The forest loomed in the distance like a behemoth shrouded in mist. The sun had begun to descend, casting shadows across the rocky terrain.
Han Qingyu, riding alongside Shen Yuan, broke the silence first. "Brother Yuan, these bandits seemed a bit more organized than the usual idiots. Do you think there might be more of them ahead?"
Shen Yuan shook his head slightly. "Unlikely. Bandit groups rarely stay in large numbers unless they've set up a proper base. These were just opportunists who picked the wrong targets."
Wan Ling, riding on the other side of Shen Yuan said, "Senior Brother Yuan is correct. I have seen my fair share of bandit groups as well and they were nothing special. But the forest ahead can be a bit problematic since I heard it's quite mysterious."
[It's good they're staying vigilant,]
Yue Lan commented in Shen Yuan's mind.
[Looks like you won't have to train them that much after all, they are alerted about their surroundings without being paranoid.]
'That's a good thing,' Shen Yuan said, his gaze fixed on the tavern now coming into view.
The building was modest but sturdy, built with dark wood and reinforced stone.
Light flickered from the windows, and the faint murmur of conversation reached their ears as they approached the tavern.
A wooden sign hanging from the front read "The Wanderer's Inn."
"Finally," Han Qingyu said, dismounting from her horse and stretching her arms. "I'm starving."
Wan Ling nodded her head, dismounting gracefully. "Let's grab something to eat and gather some information about the forest. Cultivators here must have more knowledge about the forest."
"We will know once we go inside." Shen Yuan said with a smile and led the group inside.
The interior of the tavern was simple yet welcoming enough, with sturdy wooden tables and a large hearth crackling with fire.
A few cultivators and mercenaries sat scattered around the tables, their hushed conversations momentarily pausing as they noticed the three of them enter the tavern.
The innkeeper, a petite woman with a cheerful demeanor, greeted them warmly. "Welcome, travelers! Looking for food, drink, or a room for the night?"
The innkeeper smiled, "Just take care of yourself out there, I don't like it when young ones like you die in the outside world."
Han Qingyu looked at the petite figure of the innkeeper before saying with a sweet smile, "You don't look that old yourself, why are you referring to us as if we are the same age as your grandchildren."
The innkeeper stood up and chuckled, "If I had descendants, you guys would even be younger than them."
Han Qingyu's and Wan Ling's eyes flashed with shock as they heard what she said, while Shen Yuan looked at her leaving back thoughtfully.
'Looks like there is more about this Inn than meets the eye.'
[Of course, that woman is a lot stronger than your Sect Leader you know?]
Yue Lan chimed in.
'Huh? She is that strong?' This time even Shen Yuan was surprised as he heard what Yue Lan said.
[Well don't think too much about her for now, just focus on your meal and then what you will do in the forest.]
'...true.'
After finishing their meal and paying the innkeeper, the three of them prepared to leave. The innkeeper waved her hand to bid the three of them farewell. "Take care of yourselves you three!"
"For sure we will, don't worry about it." Shen Yuan smiled and waved his hand back as well.
Han Qingyu and Wan Ling also waved back at her with smiles before mounting the horses and heading towards the dense forest.
Continue reading on empire
...
"Hmm... is it only me or is the mist thickening ever since we got here?" Wan Ling softly said looking at the dense mist in front of her.
"We haven't even entered the goddamn forest yet. And this mist is making visibility hard." Han Qingyu annoyedly said.