21:A place of peace.

The next day dawned with a gentle light breaking over the horizon, casting long shadows through the bustling streets of the Claw of the Crow. The city was already awake, its blacksmiths hammering away, merchants setting up their stalls, and guards patrolling the streets with renewed vigilance.

In a quiet corner of the city, Rai Kan and Hi Ho finished their preparations. Their cart was loaded, and Bi Ji, the powerful bull, was hitched and ready. The air was thick with the tension of their recent encounters, but a sense of relief also permeated their preparations. The deal with Gu Sho had given them the respite they needed, at least for now.

Looking around cautiously,Hi Ho spoke "We should leave before any more trouble finds us. The sooner we're out of here, the better."

Rai Kan nodded, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger. He felt the familiar restlessness of a warrior who had not had a chance to meditate properly in days.

**Rai Kan**: "Agreed. Let's move."

They climbed onto the cart, and with a gentle command from Hi Ho, Bi Ji started to pull them out of the city. As they passed through the gates, the guards gave them a cursory glance. One of the guards, who had been there during their previous encounters, nodded slightly in acknowledgment, a silent understanding passing between them.

"Good riddance."

The road out of the city was rocky and uneven, but the farther they traveled, the more the tension seemed to ease. The landscape began to change, the heavy industrial atmosphere of the Claw of the Crow giving way to more open, tranquil surroundings. The clanging of hammers and the murmur of merchants were replaced by the sounds of nature—birds chirping, leaves rustling, and the occasional rustle of small animals in the underbrush.

As they traveled, Rai Kan broke the silence, his voice thoughtful.

**Rai Kan**: "We avoided a war back there, but it feels like this isn't the end. Gu Sho will be watching us."

Hi Ho nodded, understanding the unspoken worry in Rai Kan's words.

**Hi Ho**: "True. But we've bought ourselves some time. We need to stay ahead, keep moving, and avoid any direct confrontations for a while. At least until we can figure out our next steps."

Rai Kan looked out over the horizon, his eyes narrowing in determination.

**Rai Kan**: "We'll be ready. Whatever comes next, we'll face it together."

The cart continued its journey, leaving the Claw of the Crow behind.

As the days turned into nights and the week passed by, Rai Kan and Hi Ho found themselves approaching the Valley of Eternity. The journey had been long, but the promise of peace and tranquility kept their spirits high. The valley was known for its serene beauty and was under the protection of the Mountain Martial Sect, a group revered for their wisdom and strength.

**Rai Kan**: *Glancing around at the lush greenery.* "This place already feels different. Calm."

**Hi Ho**: *Nodding in agreement.* "The Valley of Eternity is known for its tranquility. The Mountain Martial Sect ensures peace is maintained here. We should be able to rest without any trouble."

As they neared the gates of the valley, two monks, dressed in simple yet dignified robes, stepped forward. Their faces were serene, but their eyes were sharp, taking in every detail of the newcomers.

**Monk 1**: *Looking up at Rai Kan with a raised eyebrow.* "State your business."

**Rai Kan**: "We seek accommodation and some peace. We've traveled far and wish to rest."

The monks exchanged glances, clearly skeptical. Rai Kan's imposing, animalistic appearance, coupled with his considerable height, seemed at odds with his calm demeanor.

One of the monks spoke"Your appearance... you claim to be 17?"

Hi Ho couldn't help but chuckle softly at the predictable reaction.

"Yes, it's hard to believe, but it's true. We've had this discussion many times before."

The monks, still dubious, decided to use an age crystal to verify Rai Kan's claim. The crystal glowed brightly, confirming his age. The monks' eyes widened in surprise, and they stepped back, murmuring amongst themselves.

The monk shaked his head in disbelief. "Very well. You may enter. The inn is just beyond the gates. May you find the peace you seek."

They led Rai Kan and Hi Ho through the gates and into the valley. The air was fresh, and the sound of a distant waterfall added to the serene atmosphere. They soon found the inn, a quaint and welcoming place nestled among the trees.

The Innkeeper greeted them warmly."Welcome! You must be weary from your journey. Please, make yourselves at home."

They settled into their room, grateful for the respite. Rai Kan, though still carrying the weight of their recent battles, felt a sense of relief wash over him.

**Rai Kan**: "This place... it's exactly what we needed."

Hi Ho said while smiling. "I told you. Sometimes, even warriors need a place to rest and gather their strength."

As the evening drew on, the valley's calm began to soothe their weary souls. They shared a quiet dinner, the events of the past few weeks seeming like a distant memory in the peaceful embrace of the Valley of Eternity. The road ahead remained uncertain, but for now, they had found a sanctuary where they could recover and plan their next move.

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Contents of Rai kan box:-

1 Dismantling tools(bought in the outer city of crow of claw(off-screen))

2 The book given to him by the gods.

3 Red ginsing(that he bought from auction.)