Kai and his companions continued their journey, this time tracing the meandering path of the river. From his vantage point atop the cliff, he had spotted the city nestled near its banks, and now he felt an undeniable pull toward that destination. As he walked alongside the river, the soothing sound of water rushing over smooth stones filled the air, creating a serene backdrop for their travels.

  The spirit beasts capable of flight soared overhead, their wings glinting in the sunlight as they circled playfully. To his right, the sturdy land-based spirit beasts trotted alongside him, their presence a comforting reminder of their bond. Meanwhile, the water-based spirit beasts swam effortlessly in the river, sleek forms gliding through the gentle currents, matching Kai’s pace with ease.

  Kai moved at a leisurely pace, savoring the tranquility that enveloped him. For the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of safety wash over him. Now that he was in Zan, the looming threats of righteous and demonic cultivators felt distant, almost like a fading nightmare. With the spirit beasts by his side, he felt a surge of confidence; their combined strength likely made them the most formidable force in the immediate area.

  As he walked, Kai took a moment to appreciate the beauty of his surroundings. The river sparkled under the sun, its surface dancing with light, while the lush greenery on the banks swayed gently in the breeze. Birds chirped merrily overhead, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. It was a stark contrast to the rocky mountain he had left behind, and he felt a renewed sense of hope.

  This is what freedom feels like, he thought, a smile creeping onto his face. He envisioned a future where he could live in harmony with his spirit beasts.

  Yet, he remained aware of his surroundings. They were still close to the border of Zan, and while the likelihood of encountering a cultivator was slim, it was not impossible. Kai recalled the tales of the righteous alliance's prison, rumored to be hidden near the border. It was said to house dangerous criminal cultivators, a place where the lack of natural qi rendered them powerless and compliant.

  That’s why he was heading toward the city he had spotted from the cliff. Kai felt a sense of urgency to reach it, driven by the need to gather supplies and acquire a map that would guide him deeper into the heart of Zan. His goal was clear: to reduce his chances of encountering any cultivators to zero. The more remote and northern areas of Zan seemed to offer the best chance for safety, far removed from the political intrigues and power struggles that plagued the southern regions.

  As he walked, Kai’s thoughts turned to Lu Bu. The young boy had lost everything—his family, his home, and the sense of belonging that every creature craved. Kai felt a pang of sympathy for the child, who had been thrust into a world filled with uncertainty and danger. It was his responsibility to ensure that Lu Bu found a proper home, a sanctuary where he could thrive and feel secure.

  I need to find a place where he can be happy, Kai thought, determination fueling his steps. He envisioned a cozy mortal family, someone that would take him as their own and raise with love. A place where Lu Bu could play freely, away from the threats of the outside world.

  As they walked along the riverbank, the landscape gradually transformed, revealing signs of civilization. A few simple altars adorned the path, dedicated to various spirits and deities, their offerings of flowers and incense hinting at the reverence the locals held for the unseen forces that governed their lives. Nearby, an abandoned fishing hut stood forlornly, its weathered wood and sagging roof telling tales of better days when laughter and camaraderie filled the air.

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  A dirt path wound its way through the underbrush, and a weathered signpost pointed down the road, its letters faded but still legible: "Wuyuan City."

  “Ah, we’re close to human civilization now,” Kai remarked, a sense of relief washing over him. The prospect of reaching the city filled him with anticipation, but he also felt a twinge of caution.

  He turned to his entourage of spirit beasts, their eyes wide with curiosity and concern. “Okay, I need you all to stay here while I go check out Wuyuan City,” he instructed, his tone firm yet reassuring.

  As expected, his spirit beasts began their familiar protest, their voices rising in a chorus of concern. They didn’t want him to venture into the unknown alone. Just like before, the creatures that had become his steadfast companion insisted that he take Yinying, the shadow fox, with him once again.

  With a resigned smile, Kai relented. Yinying leaped gracefully onto his shoulder, her sleek form blending seamlessly with the shadows. In an instant, she used her innate spiritual power to vanish, leaving only a faint shimmer in the air where she had been.

  Lu Bu watched in awe, his eyes wide with wonder. “Where did the fox go?” he asked, his voice filled with innocent curiosity.

  Kai chuckled softly, glancing at the young child. “She’s just hiding for now. She’ll be with me when I need her,” he explained.

  Turning his attention back to the child, Kai leaned down slightly, meeting Lu Bu’s gaze with a serious expression. “If we meet anyone, don’t tell them I’m a cultivator or anything. I’m just a regular mortal who found you while traveling to Zan, okay?”

  Lu Bu nodded, though a hint of confusion lingered in his eyes. “Okay, but why can’t I say you’re a cultivator?” he asked, his youthful curiosity shining through.

  Kai hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. “It’s… complicated. But I have my reasons,” he finally replied, his voice low and earnest. He didn’t want to burden Lu Bu with the intricacies of his past or the dangers that came with being a cultivator.

  “Just trust me, alright? It’s safer this way,” he added, hoping to instill a sense of confidence in the child.

  Lu Bu seemed to accept this, though his brow furrowed slightly in thought. “Okay, I trust you,” he said, his voice small but resolute.

  Together—While holding each other's hands— they stepped onto the dirt path leading to Wuyuan City, the sounds of nature gradually giving way to the signs of human activity. The path was lined with wildflowers swaying gently in the breeze, their vibrant colors a stark contrast to the earthy tones of the ground. As they walked, Kai took in the sights around him—the fluttering of butterflies, the rustle of leaves, and the occasional chirp of birds overhead. It was a reminder of the beauty that still existed in the world, even In a place like Zan.

  Lu Bu looked up at Kai, his wide eyes filled with curiosity. “What do you think the city will be like?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

  Kai smiled down at him, trying to project confidence. “I think it will be bustling with people, filled with shops and markets. We should be able to find lots of things there—food, supplies, maybe even something really interesting.”

  The child’s face lit up at the thought of exploring a new place. “Do you think they’ll have toys? And tasty food?” he asked, his excitement bubbling over.

  “Maybe,” Kai replied, chuckling softly.

  The pair moved along the path toward Wuyuan City, their bond resembling that of a parent and child. Kai walked with a protective stride, his hand gently guiding Lu Bu as they navigated their surroundings. The child kept close to Kai’s side. Together, they forged ahead.

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