Immortal's Cave

Liu Mengyan was determined to help Bai Yunfei build a better dwelling, one that was more secluded.

Together, they ventured out to explore the surroundings. Liu Mengyan took the lead.

"I spotted a cave nearby, similar to the one I'm using," she said. "I think it would be more suitable for you to transform it into your immortal's cave. Staying out in the open like this is dangerous."

Bai Yunfei had long desired a more permanent base, but the lack of immediate threats had delayed his plans.

However, circumstances were changing. He had encountered her, the first cultivator, and it was inevitable that others would follow.

He trailed behind Liu Mengyan until they reached the cave. It wasn't as concealed as hers - there was no vegetation obscuring the entrance - but that was something Bai Yunfei could easily rectify later.

They worked in tandem to clear out the cave's interior.

For that night, all they managed to do was camouflage the entrance with some foliage and bring Bai Yunfei's tent inside.

There was no time for anything more elaborate, as darkness had already descended.

"I'm heading back to my cave. If you need anything, you know where to find me," Liu said, waving goodbye as she departed.

"Bye," he said.

Bai Yunfei liked to be alone. Bai Yunfei's preference for solitude wasn't due to his lack of social skills, but rather to his inability to fully trust her. Only a stupid person would.

The idea of her knowing where he lived made him uneasy, but there was something Bai Yunfei was counting on if anything happened.

'I'm just better!'

He was a true cultivator, and the feeling of superiority would never cease. Bai Yunfei felt the eagerness to cultivate, but it was already late at night.

Before going to bed, he checked everything to ensure there was nothing waiting for him to fall asleep and to ensure the entrance to the cave was hidden.

After that, he went to bed.

During the morning, Bai Yunfei had something in mind that he needed to take care of.

The cave was not as close to the river as it had been when Bai Yunfei lived in the open. It was close, obviously, but not right on its side.

One of the things he needed was fresh water to drink throughout the day and to bathe in the cave if necessary. So, Bai Yunfei set out on a task to create something to carry water.

Without decent tools, it was almost impossible for him to create something decent. He walked through the forest looking for appropriate pieces of wood.

When he found it, Bai Yunfei carved the logs using his stone knife and fists, producing a log basket capable of holding water.

The vines that were present everywhere turned into ropes to bind the caskets, giving Bai Yunfei a better time when traveling with the baskets on his back.

After creating two log baskets, Bai Yunfei carried one on his back and the other using his arms and went straight to the river to get water.

On his way back, the gentle breeze hit his face, and the soft grass touched his feet. A few birds flew past him—scared when he got too close—and he even spotted a rabbit, which turned into his meal.

Once he was in front of the river, Bai Yunfei placed one of the baskets on the ground, and that's when he saw a footprint near the river.

It was not a small footprint. There was no way it belonged to Liu Mengyan, and Bai Yunfei was certain it didn't belong to him, which could only mean one thing.

'Another cultivator is in the area!'

That was both exciting and scary at the same time. Bai Yunfei wanted to meet others to exchange some information, but what if they were just looking for a fight?

Bai Yunfei was not the type to run from a fight — and that was the reason he got sealed and lost his powers — but staying safe during the first parts of the game was the right call. At least that was how he assessed the situation.

He looked around to see if anyone else was there. It was just a glance, but Bai Yunfei didn't see a single person, and that was good.

The log baskets got filled with water. Bai Yunfei left the river with the two baskets, as well as the rabbit he found, and went straight back to his cave.

Well, not straight to his cave. Bai Yunfei was scared that someone might be following him, so if he went straight to his cave, then the pursuer would know exactly where he lived.

Bai Yunfei decided to take a detour, venturing deeper into the forest. He moved cautiously, his senses heightened, listening for any rustling leaves or snapping twigs that might betray another's presence.

After what felt like an eternity of tense silence, Bai Yunfei was satisfied that he wasn't being followed. He let out a sigh of relief, the tension easing from his shoulders. He turned back towards his cave, the weight of the water-filled baskets a comforting reminder of his resourcefulness.

Back in the relative safety of his cave, Bai Yunfei set about preparing his first meal of the day. He skinned and gutted the rabbit with practiced ease, his stone knife flashing in the dim light. The scent of roasting meat soon filled the cave, a welcome contrast to the damp earthiness.

As he ate, Bai Yunfei savored the simple pleasure of a warm meal. He washed it down with a long draught of cool, fresh water, feeling a sense of contentment settle over him.

The encounter with the footprint had been a stark reminder of the challenges that lay ahead, but for now, he was safe, fed, and ready to face whatever the day might bring.

With his hunger satiated, Bai Yunfei turned his attention to his cultivation practices. He sat cross-legged on the cave floor, his back straight, his eyes closed. He took a deep breath, drawing in the cool air, and began to focus his mind, reaching for that familiar sense of inner peace and power.

The cave was once again silent, save for the soft rhythm of his breathing, as Bai Yunfei delved deeper into the mysteries of his cultivation.