The Silver Forest stretched endlessly before Kai, its towering trees cloaked in a shimmering mist that glowed faintly under the pale sunlight. Their silver leaves rustled softly, whispering secrets of ancient spiritual energy that pulsed through the air. The ground was carpeted with luminescent moss, casting a soft, ethereal light that made every step feel like treading on stardust. Yet, beneath this serene beauty, a primal tension lingered, as if the forest itself was watching, waiting for an unwary traveler to falter.
A piercing cry shattered the silence. High above, a white owl-like creature spread its wings, its enormous eyes glinting with predatory intent. It screeched again, a sound that vibrated through Kai's bones, stirring his instincts. His hand moved before his mind could catch up, the sword materializing in his grip as if summoned by the forest itself. A flash of frosty energy erupted from the bird, and dozens of razor-sharp icicles hurtled toward him at blinding speed.
Kai's heart raced, but his training kicked in. He raised his palm, channeling his Qi into a shimmering barrier of fiery essence. The icicles collided with it in a cascade of crystalline dust, their lethal edges reduced to harmless powder. The barrier hummed, its warmth clashing with the forest's icy aura, sending ripples through the mist. Kai's eyes narrowed, calculating. The bird was fast, but its attack was predictable, telegraphed by the subtle shift in its spiritual energy. He could counter it again, but something felt off. Why was it so bold?
"I thought you'd just keep stalking me," Kai said, his voice calm but laced with a teasing edge as he turned to the figure emerging from the shadows.
Aina stepped into the light, her silver-streaked hair catching the forest's glow. She wore a flowing robe of pale blue, embroidered with formation runes that pulsed faintly with Qi. Her expression was a mix of exasperation and amusement, her lips twitching as she crossed her arms.
"Stalking? Please, Kai," she said. "I'm looking out for you. You might be strong, but the Silver Forest isn't a playground for Qi Condensation newbies like you. And anyway, we were just… heading the same way. That's all."
She paused, her green eyes narrowing. "How did you even notice me?"
Kai's lips curled into a faint smile. He had sensed her spiritual energy the moment he left the grove, a familiar signature that stood out like a beacon in the forest's symphony of Qi. She had tried to conceal herself, weaving through the underbrush and cloaking her presence with a formation barrier. But the barrier, ironically, had drawn his attention—its faint fluctuations were too distinct against the forest's natural flow. Was it some form of invisibility? Optical camouflage woven into her formations? Aina was a master of such techniques, but Kai's spiritual senses were sharper than most. He wasn't about to admit that, though.
"Your spiritual energy," he said simply, meeting her gaze. "And you were loud. Like a herd of wild boars."
Aina's eyes widened, her hands flying to her hips. "Demons take you, Kai! I knew my formation was leaking Qi!"
She paused, then glared. "Wait—what do you mean, boars? Are you calling me clumsy?"
Before Kai could respond, the owl screeched again, its patience evidently worn thin. Another volley of icicles launched toward them, faster and denser than before. Kai's senses sharpened, his body moving on instinct. He stepped forward, angling his barrier to deflect the shards at a precise angle, sending them spiraling harmlessly into the trees. The forest groaned as the icicles embedded into bark, splintering wood with a crack that echoed through the mist.
Aina huffed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Enough of you," she muttered, raising her hand.
A sleek, icy projectile formed in her palm, its surface shimmering with concentrated Qi. She flicked her wrist, and the projectile shot forward with deadly precision—only to miss the owl entirely, soaring into the sky as the creature let out a mocking hoot. Realizing its attacks were futile, the owl leaped from its branch, its snowy wings carrying it into the depths of the forest.
Kai watched it go, his eyes lingering on its retreating form. Something about the creature nagged at him. Its spiritual signature was faint, almost too faint for a beast bold enough to attack two cultivators. Was it hiding its true strength? Or was there something else at play in this forest?
"Good riddance," Aina said, dusting her hands. "That thing was starting to annoy me."
She turned to Kai, her expression shifting to a mock glare. "So, about those boars. Care to explain?"
Kai grinned, leaning casually against a tree. "I just meant you've got the strength of ten mighty boars. A compliment, really."
Aina froze, her cheeks flushing slightly. As a cultivator, she couldn't deny the praise to her power, but the phrasing… "You're such a barbarian," she huffed, tilting her chin up. "Honestly, Kai, you have no tact."
He shrugged, unfazed. Her reaction was cute, in a way, though he'd never admit it. The forest around them seemed to hum with approval, its silver leaves shimmering as if laughing at their banter. But that nagging feeling about the owl lingered in Kai's mind. The Silver Forest was full of mysteries, and he had a sinking suspicion that their encounter was only the beginning.