The Faces of This Chapter:
Yena: A determined and resourceful young woman seeking the truth about her origins; Half-God, Half-Commoner | Strong-Willed, Strategic, Guarded.
Miao Miao: Yena's childhood best friend | a flower spirit | Playful, Wise, Supportive.
Jin Yue – A composed and intelligent young man with an air of mystery | Observant, Resourceful, and Possibly Hiding Something.
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The next morning, the forest looked even more breathtaking, bathed in golden sunlight that filtered through the thick canopy. The crisp air carried the sweet scent of wildflowers, mingling with the freshness of the morning dew. Birds chirped melodiously, their songs blending with the distant, resonant calls of unseen beasts, making the entire forest feel alive.
Jin Yue, who had kept watch through the night, was now fast asleep, only allowing himself to rest after ensuring that both Miao Miao and Yena were awake.
Meanwhile, Miao Miao sat cross-legged on the soft grass, idly slicing fruit with a dagger. She glanced at Yena, curiosity glimmering in her eyes, before asking,
Miao Miao:"You were gone for quite a while last night."
Yena, who was sitting nearby with a thoughtful expression, took a moment before answering.
Yena:"I spoke with him for a while. Since we'll be traveling together, I thought understanding him better would be wise.""
Miao Miao pursed her lips in a cute pout, nodding thoughtfully.
Miao Miao:"So, what did you talk about?"
Yena:"Just the usual—age, cultivation level, weapon. Nothing significant"
Miao Miao hummed, tilting her head. "That doesn't sound very exciting."
Yena let out a small sigh, her expression turning serious. "I did feel bad about lying to him, though. He's now part of our journey, and he trusts us. Yet, we can't tell him the truth—not yet."
Miao Miao, sensing Yena's inner conflict, offered a reassuring smile. "It's okay. When the time is right, and if he proves to be trustworthy, we'll tell him. If he's truly our friend, he'll understand… but for now, we have no choice."
Yena nodded. "Yes… I only hope that when the truth comes out, it won't change anything."
Miao Miao tilted her head. "What exactly did you lie about?"
Yena smirked guiltily. "Not much… Just my cultivation level. Without a spirit weapon, I can't claim my actual level is thirty-nine."
Miao Miao processed the information in silence.
Yena continued, "I also lied about your cultivation level and spirit weapon. We don't need spirit weapons to channel our powers however, if neither of us had one, it would have been too suspicious."
Miao Miao, still slicing the fruit Yena had gathered earlier, paused briefly before speaking. "What did you tell him about my cultivation level?"
Yena hesitated. "That you're at thirty-two… I know it's not an accurate way to define your abilities, considering what you are, but…—"
Miao Miao waved a hand dismissively. "Aiyh, it's fine. It's not like anyone here could properly measure my cultivation anyway."
Setting her dagger aside, she took Yena's wrist, checking her pulse with a focused gaze. Her demeanor shifted slightly, her usual playfulness tempered by an innate understanding of energy flow. A moment later, she nodded to herself.
Miao Miao:"Lord Niruana sealed our powers. Your cultivation level wasn't that high before, so right now, you're at—" she paused, "twenty-three. As for me… he's hidden most of my divine energy, so I'm at thirty-five."
Yena's brows furrowed. "That explains a lot… Since you're a divine being and your existence doesn't follow Tianlok's cultivation system, he had to suppress most of your energy. But as for me… I barely had much power to begin with. I don't see why he bothered sealing mine."
Miao Miao giggled, her eyes twinkling. "He must have his reasons. Besides, we're here to strengthen your cultivation until you reach a hundred. Only then will your dormant divine abilities awaken. This is just another step"
Yena nodded slowly, a small smile touching her lips—but it didn't quite reach her eyes.
Miao Miao perked up suddenly. "Oh, what did you say about my spirit weapon?"
Before Yena could answer, a soft rustling sounded behind them. Jin Yue stirred awake, stretching before walking toward them.
The moment his eyes landed on Miao Miao casually slicing fruit with a dagger—not just any dagger, but her supposed "spirit weapon"—he blinked in bewilderment.
Sensing his gaze, Miao Miao paused mid-cut and looked at him in confusion.
Yena stiffened internally. ["Urgh… I should've warned her. And why did he have to wake up now, of all times?"]
Before she could say anything, Jin Yue cleared his throat and sat down, feigning nonchalance. "I use my spirit weapon for plucking fruit and other chores too," he remarked casually.
Yena gave him an awkward smile.
Jin Yue then glanced at Miao Miao's dagger. "Using your spirit weapon as a knife to cut fruit… that's pretty practical."
Miao Miao blinked in confusion. "Spirit weapon?" She looked at Yena, clearly waiting for an explanation.
Yena quickly looked away, cursing herself.
Miao Miao:"Oh, yeah, haha… it's useful, isn't it?" She quickly added, "We don't have many tools, so I'm using my dagger for now."
Without another word, she took a bite of the apple. Jin Yue and Yena exchanged glances before following suit, eating in silence.
After a short rest, the trio set out again, weaving through the dense forest in search of an exit.
Hoping to break the silence, Yena started the conversation. "Yesterday, you mentioned you had a mentor but you don't belong to any sect. I assume you come from a wealthy background, considering you received private lessons?"
Jin Yue hesitated before nodding. "I guess… My mentor is one of the most powerful people I've ever seen. He's the reason my strength has grown so much."
Miao Miao tilted her head, curiosity glimmering in her eyes. "He's not with you anymore?"
Jin Yue's expression darkened slightly. "He never belonged to Huliya in the first place. He agreed to stay and teach me for a year as part of a deal with my family. But once that time was up, he left. My family tried hiring other teachers, but I didn't want anyone else."
As he spoke, he absentmindedly cut through the overgrown bushes with his whip. "Eventually, I tracked him down. He's now a sect master in Tianlong. So, I ran away from home to follow him there and learn from him again."
Miao Miao and Yena exchanged knowing looks.
Yena:"I hope you find your mentor. Miao Miao and I will help you reach your destination."
Jin Yue gave a small nod. ["Who knows? Our destination might end up being the same..."] he thought, hoping this friendship lasts long, as he glanced at the sunlight filtering through the trees.
Then, turning to Yena, he asked, "Have you decided on your spirit weapon?"
Yena nodded firmly. "Hmm... I want to make a whip my spirit weapon."
Jin Yue's hand paused briefly, a small smile tugging at his lips before he resumed cutting the bushes.
Yena continued, "Last night, when you taught me how to use one, it was a meaningful lesson. I've mastered many weapons—swords, bows, javelins—but a whip was something new. I liked how light yet strong it is… so I've decided to make it my spirit weapon."
Jin Yue smiled. "It's good to have a direction. You still have time before we reach the mainland of Huliya. If you're sure about your choice, I can take you to a store that crafts powerful whips."
Yena grinned. "You're quite resourceful, aren't you?"
Jin Yue smirked. "I told you." Then, turning to Miao Miao, he added, "I hope you approve."
Miao Miao sighed dramatically. "I suppose I have to now." She smiled, then added, "Sorry about yesterday. I was a little too quick to judge."
Jin Yue chuckled. "It's fine. Harsh words don't seem so harsh when they come from a beautiful little lady."
Miao Miao pouted, her cheeks puffing slightly. "I am not a little lady!" She huffed, crossing her arms. "Forget it. If you weren't offended, that's all that matters."
Jin Yue grinned, amused by her reaction. "I said 'little' because you're younger than me. I'm twenty-four, you know."
If only he had known her real age—3,700 years—he would have swallowed those words whole.
Miao Miao rolled her eyes. "Since when has age mattered in Tianlok? My cultivation speaks for itself."
Jin Yue laughed. "Right, right. It is impressive to have such cultivation at a young—"
Miao Miao shot him a glare, and Jin Yue wisely cut himself off. Yena chuckled at their playful bickering.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of weaving through dense trees, the forest path gave way to open roads. Jin Yue took a deep breath, letting the air fill his lungs. A satisfied look crossed his face.
"Finally, we're here… in the streets of Huliya." he said.
Huliya buzzed with life, its streets bustling with merchants, travelers, and performers. Bright silk banners fluttered in the breeze, and lanterns hung from wooden poles. Market stalls lined both sides of the street, each displaying an array of goods—ornate fabrics, shimmering trinkets, rare herbs, and delicacies that filled the air with mouthwatering aromas. But what truly stood out were the jewelry and artifacts, each crafted with exquisite detail—unlike anything Miao Miao and Yena had ever seen before.
Miao Miao's eyes sparkled as she reached for a jade bangle on display. She turned to Yena, excitement clear in her expression. "How beautiful!" she said, tilting it toward the light.
Yena, who was admiring a set of intricately carved artifacts, glanced at her with a small smile. "If you like it, go ahead. I'll buy it for you."
Before Miao Miao could respond, Jin Yue chuckled beside them. "You two can buy anything you like. I'll cover it."
Miao Miao shot him a sheepish grin before handing the bangle to the shopkeeper. "Alright then, buy this for me," she teased, a glint in her eyes. "It won't be much for a rich guy like you."
Jin Yue shook his head, amused, and paid for the bangle without hesitation. They continued browsing, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere before making their way to a nearby guesthouse.
After booking two rooms, Jin Yue soon joined the girls at the inn's restaurant, where they were already seated, enjoying a warm meal. The air carried the scent of freshly brewed tea, sizzling scallion pancakes, roasted chestnuts, and steamed buns.
As he sat down, Miao Miao casually pushed a plate toward him. "Go ahead, but don't forget—you're paying," she said with a smirk.
Yena took a sip of tea before speaking, her tone even. "It's kind of you, Jin Yue, but you really don't have to cover everything. We don't want to trouble you too much."
Jin Yue waved off her concern. "Noted, but honestly, it's not a big deal. The people here know me well... and besides," he flashed a grin, "I am rich."
He slid a key across the table toward Miao Miao. "This is for you and Yena's room. Our rooms are next to each other, so if you need anything, just call me."
Miao Miao took the key and tucked it away.
Yena leaned forward slightly. "Earlier in the forest, you mentioned knowing someone who crafts quality whips."
Jin Yue's eyes flickered with understanding. "So you've decided on your spirit weapon?" He nodded approvingly. "Alright then, I'll take you there tomorrow. After that, we can continue our journey to Tianlong."
He stretched slightly as he stood up. "For now, finish your meal and rest. You must be exhausted from the journey. I have some errands to run in the city."
Miao Miao, stuffing another dumpling into her mouth, waved him off. "Bye-bye!"
Yena simply nodded, watching as Jin Yue left the inn.
Miao Miao, still chewing, mumbled, "Where do you think he's gone?"
Yena glanced at her. "He is from here. He might have some business to attend to. Let's get some rest in our room."
Miao Miao nodded and wrapped a small portion of food in a leaf for later. After finishing their meal, they retired to their room.
As evening deepened, a soft golden glow from the street lanterns seeped through the window. Miao Miao was sound asleep, while Yena stood by the window, gazing at the cityscape. The peaceful moment was interrupted by a slight commotion outside.
Curious, Yena stepped out of her room and found Jin Yue struggling with his door.
Noticing her, he flashed an awkward smile. "Sorry, did I wake you? This door just won't open."
Yena shook her head, offering a small reassuring smile. "Let's ask the innkeeper."
The owner informed them that the door would be fixed within an hour.
Jin Yue sighed, leaning against the wall. "Well, that's inconvenient." He glanced around. "Where's Miao Miao?"
"Still asleep," Yena replied. "Um... if you want to rest, you can use our room for now. Miao Miao and I can explore the markets."
Jin Yue shook his head. "No, no, I'm okay… Also, she must be tired from the long journey. Let her rest."
A pause settled between them before Jin Yue hesitated and suggested, "You know, nightlife in Huliya is something special. Maybe we could explore it together?"
Yena considered it. "Should I wake Miao Miao?"
"You can, if she's up for it. We can all go together," Jin Yue said.
Yena went upstairs and gently shook Miao Miao's shoulder. "Miao Miao, do you want to go out?"
Miao Miao groaned, rolling over and mumbling, "Leave me alone… Sleep is precious…"
Yena sighed, shaking her head before heading back down.
"She's still tired," she told Jin Yue.
Jin Yue smiled. "That's okay… There will be plenty of chances for her to see it later." He then gestured toward the door. "Shall we?"
Yena smirked slightly. "Lets go."
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Outside the inn, every corner of the street was illuminated with glowing lanterns, casting a warm golden hue over the bustling crowd. The air buzzed with laughter, music, and the lively chatter of merchants.
Jin Yue smiled at Yena's expression. "Beautiful, isn't it?"
Yena nodded, still taking in the sights. "Hmm... it really is."
They wandered leisurely through the vibrant streets, stopping to sample delicacies, trying their luck at market games, and soaking in the festive atmosphere. Time slipped by unnoticed, and by the time they returned to the inn, exhaustion had set in.
Inside the inn's restaurant, Miao Miao was now fully awake, happily slurping down a bowl of noodles.
Jin Yue nudged Yena gently and gestured toward Miao Miao. They both walked over and took a seat opposite her.
Without looking up, Miao Miao asked between bites, "Did you two have fun?"
Yena nodded. "We did, but it would have been even better if you had come along."
Jin Yue agreed. "Are you feeling better now?"
Miao Miao gulped down the last of her soup and set the empty bowl on the table with a satisfied sigh. "Yep! And I feel even better after eating this. Maybe I should get another one."
Before she could ask, Jin Yue casually signaled the waiter, ordering another bowl for her.
Miao Miao blinked, then grinned, eyes twinkling with gratitude. "You know, you're not as bad as you seem."
Jin Yue smirked, resting his chin on his hand. "I'll take that as a compliment."
The three of them lingered at the table, chatting long into the night. The warmth of companionship and laughter carried them through the late hours until, at last, they finally retreated to their rooms.
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Back in their room, Yena stood by the window, gazing up at the moon. Its silvery glow illuminated the sky, filling the air with a tranquil silence.
"It's beautiful here," she murmured. "You can't see the moon like this in the Divine World. So far, yet it feels so close at the same time."
Miao Miao, sprawled lazily across the bed, sighed in agreement. "That's true. It reminds me of Bhulok. When we went there four years ago, everything felt the same—the food, the people, the scenery. The only difference is that here, every commoner has magic to help them with their daily work."
Yena nodded. "Yes, but there are strict rules about using magic. They have to abide by them. Mostly, they use it only for heavy labor."
Miao Miao smiled. "Hmm... Tomorrow, you'll finally get your spirit weapon... Maybe it will help you enhance your cultivation level."
Yena exhaled deeply. "As a half-commoner, I probably need one. Uncle Niruana wanted me here instead of Bhulok, for that very reason—to understand myself. But to do that, I need to understand this life first."
Miao Miao placed a reassuring hand over hers. "You're doing great. I'm sure this time, you'll awaken your dormant power."
Yena gave her a small smile, squeezing her hand lightly. They sat in comfortable silence, watching the night sky.
Miao Miao eventually yawned and stretched. "I guess I'm still tired… Eating and Sleeping is hard work, you know."
Yena chuckled softly. "Get some rest. We might travel a lot tomorrow too."
Miao Miao peeked at her through half-lidded eyes. "What about you?"
"I'll sleep later."
Miao Miao frowned slightly but knew Yena wouldn't change her mind. "Alright, but don't stay up too late."
With that, Miao Miao curled up and drifted off, her soft breathing soon the only sound in the room, while Yena remained at the window, lost in thought.
She whispered to the night,
"I've come so far… and I still have a long way to go." Her voice was barely above a breath. "I miss Ruiyi. I don't know if I'll ever be able to return there after this journey, but if I don't embark on it, I'll lose even the smallest glimmer of hope. I will find every answer—about myself and about you... Mother."
As the moon shone above, Yena sat in silence, quiet determination burning in her eyes.