"What are you talking about?" Sun Tie asked, stepping closer and lowering his voice, concerned that James might overhear the conversation.

"Yes, kid. I have to do this alone. I'm sorry."

"You must be joking, Cole. I won't tolerate such an affront," Sun Tie said, raising his eyebrows.

"I'm not trying to offend you. I need to do something for her, and it must be done alone. It's better if we go our separate ways. You're more than capable—"

"Of course I'm capable! Who killed the wolves? Who handled the giant snake in the dungeon? Who brought you back from the brink of death?" Sun Tie tried to keep his voice down, but it was becoming impossible.

“Look, kid—”

"No! Listen to me, you decrepit old man! I swallowed my pride to agree to journey with you, and this is how you repay me?" Sun Tie could feel spit flying from his mouth as his blood boiled with rage. "What a disgrace! You've failed as an elder."

Sun Tie waited, locking eyes with Cole, but the man merely stared back as if gazing into the void. Any shame he'd previously shown had vanished, replaced by a hardened expression.

"That's my choice, and I stand by it. I wish you well, kid. Truly. There are things about me—" Cole began, lowering his gaze.

"Shove them up your old wrinkled ass," Sun Tie retorted, turning his back and storming off. Cole and James remained there like statues.

What humiliation! As if the end of the world wasn't enough, now even this young master’s dignity is at its end. To be disregarded by a peasant. What a joke!

Frustration and anger merged in Sun Tie's heart as he headed in the direction James had indicated the other cultivator had gone. The woods grew denser with each step he took.

"What a joke," Sun Tie muttered under his breath. "I hope he dies in the woods, eaten by a damn snake. Stupid old man."

Not long afterward, Sun Tie nearly bumped into a man walking in his direction. The man wore a delicate orange robe, his black hair flecked with gray, and his face bore the marks of someone who had once been handsome. The man looked familiar to Sun Tie.

"Ah, finally! Someone to talk to in this wretched place. My name is Liao Ziyu," the man said, bringing his hands together in a gesture familiar to cultivators. Sun Tie returned the gesture, trying to suppress his anger and deal with the situation.

"I'm quite pleased to meet you as well," Sun Tie said. "Do you mind sharing what happened to you, Liao Ziyu?"

"Oh, it's pretty much the same story as everyone else's. I was fishing alone in a river near my home when I suddenly found myself speaking to some god and was hurled into this damn jungle." Sun Tie found this odd; no river was near the cultivator's district.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

"I see. Have you encountered any other cultivators?" Sun Tie inquired.

"I'm afraid not. What was your name again?" The man asked with a smile.

"I am Young Master Sun Tie." The man's expression turned icy almost instantly.

"Are you related to Sun Xiao, then?" The man inquired, nearly mumbling the words.

"He is my grandfather."

"Oh, I see," the man replied, giving a slight nod. "I must be going, Young Master. It was a pleasure meeting you."

"Hold on, I have more questions." Liao Ziyu turned his back to Sun Tie and remained silent, his face devoid of any previous warmth.

"Have you reached the 1st stage of the Profound Sea Path?" Sun Tie continued.

"No, I was never able to fly."

"You weren’t?"

"Yes, Young Master. My core was shattered sixteen years ago. By your grandfather."

"Oh," Sun Tie let the word slip out, feeling ashamed. "I'm sorry to hear that. If it's any consolation, he shattered mine as well."

"That's no consolation, Young Master. May I go now?" The man's eyebrows drew closer together, his impatience mounting.

"Do you have any tips on how to find others from Eternal Wind?" Sun Tie pressed.

"Look for the light on the horizon; I assume it's a font of power. Sometimes, I see small dots flying around it. I'm fairly certain those are other cultivators. I would go, but--"

"I understand. Thank you, Liao Ziyu."

The man repeated the cultivator's gesture of bringing the palms of the hands together and departed with swift steps. Old habits are hard to break, I see. How many years did this man spend trying to cultivate and failing? Will I end up like him eventually, fishing to pass my time? May the gods spare me from such a wretched fate.

----------------------------------------

With his temper somewhat cooled, Sun Tie returned to the camp. Time was of the essence, and he knew exactly where he needed to go. Nothing, and no one would delay his objectives. From now on, it would be just him and his fists against the beasts of the new world.

As he approached the camp, James emerged from one of the tents. Sun Tie sighed deeply.

"What?" Sun Tie asked, quickening his pace. James followed him.

"Nothing, I just assumed you were leaving and wanted to say goodbye."

"You've said it, then. Goodbye."

"Wait, Sun Tie," the man said, rushing to catch up with him.

"Say it," the young master urged, coming to a halt.

"Good luck on your journey. I hope you find what you want, but I wish you would return. We need strong people here; I suspect things will only worsen over time." James extended a hand toward Sun Tie, who took it.

"Thank you. I'm sorry, but I can't stay. I have my own issues to deal with."

"I understand," James replied. "Take these two potions; I'll feel better knowing I've helped somehow. And be careful at night—the sounds in the forest are unnerving." He pulled one mana and health potion from his inventory and handed them to the young master.

"Thanks," Sun Tie said. Glancing over James' shoulder, he saw Cole and Sofia watching him leave.

Suddenly, the conversations with James and Liao Ziyu were no longer enough to temper his emotions. He felt a renewed wave of negativity and a building sense of determination in his heart. He would prove his point to Sun Li, his grandfather, Cole, and everyone else.

"I hope you die bleeding," Sun Tie muttered, glancing at Cole.

Turning his back, he left the camp without looking back.