Morning sunlight spilled over Notting City, painting the rooftops in gold. In the courtyard of the academy, Old Jack stood waiting with a small cloth bag slung over his shoulder, his expression a mixture of pride and reluctance.
Tang San arrived first, wearing the simple but neat clothes Old Jack had prepared. Ayan came a moment later, walking casually, his hands in his pockets, a faint smirk tugging at his lips as though the day ahead was simply another adventure.
Master Yu Xiaogang stood by the gate, arms crossed, his sharp eyes glancing over the two boys. "You're both ready?"
Tang San nodded firmly.
Ayan stretched lazily. "More than ready."
Old Jack looked at Tang San with warmth. "Little San, remember, this trip is important. Listen to your teacher." Then his eyes shifted to Ayan. "And you—don't cause trouble for Tang San or his master."
Ayan only smiled faintly. "I'll try not to… unless trouble comes looking for me."
With everything prepared, the small group left Notting Academy.
The streets of Notting City were lively in the morning, merchants calling out their goods, carts rumbling along the cobblestones. They passed through the city gates, and soon the noise faded, replaced by the chirping of birds and the whisper of wind through the grasslands.
As they walked, Master explained, "The Spirit Hunting Forest isn't large, but it's home to many low to mid-level spirit beasts. For your first spirit ring, safety comes first. Choosing the right spirit beast will determine the foundation of your cultivation."
Tang San listened attentively, nodding at each word. Ayan, however, kept his hands behind his head, half-listening, half-drifting into his own thoughts. Still, his eyes were sharp, scanning the road ahead for anything unusual.
By noon, they stopped at a small roadside inn for a simple meal. Old Jack insisted on paying, though Ayan muttered that he could have eaten better in the city.
The rest of the journey passed quietly. The road gradually narrowed, and the air grew thicker, carrying a faint, wild scent. In the distance, a dark green canopy rose like a wall—the Spirit Hunting Forest.
Master paused at the entrance, his gaze firm.
"Once inside, stay close. Don't wander. Spirit beasts may seem calm from a distance, but they are dangerous when provoked."
Tang San nodded seriously. Ayan's smirk faded, replaced by a focused look.
"Got it. No wandering… unless I see something worth catching."
The group stepped into the forest, shadows swallowing them as the sunlight faded behind the trees. The hunt for their first spirit rings had begun.