244: Leaving the small tribe, exploring the west

At daybreak, the morning light filtered through the leaves of the Lin Family grounds, casting fragmented shadows. The air was still thick with lingering morning mist and the clear fragrance of Spiritual Plants. Lu Chen and Lin Yulan's group of five women had already packed up, their light combat attire making their figures look even more agile. Their packs were filled with Healing Pills, Spiritual Plants, and simple weapons. The clan crest token in Lu Chen's palm emitted a warm glow—a parting gift from Elder Lin and a form of protection for their journey to the west.

Before the main gate of the clan grounds, Elder Lin and several clan elders had long been waiting, their eyes filled with reluctance and concern. After repelling the Black Stone Clan yesterday, Lu Chen had informed everyone of the hidden threat of the Void Evil Energy in the west. Although he didn't elaborate on the past of Reincarnation, he let the clansmen know the importance of this trip. Elder Lin patted Lu Chen's shoulder and said solemnly, "The journey to the west is long and the dangers are unpredictable. You must take care of yourselves. If you encounter a desperate situation, do not force it; just return safely."

Lu Chen bowed and saluted, his gaze firm. "Rest assured, Elder. We will act with caution, investigating the traces of Evil Energy while ensuring each other's safety. With the nourishment of the spirit spring, the Lin Family will surely become more prosperous in the future. Once we resolve the crisis in the west, we will definitely return to visit." The Five Women also nodded in greeting, their eyes full of sincerity—the Lin Family was the starting point of their Awakening in this new Reincarnation. Though this bond was brief, it was exceptionally genuine.

After the farewells, the six turned and set out on the road westward, their figures gradually disappearing into the depths of the morning mist. The clansmen behind them watched for a long time, only slowly dispersing once the six figures were completely hidden. The road ahead was long, and the wind blowing from afar carried the crisp scent of the mountains and forests, along with a faint hint of unknown danger, yet it did not shake the determination of the six to move forward.

The westward path mostly consisted of rugged mountain roads and dense jungles. The Spiritual Qi was slightly thinner than around the Lin Family, and they occasionally encountered traces of low-level Yao Beasts. Lu Chen and The Five Women shared a perfect rapport; they traveled and scouted by day and chose spots to camp and rest by night. Along the way, they frequently exchanged insights on their Cultivation, their comprehension of the Reincarnation Foundation Art growing deeper, and their emotional bonds tightening through their constant companionship.

On the afternoon of the third day, a thick fog appeared ahead. The mist was light gray and lingered in the mountain forest without dissipating. Faint roars of Yao Beasts could be heard from within—it was the Misty Forest, a place they had to pass through on their journey west. This forest was shrouded in spiritual mist year-round, resulting in extremely low visibility. The internal terrain was complex, harboring many First-Order Yao Beasts, especially Mist Wolves, which were skilled at using the mist to hide and launch surprise attacks on passing Cultivators. Many low-level Cultivators had met their end here.

"The Spiritual Qi in this Misty Forest is chaotic, and the mist seems to contain a faint soul-confusing power. Everyone stay alert and stay close together; do not get separated." Lin Yulan took out a bamboo slip, Spiritual Qi flowing from her fingertips as she quickly deduced the general path through the forest. "There are abnormal Spiritual Qi fluctuations half a mile ahead; most likely, Mist Wolves are lurking there. We need to handle it carefully." Hai Qinghan's water-attribute Spiritual Qi quietly surged, turning into a fine water membrane that enveloped the six of them. She said deeply, "Water power can briefly disperse the mist and cushion the impact of a Yao Beast's surprise attack. If we encounter danger, I will set up defenses immediately."

Bing Ningshuang's surrounding cold air grew stronger as her sharp eyes scanned the mist. She said coolly, "Mist Wolves fear the cold; I can use ice-attribute Spiritual Qi to freeze their movements. Sister Zhu's flames are domineering and can provide frontal restraint. Sister Luo, prepare the Healing Pills just in case. Lu Chen will lead the attack. With our coordinated efforts, we will surely pass through safely." Zhu Yanyao clenched her fists, her flame spiritual power faintly restless as she laughed brightly. "Don't worry, just a few little wolves. I'll burn them until they have nowhere to hide!" Luo Wanning nodded in agreement, her herb basket already prepared. She lightly pinched a heart-clearing grass between her fingers, ready to refine a heart-clearing pill at any time to dispel the soul-confusing influence of the mist.

Lu Chen gripped the simple longsword at his waist. This was an ordinary iron sword gifted by the Lin Family before their departure; though it lacked Spiritual Qi enhancement, it was enough to deal with First-Order Yao Beasts. The affection jade pendant in his palm grew slightly warm as his spiritual sense expanded to its full capacity, perceiving the energy anomalies in the mist. He said deeply, "Let's go. Stay alert and move forward steadily."

The six stepped into the Misty Forest together. The mist instantly surged in, reducing visibility to less than three feet. They could only hear each other's footsteps and the distant, faint roars of beasts. Lin Yulan's power of deduction operated continuously, guiding them along a safe path. Hai Qinghan's water membrane slowly expanded, dispersing the mist within several feet and clearing their vision slightly. Bing Ningshuang's cold air quietly spread, a thin layer of ice forming on the ground to suppress the hidden aura of Yao Beasts. Zhu Yanyao's flames circulated around her, ready to erupt at any moment. Luo Wanning stayed close by, monitoring everyone's condition, while Lu Chen walked at the very front, sword gripped tight and spiritual sense strained to the limit.

After less than dozens of steps, the mist ahead suddenly surged violently. Two eerie green lights flashed through the fog, accompanied by a low growl, as a lithe Mist Wolf suddenly lunged out. It was grayish-black all over with shaggy fur and sharp fangs, surrounded by a faint mist. It moved extremely fast, pouncing straight at Lu Chen at the front of the group.

"Watch out!" The Five Women cried out simultaneously. Zhu Yanyao was the first to act, her flame spiritual power turning into a line of fire that shot toward the Mist Wolf. Bing Ningshuang also instantly activated her cold air, an ice arrow piercing the air to block the Mist Wolf's path of evasion. The Mist Wolf reacted quickly, dodging the fire and ice, but it still pounced toward Lu Chen, its claws carrying a sharp wind, seemingly about to strike him.

A cold glint flashed in Lu Chen's eyes. Instead of retreating, he advanced. The Reincarnation Foundation Art operated quietly, and the power of their emotional bond flowed through his Meridians into the longsword. Although the iron sword lacked Spiritual Qi, it took on a faint golden glow due to the power of the bond. He stepped aside to dodge the Mist Wolf's claws while simultaneously sweeping his sword, accurately slashing at the wolf's neck.

A clear sound of a blade entering flesh followed. The Mist Wolf let out a shrill howl as blood spurted out. Its body crashed heavily to the ground, and after a few struggles, it stopped breathing. A clean, decisive kill with a single strike. The Five Women breathed a sigh of relief, their eyes filled with admiration for Lu Chen. Even though his cultivation was only at the Qi Refining Fifth Layer, his combat awareness and techniques far surpassed Cultivators of the same level—this was the foundation accumulated over countless past Reincarnations.

"I didn't expect you to be so powerful even with an ordinary iron sword!" Zhu Yanyao stepped forward quickly and patted Lu Chen's shoulder, her tone excited. "The fur and fangs of this Mist Wolf are good Yao Beast Materials. They can be used to refine low-level Magical Artifacts and Medicinal Pills. Don't let them go to waste." Lu Chen nodded, and The Five Women immediately sprang into action. Hai Qinghan used water-attribute Spiritual Qi to wash the blood from the wolf's carcass, while Bing Ningshuang used cold air to freeze it and prevent the meat from rotting. Luo Wanning took out a dagger and skillfully skinned the Mist Wolf and removed its sharp fangs. Lin Yulan deduced whether other Yao Beasts were lurking nearby, while Zhu Yanyao stood guard against any surprise attacks.

The six coordinated perfectly, and in a few moments, they had collected the Yao Beast Materials, properly stowing the fur and fangs in their packs. Watching them busy themselves, Lu Chen felt a surge of warmth. Images of them gathering resources side-by-side countless times in his memory quietly surfaced, overlapping with the current scene. It made him even more certain that no matter how many times they reincarnated, as long as they were by each other's side, these were the most peaceful times.

Continuing deeper, they encountered several more surprise attacks from Mist Wolves, all of which were slain through their coordinated efforts, allowing them to collect many Yao Beast Materials. As they went further, the mist gradually thinned, and the exit of the forest became faintly visible, bringing a sense of relief to their hearts. By evening, the group finally emerged from the Misty Forest and set up camp to rest in a clearing at the forest's edge.

Lu Chen gathered dry branches to build a simple campfire, and Zhu Yanyao used her flame spiritual power to light it, the warm firelight dispelling the night's chill. Hai Qinghan took the Yao Beast meat hunted during the day from her pack, washed it, and placed it over the fire to roast. Fat dripped down with a sizzling sound, and a rich meaty aroma began to spread. Lin Yulan sat by the fire, spiritual light flowing from her bamboo slip as she reviewed the day's journey and battles to summarize their experience. Bing Ningshuang placed simple ice-attribute defensive runes around the camp to prevent nocturnal Yao Beast attacks, while Luo Wanning organized the Yao Beast fur collected during the day, preparing to refine Magical Artifacts later.

The campfire blazed, and shadows flickered as the six sat together. The aroma of roasted meat surrounded them, making the atmosphere exceptionally warm. Hai Qinghan distributed the roasted meat to everyone; it was tender and contained a faint trace of Spiritual Qi, nourishing their bodies as they ate. Lu Chen took a bite and looked at The Five Women beside him, smiling. "The journey was tiring today, but the harvest was plentiful. These Yao Beast Materials from the Misty Forest will surely be useful in the future."

Zhu Yanyao ate a large mouthful of meat and said indistinctly, "Of course! With us sisters helping, no matter what Yao Beasts we run into later, we'll be able to collect good Materials!" Lin Yulan gave a gentle smile and said softly, "The journey to the west has only just begun. We will encounter more dangers later. We need to continue refining our cultivation and deepening our rapport to handle unknown crises."

As the night deepened and the campfire grew dim, The Five Women leaned close to the fire, looking at Lu Chen with expectant eyes. "Lu Chen, tell us more about those past events in your memory, even if they're just fragmented pieces." Lu Chen nodded and began to speak slowly, recounting the fragmented stories of resisting Evil Energy and staying by each other's side. He spoke of the tender times in the Hongmeng Divine Palace, the passionate moments of fighting side-by-side, and the promises made when the Reincarnations began. His words were gentle yet carried a determination that spanned across ages.

The Five Women listened quietly, their eyes filled with emotion. The fragments in their memories and Lu Chen's narration corroborated each other, making the bond in their hearts grow even deeper. Luo Wanning said softly, "So we've been through so much before. No matter what the past was like, we will always stay with you in the future." Bing Ningshuang also nodded slightly, her cool eyes filled with warmth. "Yes. Never to part."

Looking at The Five Women beside him, Lu Chen felt a sense of peace. The light and shadows by the campfire were gentle, and the night breeze brushed past, carrying the quiet scent of the mountain forest. The first leg of their journey away from the small clan had passed smoothly. The outline of the west was becoming clear, and the traces of the Void Evil Energy were close at hand. Though the road ahead was dangerous, it was filled with the strength to move forward because of their companionship. He knew that this exploration of the west was not only to protect the peace of the continent but also to continue their bond that crossed Reincarnations. No matter how many hardships lay ahead, they would move forward together and never retreat.

In the dead of night, The Five Women gradually fell asleep. Lu Chen sat quietly by the campfire, the clan crest token and the affection jade pendant in his palm reflecting each other with a faint spiritual light. He looked up at the night sky, where the stars were brilliant as if guiding the way forward. Occasional roars of Yao Beasts came from deep within the forest, but they could not disturb his mind in the slightest. The journey to the west had only just begun. More opportunities and dangers awaited them ahead, and the bond between him and The Five Women would grow even stronger through this journey, until eternity.