The caravan rumbled on through the winding path, the horses' hooves striking the dirt rhythmically as the cultivators endured the long journey. The open fields had given way to denser forests, where the towering trees formed a natural canopy overhead. The atmosphere was alive with the distant calls of unseen beasts, a constant reminder of the dangers outside the guarded path.
The road stretched on for hours, winding through a mix of dense forests and open fields. Occasionally, distant roars or howls echoed through the wilderness, reminding everyone of the dangers lurking beyond the path. The guards, experienced cultivators themselves, remained vigilant, their hands never far from their weapons.
As the sun dipped low in the sky, painting the horizon in hues of orange and red, the caravan came to a halt near a riverbank. The leader of the guards, a grizzled man with a scar running down his face, addressed the group.
"We'll camp here for the night," he barked. "The journey to the sect's inner region is still days away, and the forest ahead is no place to travel after dark. Stay within the perimeter. We don't want anyone getting picked off by beasts."
The cultivators disembarked from their carriages, some stretching their legs while others immediately began setting up their tents. Ling Fei opted for a quieter spot near the edge of the group, where he could reflect in peace. Xiao Yin sat at his side, occasionally sniffing the air as if searching for something.
As Ling Fei focused on his breathing, a faint system notification broke his meditation:
[Sign-In Available: Twilight Riverbank]
[Sign-In Reward: Beast Essence Crystal (Rare).]
Ling Fei's eyes lit up as he silently accepted the reward. A warm energy surged within him as a small, glimmering crystal materialized in his spatial ring. The crystal pulsed faintly with raw energy, its uses instantly apparent as the system provided its description:
[Beast Essence Crystal: A rare artifact containing refined Beast Path energy. Can be used to strengthen Beast Path techniques, enhance bonded beasts, and refine cultivation foundations.]
Ling Fei smiled to himself. The crystal could boost his techniques and further solidify his foundation, but its most exciting use was its ability to enhance Xiao Yin directly. The silver wolf had grown strong, but Ling Fei knew it could become much more.
Beside him, Xiao Yin perked up, its sharp ears twitching as it sensed its master's attention. Ling Fei patted the wolf's head affectionately.
Xu Wei soon joined him, his viper pet beast, Jin, moving excitedly around Xiao Yin.
"Your wolf looks too serious," Xu Wei said with a smirk, watching try to playfully nip at Xiao Yin's tail.
Ling Fei chuckled as Xiao Yin, after a moment of aloofness, finally gave in and started chasing Jin in a friendly game. "He's not used to company. Neither am I, to be honest."
Xu Wei leaned back on his elbows, staring at the darkening sky. "Well, you'll have to get used to it. The sect's going to be crowded, and you can't survive there alone."
"Speaking from experience?" Ling Fei asked.
"My clan," Xu Wei admitted. "They threw me out to fend for myself after I refused to follow their... traditions."
Ling Fei raised an eyebrow. "Beast Path traditions?"
Xu Wei nodded, his voice steady but edged with bitterness. "Their methods were cruel. I'm not like them, though. I'll prove myself without sacrificing everything for power."
Ling Fei didn't press further. Instead, he offered a small smile. "Well, you're not entirely on your own now. It's better to have a rival you understand than enemies you don't."
Xu Wei snorted. "Rival, huh? Don't get too comfortable. I'm not about to let you outshine me in the trials."
Ling Fei laughed, the tension between them easing into something resembling camaraderie.
Later that evening, Ling Fei sat cross-legged, holding the Beast Essence Crystal. With a deep breath, he began refining its energy. The crystal dissolved into pure, vibrant energy, coursing through his meridians and settling in his core. His cultivation foundation trembled as the energy refined his Beast Path essence, strengthening it significantly.
The system chimed softly in his mind:
[Cultivation Base Improved. Beast Path Essence Enhanced by 25%.]
[Xiao Yin's Core Linked to Your Energy. Wolf Companion's Strength Increased.]
Ling Fei felt the change immediately. His core felt more stable, his energy denser, and Xiao Yin seemed to radiate a newfound confidence.
Xu Wei noticed the subtle shift and raised an eyebrow. "Something tells me you just got stronger."
Ling Fei smiled faintly. "Maybe. But don't let that discourage you."
Xu Wei grinned back. "It won't. Just gives me more motivation."
Their conversation was interrupted by Xiao Yin and Jin, who returned from their play, both panting but clearly pleased. The two animals settled beside their respective masters, a quiet companionship forming between them.
The night deepened, and the cultivators slowly settled into their routines. Ling Fei, now stronger and more focused, stared into the flickering campfire, his thoughts