After leaving the place where he had been sleeping, Long Tian headed to Aunt Lin's house to carry out his daily tasks. However, when he arrived, she told him he should rest, as he was still injured.
"Don't worry about it, Aunt Lin. I'm fine," Long Tian said determinedly, trying not to appear weak.
But Aunt Lin looked at him with a concerned expression and replied:
"I know, but your wounds aren't fully healed yet. It's better if you stay and rest today. Also, tomorrow the villagers are going to the city, and if you really want to join them, you need to be in your best shape for the trip. If you prefer to stay here in the village, you're welcome to do so. Don't worry about it."
Long Tian stayed silent for a moment, thinking about his response. However, just as he was about to say something, the system activated suddenly, interrupting his thoughts.
A new mission appeared before him:
Mission: Reach the nearest city
Time: 5 days
Reward: 25 spiritual energy points and unlocking the "Status" option to view your personal attributes (such as spiritual energy power, constitution, etc.)
Long Tian stared at the mission for a few seconds, unsure of what to think. The possibility of obtaining spiritual energy and unlocking the option to view his personal attributes was tempting, and he couldn't pass up the opportunity. Plus, the mission had a 5-day deadline, so he would have to act quickly if he wanted to complete it.
At dawn, a soft mist covered the fields near the village. The sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon, painting the sky with golden hues. In front of the village entrance, five villagers gathered around two sturdy wooden carts pulled by calm, strong donkeys. The wheels creaked lightly with each movement, and the carts were already loaded with goods: dried fruits, medicinal herbs, handmade blankets, and even some metal tools forged by the village blacksmith.
Among the five villagers, one was a middle-aged man with a serious but kind face named Gao Min. He was the most experienced of the group and the usual leader of the trips to the city market. The other four were young: Qiang, Mei, Luo, and Han, all full of energy and curiosity. For some of them, it was their first time traveling so far from the village, and their excitement was clear in their expressions.
Long Tian arrived just as the final preparations were being checked. Thanks to the invigorating potion he had taken the day before, his body barely felt the pain from his wounds. His muscles, once tense and worn, now felt light and full of energy. He carried a small bag with basic provisions and, strapped to his belt, his trusty axe. Although he didn't expect any fights along the way, he wasn't about to let his guard down.
"Good morning," Long Tian greeted as he approached.
"Long Tian!" Mei exclaimed with a smile. "Are you joining the trip?"
"Yes," he nodded. "I heard you're heading to the city by the lake. It will be good for me to learn more about the world."
"Good choice!" Gao Min said while inspecting one of the cart wheels. "Misty Lake City isn't too far, but the road can be unpredictable. Stay close to the group and pay attention."
Misty Lake City was known for being built along the shore of a vast, crystal-clear lake that gave off a gentle mist every morning, hence its name. It was a major trade hub for the surrounding villages, with docks, floating markets, and a grey stone wall protecting its inhabitants. For Long Tian, the place represented a new opportunity a step further on his path toward strength and discovery.
Once everything was ready, the villagers either climbed onto the carts or walked beside them. The small convoy set off north along a packed dirt trail that bordered farmland and gentle hills. Birds chirped in the trees, and a cool breeze flowed along the road, ruffling cloaks and straw hats.
During the early part of the journey, the mood was calm. Gao Min shared stories of past trips of shady merchants, rare items, and a strange musician who once appeared in the city playing a golden-stringed instrument. The young ones laughed, and Mei kept asking curious questions about what could be found in the markets.
Long Tian stayed somewhat quiet, observing everything closely. Every tree, every stone, every sound from the forest was carefully noted by his trained senses. Though he was surrounded by people, he never stopped being alert.
At midday, the group stopped by a stream to rest. They brought out hard bread, dried fruit, and some smoked meat to share. Long Tian drank from the stream and splashed water on his face, refreshing himself. While the others chatted and ate, he studied the map Grandpa Yao had given him. He still had many herbs to find, and his journey was far from over, but this trip would help him prepare better.
"Is this your first time in Misty Lake City?" Qiang asked, sitting beside him.
"Yes," Long Tian replied without taking his eyes off the water. "I hope it's a good experience."
"It will be," the young man smiled. "Just stay close and don't buy anything without bargaining. The merchants there can be worse than wolves."
They both chuckled, and soon Gao Min called for everyone to continue. There were still many hours of travel ahead, but the group moved forward with cheerful spirits and good company. As the sun began to descend in the sky, the trees grew denser and the air cooler. The silhouette of Misty Lake City had yet to appear in the distance.