“Why do they even bother?” Dylan asked. The notion of risking death for strangers struck him as absurd.

> Dowart chuckled. >

> Dowart continued. <>

“If it can be obtained, why not put some aside? It would avoid this desperate pleading.”

Dowart shook his head. <

>

Gen once again address the assembly, “Now it’s time.” He let two talismans fly, and they landed on each arch. All the other talismans began glowing, and the wind picked up. Electricity crackled between the glowing symbols, growing in intensity until abruptly ceasing. From the top of each arch, a shimmering veil fell. The left side was colorful, with images of a green landscape occasionally reflecting. The right was a uniform dull gray.

“The Godly Herb Garden is open.” Gen declared. “Remember, you only get one chance. May fortune smile upon you.”

While groups began disappearing into left arch, Gen returned to them, “My apologies for the guest speaker, but her sect have long been allies of the Fate Pavilion… Anyway, shall we head out?” Without waiting, he strode towards the left portal. They followed.

The veil was impenetrable to Dylan’s spiritual sense. The instant he stepped through, the presence of the courtyard vanished. He stood on wide grassy plain, with lush mountains in the distance. Excepting his four companions, they were alone.

“Where are the others?” Soul asked.

“They exited a different portal.” Gen pointed left. A mile off was an archway identical to the one they’d come through. Further on were still more. It was like that on other side too. “There are thousands, and they encircles the entire Godly Herb Garden. Each leads back to the Shrine of Sending.”

Dylan glanced behind the archway. The plains appeared to stretch to the horizon, but he knew this to be false. At one point, it drops off into the void.

“Now to start off.” Gen took out a talisman and channeled until the inscription shone brightly. When he tossed it in the air, it shattered and reformed into a foot-tall golden fairy. “Our goddess of fortune. She’ll lead us to a safe resting spot, one close to great treasures.”

The sprite shot off, and they raced after her. As they entered a forest, Dylan glanced back to see Kailen sweating but keeping up. The fairy must be adjusting its speed to him. For everyone else, this was a relaxed pace. Soul and Gen were up front conversing. Dylan looked to Yingtai trailing behind them. This is a good opportunity.

Dylan caught up, “Do you have a moment to indulge my curiosity?”

Yingtai eyed him carefully, “I’ll answered your questions if you answer mine first. Why did you approach us yesterday? You don’t seem the type to be won over by Soul’s act of valor.”

A natural suspicion. “We come from a small sect. While I might be fine, I deemed it necessary to pair up for his sake.” Dylan motioned behind at Kailen struggling. “I witnessed Soul’s strength at the arena and judged him a useful ally. He doesn’t strike me as someone who would betray his companions.”

“I see…” she said, understanding in her voice. “Well, you have my gratitude. When Soul offended Sulai, I’d feared we might have to go it alone.”

“Now it’s your turn.” Dylan pressed. “How did you end up escorting this foreigner?”

“Soul is the son of the immortal paragon Astra Skyfell who was instrumental in saving the world two thousands years ago. Our patriarch invited him to Sanwue and was looking for someone to escort him, keep him out of trouble…” Yingtai took a deep breath. “I volunteered. I’d heard he was martial arts prodigy, good natured, and handsome to boot. I saw it as an opportunity to curry favor with him, his mother, and within the sect. Moreover, I believed I might learn something. Besides air, I have a small affinity towards ice.” Yingtai paused. “I also thought it’d be interesting to travel…”

“It’s been a difficult journey?” Dylan offered.

“He’s offended so many powerful people! I want to cry.” Yingtai lamented. “So far I’ve been able to diffuse the situations, but I dread the day I can’t. If it hadn’t been for Gen yesterday…” She shock her head mournfully.

As he listened to her describe her ordeals, Dylan honestly felt pity. Kailen may be weak, but at least he has common sense. I wouldn’t trade charges for the world.

Finishing her gripping, Yingtai hesitated, “I suspect Sulai Chen might seek us out for revenge. What will you do if that happens?”

“We’ll lend you our aid if it comes to a fight.” Dylan reassured her. However, this appeared to have the opposite effect.

“Why?” Yingtai asked, fixing him harshly with her eyes.

Dylan decided to divulge a bit of truth, “I have a grudge against one of her companions, so our interest align when it comes to confronting them.”

Yingtai’s face slowly softened, “While they are only four, they are prominent disciples of the Red Sky Sect. It’d be good to come up with a plan should it come to the worst.”

Perfect. “I couldn’t agree more.” Dylan said. The two began conspiring together.