The Hidden Road

The forest was vibrant and active, bathed in rays of light as the sun lingered over the trees. Xing Wuye moved with a purpose, silent as a phantom, trailing the remnants of the bandit gang he had once granted mercy. His patience was rewarded with muted whispers and footsteps echoing through the stillness. One by one, he closed in on each member, his blade slicing from the darkness of shadows, each strike precise and lethal. They barely had time to scream before the forest swallowed their lives, leaving only silence in Wuye's wake.

Finally, only one bandit remained. Cornered and trembling, he stared at Wuye, eyes wide with fear as he spoke, desperation breaking through his voice.

"Why are you doing this?" he gasped, stumbling backward. "You… you promised to let us go!"

Wuye tilted his head, a shadowed smirk crossing his face. "Only an idiot leaves loose ends."

In an instant, Wuye's blade flashed, and the final bandit's screams echoed briefly before silence reclaimed the forest. His duty done, Wuye wiped his blade clean and sheathed it, his gaze now shifting northward. Retrieving his map from his pack, he scanned the markings, searching for the next city to use as a waypoint on his journey. However, something struck him as odd. Between the marked cities lay vast empty spaces, almost unnatural in their lack of detail.

He pondered this peculiarity, wondering if it was a simple flaw in his map or if he was missing something deeper. Yet, with time pressing on, he dismissed the thought, focusing on his two immediate goals: to grow stronger and explore the world. Letting out a breath, he tucked the map away and set his sights on the forest trail.

As he continued, a shadow crossed the sky, followed by a faint whoosh overhead. Startled, Wuye looked up and glimpsed a carriage gliding through the air, a sign that its passengers were no mere mortals. He watched it descend gracefully, coming to rest on the forest floor just ahead.

The door of the carriage opened, revealing a stunning woman dressed in flowing robes, her gaze serene but sharp. Beside her stood a man of refined bearing, with an air of authority and confidence that belied his youth. The woman glanced at Wuye with a warm smile.

"Fellow Daoist, where might you be headed?" she asked, her voice carrying a calm but commanding undertone.

Wuye took a respectful step forward, clasping his hands and bowing slightly. "North."

The woman's eyes narrowed slightly in curiosity. "On foot?"

"My mount was lost to a pack of beasts," Wuye replied coolly.

A flicker of sympathy passed over her face. "Unfortunate indeed. If you're heading north, why not journey with us? We're on our way to a conference—a gathering of sects. There will be competitions of strength and skill, and pill refiners from all over."

Wuye regarded her with polite interest, though a sense of suspicion pricked at the back of his mind. "I am honored by the offer, Senior Sister," he replied, bowing again. Inside, he remained skeptical, wondering what benefit they saw in him. It was rare for strangers to offer assistance without a price.

The woman seemed pleased, and she introduced herself and the man beside her. "I am Liu Yanmei, and this is Li Jiang. May we know the name of our fellow traveler?"

"Xing Wuye," he replied, keeping his tone measured.

As he boarded the carriage, he took note of its lavish interior, the seats lined with silk and small talismans etched into the walls for protection. The carriage soared once again, carrying them high above the trees. He forced himself to remain relaxed, although the flight was new to him.

"So, Xing Wuye," Liu Yanmei began with a warm smile, "do you travel alone? Do you belong to a sect or have a master guiding your cultivation?"

Wuye shook his head. "No sect, no master. My journey has been solitary."

Both Liu Yanmei and Li Jiang exchanged a glance, a spark of curiosity in their eyes. "Impressive," Li Jiang commented. "To reach your level without guidance… many would struggle to achieve such progress alone, especially at such a young age."

Wuye accepted their praise with a nod, though he remained reserved. Their interest seemed genuine, yet he couldn't shake the feeling that they had other motives. In his experience, kindness without reason often concealed hidden intentions.

As the carriage glided smoothly, Li Jiang reclined, studying Wuye with mild amusement. "Well, I should introduce our own levels so you know your company," he began, his voice laced with confidence. "I am at the early stage of the Soul Sensing Realm, while Liu Yanmei has reached the late stage of Foundation Building."

A spark of surprise flickered across Wuye's face, though he quickly masked it. An early-stage Soul Sensing cultivator—the same realm as his former sect master. He hadn't expected that. A Soul Sensing cultivator was leagues beyond most he had encountered; their strength alone could crush nearly any opponent Wuye had faced before.

Li Jiang noticed his reaction and laughed. "Don't let it worry you, young friend," he said with a grin. "Treat us as you have, and think nothing more of it."

Yet, Li Jiang's words did little to ease Wuye's suspicions. He kept his guard up, determined to evade their watchful eyes should the need arise. These cultivators clearly held power beyond his, but their motivations remained a mystery he wasn't eager to unravel.

They continued the journey in idle conversation, with Liu Yanmei occasionally glancing over at him as if to assess his responses. She shared stories of her sect, its ancient history, and some tales of its master's exploits. Wuye listened attentively, careful to keep his answers guarded and noncommittal. He revealed only what was necessary, focusing on his responses rather than prying into their stories.

At length, Liu Yanmei turned to him with a thoughtful expression. "And tell me, Xing Wuye, what is it that drives you to travel north alone, without a sect or teacher to guide you?"

Wuye's gaze drifted toward the window, where the world below passed in a blur. He chose his words carefully. "A thirst for strength and knowledge. I wish to understand the world for myself."

"A noble ambition," she murmured, though her gaze remained sharp, as if weighing his honesty.

Li Jiang chuckled, crossing his arms. "Well, perhaps you'll find some answers at the conference, though I think you'll find that some paths are best not traveled alone. Consider joining a sect one day. With talent like yours, you'd thrive."

"Perhaps," Wuye replied with a faint smile. He didn't intend to let his ambitions be confined by the structure of a sect, but he had no intention of sharing that with them.

As the hours passed, Wuye found himself watching his companions closely. They continued to ask casual questions, but Wuye kept his responses brief, sensing that their interest in him was still shrouded by something unspoken.

Even so, he remained patient, deciding to play along until he learned more.