The forest loomed in the distance like a behemoth shrouded in mist. The sun had begun to descend, casting shadows across the rocky terrain.
Han Qingyu, riding alongside Shen Yuan, broke the silence first. “Brother Yuan, these bandits seemed a bit more organized than the usual idiots. Do you think there might be more of them ahead?”
Shen Yuan shook his head slightly. “Unlikely. Bandit groups rarely stay in large numbers unless they’ve set up a proper base. These were just opportunists who picked the wrong targets.”
Wan Ling, riding on the other side of Shen Yuan said, “Senior Brother Yuan is correct. I have seen my fair share of bandit groups as well and they were nothing special. But the forest ahead can be a bit problematic since I heard it’s quite mysterious.”
[It’s good they’re staying vigilant,]
Yue Lan commented in Shen Yuan’s mind.
[Looks like you won’t have to train them that much after all, they are alerted about their surroundings without being paranoid.]
‘That’s a good thing,’ Shen Yuan said, his gaze fixed on the tavern now coming into view.
The building was modest but sturdy, built with dark wood and reinforced stone.
Light flickered from the windows, and the faint murmur of conversation reached their ears as they approached the tavern.
A wooden sign hanging from the front read “The Wanderer’s Inn.”
“Finally,” Han Qingyu said, dismounting from her horse and stretching her arms. “I’m starving.”
Wan Ling nodded her head, dismounting gracefully. “Let’s grab something to eat and gather some information about the forest. Cultivators here must have more knowledge about the forest.”
“We will know once we go inside.” Shen Yuan said with a smile and led the group inside.
The interior of the tavern was simple yet welcoming enough, with sturdy wooden tables and a large hearth crackling with fire.
A few cultivators and mercenaries sat scattered around the tables, their hushed conversations momentarily pausing as they noticed the three of them enter the tavern.
The innkeeper, a petite woman with a cheerful demeanor, greeted them warmly. “Welcome, travelers! Looking for food, drink, or a room for the night?”
“Food and drink for now,” Shen Yuan replied with a polite nod. “And perhaps some information about the forest ahead,” he said before sliding a storage ring with more than enough Spirit Stones to buy out the entire Inn.
The innkeeper’s smile faltered slightly as she heard the mention of the forest. “Ah, the Mistwood Forest, eh? Quite a dangerous place, especially at night like this. Most people don’t want to talk about it.” She hesitated to say more, but Shen Yuan pushed the storage ring forward which she picked up to see.
Her eyes shined brightly as she saw the contents inside of the ring.
“But of course, I’m different than those cowards, come, sit down. I’ll bring you something to eat, and we can talk.” Her entire demeanor changed as she happily went to fetch some food while humming.
Shen Yuan shook his head with a smile looking at the Innkeeper’s behavior, “Let’s go and sit down,” He said to the two of them before settling at a corner table.
And soon enough, steaming plates of roasted meat, fresh bread, and vegetable stew were set before them, along with mugs of fragrant tea.
Wan Ling took a cautious sip of the tea before glancing at the innkeeper. “You mentioned the forest is dangerous at night. Is there something specific we should be wary of?”
The innkeeper wiped her hands on her apron and sat down in one of the empty chairs. “Mistwood Forest is dense and filled with beasts that grow more aggressive after sunset. There are also rumors of rogue cultivators or bandits using the forest as a hideout. But the biggest threat is the Mist Shades.”
Han Qingyu raised an eyebrow. “Mist Shades?”
The innkeeper nodded grimly. “They’re spectral creatures, said to be the remnants of cultivators who perished in the forest. They’re drawn to the abundant Qi of cultivators and have been known to attack cultivators who venture too deep into the forest. You’ll want to keep your Qi restrained to avoid attracting them.”
Shen Yuan leaned back on the chair with a cup of tea in his hand, his expression turning amused. “Interesting. Anything else we should know?”
The innkeeper hesitated before adding, “There’s a clearing in the center of the forest. It’s said to be a safe spot, where no beast or Shade dares to tread. Some say it’s because of an ancient artifact buried there, but no one has ever confirmed it. But all those who had gone there feel electrified and their hairs becoming straight.”
[An artifact, huh? Well it might be helpful to you if it is what I’m thinking it is,]
Yue Lan softly said.
‘I have my own guess about what it is as well,’ Shen Yuan replied, taking a sip of his tea.
Han Qingyu finished her meal and glanced at Shen Yuan. “So, what’s the plan? Do we push through the forest tonight or wait until morning?”
Shen Yuan considered for a moment before replying, “We’ll enter now and make our way to the clearing. If it’s as safe as the rumors suggest, we can rest there. And what’s the point of this adventure if we don’t get some of these wild experiences.” he finished saying with a smirk.
Wan Ling nodded in agreement with a smile, “It will also make our competition from other cultivators or rogue cultivators less likely as they will be inactive during the night.”
The innkeeper smiled, “Just take care of yourself out there, I don’t like it when young ones like you die in the outside world.”
Han Qingyu looked at the petite figure of the innkeeper before saying with a sweet smile, “You don’t look that old yourself, why are you referring to us as if we are the same age as your grandchildren.”
The innkeeper stood up and chuckled, “If I had descendants, you guys would even be younger than them.”
Han Qingyu’s and Wan Ling’s eyes flashed with shock as they heard what she said, while Shen Yuan looked at her leaving back thoughtfully.
‘Looks like there is more about this Inn than meets the eye.’
[Of course, that woman is a lot stronger than your Sect Leader you know?]
Yue Lan chimed in.
‘Huh? She is that strong?’ This time even Shen Yuan was surprised as he heard what Yue Lan said.
[Well don’t think too much about her for now, just focus on your meal and then what you will do in the forest.]
‘…true.’
After finishing their meal and paying the innkeeper, the three of them prepared to leave. The innkeeper waved her hand to bid the three of them farewell. “Take care of yourselves you three!”
“For sure we will, don’t worry about it.” Shen Yuan smiled and waved his hand back as well.
Han Qingyu and Wan Ling also waved back at her with smiles before mounting the horses and heading towards the dense forest.
empire
…
“Hmm… is it only me or is the mist thickening ever since we got here?” Wan Ling softly said looking at the dense mist in front of her.
“We haven’t even entered the goddamn forest yet. And this mist is making visibility hard.” Han Qingyu annoyedly said.