We Fight as We Retreat! (First Update)

Compared to the bright spring scenery around the Agate Stone Plains, the South Sea jungle beyond Indigo Mountain Pass had a climate so perpetually damp it was hard to bear. Setting aside the miasma and venomous insects that filled the woods, the unending drizzling rain alone had made quite a few Mountain Folk in the Xiahui Territory convoy suffer miserably.

Though they too were natives of the Southern Ridge, the names "Forest Folk" and "Mountain Folk" were enough to show the environments and climates each had adapted to... This was also a flaw caused by Terra people's excessive adaptability: once they adapted to one extreme environment, they lost their tolerance for other extremes.

Fortunately, as the lord, Ian did not press for speed. With great kindness, he allowed everyone in the convoy to rest in Three Rivers City for a while, giving those who had been vomiting and suffering diarrhea from the unfamiliar climate and water time to recover.

Of course, there were other reasons the convoy had halted as well. Seasonal rains had caused the rivers to flood, affecting the roads around Three Rivers City. Moreover, many lurking Magic Beasts had begun to stir during this period. Last year's Blazing Flame Lands creature attacks had not yet been fully resolved, and several small merchant caravans had already suffered devastating losses.

The Xiahui Territory convoy naturally did not fear Magic Beast attacks, but the fewer troubles they had, the better.

Beneath dark rain clouds, the white-haired lord walked through the mist-shrouded jungle, while the blue-haired swordsman vigilantly surveyed their surroundings, seemingly checking whether anyone was following them.

The torrential rain washed over all things. The sound of raindrops striking leaves filled heaven and earth, and with thunder booming now and then, almost no one could possibly hear their conversation.

Except