Morning sunlight filtered through the gaps in the dense forest, scattering dappled patches of light and shadow.
Lin Shisan and Ye Xingchen walked side by side along a forest stream, heading deeper into the woods.
"Brother Lin, just how many treasures do you think this secret realm holds?"
Ye Xingchen was toying with a Star Crystal he had filched from the Wolf King's lair.
His eyes shone like stars.
"It's only our first day, and we've already picked up third-grade spirit medicine and a Star Crystal. Imagine what we'll find if we go deeper!"
Lin Shisan glanced at him. "Brother Ye, you haven't stopped smiling since we left the wolf den."
Ye Xingchen roared with laughter, making no attempt to hide his delight.
"Of course! Who wouldn't smile at such a windfall dropping from the sky? If I hadn't followed you, Brother Lin, how could I have found the Wolf King's lair? How would I ever have gotten a share of those treasures? Brother Lin, you're my lucky star. I'm sticking to you for the rest of our time in this secret realm."
"You saved me first, Brother Ye. If anyone should be giving thanks, I should thank you first."
"What's all this talk of thanks between brothers? That's far too formal. From now on, what's yours is mine, and what's mine is yours."
Ye Xingchen waved his right hand as he spoke with carefree abandon.
Waves of warmth flowed through Lin Shisan's heart.
This was the world of immortals and wandering heroes he had heard about from storytellers, the life of freely repaying kindness and settling grudges he had always longed for, full of passion and stories.
Rumble...
Suddenly, a deafening crash came from ahead, mingled with the aftershocks of an explosion of spiritual power.
Ye Xingchen's smile vanished