The bear roared as it charged at him, its massive form barreling through the underbrush with terrifying speed. Jiang Tao stood his ground, his mind focused and calm.

He swung the Vermillion Flag of Five Infinities, its crimson silk shimmering with a mystical glow. The flag sliced through the air. It unleashed an aura that enveloped the charging bear. He felt a surge of exhaustion wash over him as the flag took its toll.

The creature seized up mid-charge, its eyes wide with confusion and pain as the energy from the flag disrupted its movements. It stumbled, crashing to the ground just a few feet away from Jiang Tao, who wasted no time in pressing his advantage. He lunged forward, channeling his qi into a powerful punch aimed straight at the bear's vulnerable neck.

With a resounding crack, the bear's neck snapped, and its massive body slumped to the ground, lifeless.

Tao wiped the sweat from his brow, his breathing heavy but controlled. The Vermillion Flag of Five Infinities had proven its worth once again, but the strain of its use was beginning to take its toll.

It had been weeks since Master Yao had rejoined the cycle of reincarnation and he’d since resumed his journey east. His master's treasure had proven to be invaluable. Its defensive capabilities were unmatched, but it was too much for him to wield with dexterity.

A lesser cultivator of the same stage would have severe exhaustion or even injury from such a strain, but he had the skill to back it up as conceited as that sounded.

He stowed the flag away and scaled a tree, using the thick branches to propel himself upward. As he reached a vantage point, he paused to catch his breath and survey the landscape.

The mountain he set his sights on loomed on the horizon. He wasn't sure how long it would take to get there if he was honest.

No matter how many times he looked at it in the past few days, it remained unchanged, not growing larger the closer he got; It was honestly getting frustrating. Its imposing presence seemed indifferent to his progress.

Jiang Tao took a deep breath, savoring the brief respite as the cool breeze rustled through the leaves.

“I can't wait to get out of here,” he muttered.

The creeping sense of isolation was getting a bit too much. The weeks were dragging by at a pace that felt glacial, and all he could do was stew in his thoughts. It sucked.

With a boost of air, he leaped over the canopy, soaring through the air and landing lightly on the tops of the trees. He continued with determined strides, making his way through the forest canopy. The sensation of flying above the trees provided a welcome distraction from the monotony of the endless green.

As he continued, he spotted a small smoke rising from the trees ahead of him. He couldn't help the pulse of excitement that pulsed through him at the sight. Smoke often meant a fire, and a fire could mean others nearby—

He hoped it was one of his friends but at this point, he would settle for any familiar face, even Yu Hongyi.

Tao descended gracefully from the treetops, landing silently on the forest floor. He moved cautiously towards the source of the smoke, his senses alert and his qi flowing steadily to keep him sharp.

He crept through the underbrush, careful to avoid making any noise that might give away his presence. The smoke led him to a small clearing, where he saw a modest camp set up with a crackling fire and a few basic supplies scattered around.

It was not one of his fellow sect disciples. He crouched low, blending into the shadows as he approached the edge of the clearing.

He could see a figure hunched over the fire stirring the contents of a simple pot with a wooden spoon. Hot food. The scent had him salivating. It had been so long since he'd had anything beyond roast meat and fruit. Even gruel would have him savoring each bite.

He needed little in the way of bodily sustenance at his current stage of cultivation but whoever ate just for maintenance? He had to have some.

I hope they're ready to share. He thought.

Jiang Tao's keen eyes studied the figure by the fire. The girl he mentally corrected was clad in simple yet rugged clothing and seemed completely absorbed in her task.

Her appearance and demeanor suggested she was likely a mortal, which would make things much easier than dealing with another cultivator.

As he drew nearer, Tao carefully studied her features. She had an air of quiet strength, her face partially obscured by a tangle of dark hair that fell over her shoulders but he could tell she was pretty.

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He made his presence known, not wanting to startle her.

“Peace, I mean no harm,” He called out softly as he stepped into the clearing.

The girl by the fire froze her hand halting mid-stir. She turned slowly to face him her eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and wariness. The girl's eyes fell on his pristine robes and her expression grew more tense.

She quickly set down the spoon and stood up bowing hastily, “M-my lord cultivator”

Jiang Tao raised a hand in a gesture of reassurance. “Please, there’s no need for such formalities. I’m simply a traveler passing through,” he said gently, hoping to ease her fear.

“I couldn’t help but notice the smoke and the wonderful aroma. If it’s not too much trouble, might I be allowed to share your meal?”

The girl hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting between Tao’s face and the small campfire. After a brief moment of internal struggle, she nodded and gestured to the space across from her.

. “Please, sit,” she said, her voice trembling slightly but growing steadier as she spoke. “I have some stew ready, though it’s not much.”

Tao approached and took a seat by the fire. The girl resumed stirring the pot, her movements becoming more fluid and confident as she adjusted to his presence.

“Thank you for your hospitality,” Jiang Tao said as he settled in. “You may call me Jiang Tao,”

The girl’s apprehension seemed to ease slightly as she stirred the pot, the aroma of the stew becoming even more inviting as it simmered. She glanced over at Jiang Tao, her expression softening a bit.

“I am Ying Ziyi of black vale village lord,” she said, offering a shy smile as she scooped out a portion of the stew into a wooden bowl. “It’s not much, but it should be warm.”

Jiang Tao accepted the bowl with a nod of gratitude, the warmth of the stew seeping through the wooden bowl and into his hands. He took a sip, savoring the rich, hearty flavor.

He couldn't stop the moan of pleasure he let out, Ziyi thankfully ignored his reaction.

"Miss Ying Ziyi, it's a pleasure to meet you," Jiang Tao said, offering her a genuine smile. "Black Vale village? Is it nearby?”

Ying Ziyi nodded, her gaze shifting away as she continued to stir the stew. “Yes lord Jiang, it’s not too far from here. Just a few days’ walk to the east. It’s a small village, but we manage. Most of the people are simple and hardworking.”

Jiang Tao’s smile faltered slightly at the formality of the title. Lord Jiang?

"Please, just Jiang Tao is fine. I'm traveling through these parts and have been on my own for a while. Your village sounds like a nice place to rest for a few days."

Ying Ziyi's eyes softened at Jiang Tao's words, and she offered a small, grateful smile. “Of course, visitors are always welcome,”

Jiang Tao took another spoonful of the stew, savoring its comforting taste.

Ying Ziyi watched him with a mixture of curiosity and caution. “You seem to be quite a skilled cultivator,” she whispered, breaking the silence. “I can tell by your clothing and presence.”

Jiang Tao nodded, setting down his bowl for a moment. “I’ve had some training, yes. But I’m just a traveler trying to find his way. I appreciate your hospitality more than you know.”

He knew he was being vague but revealing he was a disciple of the most prestigious sect in the entire dominion would be overkill.

Ying Ziyi's curiosity seemed piqued. " My village doesn't have any cultivators of note except Lord Bai Yuxi, who was an outer sect disciple of the Twilight Flame sect but we have lots of martial artists”

Tao's attention instantly sharpened at the mention of the Twilight Flame sect. Elder Chen Zhiyuans sect!

“The Twilight Flame sect you say?”

Ying Ziyi nodded, her gaze shifting to the fire as she stirred the stew. “Yes, Lord Bai Yuxi was an outer disciple there in his youth before coming back to take the mantle of village chief from his father,”

He didn't care for this Lord Bai guy. He needed to know about the Twilight Flame sect.

“Is it located nearby?” he asked.

Ying Ziyi looked up, her eyes reflecting a hint of hesitation. “The Twilight Flame Sect is quite a distance from here, I've heard only members can approach it,”

“Where?” he asked a flare of impatience entering his voice.

Ying Ziyi's eyes widened at Jiang Tao's sudden change in demeanor. She hesitated for a moment, clearly unsettled by the change in attitude.

“E-east, in the Dawn mist mountains, my lord,” she replied.

“East…” he whispered.

That was the direction he was heading toward before, it seemed the way home did indeed lie east.

“Thank you for the information,” he said, his voice calm but his thoughts whirling. “I have some business in that direction. It seems fate has guided me well.”

He noticed Ziyi's apprehensive expression and gave her a reassuring smile. “Deep apologies for my behavior, I've been looking for the twilight flame sect you see,”

“I understand,” she mumbled. “Lord Bai would be a greater help than I could be if you seek information about the Twilight Flame Sect.”

He gave her a grateful nod, “You're too humble your information and kindness have been invaluable. I will thank you for your kindness.”

Ying Ziyi offered him a shy smile. “It’s no trouble at all, I'll be heading back to the village tomorrow If you would like to accompany me”

He thought about it, he could leave for Black Vale village as soon as possible and make it there much quicker than he would if her were to go with her.

But it would be bad manners to leave the girl out here in the wilderness if she was heading there already, he could afford to be patient.

As he set down the empty bowl, he noticed that the fire had waned, casting long shadows around the clearing. The stars above twinkled in the clear night sky, and the gentle rustling of leaves created a soothing backdrop to their conversation.

“I would be honored to accompany you,” He said.

“Then it's decided.” She said shooting him a warm smile.