It had been three days since he left Cold Water City.
Lin Chen appeared on a somewhat rugged mountain path. This was clearly not an official road, but merely a shortcut worn into existence by the feet of passing hunters, herb gatherers, and cultivators like himself who preferred not to travel the main road. It twisted and turned, vanishing amid dense woods and jagged, grotesque rocks.
He had chosen this route to avoid the many watchful eyes that might be present on the main roads, and also to draw closer to nature and temper himself. Though cultivators in the Qi Condensation Realm could go several days without food, sustaining themselves solely by absorbing Spiritual Qi, the hardship of sleeping in the open and dining on the wind and dew was itself a form of cultivation for one's state of mind and will.
These past few days, he traveled by day and found secluded, hidden places to meditate and cultivate at night. The Myriad Dao Fusion Art circulated on its own without pause, slowly yet steadfastly absorbing the Spiritual Qi between heaven and earth, replenishing the strength he expended on the road while nourishing his meridians bit by bit and pushing him toward the perfected state of the Ninth Layer of Qi Condensation.
He did not deliberately pursue speed, instead devoting part of his attention to guarding against his surroundings. This mountain forest saw few human traces, but that also meant unknown dangers could lurk within. Demon beasts, venomous insects, and even solitary marauders might all view a lone traveler as prey.
Sunlight filtered through layers of leaves, scattering mottled patches of light and shadow across the ground. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and rotting vegetation. From time to time, unfamiliar birds chirped a few times,