Traveling Companion

The group set off for Qinghe City, seeking a new mount to transport Shen Mei without complications.

The first few days passed without incident, under clear skies and along peaceful roads. The third and fourth days were no different, perhaps because they were still on less-traveled routes. But that changed on the fifth day.

They traveled along a black dirt path flanked by enormous rock pillars. Some were covered in moss, others cracked, but all shared an unsettling symmetry: they were perfect rectangles, as if carved by ancient hands.

Despite the eerie sensation surrounding them, the group continued until they reached a crossroads where three paths converged.

Tap, tap, tap...

Footsteps echoed from one of the paths, approaching slowly. The sound immediately put the group on alert. Xia Ruyen and Ren Jihao positioned themselves near the clients, ready for anything, while the others unsheathed their weapons.

The group assumed a defensive formation. No one knew who or what was approaching, but lowering their guard was not an option.

—If they were enemies, they wouldn't make so much noise—murmured one of the Han brothers, gripping his weapon firmly.

—Then, bandits? Or just travelers?—the other responded, keeping his eyes on the path.

Uncertainty filled the air. If it were enemies, the attack would have come quickly and silently. If not, why walk in such a deliberate manner?

The tension grew with each passing second, as shadows at the end of the path began to take shape.

From a distance, figures started to emerge. It was a small group of ten people, all dressed in white robes, except for one—a gray-haired elder clad in black, walking at the front, leading them.

As they drew closer, one of the men in the group recognized the symbol embroidered on their robes: a white owl with outstretched wings.

—They are cultivators from the White Owl Sect.

The tension immediately eased. The White Owl Sect was known as a righteous sect, and their presence posed no threat to travelers, merchants, or other cultivators—except for those from the demonic path.

The elder stepped forward, advancing calmly toward Xia Ruyen, who also moved forward to meet him.

Both greeted each other, though Xia Ruyen inclined her head slightly, showing formal respect. This was due to the elder being two cultivation realms higher than her.

—Greetings to the elder.

—Greetings. I am Wei Lan of the White Owl Sect. I hope my presence and that of my disciples have not caused you any concern.

Wei Lan quickly glanced at the group behind Xia Ruyen before looking back at her with calm but attentive eyes.

With just one look, he discerned the level of each person; his years of experience had given him that ability.

—You...

Xia Ruyen quickly intervened, introducing herself courteously.

—Forgive me for the delayed introduction. My name is Xia Ruyen. My men and I belong to the Jìng Fēng Gé Guild. We are in the middle of a mission.

She took out an identification tablet, the guild's symbol engraved on it along with her rank as leader. Wei Lan observed the item and nodded in approval.

These types of identification tablets couldn't be forged or stolen since they were specially created and bound to the cultivator's life. If stolen, the tablet would vanish within seconds, as it could not be separated from its owner.

—I see—he paused briefly before continuing—If it's not too much trouble, could you tell me where you're headed?

The question was direct, enough to make Xia Ruyen hesitate for a moment. Without showing any emotion, she used a voice transmission technique to consult Liang Cheng.

"Should I tell them our destination?"

Liang Cheng's response came swiftly.

"You're a fool, woman. Lying to a sixth-realm cultivator would be suspicious. Besides, if they decide to join us, it would be an advantage."

Xia Ruyen nodded slightly.

—We are headed to Qinghe City.

Wei Lan smiled calmly, stroking his beard as he responded.

—It seems we share the same destination, fellow cultivator. The heavens have united our paths. If you don't mind, how about we travel together to the city?

Xia Ruyen put away the tablet and crossed her arms, looking at Wei Lan with a mix of courtesy and caution.

—Your company would be welcome, Elder Wei. A group with such powerful cultivators is always appreciated in uncertain times.

Apart from Wei Lan, who was in the sixth realm, the others ranged from the second to third realms.

Wei Lan smiled slightly, but his gaze was piercing, as if seeking something beyond Xia's words.

—Then it will be an honor to accompany you, fellow cultivator.

With the agreement sealed, both groups began reorganizing for the journey. The disciples of the White Owl Sect maintained their formation, walking behind Wei Lan, while Xia Ruyen's group stayed around the clients.

Ren Jihao, frowning, walked beside Xia Ruyen.

—Are you sure it was a good idea to accept?—he asked in a low tone, using a technique to avoid being overheard.

—Refusing a sixth-realm cultivator would be more suspicious than accepting his proposal—Xia Ruyen replied calmly, without turning her head toward him—Besides, having them nearby might deter any attacks on the road.

Ren Jihao pressed his lips together but said nothing more. However, his eyes continued closely observing the disciples and the elder.

On the other side, Shen Mei walked silently, her face covered by a veil. Though she said nothing, her jade eyes occasionally glanced at Wei Lan. She seemed to evaluate his every movement with an unsettling calm, as if she knew something the others did not.

Wei Lan, for his part, seemed more interested in Shen Mei than anyone else in the group. His gaze occasionally fell on her, but he always quickly returned his focus to the road, maintaining his composure.

Bai Xuebing, lagging behind and still recovering, noticed the tension in the air. Though he didn't say anything, Liang Cheng's unease and the elder's persistent glances toward Shen Mei did not escape his attention.

"What is he looking at?" Bai thought, his grip on his spear tightening slightly.

The group marched for hours, the atmosphere silent and laden with barely concealed tension. As the sun began to set, Wei Lan raised his hand, halting his disciples.

—This is a good spot to camp. The surroundings are open, and we can easily set up guard.

Xia Ruyen quickly assessed the terrain. The elder was right; the space was wide and offered sufficient visibility to prevent any surprise attacks.

—Very well. We'll camp here.

While everyone busied themselves setting up tents, Liang Cheng approached Shen Mei with hurried steps.

—My lady, are you comfortable? Is there anything you need?

Shen Mei looked up at him, her jade eyes shining under the dim evening light.

—I'm fine, Liang Cheng. Don't worry so much about me.

—I can't help it—he replied, bowing slightly—Your safety is my only priority.

Shen Mei remained silent for a few seconds before speaking again.

—I know. But remember, no one must discover anything about me, Liang Cheng.

Liang Cheng nodded gravely, his hands clenching at his sides.

—Understood, my lady.

Once the tents were set up and the camp was in order, Wei Lan approached Xia Ruyen with his characteristic calmness.

—Fellow cultivator, tonight my disciples will take care of the watch—his tone was cordial but firm, making it clear he wouldn't easily take no for an answer.

Xia Ruyen frowned slightly.

—I appreciate the offer, Elder Wei, but it's not necessary. My men already have shifts arranged to protect our clients.

Wei Lan smiled faintly, stroking his beard.

—I don't doubt your group's capabilities, but my disciples need some practice. I see this as a good opportunity for them to prove their worth. Besides, wouldn't it be more convenient for you to rest?

Wei Lan's words were logical, but Xia Ruyen remained hesitant. Her amber eyes scanned the elder and his disciples, searching for any signs of ulterior motives, but she found nothing obvious.

Finally, she sighed and nodded.

—Very well. My men will share the watch with yours.

Wei Lan inclined his head slightly in respect before returning to his group. However, Xia Ruyen couldn't shake a slight unease, as if she had conceded too much.

Leaving her men to take charge, she decided to step away from the camp for a moment. As she walked among the shadows, her steps led her to a solitary figure by a tree. Bai Xuebing stood there, leaning on his spear, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

Xia Ruyen smiled slightly before approaching silently. With a swift movement, she hugged him from behind, resting her chin on his shoulder.

—What are you doing here?—she whispered in a playful tone.

Bai, surprised by the gesture, turned his head slightly to look at her.

—Aren't you supposed to be on guard?—he asked calmly.

Xia Ruyen let out a soft laugh.

—Why are you still standing? Tonight you have the perfect excuse to sleep. The others and Wei Lan's disciples are taking care of security.

Bai turned his gaze toward the forest, but Xia continued speaking, her voice taking on a mischievous edge.

—Maybe we should take advantage of the night to have some fun. It's rare to have so many people on watch.

—Have fun?—Bai asked, turning fully toward her with a raised eyebrow.

—Don't get nervous. I just meant...

Before she could finish, Bai interrupted her.

—Xia Ruyen, I need your help.

Hearing her name instead of "leader," combined with the sudden seriousness in his tone, caught Xia Ruyen off guard. She stepped back slightly, looking at him intently.

—Help you? With what?

Bai remained silent for a moment, as if deciding how much he could trust her. Finally, he gripped his spear tightly before speaking.

—I'm going to use the stellar core tonight.

Xia Ruyen's eyes widened in astonishment.

—What? But you're still recovering...

—I have no other choice. I have until tomorrow before the core disappears. If I let this chance slip by, I'll never have another opportunity like this.

The determination in his gaze was unmistakable, but Xia was still incredulous.

—Why are you telling me this?

Bai Xuebing looked at her for a moment, his expression soft but firm. His request wasn't something he would normally make of anyone.

The situation was complex, yet simple to understand. She had saved his life; if he couldn't trust someone who had done that, who else could he trust?

Helping someone without expecting anything in return, without ulterior motives, demonstrated the sincerity of her selfless act. That's why Bai Xuebing saw Xia Ruyen differently.

—Because I trust you.

Those words were enough to disarm her. Xia Ruyen, accustomed to challenges and responsibilities, hadn't expected such a confession from someone like Bai Xuebing.

—Alright. What do you need me to do?

Bai Xuebing exhaled deeply, relieved by her response.

—I need you to keep everyone away. If something goes wrong, I don't want anyone else to be in danger—especially those from the White Owl Sect; the core might awaken their greed.

Xia Ruyen stared at him for a few seconds before slowly nodding.

—Agreed. But promise me something.

—What is it?

—If things get out of control, I will stop you—even if it's by force.

Bai hesitated for a moment but finally nodded.

—I promise.

Xia Ruyen sighed and turned toward the camp.

—Then let's go. Before anyone notices we're here, I need to cover for you.

Bai Xuebing gripped the core inside his ring, knowing that what he was about to do would mark a turning point in his journey...

It was truly a miracle to obtain this—and even more so to have someone to rely on. It was a miracle... a miracle... otherwise, the miracle of having this opportunity would have ended in... death.

The chance to gain a new star was as rare as a sunrise in the middle of the night. For any cultivator, stumbling upon such an occasion unleashed not only hope but also the demons lurking in their hearts: greed, avarice, betrayal... and death.

What was the value of a brother? What was the meaning of a companion's loyalty or a lover's passion? All of that paled in the face of a newly acquired star's brilliance. On the path to immortality, relationships were nothing but chains that weighed one down, while power was the only constant, the only truth.

Kill, betray, consume. If another's blood opened the door to take one more step toward eternity, then the answer was simple: the world did not forgive the weak.