Li Wei stood before a small shop in Greenbrook, its windows filled with various garments. He pushed open the door, the bell above it jingling softly. The shopkeeper, a kindly old woman, greeted him with a smile.
“I’m looking for a set of clean white robes and a sturdy backpack,” Li Wei said, his voice steady.
The woman nodded and led him to the back of the shop, where rows of robes in different colors and materials hung neatly. After a few minutes of browsing, Li Wei found a set of white robes that were both practical and elegant. He also picked out a durable backpack with several compartments, perfect for carrying the medicinal herbs he intended to gather.
With his purchases in hand, he returned to the inn to change into his new attire. The white robes felt comfortable and allowed for easy movement, essential for his forays into the forest. He packed his backpack with essentials, including some food, water, and tools for gathering herbs. With the Moonshadow Sword secured at his side, he felt ready to face whatever the Forbidden Forest had in store.
The path back to the Forbidden Forest was familiar yet daunting. The tales of its dangers and the few who had ventured in only to never return echoed in his mind. But Li Wei was determined. He needed more money to prepare for the mission with Su Mei, and the forest was his best chance to find the valuable herbs he needed.
As he stepped into the forest, the familiar energy greeted him, an almost palpable presence that seemed to watch his every move. The air was thick with the scent of earth and vegetation, and the sounds of distant creatures rustled through the underbrush.
He moved carefully, his senses heightened by the Dream Qi flowing through him. The forest was alive with spiritual energy, and he could feel it pulsing around him. He focused on his goal, searching for the rare herbs that would fetch a high price at the auction.
Li Wei’s knowledge of herbs, enhanced by the memories from the Myriad Dreams Scripture, guided him to several valuable plants. He found ginseng roots, lingzhi mushrooms, and other rare herbs, each carefully harvested and placed into his backpack. The work was meticulous, but Li Wei felt a growing satisfaction as he saw his collection grow.
The deeper he went into the forest, the more he felt its energy intensify. It was both exhilarating and unsettling, a constant reminder of the forest’s forbidden nature. As he ventured further, he came across a particularly vibrant patch of spirit grass. As he bent down to gather it, he heard a rustling noise behind him.
Li Wei turned just in time to see a wild boar charging at him, its tusks gleaming dangerously. The beast was massive, its eyes wild with aggression. He had no time to think, only to react.
Drawing the Moonshadow Sword, he felt the blade hum with energy. He sidestepped the boar’s initial charge, the sword moving almost of its own accord, guided by the Dream Qi coursing through him. The boar skidded to a halt and turned to charge again, but Li Wei was ready.
He focused his Qi into the sword, the ethereal light along its edge brightening. As the boar lunged, he met its charge head-on, swinging the sword with precision and power. The blade cut through the air with a sharp, ringing sound, slicing cleanly into the boar’s side.
The beast let out a pained roar, staggering from the blow. Li Wei didn’t hesitate, following up with a swift, decisive strike to its neck. The Moonshadow Sword’s ethereal light flared as it made contact, severing the boar’s head in one smooth motion. The beast collapsed, its body twitching before it lay still.
Li Wei stood over the fallen boar, his breath coming in heavy gasps. The fight had been brief but intense, and he felt a surge of pride at having tested his new weapon successfully. The Moonshadow Sword had proven its worth, its blade clean and bright even after the battle.
With his backpack filled with valuable herbs and the carcass of the boar, which he decided to bring back for its meat and hide, Li Wei made his way out of the forest. The journey back to Greenbrook was uneventful, the weight of his success lightening his steps.
As he approached the city gates, he felt a mix of relief and anticipation. The auction was his next goal, and he now had the means to make a significant profit. He entered the city and made his way to the market, where he sold the boar’s meat and hide for a good price, adding to his growing wealth.
Back at the inn, Li Wei carefully sorted through the herbs he had gathered, ensuring each was in perfect condition. He packed them into his backpack, ready for the auction. The silver he had earned from selling the boar’s meat and hide was added to his funds, giving him a sense of security.
The next morning, he visited Su Mei’s shop. She greeted him with a warm smile, her eyes twinkling with curiosity and approval as she saw his new robes and the confident way he carried himself.
“You’re looking well-prepared, Li Wei,” she said. “I assume your trip to the forest was successful?”
“Very much so,” he replied, showing her the herbs he had collected. Su Mei’s eyes widened with admiration as she examined them.
“These will fetch a high price at the auction,” she said. “You’ve done exceptionally well.”
They discussed their plans for the auction, with Su Mei explaining the items she was interested in and how they would bid strategically. Li Wei listened intently, grateful for her guidance and expertise.
As the day of the auction approached, Li Wei felt a growing sense of excitement. He was ready to face whatever challenges came his way, armed with the Moonshadow Sword and the knowledge from the Myriad Dreams Scripture. The small city of Greenbrook had become his starting point, and he was determined to make the most of every opportunity.
The auction promised to be a significant event, a place where fortunes could be made and lost. Li Wei felt a thrill of anticipation as he prepared for the next step in his journey.