9 : The Vinci Sect

In the dense expanse of the spirit forest, the journey of the sect's disciples had been uneventful so far, thanks largely to the presence of Madam Frost, a cultivator of the Nascent Soul stage. Her formidable aura seemed to keep the spirit beasts at bay, ensuring a safe passage for the group. They had encountered no threats, the forest creatures seemingly aware of the power within their midst.

However, an unexpected development occurred as they reached a river crossing. There, a group of individuals clad in black uniforms was spotted, led by a muscular man. His presence was commanding, his aura unmistakable.

"The Vinci sect," a female disciple exclaimed with a hint of surprise in her voice.

The air bristled with tension as the two sects exchanged glances. Eric, observing from his position at the chariot, noted the leader of the Vinci sect. He too was a Nascent Soul stage cultivator, similar to Madam Frost. Yet, there was an undercurrent of hostility that Eric couldn't quite place, an unspoken history between the two groups.

The muscular man from the Vinci sect approached Madam Frost, his stride confident. "Madam Frost, hahaha... what a coincidence. Our missions are alligned, and together we can ensure safe success. We both know that we are going for same mission. How about an allegiance?" he asked, his voice playful.

Madam Frost regarded him with a steely gaze, her expression unreadable. After a moment of intense dialogue and negotiation over the division of profits from the mission, she gave a curt nod. "A temporary allegiance, then. For the mission. Remember, I won't spare anyone if you try to cheat."

As the agreement was reached, some of the Vinci sect disciples tried to peer into Princess Lanner's chariot. Reacting swiftly, Eric pulled the chariot back, taking up a position at the rear of the procession. His actions were subtle but protective, ensuring the princess's privacy was maintained.

The afternoon sun cast long shadows as the combined group of Clark and Vinci sect disciples ventured deeper into the forest. They eventually reached a secluded area, a striking contrast to the surrounding lushness. In the midst of dense vegetation lay a dry patch of land, about a mile wide.

In the centre of this barren expanse stood a solitary, beautiful "blue plant." It was an extraordinary sight – in a one-mile radius, it was the only plant that dared to defy the dryness, exuding a sense of dominance and rare beauty.

The disciples halted at the edge of the dry patch, their eyes fixed on the lone plant. Madam Frost stepped forward, her gaze scrutinizing the area.

"This is it," she announced, her voice carrying a mix of awe and caution. "This plant is our mission. But be wary, the barrenness of this land is unnatural. There could be hidden dangers."

The Vinci sect leader nodded in agreement, his eyes also on the plant. "We must proceed carefully. It is a Mad Witch plant, it has the capability to create illusions and affect our thinking."

The disciples formed a perimeter around the edge of the one mile dry patch, their senses heightened for any sign of danger. Eric, still at the chariot, observed the surroundings with a sharp eye, aware of the potential risks that could emerge in such an unusual place.

For Eric, Mad Witch is not a new thing. He went through more dangerous flora in his clan's training process. He just ignored it and began releasing the horses from the chariot burden.

As the evening settled in, the combined forces of the Clark and Vinci sects began setting up camp near the enigmatic Mad Witch plant. The atmosphere was a blend of tension and competition, heightened by the presence of both sects in such close quarters.

"Could you help us with the tents?" a group of female disciples from the Clark sect approached Eric with friendly smiles. They had noticed his proficiency earlier in the day.

"Of course," Eric replied as he already finished setting up of the princess Lanner's tent (including Ria's), his actions efficient as he assisted them. His focus, however, remained partially on Ria, ensuring her safety in this uneasy alliance.

The Vinci sect disciples, seizing an opportunity to provoke their rivals, approached the area where Princess Lanner and girls gathered. "How about a duel, Princess? A test of skill between our sects," one of the Vinci sect disciple suggested, a prideful glint in his eye.

The chaos sparked instantly as they began verbal war.

Before the situation could escalate, Madam Frost intervened with a firm voice. "We are not here to fight among ourselves. If you wish to compete, let it be in the task of collecting Rank 3 spirit grass and animal cores of Rank 4 or higher by morning. The sect who brought more will be the winner."

Sen Vinci, the muscular leader of the Vinci sect, nodded in agreement. "Very well. Let's make it interesting – a wager of 100 Rank 3 spirit stones."

The challenge was met with immediate action as disciples from both sects sprang into the forest, moving in groups for safety. The forest at night was a different realm, full of unseen dangers and opportunities.

Back at the camp, Madam Frost turned to Eric. "Keep an eye on the camp while we are busy with the mad Witch plant. We need to observe its flowering."

Eric nodded, his mind already on Ria. Even though she was strong in magical arts, her inexperience in the wilds of the spirit forest and deceiving people worried him. Unseen by others, he extended his mind vision, keeping a discreet watch over Ria's movements in the forest.

As the night deepened, Madam Frost and Sen Vinci remained focused on the mad Witch plant, its mysterious allure captivating their attention. They were here to collect it's flower, which will bloom for once in a decade.

Eric busied himself with the tasks at hand, gathering wood for the campfire and attending to the other needs of the camp. His actions were methodical, but his thoughts were with Ria, tracking her progress through the forest.

In the forest, the disciples moved cautiously, their senses heightened. The competition had them scouring the underbrush for the valuable spirit grass and hunting the elusive spirit animals for their cores.

Back at the camp, the fire crackled, casting a warm glow over the area. Madam Frost and Sen Vinci discussed strategies and shared insights into the unique properties of the mad Witch plant.

Eric, his mind still connected to Ria, felt a surge of relief as she successfully gathered spirit grass without incident. His connection to her was more than just protective; it was a bond forged in the depths of their shared experiences, a silent understanding that transcended words.

As the first light of dawn began to break, the disciples started returning to the camp, their haul of spirit grass and animal cores a testament to their skills and bravery. But the Vinci sect disciples are making more noise as they counting began.

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PETERPAN