Li Wei carefully tucked the rare herbs and flowers he had gathered into his shirt, their delicate petals and leaves protected from the elements. Each step he took away from the forest was both a departure from the familiar and a step into the unknown. He had spent countless days refining his body, sensing Qi, and reaching the 1st step of Qi Condensation within the Myriad Dreams Scripture. The initial lessons and steps of his cultivation journey had grounded him, making him stronger and more attuned to the energies of this world.
Yet, he knew he must tread carefully. The unique nature of his cultivation technique, with its crucial step of Heart of Dao, was something he could never reveal. He recalled stories from his past life on Earth, where revealing too much about one’s cultivation method often led to dangerous consequences. As he exited the forest, the expansive world awaited him with endless possibilities.
The dirt road stretched before him, winding its way towards the distant city. The forest, with its ancient trees and whispering leaves, was now behind him, and Li Wei felt a sense of both freedom and trepidation. His thoughts were interrupted by the distant sound of hooves and the creaking of a carriage. He quickened his pace and soon saw a merchant carriage approaching, drawn by sturdy horses.
As the carriage drew nearer, Li Wei waved it down. The driver, a burly man with a friendly demeanor, brought the horses to a stop. Sitting beside him was a stunning woman, her eyes sharp and calculating, yet with a warmth that suggested she was not unkind.
“Excuse me, could you tell me the way to the nearest city?” Li Wei asked, his voice steady.
The merchant woman studied him for a moment before replying, “The city of Greenbrook is not far from here. Follow this road for a few more miles, and you’ll reach it by dusk.”
Li Wei nodded, grateful for the information. “Thank you. Also, I have some herbs and flowers that I found in the forest. Would you be interested in purchasing them?”
He carefully revealed the contents of his shirt, and the woman’s eyes widened in surprise. She reached out to touch the herbs, her fingers gentle and practiced.
“These are… incredibly rare,” she murmured, her voice filled with awe. She began calculating their value, her mind racing. “Where did you say you found these?”
“I just walked out of the forest after training and picked these up randomly,” Li Wei replied nonchalantly.
The merchant woman’s shock was evident. “You came from the forbidden forest? Few ever leave that place alive.”
The merchant woman quickly composed herself. “These herbs are worth a small fortune. I’m willing to buy them from you at a fair price,” she said, her tone now more businesslike.
Li Wei watched as she expertly appraised each herb, naming their uses and worth. He listened attentively, realizing just how valuable his find was. After some negotiation, they agreed on a price that left Li Wei with a substantial amount of silver.
As they concluded their transaction, the merchant woman introduced herself. “My name is Su Mei. I run a trading business in Greenbrook. If you ever find more of these herbs, come find me.”
Li Wei nodded, grateful for her honesty and the information. “Thank you, Su Mei. My name is Li Wei.”
Su Mei smiled warmly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Li Wei. Be careful in Greenbrook. It’s a bustling city, and not everyone is as kind as I am.”
With the silver safely tucked away, Li Wei continued his journey towards Greenbrook. The road was busy with travelers, merchants, and the occasional cultivator. As he approached the city gates, the scale and vibrancy of Greenbrook took his breath away. Towering walls surrounded the city, and the gates were flanked by guards who scrutinized every entrant.
Li Wei passed through the gates without incident, blending in with the crowd. Inside, the city was a hive of activity. Market stalls lined the streets, their owners shouting to attract customers. The aroma of street food mingled with the scents of exotic spices and perfumes. Everywhere he looked, there were people bustling about, each engrossed in their own affairs.
Li Wei wandered through the city, absorbing the sights and sounds. He knew he needed to find a place to stay and start planning his next steps. The Myriad Dreams Scripture had given him a strong foundation, but there was still much to learn and many challenges to face.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the city, Li Wei found an inn that seemed clean and affordable. He paid for a room with some of his newly acquired silver and settled in for the night. The room was simple but comfortable, a welcome change from the rough conditions of the forest.
Sitting on the bed, Li Wei took a moment to reflect on his journey so far. The forest had been a place of intense training and discovery, but Greenbrook offered new opportunities. He needed to gather more information about this world, find resources to continue his cultivation, and perhaps even allies to help him on his path.
He also thought about Su Mei. Her reaction to the herbs and her knowledge of the forbidden forest suggested she might have valuable information. He resolved to visit her trading business in the coming days and learn more about the city and its secrets.
For now, he needed rest. Closing his eyes, Li Wei allowed himself to relax, feeling the steady pulse of Dream Qi within his meridians. His journey was just beginning, and he was determined to make the most of every opportunity that came his way.
As the night deepened, the city of Greenbrook hummed with life. Li Wei slept soundly, his dreams filled with visions of the Dao, Fiendish techniques, and the endless possibilities that lay ahead. His path was uncertain, but his resolve was unwavering. The young boy from Earth was now a cultivator in a world of wonders, and nothing would stand in his way.