Leaving the Forest, Returning to Town

After who knew how many hours, the thick, pitch-black curtain of night slowly receded. A pale, fish-belly white appeared along the distant horizon, and hazy, gentle morning light filtered through layers of leaves, falling softly over the deep forest floor.

The heavy night finally drew to a close. Dawn broke, and the Star Dou Great Forest, silent throughout the night, welcomed a new day.

The nocturnal soul beasts that had been active all night withdrew to their dens, while the daytime soul beasts gradually awoke and began to stir.

A gentle, mild breeze flowed through the woods. The fresh fragrance of grass and trees spread freely, and clear, sweet birdsong rang out without pause, carrying through the forest.

With its nighttime menace, danger, and oppressive silence stripped away, the entire forest became lively and gentle, brimming with vitality. The atmosphere felt relaxed and peaceful, and visibility was clear and open—the ideal time to make the return journey.

Daylight fully arrived, and warm golden sunshine spilled across the woodland, driving away the last trace of the night's chill.

Seeing that the timing was right, the route was clear, and the risks in the forest were minimal, Mo Yuan slowly rose and walked to the tent. He gently lifted the flap and softly woke the sleeping Lin Chen.

"Wake up. It's daylight. Get ready to head back."

A peaceful night of dreamless sleep had completely washed away the fatigue and exhaustion Lin Chen had accumulated over the past several days.

The soul power within him was full and abundant, circulating smoothly. His meridians were relaxed and free of obstructions, and his cultivation had thoroughly settled and stabilized after his breakthrough, without the slightest hint of an unsteady foundation.

He felt wholly refreshed in body and spirit. His muscles and bones were loose and strong, and his movements were light and crisp.

Liuli slowly woke beside him as well, lazily stretching a long fox tail. Those lively eyes were clear, and Liuli was full of energy and in excellent condition.

Lin Chen quickly straightened his clothes and stepped out of the tent. Breathing in the fresh morning air of the forest, he felt even more refreshed and clearheaded.

Master and disciple wasted little time. They took out the dry rations and water they had brought and quickly finished a simple breakfast.

Afterward, Mo Yuan deftly and methodically dismantled all the camp's security measures. He retrieved the thin cords and bells, cleaned away the traces of beast-repelling powder on the ground, and packed the tent, chairs, and all their other camping equipment into his Storage Soul Tool.

In an instant, the campsite that had just shown signs of human habitation returned to its original forest appearance. It was clean and traceless, so thoroughly concealed that there was no indication anyone had camped there.

"Let's go," Mo Yuan said softly, taking the lead.

"Yes, Teacher," Lin Chen answered, following closely with Liuli.

On their way in, the meticulous Mo Yuan had left discreet personal markers along the route, carefully avoiding every dangerous beast den, area thick with soul beasts, and treacherous hidden stretch of forest.

Their return route was clear, reliable, and safe. There was no need to probe or search for a path again, saving them a great deal of time and energy.

In daylight, their view was bright and unobstructed. The path ahead was plain to see, every soul beast's movements were visible, and all dangers lay out in the open.

Master and disciple traveled swiftly and steadily. They neither lingered nor explored, provoked anything nor stopped to admire the forest's strange sights. They calmly avoided low-level soul beasts and detoured around potential dangers well in advance, concentrating entirely on the journey and maintaining an efficient pace.

After four full hours of uninterrupted travel, the towering ancient trees around them grew increasingly sparse, and the dense, oppressive, stifling atmosphere of the sea of trees slowly faded.

Their view gradually opened and brightened. At last, they passed through the final barrier of trees, leaving the danger-riddled Star Dou Great Forest behind and successfully emerging from the primeval woodland that had held them for days.

Bright daylight from the outside world greeted them, instantly sweeping away the sinister, oppressive sense of deathly silence that had clung to them for days.

The distant plains were broad and level, crisscrossed by field paths. Wisps of cooking smoke rose into the air, and the full outline of Border Town spread clearly before them.

Compared with the primeval forest, where danger lurked at every step and killing intent lay concealed, this land filled with the smoke and bustle of everyday life felt warm and reassuring, finally allowing their long-strained nerves to relax.

Their steps were light as they followed the level path across the plain, and before long, they entered Border Town.

The town's streets and alleys bustled with noise and life. Pedestrians came and went in an endless stream, while horses and carriages passed back and forth without pause.

Vendors' cries rose one after another along the streets, creating a lively, boisterous scene of prosperous, peaceful town life that stood in stark contrast to the deathly silence and danger of the Star Dou Great Forest.

Days of training in the woods, nights spent standing guard, and constant close protection had left Mo Yuan weary in both body and mind. He had no inclination to wander around.

Knowing the way well, he went straight to the hotel where they had stayed on their way in, quickly booked two rooms, and turned to give Lin Chen a serious reminder:

"I'll go back to my room to rest and recover first. You may move freely within the town, but remember your limits. Don't stray beyond the town, don't approach the forest boundary on your own, and certainly don't enter the forest without permission."

"I understand," Lin Chen replied respectfully.

Mo Yuan said no more and turned to enter his room to rest.

Watching his teacher's retreating figure as he briskly headed off to rest, Lin Chen could not help feeling both amused and helpless.

Teacher Mo Yuan was rigorous, meticulous, and attentive to every detail when teaching at the academy, leading training expeditions, or protecting him. Yet in private, he was someone who treasured every ounce of effort and preferred quiet rest.

Once all the training tasks were complete, he refused to expend another scrap of mental energy, wanting only to rest quietly and recover. That genuine contrast made him seem especially vivid and human.

Lin Chen himself had slept soundly all night and was in peak condition, brimming with energy, without the slightest fatigue or drowsiness.

For days, he had been trapped in an oppressive, dangerous sea of trees where death lurked at every step, his heart forever in his throat and his nerves stretched taut, never daring to relax.

Now that he was in a safe, bustling town filled with the warmth of everyday life, he could finally relax completely. Naturally, he wanted to wander around, unwind in body and mind, and give his nerves a proper rest after so many tense days.

When he first arrived in Border Town, Lin Chen had already noticed the many small stalls lining the streets. Their wares were varied and plentiful, ranging from everyday soul master supplies and specialties from the Star Dou Great Forest to obscure ores, rare wild medicinal herbs, peculiar accessories, and all manner of unidentified trinkets.

The humble market stalls had always concealed crouching tigers and hidden dragons. With no fixed grades or prices, their wares sometimes included little-known opportunities, scarce materials, and even hidden treasures. Those with a discerning eye could often unearth valuable finds amid the everyday bustle.

He had not browsed carefully back then, but he had picked up an immortal herb suited to Liuli at a bargain, allowing Liuli's bloodline to improve and a skill to awaken.

With nothing to do and his body and mind at ease, Lin Chen decided to stroll slowly along the streets and inspect the wares at each stall, trying his luck in the hope of stumbling upon an unexpected opportunity and finding a pleasant surprise or two.

He raised a hand to gently soothe Liuli, who nestled obediently against his side, then slowly stepped into the bustling market streets.

The warm sun hung high in the blue sky. The smoke of everyday life curled through the town, voices surged like a boiling cauldron, and the streets teemed with activity.