7 : Warning Notice by Shaw family

In the expansive beast taming grounds of the sect, a crisp morning air filled the space as the sect disciples gathered around Princess Lanner. The ground was a hub of activity, with various spirit animals being prepared for the day's mission. 

Princess Lanner, resplendent in her sect attire, was deep in conversation with her disciples about the day's mission. Her eyes, sharp and commanding, but her voice was light as she spoke. Every now and then, the conversation was punctuated by admiring comments from some of the female disciples.

"Princess, your choice of horses for this expedition is impeccable," one of them remarked, her eyes glancing at the splendid steeds that Eric had prepared.

"Yes, the ornaments are especially exquisite. They complement the horses' spirit so well," another added, her gaze following the elegant lines of the golden decorations.

Princess Lanner acknowledged their praises with a nod, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. She chose not to mention Eric's role in the selection and preparation of the horses. To her, it was a strategic decision, a subtle assertion of her authority and taste.

Meanwhile, Eric, standing a little apart with the reins of the chariot in his hands, exchanged fleeting glances with Thea, who now went by the name "Ria" in the sect. Each glance was a silent conversation, an exchange of unspoken emotions and shared understanding. Their situation was delicate, their love a secret hidden in plain sight.

As the group prepared to move out, a shadow passed overhead. All eyes turned upwards as Madam Frost descended gracefully from the sky on a majestic bald eagle, a Rank 2 flying beast. Her arrival was both awe-inspiring and intimidating.

(Madam Frost is one of the sect elders with nascent soul stage cultivation. Her appearance is around 35 years age with graceful body.) 

Madam Frost's expression was stern, her brows furrowed in concern. She immediately started commanding the disciples to mount their spirit horses and she let the bald eagle rest in the beast taming ground and picked up a rank three spirit horse.

"Master, why do you look so angry? Did something happen?" Princess Lanner questioned as she approached Madam Frost with an easy-going attitude.

"It's Shaw family. They issued a warning to all 700 southern clans. They warned us to not to help the Lionheart family prince or hide him in our clans" she announced, her voice laced with frustration.

A murmur of discontent rippled through the group. "The Shaw family has always been trouble. They just captured our southern dynasty and began sending warnings." one disciple muttered.

Madam Frost continued, "They are the real evil, meddling in affairs that don't concern them. But we must stay vigilant."

The mood among the disciples shifted, a mix of apprehension and determination setting in. The politics of the cultivation world were complex, and alliances were always shifting.

Before the group set off, Madam Frost turned her attention to Ria (Eric's wife, Thea). "This is Ria, a Level 1 Core Formation disciple. She will be joining us on this mission," she introduced.

Ria stepped forward; her demeanor calm yet assertive. "I'm honored to be part of this mission. Please take good care of me," she said, before retreating into her usual stoic self.

The male disciples took note of Ria's beauty and her seemingly calm nature. Whispers and glances were exchanged, a mix of admiration and curiosity swirling around the new addition to their ranks.

Madam Frost, her sharp eyes missing nothing, turned to Princess Lanner. "And why is he here?" she asked, pointing towards Eric who sat on cart driver position with a leisure attitude. 

"He is here to tend to the horses. We'll be in the forest for several days, and his service will be helpful." Lanner replied casually.

Madam Frost considered this for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Very well, but he must not join us in the mission. He will die undoubtedly with his Qi condensation stage cultivation." She warned before mounting her horse.

Eric listened silently, his expression unreadable. He knew his presence here was unusual, but he tried to be an ignorant fellow. 

As the group set off into the depths of the forest, the air was charged with a sense of purpose. The disciples moved with practiced efficiency, their spirit animals alert and ready.

The journey through the forest was a test of skill and endurance. The dense foliage and rugged terrain challenged even the most experienced among them. Yet, the group moved forward, united in their mission and wary of the dangers that lurked within the forest's shadows.

As the day progressed, the sect's expedition ventured deeper into the spirit forest. The journey was arduous yet breathtaking, with the forest's dense canopy filtering the sunlight into a kaleidoscope of colors.

The path was rough and winding, meandering through the lush, untamed wilderness. The sounds of the forest were a symphony of life, with the calls of unseen creatures and the rustling of leaves creating a backdrop to their trek.

Ria, moving with the group, posed a question to Madam Frost, her voice carrying a note of curiosity. "Madam Frost, why aren't we using flying beasts to reach our destination more quickly?"

Her question elicited laughter from some of the disciples. In their eyes, the query seemed naive, a clear sign of Ria's inexperience with the protocols of the sect.

Madam Frost, however, responded with a patient explanation, "Flying is strictly prohibited in the spirit forest. The airspace above is unpredictable, and the forest's protective enchantments make it dangerous to navigate by air."

As they continued, Madam Frost led the way on her Rank 3 straw-colored sturdy spirit horse, a magnificent creature that moved with grace and power. The disciples followed suit, each riding their Rank 2 spirit horses, forming a disciplined procession through the dense foliage of the forest.

At the rear, Eric guided the princess's chariot with remarkable ease. Despite the challenging terrain, he maneuvered the horses skillfully, ensuring a smooth journey for Princess Lanner. The serene atmosphere of the forest, with its rich tapestry of sounds and sights, provided a calming backdrop to the expedition.

The journey was long, and the group covered considerable ground, moving steadily towards the core area of the spirit forest. The deeper they ventured, the more the forest seemed to come alive, its ancient energy palpable in the air.

As dusk began to fall, the light filtering through the trees grew softer, casting long shadows on the forest floor. The group reached their first stop at the edge of a clearing, a strategic location chosen by Madam Frost for their overnight camp.

"Set up the tents here," Madam Frost commanded, her voice carrying the authority of a seasoned leader. "We will continue at first light."

_

Note: More bonus chapter for Power Stones. Keep it raining guys...

PETERPAN