Grass grew from several abandoned wells; a tree in full bloom stood beside an ancient grave.
Seven years was not enough time for humanity to increase its population and reclaim the wilderness. The wars between the various states had left bones piled high. Even in the few prefectures and commanderies of the Northern Lands that had regained some vitality, human traces were scarce. Birds and beasts roamed unchecked, and spirits often appeared.
On a mountaintop, little sparrows gathered in a small tree, chirping away. Beneath it, a White-clothed Girl reclined against the trunk.
Two great armies battled in the distance, men roaring, horses neighing, and arrows swarming like locusts.
Scrape... scrape...
After being licked so often, the salt block's sharp edges had been ground smooth and round. It had scraped her tongue a little before, but now it was much better. The head-sized lump of salt had been polished into something like a pearl of crystal, wonderfully comfortable to lick.
The Northern Lands' wilderness had become fertile soil. To seize territory, war and slaughter were inevitable. What a waste of those warhorses—they could at least fill her belly and bolster her Qi and Blood if eaten. A large body brought endless benefits, but also plenty of drawbacks. For instance, she was rarely full. Even salt blocks had to be licked for a long time to replenish her nutrients. Once she finished the salt, she would go eat Tea Leaves.
Suddenly, a crystalline paper crane flew down from the sky.
Only after catching it did she realize it was a message from her master. A mark left by a great cultivator was contained within, preventing anyone else from peering into its contents.
She unfolded the letter. Once the words entered her eyes, the paper transformed into spiritual energy and dispersed. It