C20 Coming Back to the Sylvantide

Approaching the overturned crystal, Lin Yu caught his reflection. His skin was fair, his nose prominent, his lips thin, and his eyebrows sharp, arching into the locks of his dark hair...

Staring at the somewhat unfamiliar face in the crystal, Lin Yu was momentarily dazed. He felt lighter and took a moment to examine the changes in his body. Eventually, he touched his chin and muttered to himself, "I seem to have gotten more handsome..."

After a moment of self-admiration, Lin Yu opened the bag of holding left by the old Taoist and rummaged through it, finding his old clothes. They didn't fit perfectly, but they would have to do for now. He wasn't overly concerned and felt no rush to buy new ones. Given his past, having any intact clothes was a luxury.

Once he had settled down, Lin Yu sat cross-legged in the center of the cave, engulfed in uncertainty about his next move and how to properly safeguard the seal. According to the old Taoist's estimate, the seal could only hold for another decade, so he needed to accelerate his cultivation. He pondered whether to continue his training in the cave using his master's relics or to venture out in search of greater opportunities. He was indecisive, weighing his options internally.

As he grappled with indecision, Lin Yu's gaze fell upon a wine pot on the ground, slightly askew. On closer inspection, he noticed something pressed beneath it.

"Hey!"

He stood up, lifted the wine pot, and discovered a nondescript black object, resembling a flat stone, hidden beneath it. It would have been easily overlooked in the dimness of the cave.

The moment his fingers made contact with the stone, it disintegrated into powder, and a flood of information surged into his mind, followed by the old Taoist's voice echoing in his thoughts.

"Hahaha, you must be awake by now. This is all I can offer you. You once asked me why I was in the forest. After years of searching, I suspect the Wu family's origins lie deep within those woods. I've wandered for years, hoping to return, but to no avail. Maybe one day, you can find it on my behalf and fulfill my longing..."

The world beyond is both thrilling and perilous. People can be deceitful, and their intentions, malevolent. One must always be vigilant. From now on, you'll have to stand on your own. The journey of cultivation is a solitary one. I never imagined that in my solitary existence, I would find you. It's a fitting end to my life. My young friend, don't be overly concerned. Living openly and honestly is far better than being plagued by fear every day. Even if you fail to protect the seal, I will not hold it against you. You have already exceeded my expectations. Hahaha..."

As the old Taoist's voice slowly dissipated in his mind, Lin Yu shivered, his eyes misting over as he whispered, "Master... I understand."

Surveying the cave walls around him, a look of resolve washed over Lin Yu's face. He downed the last of the wine from his flask and tossed it aside, not looking back as he strode out of the cave.

Lin Yu had spent his life in the forest, and his knowledge of the outside world was limited. Yet, he had a sense of direction. Life doesn't require meticulous planning; endless preparation is but a snare. Living life one step at a time is the essence of a free spirit.

The path of cultivation often involves the refinement of Qi and the crafting of elixirs, a gradual process of enhancing one's primordial spirit and true qi. While the overarching goal may vary, the journey is intricate and fraught with twists and turns. A misstep can lead to years of wasted effort. For the average person, with a lifespan of a century, there is no second chance.

Where some fail, others succeed. In the face of adversity, many opt to emulate the successful, adopting their practices. Over time, this has led to the formation of numerous sects, each steadfastly cultivating their own traditions. Generations of dedication have unearthed a multitude of cultivation techniques, now rich in diversity, often passed down in secrecy.

Lin Yu's initial intention is to join a sect, not necessarily to learn their techniques. The teachings imparted by the old Taoist, whose origins are unknown, have been passed down through generations and are likely of high caliber. Moreover, Lin Yu has discovered several spell scrolls and spiritual herbs in his bag of holding. His immediate need isn't for cultivation materials; rather, he seeks a haven for safety.

Lin Yu was at a loss for detailed information about the sect. The old Taoist had mentioned it in passing, but never delved into specifics. Lin Yu surmised that a prominent sect wouldn't be obscure; if it were, it wouldn't be worth joining.

Clueless, Lin Yu turned his attention to Sylvantide, the only town he had ever visited, hoping to uncover the information he sought within its confines.

...

After several days' journey, Lin Yu arrived at the outskirts of Sylvantide, greeted by the sight of the familiar city walls. The rapid changes of the world left him momentarily dazed.

A biting wind snapped Lin Yu back to the present. Recalling how the old Taoist handled transactions, he understood the value of gold and silver. Discovering a substantial amount in the bag of holding left behind by the Taoist, he transferred some into a plain pouch, then secured the bag of holding close to his body, under his clothes. Draped in the Cragbear fur, he made his way toward the city entrance.

Despite the chill, Sylvantide buzzed with life. The weather made it easy to distinguish ordinary folk from mages; the latter could ward off the cold with their spiritual energy, requiring less clothing. Lin Yu noted the absence of heavy garments in the bag of holding, finding only a simple robe. This observation wasn't definitive, as some preferred to keep a low profile, while others flaunted their status.

Lin Yu cast a nostalgic eye over the shops, little changed beneath the snow. He kept his emotions in check, slowly scanning his surroundings and listening intently for any scrap of useful information.

Before long, Lin Yu realized that eavesdropping was futile. Conversations about women and money only irritated him. It wasn't that he lacked interest in women; on the contrary, he was quite curious about these beings he had yet to encounter. But his immediate priority was to gather intelligence on the sect.

Lin Yu strolled leisurely down the street when he abruptly halted, his gaze lifting to a familiar storefront. Peering inside, he noticed the usual bustle had subsided, yet two individuals stood in conversation with a middle-aged person. It was unmistakably Spirit Haven.