As he bowed, terrified, Jake felt a hand land on his shoulder, and a shock ran down his spine from the fear of interacting with cultivators. "Rise, friend, relax. My name is Flying Rock. If you accompany this spirit beast here, you are a friend of this Sect."

Still bowing, Jake answered. "Y...y..yes, Master Cultivator." He slowly raised his eyes only to see the old cultivator's gentle eyes looking back at him with a smile. Jake calmed down. "Sorry, I mean. Thank you, Senior Flying Rock." He rose slowly as the cultivator took his hand off his shoulder.

With his warm smile, Flying Rock continued. "What is your good name, and to what do we owe the pleasure of this visit? Oh, and is the Wandering Cultivator doing well?" He asked a flurry of questions, leaving Jake unsure what to answer first. He was still shocked from seeing a real-life Immortal.

Taking a long, calming breath, Jake relaxed. Tyler hadn't shared his name with this sect, so he wouldn't either. "My name is Jake Huntsman, and this here is Daredevil, the companion of the one you called Wandering Cultivator. Senior, he sent us here because he had hoped I could..."

Flying Rock cut him off, "Join the sect? Sure, no problem! Whatever the Wandering cultivator needs."

Jake was surprised, unsure of what to say. Just being sent here by Tyler, he had been accepted by an Immortal into his sect amidst the mystical mountains. It wasn't even the reason he was here, but he had been accepted with open arms. How powerful is Tyler for an Immortal to treat a mere mortal like myself with such respect... Jake thought. Seeing as this wasn't what he wanted, he corrected the Senior. "No, Senior, the reason I came was because he mentioned your sect had taken care of the slaves he freed?"

Raising his eyebrows, Flying Rock answered. "Oh, yes. Most of them are still here in the sect. We gave them a roof, jobs, and some even joined the sect properly as they showed some good potential. What about them? Did the Wandering Cultivator need them for something?"

Shaking his head, Jake answered. "No, but Senior Wandering Cultivator sent me here because I was hoping I could see them. You see, Senior Flying Rock, my sister was taken by slavers a year ago."

Flying Stone's eyes softened. "Yes, of course. Come! Let's not stand around here anymore. Let me treat you to some tea, and we can see our new friends. About a third of them are women, so perhaps your little sister is amongst them."

Jake felt the panther's paw on his back and heard a soft purr. He looked at the vista ahead, and it felt like something out of a legend. The mountain was huge, covered in thick forests and tall pine trees. It had cliffs and a sharp peak almost touching the sky, making it seem impressive and breathtaking.

The Immortal Sect's grand palace and meditation chambers were probably at the top of the mountain. The atmosphere around this place was peaceful, and he imagined the sect master’s palace, made of shiny white jade with green swirls of wind.

Waterfalls flowed down the mountain, most likely merging with streams that ran through various gardens and orchards. In the legends, such waterfalls were said to have limitless Qi and give vitality and wisdom to those who meditated near them.

The mountain probably had gardens with unique flowers that held imaginable powers, bringing peace and strength to cultivators. Ponds must've been filled with purifying waters that Jake couldn't even dream of drinking. The gardens were also believed to have mystical beings that shared ancient wisdom—mystical beings like little Daredevil here.

Jake was swiftly taken out of his reverie when he felt Flying Rock's hand on his shoulder again, and before he could even apologize for daydreaming, he felt his feet come off the ground as the hand of Flying Rock wrapped around his shoulder.

Moments later, he soared above the treetops, gazing down upon the mountain below, winds whipping his cheeks. Ever since he had met Tyler, every day felt like a page from a fairy tale. As he glanced back, he noticed Daredevil closely trailing them, gracefully stepping on the mist he generated from his body, leaping with great effort to keep pace.

The journey didn't take too long, and before he knew it, Jake found himself in the heart of a quaint mountainside village. The village boasted sturdy houses and well-kept roads. Compared to his own home, it didn't appear that different, except for one crucial distinction—it thrived while his hometown struggled merely to survive.

Upon setting foot on solid ground, Jake heard the voice of Flying Rock beside him. "Welcome to the village that borders our humble sect. All the people rescued by the Wandering Cultivator have been residing here. We've constructed homes for them, providing them with a dedicated space near their workplaces. Now, let's enjoy some tea while we wait for the day's work to conclude, and you can have the chance to meet everyone then."

Jake watched as the elderly cultivator effortlessly produced a table and chair, placing them in the village square without hesitation. His previous encounters with cultivators had all seemed stern and arrogant. Even the guards and the merchant who visited his village had treated them poorly, as if they were beneath them, their worth less than the very ground they walked on.

A few days ago, the unexpected encounter completely shattered Jake's preconceived notions about the world. "Please, have a seat and unwind! I understand that mortals don't often engage with cultivators, but you've been sent here by the Wandering Cultivator, so you might as well get accustomed to it."

Everything felt unreal to Jake as he sat down. "Thank you, Senior. I don't know what to say... everything lately has been so.. unexpected."

The old cultivator smiled. "Let me guess, one day, a cultivator came by, solved your issues, promised to solve even more, and sent you here in that attempt?" At that moment, the panther also approached them, panting hard. It would seem following being an immortal was no light work! "Good! Your cultivation is pretty good, little guy. Here, catch!"

Jake was surprised at how accurate that description of events was, and he observed Flying Rock throw a whole spirit beast carcass at Daredevil. The dead beast emanated a thick Qi that almost reminded Jake of Tyler. He saw the panther's eyes grow wide as it growled and bowed its head before jumping head-first into the meal.

Then, Jake told Flying Rock everything that had happened in more detail. His short encounter with Tyler and his overwhelming aura, he also explained how he had led him to his village that had been suffering for over a year now and how Tyler hoped to be able to solve that issue for him.

Jake saw that Flying Rock sat there, drinking mortal-grade tea, observing Daredevil and taking in all this information, leaving him to speak freely without interrupting him once. Taking a sip of the delectable tea, Jake awaited the cultivator's comments on his journey.

"Ah, it appears I should pay a visit to this Wandering Cultivator to express my gratitude later," mused the old man. "Some of my disciples had mentioned reports of lands deteriorating to the north, but we've been inundated with contracts from the Empire. It seems many villages were dealing with rogue cultivators suddenly found themselves defenseless as those cultivators turned up dead one night and sought our assistance to investigate."

Pausing for a moment, he fixed his gaze once more on the Panther. "Our investigations all seem to have a common thread—a formidable spirit beast emerging from the mist in the dead of night, liberating numerous villages from heretics."

In response, Daredevil raised his head, turned it to the side, and emitted a growl, seemingly asking a question as blood dripped from its mouth. The panther continued its attempts at communication but eventually gave up in frustration, refocusing its attention on its meal.

"Remarkable—a Qi Transformation realm spirit beast that comprehends speech. Now, I'm even more eager to convey my gratitude to this Mysterious Cultivator in person," Jake saw Flying Rock refocus his attention on him. "Well, if agreeable to you, I'd be inclined to accompany you back to your village. I could investigate this matter and offer my assistance if needed, as it was on my list of to-do tasks in the next few months. Plus, it would make your journey back much safer!"

Jake found himself unsure what to say and turned to Daredevil, as the panther was Tyler's companion, and he wasn't Tyler's mouthpiece. Daredevil looked up at them and nodded his head in agreement. "Since Daredevil here agrees, I can only express my gratitude for your offer, Senior!" Jake exclaimed, making a gesture of thanks by cupping his hands together.

Though hesitant, Jake opted to be direct for once and overcome his fear of speaking to an Immortal. "Senior, do you know the names of the people he saved? I truly appreciate your kindness and willingness to spend time with a mortal like me, but I've been missing my sister for a long time and have been desperate for any news..."

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Flying Rock let out a sigh. "I'm afraid, friend, I don't have that information. I can hardly remember the names of all my disciples, let alone strangers. It's not a matter of disrespect, but as you live as long as I have, you tend not to concern yourself with memorizing every name you come across. Nothing personal against you or other mortals, but your lifespans are like the duration of a meditation session to me. You see, I've already reached the age of 600, and most mortals tend to die young." He paused.

"Tell you what, let's just go to the various fields instead of waiting around here. You can see what they are up to at the same time, and if we don't find your sister during the tour, we can always come back here to search," Flying Rock suggested, turning his gaze to Jake, awaiting his response.

Jake promptly rose to his feet and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Senior!" His eyes were brimming with tears, and he couldn't help but feel that everything had been going exceptionally well for him lately.

Observing Jake's emotions, Flying Rock couldn't suppress a smile. He, too, stood up. "Come on, you're a guest here. Stand tall with pride!"

Following the man's directive, Jake straightened his posture and stood proudly. They had been seated there for approximately half an hour, and not a single person had passed by. It was, after all, the middle of the day, and most people were likely engrossed in their work, wherever that may be.

Looking back at Daredevil, Jake didn't know if he should invite the spirit beast to come with him, but that was also quickly taken care of. "Do you want to stay here or visit the sect, little beast? The last time you came here, you stayed on the outskirts of the forest, and we couldn't even thank you properly for escorting our disciples back safely. I'm sure many people would be glad to see you again." Jake heard Flying Rock say from the side.

Mist enveloped the spirit beast and its meal for a few seconds in answer to the question. When the mist dissipated, there was no trace of the carcass left, and Daredevil's eyes seemed to shine brighter than before—a deep blue that mirrored the depths of an infinite ocean.

From the sides, Jake heard the cultivator mumble something about True Essence tempering, but he wasn't confident what was said exactly. Then, Daredevil walked beside Jake, stood beside him, and growled softly. While he couldn't understand the beast's words, Jake understood its meaning.

"We'll walk from here; I don't want to startle my sect members by simply landing in their homes unannounced," Flying Rock explained as he draped himself in a cloak that seemed to conceal his presence. "Follow me, and we'll begin by visiting the Aeth Grain Fields."

Curiosity piqued, Jake inquired as they strolled through the village and onto a road deeper into the mountain. "Why do you conceal yourself from your sect, Senior? You didn't hide yourself from me."

"Quite simple, most of my disciples have never actually seen me and believe me to be some all-powerful Immortal who never ventures outside. It would truly be a shame to shatter that image I've cultivated over the years. As for you, it's a matter of the respect owed to the Wandering Cultivator and his Spirit Beast."

"I understand now, Senior. My apologies for my lack of understanding."

"No need to apologize, friend. Based on what I've witnessed, the Wandering Cultivator is much more powerful than I am, so he and his friends deserve the respect his abilities command."

This revelation took Jake by surprise. While he recognized Tyler's strength, his commanding presence was undeniable. He hadn't considered him more powerful than an actual Immortal!

Flying Rock had effortlessly soared through the skies, yet Jake had only witnessed Tyler walking. Sometimes, during his and Daredevil's stops and rests, he observed Tyler examining the decaying plant life in the distant forest. He hadn't seen him flying around like most Immortals.

"So, tell me more about your life and your village. You mentioned the forest slowly dying; how did that affect your lives?" The 600-year-old cultivator asked.

Over the next little while, Jake elaborated in great detail on everything his village had endured since the forest's decline, similar to what he had recounted to Tyler a few days earlier. After a series of questions from Flying Rock, they arrived at a clearing on the mountain that Jake hadn't seen from above earlier.

The Aeth Grain Fields appeared to be cultivating wheat similar to what they had grown in the village before the land's deterioration. However, this grain was noticeably of a higher grade and quality.

In the distance, Jake spotted a group of mortals, their clothes soaked with sweat from their strenuous labor. Despite their hard work, they appeared to enjoy themselves, with loud laughter echoing across the fields.

These individuals were former slaves who had been liberated and were now free men. They tended to the Aeth fields with a deep sense of gratitude toward their rescuers. Their calloused hands moved with precision and care, reflecting their dedication.

The road they had come from split the fields in two, leading toward a warehouse in the distance. Closest to the building was a cultivator from the Dancing Winds Sect, distinguished by his clean and sweat-free attire.

Despite his refined appearance, he was actively working in the fields, gracefully moving amidst the crops while the wind seemed to follow his every step, gently caressing the Aeth Grains.

This endeavor was not the work of a single individual but a communal effort. The villagers came together, each contributing their skills and labor. There was a sense of unity and shared purpose among them, which Jake was accustomed to seeing back home.

Jake observed everyone anxiously, looking for his sister or anyone he could recognize as he walked alongside Flying Rock and Daredevil. Their little group attracted quite the attention as everyone looked his way as he walked by, heading for the warehouse directly.

Flying Rock stopped near the cultivator who was tending the field. "Junior, could you please gather everyone for a quick minute? My friend here is looking for his lost sister."

Surprised to be interrupted during his cultivation session, the man stopped and bowed his head after using an identifying technique. "Yes, Senior." He then headed for the warehouse's steps. "Everyone! Come here! A Senior of the Sect has business with all of us!"

The entire field seemed to stop as all the chatter died down momentarily. Shortly after, it picked up again as more and more people appeared from the Aeth Fields.

As the villagers gathered, their curiosity mixed with a hint of apprehension, likely due to their experience as slaves. The presence of a senior from the Dancing Winds Sect was unusual for them, and it stirred up a range of emotions.

Seeing everyone's expressions, Flying Rock swiftly addressed the crowd. "Don't worry, friends. I am not here with bad news or an unreasonable request. My friend here is looking for his little sister, who had been taken into slavery last year. Jake?"

Jake stepped up, looking through the crowd anxiously. He didn't recognize anyone. "Yes, thank you, Senior. Like Senior said, my little sister Eliza Huntsman was taken away a year ago. Do any of you recognize the name?"

Flying Rock's reassurance alleviated some of the crowd's tension. People exchanged glances, and a few whispered among themselves. It was clear that they were trying to recall any information about the missing girl.

After a moment, a woman stepped forward. Her face bore the marks of hardship and toil, but she was visibly happy. "I... I think I might know who you're talking about. There was a young girl named Eliza. I don't know if her last name was Huntsman, but she was with us until a few months ago, but then, some men took her away towards the city."

Jake's heart raced with hope as he heard his sister's name. "Eliza, that's her! Do you know what city they took her to?"

The woman hesitated before answering, "I'm not sure, but they mentioned something about the Capital's slave market. It's all I heard. I'm not even sure of the Capital's name... I'm sorry..."

"Thank you. Thank you so much for telling me."

Flying Rock nodded in approval. "We appreciate your assistance." He turned his attention to his disciple. "Junior, see to it that these mortals eat well tonight. Give them this if anyone asks why they are receiving more resources than normal." Jake saw the man flick the other cultivator a single token before continuing. "We're going to the Spiritual Herbs Gardens in a bit to ensure we don't miss anything about my friend's sister."

The crowd seemed more at ease now, and broad smiles appeared when they heard about tonight's quality meal. Some villagers offered their well-wishes and encouragement, while others returned to work in the Aeth Fields.

Shortly afterward, Jake trailed behind Flying Rock as they departed from the Aeth Grain Fields. "Senior, excuse my lack of knowledge, but what capital were they referring to? And huh, where is it?"

"Well, we are in the York Empire, so the capital is named York. It's not too far from here, just a few weeks of travel for you, but merely a full day's journey for me."

Jake let out a sigh. "I understand now. Thank you, Senior."

"No need to fret, friend. Judging by the Wandering Cultivator's actions, I wouldn't be surprised if he decides to venture into the Capital himself to rescue your sister. Individuals of his stature tend to honor their commitments. If he promised to aid you in finding your sister, I have no doubt he will take action when there's a lead."

Jake's eyes watered when he heard this.

The rest of the day went by as Jake, Daredevil, and Flying Rock went all over the mountain, asking about Eliza. Unfortunately, all the usable information they received was about the Capital's slave market.

A young girl they encountered mentioned she had briefly interacted with someone named Eliza in the past, but it had been for less than a few hours before she was sold to a different group of slavers. You see, Eliza had been kept close to the Bandit Leader, and when she was eventually sold, this young girl, Claire, had been chosen as her replacement.

Jake's eyes brimmed with anger and frustration.

The only one who seemed to be brimming with joy here was Daredevil. Everywhere they went, at least one person was so happy to see the Spirit Beast that they couldn’t help but spend all available time petting him.