The sun dipped toward the horizon, casting long shadows over the forest as Wuji, Zhao Kai, and Yang Rui made their way out of the dense woods. The tension from their earlier battle with the Ironhide Wolf still lingered, though there was now a sense of accomplishment between them. They had the herbs they needed, and though the forest was still alive with unseen dangers, they were vigilant and ready for anything that might come their way.

"Stay sharp," Zhao Kai muttered as he led the group through the uneven terrain, spear at the ready. "We've got what we came for, but that doesn't mean the forest is done with us."

Wuji nodded, gripping the hilt of his sword as his eyes scanned the shadows between the trees. The Ironhide Wolf had been a formidable foe, and though they had bested it, he knew there could be other beasts lurking, drawn by the scent of blood or the faint remnants of Qi that still hung in the air.

Yang Rui moved gracefully, her sword held with a relaxed yet alert stance. Her senses, sharpened by years of training, were finely attuned to the forest around them. Every rustle of leaves, every crack of a twig underfoot could signal danger. Yet, she remained calm, her confidence unshaken by the potential threats around them.

They walked in silence for some time, the forest gradually thinning as they neared its edge. The thick canopy above gave way to patches of open sky, and the oppressive weight of Qi in the air began to lift. Wuji could feel the change immediately—there was a sense of freedom, of lightness, as if they had passed through an invisible boundary separating the forest from the outside world.

As they approached the outskirts of the forest, Zhao Kai relaxed slightly, though his eyes remained sharp. "Almost there," he said, glancing over his shoulder at Wuji and Yang Rui. "Once we're out of here, we can relax a little."

Wuji exhaled, his grip on his sword loosening as they stepped out of the forest and onto the well-trodden path leading back to Green Willow City. The city's walls were visible in the distance, their towering presence a welcome sight after the dangers of the forest.

They moved with a steady pace, the tension in their shoulders easing as the city loomed larger before them. Wuji glanced at his companions, noting the subtle smiles on their faces. It was clear they were both eager to return to the safety of the city and begin preparing for their breakthrough.

When they reached the city gates, the familiar hustle and bustle of Green Willow City greeted them. Merchants called out from their stalls, hawking their wares to passersby, and children ran through the streets, laughing and playing without a care in the world. The contrast between the tranquil danger of the forest and the lively chaos of the city was stark, and Wuji couldn't help but feel a sense of relief.

"Let's find a place to eat," Zhao Kai suggested, stretching his arms above his head. "After everything we've been through, we deserve a good meal."

Yang Rui nodded in agreement. "I could use some real food after that fight. The bear meat was good, but nothing beats a proper meal."

Wuji chuckled, feeling his own hunger gnawing at him. The battle with the Ironhide Wolf had taken its toll, and though he had eaten during their campfire, he realized just how much his body craved a hot, hearty meal.

They made their way through the crowded streets, weaving between pedestrians and carts as they headed toward a popular restaurant near the city's center. The smell of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and rich spices filled the air, drawing them in with the promise of a satisfying feast.

Inside, the restaurant was bustling with activity. Waiters moved swiftly between tables, carrying trays piled high with steaming dishes. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, a stark contrast to the cold tension of the forest.

The three of them found a table near the window, where they could watch the comings and goings of the city as they ate. A waiter approached, and after a brief discussion, they ordered a variety of dishes—roast duck, stir-fried vegetables, steamed buns, and a large pot of fragrant soup. Wuji's stomach growled in anticipation as he sat back, grateful for the chance to finally relax.

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As they waited for their food, the conversation turned to more trivial matters. Zhao Kai leaned back in his chair, a smile on his face as he recounted a humorous story from his time training at the Frozen Lake Sect.

"One time, during a sparring session, I got a little too confident," Zhao Kai said with a grin. "I was sure I had this guy beat. He was slower, weaker, and I could tell he was struggling to keep up. So, I got cocky, went in for what I thought would be a finishing blow, and the next thing I know, I'm flat on my back, staring up at the sky."

Yang Rui laughed softly, shaking her head. "That sounds like you. Always underestimating people until it's too late."

"Hey, it was a learning experience!" Zhao Kai protested, though he was clearly amused by his own story. "I never made that mistake again. Well, not with him, at least."

Wuji listened with a smile, enjoying the lighthearted atmosphere. It was nice to see this side of Zhao Kai and Yang Rui, to witness them as more than just cultivators focused on their training. In moments like this, they felt like ordinary people—friends sharing a meal and a laugh.

Their food arrived shortly after, and the three of them dug in with gusto. The roast duck was tender and flavorful, the vegetables crisp and perfectly seasoned. Wuji savored each bite, his hunger finally sated after the long journey through the forest.

As they ate, the conversation continued, drifting from topic to topic. They spoke of their travels, their training, and the people they had met along the way. Wuji found himself growing more comfortable in their company, enjoying the camaraderie that had developed between them.

Eventually, as the meal came to an end, Zhao Kai set down his chopsticks and stretched. "I think we've earned a good night's rest after everything today," he said, glancing out the window at the darkening sky. "We'll head back to the Frozen Lake Sect in the morning. With these herbs, we should be able to break through to the Qi Gathering Realm without any problems."

Yang Rui nodded in agreement, a satisfied expression on her face. "It's been a long journey, but it was worth it. I can feel that I'm on the verge of a breakthrough. A few days of rest and preparation, and I'll be ready."

Wuji, who had been quietly listening, felt a sense of admiration for the two of them. Their dedication to their cultivation was unwavering, and he could see how much they valued their growth. Though he had not yet started cultivating, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for his own journey.

As they left the restaurant and began walking toward the inn where Zhao Kai and Yang Rui would be staying, the cool night air washed over them, carrying with it the faint sounds of the city settling into the evening. Lanterns lined the streets, casting a warm glow over the cobblestone roads, and the city's liveliness slowly began to wind down as the day drew to a close.

Zhao Kai glanced over at Wuji, his expression thoughtful. "What about you, Wuji?" he asked. "What are your plans now? You're not heading to the Silverbrook City, I assume."

Wuji shook his head. "No, I'll be staying in Green Willow City for a few more days. I've made some arrangements to learn about talismans from a local master."

"Talisman crafting, huh?" Zhao Kai raised an eyebrow. "That's an interesting path. It could be useful once you start cultivating."

Yang Rui chimed in, her voice gentle but encouraging. "It's a good idea to learn about talismans, but keep in mind that you won't be able to craft them until you start cultivating. Still, having the knowledge beforehand will give you an advantage once you begin."

Wuji nodded, understanding the limitations. "I'm aware of that. But I figured learning the basics now will save me time later on. Besides, I've always been curious about how things work, especially when it comes to Qi and how it interacts with different tools and techniques."

Zhao Kai smiled. "That sounds like a good plan. And who knows? Maybe one day, you'll be a master talisman crafter."

They walked in silence for a moment, the inn coming into view as they rounded a corner. The building was modest but well-kept, its windows glowing with the soft light of lanterns inside. It was a peaceful place, a refuge for travelers and cultivators alike.

As they approached the door, Zhao Kai turned to Wuji, extending a hand. "It's been good traveling with you, Wuji. I'm glad we crossed paths. If you ever find yourself near the Frozen Lake Sect, don't hesitate to stop by."

Wuji shook his hand, a genuine smile on his face. "Likewise, Zhao Kai. Thank you for all the help and advice. I'll definitely visit when I can."

Yang Rui offered Wuji a nod and a small smile. "Good luck with your studies. And be careful out there—this world can be dangerous, especially for someone who hasn't started cultivating yet."

"I'll keep that in mind," Wuji replied, his expression serious. "Take care, both of you."

With their goodbyes said, Zhao Kai and Yang Rui entered the inn, leaving Wuji standing alone on the quiet street. He watched the door close behind them, a sense of contentment washing over him. Though his journey was far from over, he felt as though he had taken another step toward his goal.

Turning away from the inn, Wuji began walking back toward the part of the city where he was staying. The night was peaceful, the city bathed in the soft glow of lanterns, and as he walked, his thoughts turned to the future.