Beginning of a long journey.

—You look refreshed, almost glowing. Tell me, did something good happen to you?

Asked Mei Lin, with a curious smile as she looked at Bai Xuebing, who seemed fresher than ever.

—Ahem... something like that,— he replied, averting his gaze and covering his face with one hand. Although he maintained a neutral expression, the slight blush on his cheeks, almost imperceptible, betrayed him.

Mei Lin squinted, analyzing him suspiciously.

"Bai Xuebing... blushing? This is not normal. Is this the same Bai Xuebing who always has that 'don't talk to me, go to hell' face?"

Before she could continue questioning him, Bai cut off her train of thought:

—In which room will the meeting be? —he asked calmly.

Mei Lin pointed the way, and Bai hurried to leave.

—Mmm... why does he smell so much like Xie Ruyen?— Mei Lin murmured to herself, watching him walk away.

Upon entering the hall, Bai noticed that most of the team members hadn't arrived yet. The few who were there looked haggard, showing they still hadn't recovered from the bar party. Only he seemed to be in top form.

The Han brothers, who were sitting nearby, greeted him with a tired gesture.

—How are you, Brother Bai? It seems the drinks from yesterday didn't affect you. You slept well, huh?

Bai Xuebing nodded, not bothering to respond.

—By the way, here's your prize. You beat us yesterday... Take it quickly because seeing the lost money hurts more than it should.

With a small smile, Bai took the coins and stored them in his ring.

"Hehe, it was all worth it. How beautiful money is."

Soon, the others began to arrive. The last to do so was Xie Ruyen, who, like Bai, looked impeccable. As their gazes briefly met, she blew him a kiss, causing him to look away with evident discomfort.

"It's fun to tease him," thought Xie Ruyen before getting serious.

When everyone was present, the meeting began. At the front of the room, Xie Ruyen and her second-in-command stood next to a large map spread out on the wall.

—Since we were interrupted yesterday by a certain shameless person— Xie Ruyen said, casting a mocking glance at Bai— we didn't finish the meeting. But let's pick up where we left off.

—The mission entrusted to us is escort and protection. Our objective will be to transport the contractor from this city to the capital, Shuilin Cheng, in the Heiyan Guo kingdom.

The murmuring of the members filled the room; a long-distance transport mission was uncommon, especially when it involved crossing kingdoms.

—The rank of this mission is A due to the distance and duration, which could extend up to half a year. The reward is high, and being a direct commission to the team, each of you will receive a considerable sum,— she added, showing a small smile of satisfaction.

Bai Xuebing listened intently. The reward was more than enough to cover his journey. If he completed this mission, he wouldn't need to take on more jobs.

—We will depart in a month. Until then, make sure you are ready for the long journey. That's all. You may leave.

The members began to disperse, each immersed in their thoughts about the mission. Bai silently went over everything he would need for the trip.

"A long journey that will last at least half a year... The reward will be enough for my purpose, and there will still be some left over. It's fortunate that the contractor will cover all travel expenses, but..."

Bai Xuebing frowned, lost in thought.

"Even so, this is my first time participating in an escort mission. A journey this long, full of uncertainties. With my current level, I can handle a couple of enemies, and if necessary, receive support from the team. Although... better not count on that. I don't know them, and we'll only be working together for this mission. Expecting help from them would be a mistake."

Bai Xuebing sighed as he pondered what to do. The best option was to prepare for the journey. He needed to buy supplies and equipment, so he left the guild and headed to the bustling city center. There he would find everything he needed.

The market was full of life. Merchants shouted their offers while the aroma of spices and old scrolls filled the air. Bai Xuebing moved like a shadow, ignoring the bustle around him.

Although his versatile combat style and special attribute gave him an advantage, he considered it useful to carry a weapon. A spear would be ideal since he mastered it with skill and could use it if he ran out of energy.

"I'll need healing and revitalization pills. It would be excellent to get an energy-restoring pill, although they are expensive and hard to find. As for supplies, I'll take the basics and enough for myself. Even though the contractor covers the expenses, it doesn't hurt to ensure everything is in order."

He walked through the crowded streets, observing people passing by as he browsed the stalls and shops. Shortly after, he arrived at a small secluded store.

The place was modest and somewhat old. The shelves were piled with bottles full of low-grade pills alongside refinement and alchemy materials, also of lower quality. Behind the counter, a short, hunched old man watched him. His long white beard reached down to his knees.

—Welcome, young man. What do you wish to buy? —the old man asked with a kind smile.

—Elder, would you have healing and revitalization pills? —Bai Xuebing replied, slightly inclining his head as a sign of respect.

The old man nodded, impressed by the young man's courtesy.

—What a polite young man. Yes, yes, I have what you're looking for. Please, follow me.

Although it seemed small from the outside, the shop was spacious and well-organized. The old man led him to a shelf.

—These are jade healing pills, and these others are lotus pills. Both are rank E. I'm afraid I don't have higher quality ones. The same goes for the revitalization pills.

—It doesn't matter— Bai replied calmly. —Please, give me three bottles of lotus pills and three of revitalization pills.

The old man carefully prepared the bottles and placed them on the counter.

—That would be 300 green jade coins, but... since it's your first purchase, I'll leave it at 100.

Bai Xuebing shook his head.

—No, I'll pay the full price.

Before leaving, he respectfully asked:

—Elder, do you know a place where I can buy weapons?

The old man nodded with a kind smile.

—Yes, young man, I know a good place.

The old man, with a smile, pointed Bai Xuebing to the direction where he could find weapons. Grateful, Bai headed to the indicated spot.

Upon arriving, he asked the clerk if they had spears with a curved tip. The response was a resounding no; they had never heard of such a design. The clerk added that if he had a blueprint or model, they could craft one, but the process would take at least two months—time Bai didn't have. Resigned, he ended up buying several standard E-rank spears.

—Even though I bought the cheapest ones, money goes fast...— he murmured, sighing as he adjusted the payment. —Now I only have enough to survive this month. I should do a couple of missions before it ends... No, the best option is to train and prepare for the journey.

For the next month, Bai Xuebing devoted all his time to training in the guild's field, thanks to Xia Ruyen's authorization. Most of the time, he trained alone, but occasionally, the Han brothers, other team members, or even Xia Ruyen joined him for practice.

Being in the second stage of the third realm, Bai constantly sought self-improvement by facing opponents of his level or higher. Among the team members, Xia Ruyen stood out as the strongest, with a cultivation level in the second stage of the fourth realm, followed by Ren Jihao, who was in the first stage of the same realm. After them were the Han brothers, Bai Xuebing, and three other cultivators in the third realm. The rest of the team comprised individuals in various stages of the second realm.

In addition to training, Bai Xuebing spent time cultivating, collecting blood from animals or spiritual beasts to strengthen his core. At night, he retired early to rest, avoiding the team's drinking invitations, and especially avoiding Xia Ruyen, who each time she saw him found an excuse to tease him with a simple "Let's grab a meal."

Occasionally, Bai spent time at the guild with Mei Lin. Although his main motive was studying, she had also become a source of free information—valuable, given his budget no longer allowed him to pay for guild-provided intel. Mei Lin never refused to help him, though sometimes, in the middle of her explanations, she got lost in her thoughts, gazing at Bai with a dreamy expression she couldn't hide.

And just like that, the month flew by.

When the day of departure finally arrived, the guild was abuzz with activity. Team members gathered around the escort carriages, verifying everything was in order. The logistics personnel checked provisions, while the combatants secured their weapons and artifacts. The tension in the air was palpable; even the most experienced knew an escort mission was never as simple as it seemed.

Bai Xuebing stood off to the side, observing the commotion. He wore his black tunic, its intense shade contrasting with the light of dawn. His spear, firmly secured on his back, reflected a faint gleam under the first rays of sunlight.

Xie Ruyen appeared shortly after, leading the formation. Her elegant stride and determined gaze showcased why she was the team leader. With a wave of her hand, she ordered everyone to gather.

—Listen carefully because I'll only say this once— she began, her voice clear and firm. —Our mission is to escort the contractor and their cargo safely to Shuilin Cheng. It will be a long and dangerous journey, but failure is not an option. If anyone feels they're not up to the task, speak now.

Xie's gaze swept across the group, but no one moved or said a word.

—Good, that's what I like to see. We depart in ten minutes. I'll finish the guild paperwork while you make your final preparations.

The usual pre-mission hustle and bustle filled the atmosphere. Team members adjusted their weapons, checked supplies, or exchanged words of encouragement. However, Bai Xuebing remained motionless. He sat on the guild's steps, wearing a calm, almost gentle expression as he watched the city and its people pass by.

Despite the worries swirling in his mind—the uncertainty of the journey, the dangers ahead—there was something in that moment that brought him an unusual peace. With departure imminent and danger lurking beyond the city walls, Bai took the time to truly look at the place for the first time since he had arrived.

The city, with its chaotic streets and bustling life, was a mix of fulfilled promises and shattered dreams. During his brief stay, it had been the backdrop for unexpected lessons, revealing surprises, and experiences that shaped his being. It was a place that, although fleeting in its role in his life, deserved to be appreciated, if only for one more moment.

"No matter how small, every experience has value," he reflected as his eyes followed a merchant haggling with a customer. "Breathing, walking, eating... even the most ordinary moments are tinged with something special. In every corner, this city breathes life. Its mix of kindness and misery, chaos and stillness, makes it unique."

Bai Xuebing, despite his path marked by vengeance and pain, had always found something to cherish, no matter how insignificant it seemed. Years of life—however little he had had—had taught him that, though life was fraught with suffering, it was precisely its fragility that made it precious. Each moment, every small achievement or simple pleasure, became more valuable knowing it could be the last.

"Living is an act of defiance and gratitude at the same time," he thought. "Even if I stumble, fall, and break, I will rise again. Even if the road is dark, I'll run forward. Because each breath and step makes death, when it comes, only a reminder of how sublime it was to be here."

Bai closed his eyes for a moment, letting the city's murmur fill his mind. He was aware his path was steeped in blood and suffering, but he also knew there was beauty in that pain. Life wasn't less valuable because it hurt; in fact, suffering only heightened moments of calm, small victories, and the fleeting peace of observing the world as it was.

"If life allows me to laugh, cry, and feel the weight of every emotion, then no matter how much it hurts, I will live fully—even if that living is a path toward my own destruction."

"The path I follow will undoubtedly be hell, but as I walk it, I will cry, hate, laugh, and enjoy it until death claims me."

When he opened his eyes, the guild's chaos and the city remained unchanged, undisturbed, as if time hadn't moved. But for Bai Xuebing, that brief moment of reprieve had been enough. Though the future was uncertain and the past bore scars, in that moment, he found something more important: the present. And that was all he needed.

—This is only the beginning of my living hell...— he whispered to himself, giving the peaceful city one last glance.