Chapter 5

*One year later*

An entire year had elapsed since their arrival in this place, coinciding with his brother and grandfather's return from the borders. Zhao Yang was now 16 years old but possessed the wisdom and maturity of someone ten years his senior. Throughout the year, not much occurred in the Mu Kingdom, save for a few noteworthy events. The first was his brother's marriage and the impending arrival of his pregnant sister-in-law. Unlike his boisterous brother, she possessed a reserved and gentle demeanour, serving as a stark contrast to his older sibling.

However, they made a great couple, and the most amusing part was how his brother Yan was completely smitten and under his sister-in-law's influence. If he was once a wild and hot-blooded man, he had now mellowed down, understanding the responsibility of becoming a father and taking care of his family.

During the year, Zhao Yang dedicated most of his time to cultivating, honing his combat skills with both hand-to-hand combat and weapons, and further developing his medical expertise. Despite his extensive knowledge in modern medicine, he discovered that ancient medical practices differed significantly. To his surprise, he also stumbled upon a peculiar energy form—green in nature—that possessed healing properties for minor injuries and cuts. Strangely, he couldn't find any references to this energy in the books he had read, adding to its mystery.

Life in the capital city remained peaceful but monotonous. Nothing particularly exciting was happening, and Zhao Yang had explored every corner of the city. However, during one of his strolls, he overheard some mercenaries discussing unusual-looking plants thriving in the inner parts of the Sprite Forest. Initially, he paid little attention to their conversation, but their description of the plants caught his interest.

Curiosity piqued, Zhao Yang requested the mercenaries to provide a detailed description and draw the plant they were talking about. To his astonishment, their descriptions aligned with his assumptions—it was the Shada flower. This flower, with its white stem, leaves, and roots, existed only in the modern era. How it ended up in this place was a mystery. Nonetheless, Zhao Yang knew he had to obtain it. The Shada flower possessed extraordinary healing properties that could be invaluable.

Motivated by his desire to acquire the flower, Zhao Yang made the decision to venture into the Sprite Forest. However, he chose not to disclose the true purpose of his journey to his grandfather and brother. Instead, he informed them that he was going to train in the forest. If he revealed his intentions, they would worry and try to dissuade him. But he had to go. The flower held the potential to save lives, including his own. Moreover, the appearance of a plant like the Shada flower in this place was highly peculiar—it warranted investigation.

Without delay, Zhao Yang set off for the Sprite Forest. He carried only enough food to last him about a month, as cultivation gradually reduced the need for sustenance.

It had been approximately a week since Zhao Yang entered the forest. During this time, he thoroughly explored the outer and middle regions, gathering numerous herbs and seeds that he stored in his spatial bag. He initially anticipated that it would take longer to traverse the forest, but he soon realized that the animals here had a means of communication. Whenever he attempted to collect rare herbs, the protective beasts guarding them would attack. He defended himself without intending to harm them, as he understood that killing them would disrupt the natural balance of the forest.

The relentless beasts continued attacking Zhao Yang even after he had injured them, showing no signs of backing off. In a twist of events, he had no choice but to eliminate them. This happened a few more times, and perhaps due to his lack of mercy, the beasts no longer attacked him when he approached to gather herbs and seeds. They would instead glare at him with hostility and growl, but they did not dare to engage.

And so, a week passed for Zhao Yang. Although he had intended to venture into the inner part of the forest, the encroaching darkness convinced him to postpone his exploration until morning. Zhao Yang collected firewood and started a fire, ensuring he rested for the night near a river. With the fire crackling, he went to the river to catch a fish for his meal. Luck was on his side as he managed to catch a substantial fish, sufficient to satiate a growing man. Satisfied, he cleaned the fish and skewered it on a long stick, placing it by the fire. Once the fish was cooked, he allowed it to cool before enjoying his meal. Despite the absence of seasoning, the fish still proved to be delicious.

After finishing his meal, Zhao Yang extinguished the fire and climbed up a tree to rest for the night before embarking on his journey to the inner part of the forest. As he leaned against the tree, he suddenly felt the tree trembling. Alarmed, Zhao Yang stood up to investigate but found nothing amiss, dismissing it as an earthquake. However, the ground continued to shake, growing increasingly stronger. It was then that Zhao Yang witnessed something far beyond his expectations. Hundreds, if not thousands, of sprite beasts—both large and small—were charging toward his location. A foreboding feeling gripped Zhao Yang. The sight of so many different types of beasts migrating together seemed impossible. He couldn't shake off the unsettling sensation.

To make matters worse, Zhao Yang had no way to descend from the tree without being trampled by the massive horde of beasts. He waited until they were out of sight, knowing it wasn't safe for him to remain there. Regardless of the rarity and value of the Shada Flower, his own life took precedence. The moment he descended from the tree, he sprinted away, seeking refuge elsewhere. Although he possessed a map of the forest, it offered limited details, and unbeknownst to him, he became hopelessly lost. Even the map proved futile in this predicament.

Zhao Yang wandered aimlessly, unsure of his destination, yet he continued walking. Occasionally, he would glance at the map in hopes of finding some guidance.