By sunrise the next day, Lin Xuanji stood at the edge of the peak with a travel bag slung over his shoulder, questioning every life decision he had ever made.
Ruolan stood beside him, nervously clutching his technique book.
Ling Xueyin stood slightly ahead, composed and elegant, as if descending a mountain with a half-trained teenager and a panicking Sect Master was perfectly normal.
Lin Xuanji eyed the steep path downward. "You know… we could stay here. Forever. Peaceful. Safe. Nice breeze."
(Mission: Expand the sect. Requirement: External activity is mandatory.)
"System, you ruined my fantasy."
(Reality is important.)
"Reality is rude."
Ruolan tugged his sleeve. "S-Sect Master… are we really going down today?"
Lin Xuanji sighed deeply. "Yes. Unfortunately. The System demands it."
Ling Xueyin turned her head slightly. "It is necessary. The peak alone cannot sustain the sect."
"Well, it sustained us fine so far," Lin Xuanji grumbled.
"You have been here two days," she said calmly.
"…Feels like a lifetime."
Ling Xueyin started walking down the path, her steps silent on the stone. "Come. We must reach the town by midday."
Ruolan hurried after her.
Lin Xuanji stared into the sky for a long, pained moment before following them.
---
Halfway Down the Mountain
Lin Xuanji had never hated gravity more.
"Why… is this… path so steep…" he wheezed.
Ruolan looked perfectly fine. "Sect Master, are you… okay?"
"No. I am dying. Please bury me somewhere with flowers."
(Host's stamina is below average.)
Lin Xuanji groaned. "System… don't… talk to me right now…"
Ling Xueyin, walking several steps ahead, spoke without looking back. "This path was designed for those who possessed strong bodies, Sect Master."
"That explains nothing," Lin Xuanji gasped. "Why didn't the mountain design a short staircase? A ramp? An elevator?"
Ruolan blinked. "What is an ele—"
"Don't worry about it," Lin Xuanji said, wheezing.
After what felt like hours—but was probably twenty minutes—they reached the base of the mountain.
Ruolan exhaled in relief. "We made it!"
Lin Xuanji collapsed on the grass. "Leave me here."
Ling Xueyin's shadow fell over him. "Sect Master."
"Yes?"
"Stand up. There is a carriage approaching."
Lin Xuanji sat up instantly. "Carriage? People?! Already?!"
Ling Xueyin nodded toward the forest road.
A carriage rolled into view, simple but well-kept, drawn by a sturdy brown horse. A merchant sat at the front, humming cheerfully—until he spotted them.
His singing died instantly.
He pulled the reins hard. "W-Who goes there?!"
Lin Xuanji stepped forward with as much dignity as he could manage after nearly dying of steep terrain.
"I am Lin Xuanji, Sect Master of—"
(Title: Too early for public disclosure.)
Lin Xuanji froze. "What?! Why not?!"
(Reputation level insufficient.)
"System, don't you think this is something you should've said BEFORE I opened my mouth?!"
The merchant blinked slowly. "…Sect Master of what?"
Lin Xuanji coughed. "Ah. Yes. Sorry. Habit. I'm… Lin Xuanji. This is Ruolan. And she is…"
He gestured vaguely.
Ling Xueyin inclined her head in a graceful bow. "A humble traveler."
Lin Xuanji internally screamed.
The merchant relaxed a little. "Travelers, eh? Dangerous to be out here this early. The woods aren't safe these days."
Ruolan shuffled nervously. "Why… what's happening, sir?"
"Bandits," the merchant said with a grimace. "Lots of them. Especially from the Bai Clan territory. They've been snatching people left and right."
Lin Xuanji and Ruolan exchanged a look.
Ling Xueyin's eyes sharpened just a fraction.
Lin Xuanji cleared his throat. "Well, we're heading to the nearest town. Is it far?"
"About an hour from here."
Ruolan smiled in relief.
The merchant grinned. "Hop on, I can give you three a ride. Road's safer with more people around."
Lin Xuanji brightened. "Really? That's—"
(Host should decline.)
"…Why?"
(The merchant's carriage will be attacked.)
Lin Xuanji blanched.
Ruolan paled.
Ling Xueyin raised an eyebrow. "System?"
Lin Xuanji coughed. "Ahem—w-we appreciate the offer, sir, but we'll walk."
The merchant looked disappointed. "Ah… suit yourselves. Stay safe then."
The carriage rolled off.
Ling Xueyin crossed her arms. "Sect Master, why did you refuse? The carriage would have saved effort."
Lin Xuanji glanced nervously in the direction it left.
"Trust me. Effort is better than danger."
(Correct decision.)
"I DIDN'T DO IT FOR YOU. I DID IT FOR MY SANITY!"
Ruolan sighed softly. "Sect Master… will our entire journey be like this?"
Lin Xuanji stared at the sky.
"…Hopefully not."
But the wind blew in a way that made him think otherwise.