borders.
As the caravan neared the gates, Yuan Feng rode up beside Ling Fei. "Young master, welcome to Redwater City," he said with a smile. "A place where fortunes are made and alliances forged. It's the beating heart of trade in this part of the region."
Ling Fei nodded, his gaze fixed on the towering gates ahead. "It's certainly impressive. I assume the city's wealth attracts its share of trouble?"
Yuan Feng chuckled. "Indeed, young master. Bandits, rival merchants, and even foreign spies—it's a melting pot of ambition and danger. But the city's guards are well-trained, and its leaders are shrewd. They keep the chaos in check."
Ling Fei's mind drifted to the journey they had just completed. The caravan had been attacked multiple times by bandits—desperate men hoping to plunder the riches it carried. Most had fled in terror when Ling Fei released his cultivator aura, the sheer pressure of his presence enough to send them scattering. Those who were foolish or desperate enough to stay had been dealt with swiftly.
The caravan's guards, led by Old Luo, had fought with practiced efficiency, their blades flashing in the sunlight. Ling Fei, however, had chosen to use these encounters as opportunities for training. Xiao Yin, his beast companion, had darted through the chaos with predatory grace, its strikes precise and devastating. Each skirmish had been a test, both for the caravan and for Ling Fei himself.
As they passed through the city gates, the guards offered respectful nods to Ling Fei, their eyes lingering on the aura of power that surrounded him. Within the city, the streets were alive with activity. Merchants called out their wares, children darted between stalls, and the scent of spices mingled with the salty breeze from the river.
Later, as the caravan settled into a bustling inn near the docks, Ling Fei found himself seated with Yuan Feng, Mei Ling, and Old Luo at a large wooden table. Plates of roasted meat and fragrant rice were passed around, accompanied by cups of a sweet, spiced wine.
"Young master," Yuan Feng began, his tone respectful, "I must thank you again for your assistance on the road. Without you, our journey would have been far more perilous."
Mei Ling nodded in agreement. "The way you made those bandits scatter was nothing short of remarkable. And your beast—it's a marvel. I've never seen such a creature."
Ling Fei accepted their praise with a slight nod. "The road was a learning experience for me as well. Xiao Yin needs real combat to grow stronger, and those bandits provided sufficient training."
Old Luo chuckled, raising his cup in a toast. "A cultivator who values practicality and preparation—I respect that. You've earned our admiration, young master."
The conversation shifted to Redwater City itself. Yuan Feng spoke of its thriving trade and the political dynamics that shaped its prosperity. Mei Ling added tales of exotic goods brought in by foreign merchants, while Old Luo shared stories of skirmishes along the river's borders. Ling Fei listened attentively, absorbing the information.
As the evening wore on and the merchants began to retire for the night, a familiar chime echoed in Ling Fei's mind.
[Sign-In Completed]
Location: Redwater City
Reward: Primal Qi Formation Manual (Beast Path)
A translucent scroll appeared in his mind, its surface etched with intricate symbols and diagrams. The Primal Qi Formation Manual radiated a primal energy, its contents detailing advanced techniques for refining and harnessing qi in the Beast Path. Ling Fei's lips curved into a faint smile. This was precisely the kind of resource he needed to push his cultivation forward.
As the inn quieted and the night deepened, Ling Fei retreated to his room. Sitting cross-legged on the wooden floor, he summoned the manual from his mental space. The scroll unraveled before him, its symbols glowing faintly in the dim light.