A significant amount of time had passed since Kai had reunited with his spirit beast family—how much, he couldn’t say for certain. The days had no names here in the wild, and the nights were marked only by the position of the stars. But enough time had gone by for Kai and Snow to fully recover from their injuries, thanks to the unwavering care of Cres. Each evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the forest was bathed in twilight, the moon-horned stag would approach them, his antlers glowing with a soft, ethereal light. He would lower his head, allowing the healing qi within his horns to wash over Kai and Snow, soothing their wounds and accelerating their natural healing. It was a ritual that had become as much a part of their journey as the rising and setting of the sun.
Days blurred into weeks, and weeks into months, as the rhythm of their journey settled into a slow, steady march through the wilderness. Without the familiar markers of civilization—towns, roads, or even the occasional traveler—time seemed to stretch and warp, losing its grip on Kai’s sense of reality. The sun rose and set, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson, while the seasons shifted subtly around them. The air grew cooler, the leaves began to turn, and the forest seemed to hold its breath as it prepared for the coming winter. Yet, despite the passage of time, Kai’s focus remained unwavering: to keep his large, unconventional family safe and moving forward.
Traveling with such a vast and diverse group of spirit beasts had drastically slowed their progress. What might have taken Kai a matter of days to traverse alone on certain terrain now stretched into weeks. The spirit beasts, while fiercely loyal and intelligent, each had their own needs and limitations. Some, like the quake buffalo and the ice-clawed wolf, moved at a steady but deliberate pace, while others, like the shadow fox and the smaller, more agile creatures, darted ahead or lingered behind to explore. Coordinating their movements was a constant challenge, and Kai often found himself playing the role of both leader and caretaker, ensuring that no one was left behind or wandered too far.
The need to avoid detection added another layer of complexity to their journey. With nearly two hundred spirit beasts in tow, staying hidden was no small feat. They stuck to the deepest parts of the forest, far from the main roads and human settlements, relying on Yinying’s ability to obscure their presence and Igni’s keen senses to warn them of potential threats. Even so, the sheer size of their group made stealth difficult. Kai often found himself glancing over his shoulder, his nerves on edge as he imagined the consequences of being discovered by demonic cultivators or other hostile forces.
Despite the challenges, there were moments of beauty and camaraderie that made the journey worthwhile. The spirit beasts had formed their own bonds, their interactions a blend of playfulness and mutual respect. Cres, the moon-horned stag, had become a calming presence, his gentle demeanor often soothing the more restless members of the group. Snow and Igni, despite their differences, had developed a respect for one another, their combined strength and instincts making them formidable protectors. And Yinying, with her boundless energy and cunning, had taken on the role of scout, often darting ahead to ensure the path was safe.
Kai, for his part, had grown into his role as their leader. He had always cared for the spirit beasts in the stables, but now, with their lives in his hands, he felt a deeper sense of responsibility. He spent his days tending to their needs, mediating disputes, and planning their route, while his nights were filled with quiet moments of reflection under the stars. The bond between them had only grown stronger, their trust in him unwavering.
But there was one undeniable advantage to traveling with such a large group: safety in numbers. When Kai had first ventured into the wilderness alone, he had been wary of straying too far from the edges of civilization. The deeper parts of the forest were home to dangerous spirit beasts, territorial and powerful creatures that could easily overpower a lone traveler. Now, however, with nearly two hundred spirit beasts by his side—half of which were apex predators in their own right—Kai no longer feared such encounters. The sheer presence of his group acted as a deterrent; no random spirit beast dared to approach them. The natural order of the wild seemed to recognize the collective strength of Kai’s family, and they moved through the forest with an unspoken authority that kept even the most formidable creatures at bay.
Food and water, which had once been constant concerns for Kai, were no longer an issue. When he had traveled alone, finding sustenance had been a daily struggle. Now, the predatory spirit beasts in his group often shared their hunts with him. Igni, the flame-striped tiger, would occasionally bring back a fresh kill, dropping it at Kai’s feet with a low, rumbling purr. Snow, the ice-clawed wolf, was equally generous, his sharp senses and swift movements making him an efficient hunter. Even the smaller predators, like Yinying the shadow fox, contributed by catching smaller game or foraging for edible plants. Kai, in turn, made sure to distribute the food fairly, ensuring that every member of the group had enough to eat.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Water was just as easy to find. The spirit beasts’ heightened awareness and instincts allowed them to locate clean water sources with ease. Whether it was a hidden stream, a secluded pond, or even morning dew collected on leaves, the group never went thirsty. Kai marveled at their resourcefulness, realizing that their combined skills made survival in the wilderness far less daunting than it had been when he was alone.
Perhaps the greatest benefit of traveling deeply into the wilderness, though, was the near-complete absence of demonic cultivators. Kai had initially feared that the chaos spreading across the land would eventually catch up to him, no matter how far he ventured into the wild. But as the weeks turned into months, it became clear that the demonic cultivators were focused on attacking sects and mortal settlements—places of power and population. Out here, in the untamed depths of the wilderness, there was nothing for them to exploit, no resources to plunder, no people to terrorize. The further Kai and his family strayed from civilization, the less likely they were to encounter the demonic threat.
This realization brought Kai a sense of relief, though it was tempered by the knowledge that the world beyond the forest was still in turmoil. He often found himself wondering about the fate of the sects, the mortals, and the lands they had left behind. But for now, in the heart of the wilderness, he and his spirit beast family were safe.
As Kai sat by the fire one evening, watching the spirit beasts interact—some lounging lazily, others playfully chasing each other, and a few keeping watch—he felt a deep sense of gratitude. Despite the challenges of their journey, they had found a rhythm, a way of living that worked for them. Their collective strength and resilience a testament to the power of unity.
For now, at least, they were safe.
Kai often found himself wrestling with the idea of whether reaching Zan was truly necessary. Out here, deep in the wilderness, he and his spirit beast family had found a fragile peace. The ongoing conflict between the righteous alliance and the demonic invaders felt distant, almost unreal, as if it belonged to another world entirely. The thought of staying in the wild, far from the chaos and bloodshed, was tempting. Here, they were safe. Here, they could live without fear—at least for a while.
But the more Kai considered it, the more he realized that staying in the wilderness was only a temporary solution. Eventually, the war would end. The righteous alliance, if victorious, would turn their attention to securing their territory, rooting out any remaining threats, and punishing those they deemed traitors. And Kai, as a rogue cultivator who had abandoned his sect, would undoubtedly be seen as a deserter—a crime punishable by death. The thought sent a chill down his spine. Even if he managed to evade detection for a time, the risk of being discovered was too great. The righteous alliance’s reach was vast, and their determination to maintain order was unwavering. If they caught him, neither he nor his spirit beast family would be spared.
With a heavy heart, Kai pushed the idea of staying in the wilderness out of his mind. As much as he longed for peace, he knew that path was an illusion—one that could shatter at any moment. Their best chance at a true, lasting safety lay in reaching Zan, a place far removed from the righteous alliance’s and demonic cultivators influence. It was a daunting journey, and the destination still felt impossibly far, but it was their only option.
So, despite the challenges and the weariness that weighed on him, Kai and his group pressed on. They moved cautiously, sticking to the deepest parts of the forest, avoiding any signs of human activity. The spirit beasts, sensing Kai’s resolve, followed without complaint, their loyalty unwavering. Even so, the journey was far from easy. The terrain grew rougher, the days longer, and the nights colder. Yet, through it all, they persevered, driven by the hope of a future where they could live without fear.
Kai found himself glancing at the horizon, wondering how much farther they had to go. Zan felt like a distant dream, a place that existed only in stories. But he clung to that dream, using it to fuel his determination. For himself, for his spirit beast family, and for the chance at a life free from the shadows of war and persecution, he would keep moving forward. No matter how far the road, no matter how steep the climb, they would reach Zan. Together.
Patreon. If you want to read up to 36 chapters early you can head over there.
