After about six hours. Wuyum County.
A spacious carriage sped along the half-completed roads, pulled by two sturdy horses.
With enough room to accommodate six passengers, it veered away from the mass exodus towards Ragui County, instead heading deeper into Wuyum County itself.
A group of mercenary cultivators formed a protective perimeter around the carriage as it advanced. Three rode on horseback, encircling the carriage, while the other three, including the leader, maintained pace on foot, utilizing Light Steps to match the speed of the horses.
Guiding the horses was a local carriage driver, a mortal whose skill behind the reins matched that of the cultivators surrounding him. Despite the chaos engulfing Wuyum County, he steered the carriage with precision and expertise.
Six hours had elapsed since Aksai, Aunt Reta, and her son departed from the Lakir estate.
Throughout Wuyum County, pandemonium reigned as people fled in all directions, their destinations uncertain. Amidst the turmoil, opportunistic individuals sought to exploit the chaos for their own gain.
A significant portion of Wuyum County’s residents believed that seeking refuge in Ragui County was their best option, as it still boasted the rule of a Foundation Building Expert.
However, Aksai disagreed with this notion. He foresaw Ragui County falling into its own chaos soon enough.
The Lakir family, he knew, wouldn’t simply bow down to the Wilben family’s dominance. Retribution would come, and Ragui County would bear witness to its own upheaval. In Aksai’s eyes, seeking shelter there was futile.
“Aksai, when did you become a late-stage Spirit Refiner?”
Aunt Reta inquired, her gaze fixed on Aksai from across the carriage’s cabin. Her son, Ruan, lay sleeping in her lap, his head cradled in her arms as she gently stroked his hair, coaxing him into a peaceful slumber to forget the chaos that had unfolded earlier.
Aksai had revealed his true cultivation level to Aunt Reta during the confrontation with the robbers. In times of turmoil, it was wiser to disclose such details rather than remain discreet. Thus, Aksai made no effort to conceal his status as a late-stage Spirit Refiner.
“It’s been a while,” Aksai replied, his smile unwavering as he continued to scan their surroundings from the carriage window. His Spirit Sense extended outward, vigilant against potential threats. Many dangers had been averted thanks to his vigilance.
Grateful for the carriage and the mercenary escort, Aksai felt reassured by their presence. Drifting cultivators and would-be robbers alike steered clear when they recognized the seasoned cultivators surrounding the carriage. Sometimes, a show of strength was necessary to deter future trouble even if one had no intentions to use it.
“Well, if you had revealed your true cultivation earlier, Reman would have married off his daughter Jasmine to you,” Aunt Reta remarked, a hint of nostalgia about the past in her voice as she gazed out the window beside her.
“Not that I’m complaining. Perhaps it’s for the best that the marriage didn’t happen. With your talent, Aksai, there’s still time to establish your foundation and ascend to the 2nd realm. I… I’m genuinely happy for you,” she added, her gaze distant, as if seeking something in the far horizon.
Aunt Reta harbored no resentment towards Aksai for concealing his abilities. Every cultivator had their secrets, and she respected that. “Where are we headed? To the Dadangar Sea?” she inquired, venturing a guess at their destination based on their travel direction.
“No, we’re bound for the Purple River Gate,” Aksai responded calmly.
Though Aunt Reta was unsure of their purpose in heading to the Purple River Gate, she refrained from further questioning, placing her trust in Aksai’s judgment. Plus, she was tired and just wanted to rest. Her dwindling life force was starting to take its toll on her.
As the sky adorned itself in hues of yellow and orange, signaling the approaching dusk, the carriage driver suggested making camp before nightfall. Aksai and the mercenary team concurred, selecting a secure, open space for their temporary halt.
The Purple River Gate lay approximately 6 or 7 hours’ travel from their campsite. Nighttime posed considerable risks for travel, not only from the threat of bandits and unscrupulous cultivators but also the potential encounter with forest-dwelling nocturnal demon beasts who specially hunted at night time. It was wiser to await the safety of daylight before resuming their journey.
The mercenaries Aksai had enlisted were accustomed to a life beyond the settled lands. They swiftly erected a few makeshift tents and kindled a campfire, which doubled as both a source of warmth and a means to prepare their evening meal.
Before long, Aksai engaged in conversation with the mercenaries on various topics, while Aunt Reta lent her assistance in preparing dinner for the group.
As time elapsed and darkness enveloped the surroundings, a lively atmosphere enveloped the camp. Despite the recent turmoil and violence, the cultivators remained resolute and mentally prepared to confront any challenges that arose. Indeed, they had little choice but to steel themselves for whatever trials lay ahead.
With dinner concluded and everyone satiated, Aunt Reta and her son retired to their tent, leaving Aksai to contemplate by the flickering glow of the campfire.
Meanwhile, the mercenary leader, Veeren, remained vigilant. He patrolled the perimeter of the camp, keenly observing for any signs of impending danger.
Confident in his abilities as a late-stage Spirit Refining cultivator, he prepared to maintain his watchfulness throughout the night without the need for rest.
Swoosh. Rustle. Zoom.
As Veeren was about to return to his post, his acute senses detected movement nearby. Instantly alert, he moved swiftly to intercept a group of individuals approaching the camp with alarming speed.
“Who goes there?” Veeren demanded, his sword drawn as he confronted a group of four Spirit Refining cultivators who had emerged nearby.
With grim expressions, he barred their approach to the camp, channeling his Spirit essence throughout his body to heighten his vigilance.
“We—we know Aksai,” the man leading the group stepped forward, gesturing towards Aksai sitting beside the campfire in the distance, though Aksai appeared lost in thought.
As the rest of the mercenary cultivators converged on the scene, forming a protective barrier around Veeren, the newcomers realized Veeren and Aksai weren’t alone. Clearly, this was a group assembled by Aksai to navigate the dangers of Wuyum County.
“Brother Aksai, these people claim they know you. What should I do with them?” Veeren asked, his voice infused with Spirit essence to carry to Aksai without raising alarm.
Snapped out of his reverie by Veeren’s voice, Aksai glanced towards the approaching group, recognizing them instantly but hesitating on whether to engage with them.
Ultimately, he motioned for them to come closer.
“Uncle Reman, what brings you here?” Aksai inquired as Reman and his daughter Jasmine approached, their expressions reflecting a mix of emotions. Beside them stood a wounded young man, his gaze fixed on Aksai.
“Oh! Uncle Laairo is here as well?”
Aksai acknowledged the lone late-stage Spirit Refiner among Reman’s group, recalling their previous encounter nearly two years ago on the outskirts of Lakir City.
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AN: Laairo AKA Uncle Laairo was first introduced in chapter 11.