The journey to Black Vale Village was a pleasant change of pace for Jiang Tao. The forest trail leading east was less treacherous than the dense wilderness he had been traversing.

As dawn broke, painting the sky with hues of pink and gold, they set off from the small clearing where they had spent the night. Ying Ziyi carried a small basket of supplies, and Jiang Tao, having relieved her of some of the heavier items, helped lighten her load.

After several hours of steady travel, they reached the forest's edge. Before them lay a rolling landscape of hills and valleys, dotted with patches of trees and the occasional farmstead. In the distance, Jiang Tao could make out the faint outline of a village further on;

It was honestly strange to realize people lived in Howling Valley territory, he’d thought it was just spirit beasts, animals, and the endless forest, but it made sense. Humans were resilient, and where there was a chance for survival, they would find a way.

"Black Vale Village is just over that ridge," Ying Ziyi said, pointing ahead. "We'll be there by the evening."

Jiang Tao nodded, his eyes scanning the landscape. "It's a peaceful place," he remarked. "Hard to believe it's so close to the spirit beast-infested wilderness."

Ying Ziyi smiled softly. “The creatures know not to venture too far out of the forest, but they have been quite agitated recently they've been more and more attacks on the village”

Jiang Tao's brows furrowed as he listened to Ying Ziyi's words. “More attacks? Do you know what's causing it?"

Ying Ziyi's smile faded as she continued, "Yes, Lord Bai plans to investigate but it's nothing we can't handle our martial artists are super strong! The Wu family has a super strong son-in-law I heard he took down a spirit beast all alone!”

His eyebrow raised at that a martial artist took down a spirit beast on their own? That sounded more like a cultivator achievement but he was biased. Still, it was impressive even though he was skeptical.

“I haven't met him but I've heard whispers”

Tao wanted to meet this guy, trade a few pointers, and see if he was as impressive as she was making him out to be.

“I see... Martial artists," Jiang Tao began, curiosity piqued, "Are there many in your village?”

Ying Ziyi’s eyes lit up with a hint of pride. “Yes, we have several skilled martial artists. They are the pride of the village! Some are even taken to serve the Twilight Flame sect, and senior brother Chen Yiqin got recruited as a guard for a major clan in the capital!” she gushed.

“Impressive,” He couldn’t help the smile that found its way onto his face as he listened to her talk, he really missed human contact.

“Are you a martial artist Miss Ying?”

Ying Ziyi’s cheeks flushed slightly at the question. She shook her head, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders.

“No, Father never allowed it. He believes it’s not right for women to practice martial arts. They are too unrefined and I wouldn’t be able to find a husband as a result,”

Jiang Tao couldn’t help the incredulous expression that crossed his face. Then he shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips. He knew that already; Persimmon Peak had shown him the realities of ancient traditions.

It appeared only cultivators considered things differently because gender sure didn’t matter when you could bend reality to your whims. Talent was valued above all else.

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He hummed and nodded thoughtfully. “I understand. It must be difficult to be restricted like that.”

Ying Ziyi smiled faintly, her gaze drifting toward the distant village. “I try to make the best of my situation. Even though I can’t practice martial arts, I still contribute to the village in other ways.”

“I see,” he said, wanting to say something more meaningful but unsure if empty platitudes would help. “You’re quite resilient. Even without martial arts, it sounds like you’ve found a way to be valuable to your village.”

Ying Ziyi’s smile broadened slightly a blush gracing her cheeks, though it still bore traces of her earlier sadness. “Master Jiang is too kind,”

As the day wore on, the landscape transitioned from rolling hills to the more familiar terrain of cultivated farmland. People appeared on the trail and it gradually got wider.

Ziyi appeared to be quite popular, greeting several passersby with friendly waves and warm smiles. He got a few puzzled looks shot at him which he chalked up to his unfamiliar robes.

If only he'd brought his older clothes, from back home with him he would’ve blended in perfectly as just another traveler though he wasn’t sure they'd fit anymore. He was far from the lanky kid he was back in Persimmon Peak training had seen him fill out his frame a little.

As they walked, the village of Black Vale came into clearer view. It was larger than Persimmon Peak, with the houses and buildings clustered around a central square. The village appeared to be bustling with activity, with people moving about their daily routines—children playing, farmers tending to their fields, and merchants setting up their stalls.

It was quaint compared to what he had seen of the capital but like Persimmon Peak it really didn't fit his personal definition of a village it was more like a small city. The entrance to the village proper was guarded by a small platoon of soldiers in armor.

“That's the Crimson Fish School, the second best martial association in the village, and also the gate guard,” she said.

He nodded taking in the bustling scene of Black Vale Village.

Ying Ziyi led Jiang Tao toward the entrance, and as they approached one guard broke rank and approached Ziyi, a guy of around eighteen or twenty.

He walked over with a confident swagger and a grin that Jiang Tao could only describe as irritating. Judging by Ziyi's sigh, he knew he wasn't too far off the mark.

The guard approached with an air of casual authority, his gaze flicking over Jiang Tao with a mixture of curiosity and mild disdain. “Lady Ying, I was hurt to hear you'd left without letting me know, is that any way to treat your betrothed?”

Ying Ziyi's expression tightened at his words. She offered a polite but forced smile. “Xie Ran, please we are not betrothed yet”

Xie Ran’s grin widened, revealing a row of perfectly aligned teeth. “Ah, but we both know it’s only a matter of time, Lady Ying. Your father and mine have been in talks for quite a while. Lord Ying Chao has spoken quite favorably of our future together.”

“It is indeed a future that has been discussed, but it is not yet set in stone,” Ying Ziyi said, her voice firm despite the underlying strain.

Xie Ran’s grin did not waver. “Of course, of course. But surely you can understand that my intentions are honorable. I’m simply here to ensure you are safe and comfortable.”

Jiang Tao's eyes narrowed slightly as he observed the exchange. Xie Ran’s demeanor was overtly confident to the point of arrogance.

Ying Ziyi’s discomfort was clear. She maintained her composure, but her strained smile betrayed her annoyance. “Thank you for your concern, Xie Ran. I am in excellent hands and perfectly safe.”

Xie Ran’s gaze shifted back to Jiang Tao. “You've brought a guest home?”

He met Xie Ran’s gaze with a steady look. “Indeed. This is Jiang Tao, a traveler I encountered in the forest. He was kind enough to join me on my way back to the village. He seeks an audience with Lord Bai.”

Xie Ran inhaled sharply. "In the forest? Lady Ying, this is why I must escort you on these excursions. What if he had been a threat?"

If I had any nefarious intentions, there was absolutely nothing you could do about it. He thought with some amusement.

Xie Ran’s concern was clearly more about asserting his own role than genuinely safeguarding Ying Ziyi. He knew the type and this one in particular was super dramatic.

“Lord Xie,” Jiang Tao began, his voice steady but edged with subtle annoyance, “I assure you, I had no malicious intent.”

Xie Ran’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he managed a polite nod. “I see. My apologies for my presumption. Lady Ying, if you would allow me to accomp-”

“Yah! Xie Ran let the lady be on her way!” a voice from the guard post shouted

The voice from the guard post was followed by a burly figure stepping into view. Dressed in the crimson and gold armor of the Crimson Fish School, the man exuded an air of authority that contrasted with Xie Ran’s flamboyant demeanor. His gaze was stern, and his presence immediately shifted the atmosphere from awkward tension to one of controlled discipline.

Xie Ran’s posture stiffened, and he turned to face the new arrival with a forced smile. “Ah, Captain Hu, I was just ensuring that Lady Ying was escorted properly. You know how concerned I am about her safety.”

The captain gave a lazy shrug. “Just because you’re making a fuss doesn’t mean everyone has to. Lady Ying doesn't need you to play the gallant protector every time she steps out.”

Xie Ran’s expression darkened slightly, but he masked it quickly. “Of course, Captain Hu. I only wished to offer my help. Lady Ying, I’ll see you at your convenience.” he directed an icy stare at Jiang Tao, “As for you if you cause any trouble, you’ll have to answer to me.”

With a final, lingering look at Jiang Tao, Xie Ran turned on his heel and strode away, his confidence momentarily shaken.

The captain just shook his head amused at his subordinates' actions before giving Ying Ziyi and Jiang Tao nods in acknowledgement gesturing for them to enter the village.

As they proceeded in Ying Ziyi let out a sigh of relief and turned to him with a grateful smile. “I apologize for the inconvenience. Xie Ran can be quite... persistent.”