NOVEL NEXT Chapter 28: Mountain Forest
I simply waited quietly as the less than useless dregs of society were cut down. I inspected the space ring during this time. It took a short time for the troop to finish off the bandits. I must have seemed like I didn't want to be disturbed. This was because the troop captain was about to address me but gulped instead. Like he was terrified of me for some reason. He did have a right to be afraid. Due to their troops' poor planning they had no way to defend themselves from an enemy like that. Thus forcing me to take action.
"Is everything cleaned up?" I asked the captain, in a way to put on airs. I wasn't upset by the fact I was drawn to action. No, there was a different reason.
"Yes, sir, cultivator. At the command the bandits have met the king of hell by now." The captain said, not daring to say anything extra.
"Alright what makes you so scared of me? I just saved you from that letcher." I asked curiously, also knowing that he wouldn't speak if I didn't compel him to speak.
"Ah this… It just seemed like sir was angry and I did not wish to further add to the frustration." the captain answered.
"I see… Well you are correct that I am angry." I said, pausing.
"Then…" The Captain muttered.
"However, it's not you. Rather, I want to know why that letcher's pockets were so light. it was hardly worth the effort in killing him. He was so poor… I mean come on he was two major realms above me." I said, clearing the air.
"What a relief it is to know that sir's anger is directed elsewhere." the captain said.
"That aside… Can you get these three off of me? It's a little cumbersome." I said.
"Yes sir!" The Captain said.
"No!!! I wanna keep hugging the cute savior!" The one woman said.
"Please my lady, you'll anger the savior if you keep this up." The captain said, prying and pulling. "A woman's strength is surely not to be underestimated. My apologies sir savior." he added.
It was true. These women had a grip that refused to let go. So I activated a very tiny portion of my power to loosen it for them. After that I was free. I took all of the valuable items from the space ring and put it on my own, before tossing the old letchers ring to the captain.
"When you get to where you're going, hand that over to the guards or ruler. Have them investigate it." I said, activating my power.
"What it's inside this ring?" The captain asked, confused as he frantically tried to catch it.
"It's better for you and those around you not to know. I must go now to have a safe rest of your journey." I said before disappearing.
The captain pocketed the ring in a safe place. "Alright let's continue our job and bring the madam and the two young misses home! Let us tell the world of the young cultivators' heroic image." He said.
It seems like they are fine now. I'll keep watch just to make sure they reach their home safely. It won't take long anyways. Only half a day to go. They will also very likely just continue their journey without resting anymore. Definitely the smart choice.
Once they arrived at the gate and the ring was handed over to a cultivator I left and continued my own trip to the mountain forest.
There was more in that ring. But it was definitely not a good thing. I had put a note inside to let the next one know the situation. I could only hope they take proper action for it. I had noticed almost immediately that it was far beyond my own abilities. A reluctant choice I had to make but knowing the look on the woman's face when she took a look in the ring. I knew it would be resolved.
My trip was already turning out to be quite interesting thus far. So I had high hopes for the hunt I was going on. I hope there are many powerful beasts to hunt.
The remaining trip was short. And I arrived at the outer edges of the Mountain forest. One could look at the name and think it's a forest on a mountain, Right? That has to be what it is right? No! It's a series of random mountains with a few trees. The reason it wasn't a mountain range? Well… none of these mountains were connected with each other.
I swear the person who named this place must have had screw loose or something. I mean come on! Isn't it close enough to be called a range? But no, the guy just wanted to make it confusing.
I searched for a cave to set up a place for myself to retreat to if things went south. Since this place did in fact have many powerful monster beasts. To do this I used a particular item that I found in that space ring my master gave me. It was something that put up a perfect illusion around it. One that not even origin kings could break through. It doesn't sound all that great when said like that but one needs to consider the fact this area is not a place even origin realms come to. The monsters are mere child's play for them. So there isn't a need for any worry about this.
I was able to find a cave that seemed empty and then checked it out. After having inspected it carefully I set up a small spot for myself and set up the restriction. This would be my new base for a while. At least… that is until I reach the next major realm while I'm here. After which the monsters here won't be useful to me.
In all truth I could likely handle heading deeper into the Mountain forest. I am stronger than most anyone else but it's best to allow my body to grow. Since this place was a hunting ground and extremely lucrative it was common to have disciples spend even up to a decade inside the forest.
I plan on spending about 2 to 5 years in this forest. With my body's innate growth I should look like an 18 year old by then. Which will be quite nice for me. A more adult body will severely increase my power. But for now I take a short break and cultivate before I go on the hunt.