The Henglian Mountain Range stretched on without end.
On a rugged mountain road, two Earth-Treading Carriages floated three meters above the ground, traveling side by side as they steadily drifted forward.
"The Bai Family descended from the Yellow Springs Sect. Like the other thirty-seven strongholds in the Henglian Mountain Range, we are all under the Sacred Heart Academy's jurisdiction," Bai Xiaoqing explained.
"But receiving the Sacred Heart Academy's protection means raising Dao Soldiers for them."
"No one wants to send their own nephews and sons off to risk their lives for others."
"So recruiting Qi Refining cultivators from outside to take their places has become the usual way for mountain strongholds to deal with Dao Soldier conscription."
Chen Mu nodded slightly, though his eyes were studying the Earth-Treading Carriage beneath him with interest.
"You're interested in the Earth-Treading Carriage?" Bai Xiaoqing asked with a smile.
"Though it cannot fly very high, it can travel by drawing on the earth's energy. It is both effortless and fast. This carriage is quite interesting," Chen Mu said with a nod.
"Then I'll give you one later," Bai Xiaoqing said with a wave of his hand.
"No, I still need your help. How could I accept your gift? It's far too costly."
"You are an honored guest. It's only a small gift."
"Then I'll take two."
"...You really aren't being polite, are you?"
"Fine."
The two chatted idly, and before long, they arrived at Bai Family Village.
The stronghold was quite large. The rolling mountains spanning several hundred li in every direction all belonged to its territory.
At its center stood a straight mountain peak that pierced the clouds. Several surrounding peaks guarded it, while oddly shaped Stilted Towers flickered in and out of sight amid the forests.
Streams babbled, birds sang, and