The evening air hung thick with a sense of anticipation, mingling with the smell of roasted meats and incense drifting through the streets of Silverbrook City. Wuji sat back in his chair, the dim lantern light casting soft shadows across the private room in the Golden Lotus Pavilion. Jinhai and Zhen sat across from him, their faces illuminated in the flickering light, as they shared their plans for the future.

They had spoken in depth about the Rising Sun Dynasty, painting a vivid picture of a place where cultivation wasn't just for the elite. Wuji listened intently, absorbing the details of this distant land where resources were more accessible, and freedom was more abundant. It sounded like an ideal destination for cultivators like Jinhai and Zhen—both of whom had already begun cultivating the techniques Mei’s master had gifted them.

Wuji, however, was different. He had no cultivation technique, no formal training in Qi manipulation, and no immediate path toward improving his abilities. For him, the upcoming sect exams were his only chance to secure the guidance and resources he needed to start his cultivation journey. Yet as Jinhai and Zhen spoke of their plans to journey east, Wuji’s curiosity deepened.

"So, you plan to travel to the Rising Sun Dynasty after the sect exams?" Wuji asked, his voice calm but filled with interest.

Jinhai shook his head. “Not quite. We’ve decided to wait a few years before making the trip. The path to the Rising Sun Dynasty is more dangerous than we originally thought.”

Wuji raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more to the story. “What do you mean?”

Jinhai leaned forward, his expression serious. “To get to the Rising Sun Dynasty, we need to travel through the Red Pine Forest.”

Wuji’s eyes widened at the mention of the forest. He had heard of it before, and none of what he had learned was comforting. The Red Pine Forest was a vast and treacherous woodland located to the east of the Golden Lotus Dynasty, infamous for its towering ancient pine trees with reddish bark and the dangerous creatures that roamed its depths.

“The Red Pine Forest?” Wuji repeated. “That place is filled with Demonic beasts. Even experienced cultivators avoid traveling through it.”

Zhen nodded solemnly. “Exactly. It’s not just about skill or strength, Wuji. The beasts that lurk there are far more dangerous than anything we’ve faced so far. To make matters worse, the deeper you go, the more the forest warps the flow of Qi. Some say that the forest itself is alive—constantly shifting and trapping those who enter.”

Jinhai added, “We’ve heard stories of entire caravans disappearing without a trace. Even cultivators in the Qi Gathering Realm struggle to get through unscathed. That’s why we’ve decided to wait.”

Wuji frowned, understanding their caution. The Qi Gathering Realm was a significant milestone in cultivation—those who reached it were no longer bound by the limitations of their mortal bodies. Cultivators at that stage could harness and manipulate Qi with far greater efficiency, allowing them to defend against more dangerous threats. However, it was a realm that Jinhai and Zhen had not yet reached, making the journey east an impossibility for now.

“We’ll need to spend at least three to four years here in the Golden Lotus Dynasty, training and breaking through to the Qi Gathering Realm,” Jinhai continued. “Once we’re strong enough, we’ll head to the Rising Sun Dynasty.”

Wuji nodded slowly, his mind racing as he considered their decision. The Red Pine Forest was a formidable obstacle, but it also made sense why Jinhai and Zhen were determined to wait. Traveling through it without sufficient cultivation would be suicide, especially for those still in the Body Refinement Realm.

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“Why not take another route?” Wuji asked. “Surely there’s a safer path to the Rising Sun Dynasty?”

“There is,” Zhen replied, “but it’s far longer and more treacherous in its own way. We would have to skirt the northern borders of the Ironclad Mountains, where rogue cultivator factions are constantly at war. It’s a different kind of danger, but just as deadly. The Red Pine Forest may be dangerous, but it’s the shortest route—and once we’re strong enough, we’ll be able to handle whatever comes our way.”

Wuji sat back in his chair, mulling over the implications of their plan. The Rising Sun Dynasty sounded like a promising destination, but it also meant several years of preparation. For Jinhai and Zhen, this was an acceptable course of action—they had already begun their cultivation journeys and had time to build their strength.

“What about you, Wuji?” Zhen suddenly asked, his sharp eyes studying Wuji with curiosity. “What are your plans after the sect exams? Are you going to join us in the Rising Sun Dynasty?”

Wuji was silent for a moment, reflecting on the question. The thought of traveling to the Rising Sun Dynasty was certainly appealing. It offered freedom, opportunities, and resources—everything a cultivator could dream of. However, his situation was different from that of his friends.

“I’m going to join a sect here,” Wuji replied after a pause, his voice steady. “Since I don’t have a cultivation technique yet, the sect exams are my only real option. Once I join, I’ll focus on learning the fundamentals and building my foundation.”

Jinhai and Zhen exchanged glances, their expressions thoughtful. Wuji could sense the unspoken question lingering in the air—why settle for the restrictive environment of a sect when the Rising Sun Dynasty offered so much more freedom?

“You’re sure about that?” Jinhai asked, his brow furrowing slightly. “The sects here can be pretty rigid. They don’t give you much room to grow on your own.”

Wuji smiled faintly. “I know. But for now, it’s the best path for me. I have some plans that require me to stay in the Golden Lotus Dynasty for a while. And besides, joining a sect will give me access to the resources and knowledge I need to start cultivating.”

Zhen nodded in understanding. “That makes sense. The sects here may be restrictive, but they do have powerful cultivation techniques and access to rare herbs and materials. If you’re looking to build a strong foundation, it’s not a bad choice.”

“I’ll be staying in the Golden Lotus Dynasty for a long time,” Wuji added, his voice calm but firm. “There are things I need to learn here, and plans I need to put into motion. But I won’t be tied down forever.”

Jinhai and Zhen seemed to sense that there was more Wuji wasn’t saying, but they didn’t press him further. Instead, they smiled and nodded, respecting his decision.

“Alright,” Jinhai said with a grin. “Just don’t forget about us when you’re a big shot in some sect. We’ll meet again, and who knows? Maybe we’ll travel to the Rising Sun Dynasty together.”

Wuji chuckled softly. “I wouldn’t dream of forgetting you two. But for now, we’ll focus on what’s ahead.”

They continued to talk late into the night, discussing Wuji’s adventures in Green Willow City, the progress Jinhai and Zhen had made in their cultivation, and their hopes for the future. It was a rare moment of peace, a chance to reconnect with the friends he had grown up with.

As the conversation began to wind down, Wuji looked at Jinhai and Zhen, his expression turning more serious.

“Let’s meet again after the sect exams are over,” Wuji said, his tone firm. “There’s something I want to talk to you both about—regarding my plans in the Golden Lotus Dynasty.”

Jinhai and Zhen exchanged curious glances but didn’t press for details. They trusted Wuji, and whatever plans he had in mind, they knew he would reveal them when the time was right.

“Alright,” Jinhai said, his grin returning. “We’ll be waiting.”

Zhen nodded. “Good luck with the exams, Wuji. We’ll see you soon.”

With that, they bid each other farewell, and Wuji left the private room, stepping out into the cool night air. The streets of Silverbrook City were quiet now, the lanterns flickering in the gentle breeze. Wuji’s mind was filled with thoughts of the future—both his own and that of his friends.

As he walked back to his inn, Wuji couldn’t help but feel a surge of determination. The sect exams were just the beginning, a stepping stone toward a much larger journey. And while Jinhai and Zhen had their sights set on the Rising Sun Dynasty, Wuji knew that his path was different.