In the realm of Shangxuan Kingdom, on the winding road to Mang Mountain, two figures rode their horses, one ahead of the other. The first man, Tang Wei, spoke with a hint of sarcasm, "What are you worried about? The Emperor of Shangxuan is so engrossed in his pursuit of immortality that he has no time to care for the lives of us common folk."
The man trailing behind, Bai Qiuran, replied, "Brother Tang."
Tang Wei heaved a sigh, "I thought you would know how to ride since you brought a horse along."
Bai Qiuran chuckled sheepishly, "Well... I usually just walk when I'm traveling."
Though he didn’t ride with remarkable skill, the man in front showed a certain level of training, indicating he was familiar with horseback riding. "You're quite skilled."
The following morning, after selling their horses at the market, Bai Qiuran and Tang Wei officially parted ways. "Can't find a place to spend all that money?" Tang Wei inquired on the journey.
Bai Qiuran seemed awkward as he struggled on horseback, not accustomed to the ride, unable to handle the reins properly. He moved slowly, clearly a novice rider. As they approached a breakthrough in his cultivation, Bai Qiuran realized he lacked several rare herbs necessary for his alchemical formula. These herbs were not only uncommon but also of low rank and limited use. Occasionally, even cultivators might overlook their importance, so the Qinming Sword Sect didn’t stock them regularly. Thus, Bai Qiuran had to venture down the mountain to gather these herbs himself.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, he added, "I’m sorry. Getting older makes me a little slow."
"You turned a journey that should have taken three days into five," Tang Wei remarked. "Since you can’t ride, you’d be quicker on foot considering your cultivation."
Bai Qiuran, falling behind, called out, "Please wait for me!"
"Is there a problem?" Tang Wei asked, glancing back.
The innkeeper directed them towards a few tables occupied by figures who appeared to be wandering martial artists. Tang Wei lifted his cup, toasting Bai Qiuran, "I’m glad to have made your acquaintance on this trip. If fate allows, let us meet again."
Bai Qiuran replied, "I suggest you discuss matters with those martial artists. Walking the wanderer's path offers both fame and profit. If you can show your wealth and that you bear the title of demon-slayer, they would likely agree to accompany you. But be careful—the demons are quite dangerous; don’t rush into death."
Bai Qiuran was straightforward; he simply wanted some company on his journey. After all, the other party had already made their intention clear to leave, so he wouldn’t persist any longer.
"Please wait for me," Bai Qiuran shouted again.
"Isn’t it amazing?" Tang Wei quipped, bemused by his companion's lack of riding skill despite his apparently formidable strength. "The Emperor of Shangxuan cares little for the likes of us."
They entered a small town before reaching Mang Mountain, hoping to find shelter. Tang Wei searched for an inn with empty rooms, where they could rest for the time being.
"Is the young master planning to hunt demons?" the innkeeper asked, eyeing Bai Qiuran curiously.
“That town nearby has seen many casualties recently,” the innkeeper continued, frowning. “It’s said the demon strikes quickly, and those who get caught only leave behind a mere shadow, often leaving their victims in a tragic state. The demon shows no fear of humans, appearing just as readily in day as at night. Many martial artists have banded together to confront it, yet none have returned. We can only hope that the immortal masters residing in the mountains will do something about it."
After conversing with the innkeeper, Bai Qiuran was untroubled by such dangers, having already spent three thousand years cultivating. He had experienced far worse threats in regions more perilous than this.
"Of course, these concerns are trivial to me," Bai Qiuran remarked lightly. After all, he had long since surpassed the status of a mere novice in martial circles.
With the sun setting, Bai Qiuran and Tang Wei decided they should rest for the night before continuing on their path. Tang Wei, feeling somewhat helpless about Bai Qiuran's riding skills, reassured, "We common folk will just manage on our own."
As they settled down, they prepared for the challenges awaiting them in the Mang Mountains ahead.