The Next Morning — Blazing Sun Hall
The first rays of sunlight illuminated the mountain peak.
Scarlet had already awakened.
After changing into her crimson disciple robes, she picked up the Crimson Flame Sword and hurried toward Raeshan’s courtyard.
Today was the day her master had promised to take her on her first spirit beast hunt.
She couldn’t hide her excitement.
When she arrived at the courtyard, however, she froze.
Raeshan was still lying comfortably on a bamboo recliner beneath a tree, fast asleep.
"..."
Scarlet blinked.
She looked up at the sky.
The sun had already risen.
Yet her master was still sleeping soundly.
After hesitating for a moment, she walked over and gently called out,
"Master..."
There was no response.
"...Master?"
Raeshan merely turned over and continued sleeping.
Scarlet smiled helplessly.
She carefully reached out and lightly shook his shoulder.
"Master."
"We’re supposed to go spirit beast hunting today."
Raeshan slowly opened one eye.
"...Scarlet."
"Don’t you think it’s a little too early?"
Scarlet looked at the bright morning sky before looking back at him.
"...Master."
"The sun is already up."
Raeshan lazily glanced upward.
"...Is it?"
He let out a yawn before reluctantly sitting up.
"I suppose you’re right."
Stretching his arms, he stood and brushed the dust from his robes.
"Let’s go."
A short while later, master and disciple left Blazing Sun Hall together.
The Ten Thousand Mountains
Towering ancient trees covered the endless mountain range, while the distant roars of spirit beasts echoed through the valleys.
Raeshan walked leisurely with his hands behind his back.
Scarlet followed closely behind, her eyes vigilantly scanning the surroundings.
After walking for nearly half an hour, Raeshan suddenly stopped.
Not far ahead, a wolf-like spirit beast emerged from the bushes.
Its dark-gray fur stood on end, and sharp fangs protruded from its mouth as it growled threateningly.
Raeshan glanced at it.
"Third Stage Qi Refining."
He calmly stepped aside.
"Scarlet."
"Your first opponent."
Scarlet nodded.
"Yes, Master."
She slowly drew the Crimson Flame Sword.
Shing!
A clear sword cry echoed across the forest.
Crimson light flowed along the blade like living flames.
Raeshan nodded in approval.
"Good."
The Gray Wind Wolf let out a low growl before lunging toward her.
Scarlet remained calm.
She took a single step forward.
"First Form..."
"Rising Scarlet!"
A crimson streak flashed.
The wolf’s body froze in midair.
The next instant—
Slash!
It split cleanly in two before crashing to the ground.
Scarlet sheathed her sword.
Raeshan nodded.
"Clean."
"You ended the battle with a single strike."
"Not bad."
Scarlet smiled faintly.
"It’s all thanks to your guidance, Master."
Raeshan simply waved his hand.
"We’re just getting started."
The two continued deeper into the mountains.
Not long afterward, they encountered another spirit beast.
This time, it was a Crimson-Horned Boar at the Fifth Stage of Qi Refining.
The beast charged forward like a battering ram.
Scarlet met it head-on.
Her figure flashed like a crimson shadow.
Using the Seven Feather Movement Technique, she effortlessly dodged the boar’s charge before slashing downward.
The Crimson Flame Sword cut through its thick hide with ease.
The massive beast collapsed with a loud thud.
Raeshan gave another approving nod.
"Your movement technique has improved, but you still wasted too much spiritual qi."
Scarlet immediately lowered her head.
"I’ll remember your advice, Master."
They continued onward.
Around noon, a third spirit beast appeared.
It was a Black Iron Bear at the Sixth Stage of Qi Refining.
Standing over three meters tall, it let out a deafening roar that shook the surrounding forest.
Scarlet’s expression became serious.
This would be her toughest opponent so far.
Raeshan remained standing beneath a nearby tree with his arms folded.
He had no intention of interfering.
As long as Scarlet wasn’t in mortal danger, he would let her handle the battle herself.
After all, only real combat could temper a cultivator into a true warrior.
After another two hours, Scarlet’s movements had noticeably slowed.
Her breathing was uneven, and beads of sweat covered her forehead.
Throughout the morning, she had fought one spirit beast after another without any help.
Although the beasts were only low-level spirit beasts, every battle consumed spiritual qi.
Now, the spiritual qi within her dantian was nearly exhausted.
She barely managed to finish off another Sixth Stage Qi Refining spirit beast before planting her sword into the ground for support.
Panting heavily, she looked toward Raeshan, who was still sitting comfortably on a tree branch.
She gave him a pitiful look, her crimson eyes seeming to say,
Master... your disciple can’t fight anymore...
Raeshan couldn’t help but sigh.
He jumped down from the tree and landed lightly beside her.
Scarlet looked at him with an aggrieved expression.
"Master..."
"I’m exhausted."
"...And hungry."
Raeshan smiled helplessly.
"Training is important, but so is eating."
With a wave of his hand, several ingredients appeared from his storage ring.
Fresh spirit beast meat.
A handful of spirit herbs.
Various seasonings.
Along with a complete set of cooking utensils.
Scarlet blinked.
"...Master, you even carry cooking equipment?"
Raeshan replied matter of factly,
"A cultivator should always be prepared."
He quickly started a fire and skillfully prepared the ingredients.
Before long, the spirit beast meat sizzled over the flames.
The rich aroma mixed with the fragrance of the spirit herbs and drifted through the forest.
Scarlet unconsciously swallowed.
Her eyes never left the barbecue.
Master’s cooking smells so good...
Master is handsome...
He’s strong...
He can even cook this well...
He’s the perfect husband...
Her thoughts gradually wandered.
If Master were my husband... that would be wonderful.
A moment later, she shook her head.
No...
Master is my master.
He’s so talented and powerful.
I’m just an ordinary disciple.
Why would Master ever choose someone like me?
The more she thought about it, the redder her face became.
She lowered her head, feeling both embarrassed and a little depressed.
Then another absurd thought suddenly popped into her mind.
...If I were stronger than Master...
Could I force him to marry me?
Hehehe... (〃▽〃)
Scarlet couldn’t help smiling foolishly at the ridiculous fantasy.
[Author: Guys, trust me... I’m completely fine. These are just Scarlet’s inner thoughts. (¬‿¬)]
Just as Scarlet continued daydreaming, Raeshan’s voice interrupted her thoughts.
"The food’s ready."
"Come eat."
Scarlet snapped back to reality.
"W-What?"
Seeing the perfectly roasted spirit beast meat in front of her, she quickly wiped the corner of her mouth and hurried over.
"Yes, Master!" ( ˶°⤙°˶ )୨ Meat
***
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