Xu Shang set off, stepping onto the road leading into the distance. His pace was steady and resolute, and every step exuded confidence.
Having passed through his familiar village—leaving behind the curious and blessing gazes of the villagers—Xu Shang walked on as the sun gradually climbed higher, arriving at a neighboring village. The scenery here differed slightly from his hometown, yet it pulsed with the same vitality and vigor.
Xu Shang noticed that the villagers here appeared even busier; some toiled in the fields while others bartered in the market, the faces of everyone brimming with a love for life and a deep focus on their work.
Xu Shang approached the trading post, hoping to purchase a map of the Rentian Empire. Stepping inside, his eyes were immediately drawn to the dazzling array of goods on display.
The shelves were crammed with all manner of merchandise, ranging from exquisite handicrafts and practical farm tools to exotic spices and local specialties—everything one could possibly imagine. The trading post was a hive of activity, with the bargaining voices of merchants and customers rising one after another, full of the vibrant warmth of everyday life.
The proprietor of the trading post, a middle-aged man, noticed Xu Shang's arrival. Sturdily built and kind-faced, he had a gleam of shrewdness in his eyes. Putting down his ledger, he smiled and stepped forward to greet him warmly, "Welcome, young man. See anything you need?"
Xu Shang returned a polite smile and stated his purpose, "Hello, Boss. I'd like to buy a map of the Rentian Empire. Do you happen to have one for sale?"
Nodding, the proprietor turned, took a scroll down from the shelf, and handed it to Xu Shang, "This is the finest map we have. It details all the towns, mountain ranges, and rivers of the Rentian Empire, along with several major trade routes. It's just the thing for a traveler like you heading on a long journey."
Xu Shang took the map and examined it closely. The lines were clear and the markings detailed; it was indeed exceptionally practical. Nodding with satisfaction, he asked the price. The proprietor quoted a fair sum, and without hesitation, Xu Shang drew the corresponding silver coins from the money pouch at his waist and handed them over.
Once the transaction was complete, the proprietor seemed to take an interest in Xu Shang and asked with mild curiosity, "Judging by your attire, young man, are you setting out on a journey to temper yourself through experience?"
Xu Shang nodded. A flash of appreciation crossed the proprietor's eyes as he heard this, "What an ambitious young man. The Rentian Empire is boundless, brimming with opportunities and challenges. Still, the road is long and fraught with peril, so you must be very careful."
With that, the proprietor reached beneath the counter, retrieved a small parcel, and handed it to it to Xu Shang, "These are some herbs and dry rations I collected when I was young. It's not much, but perhaps it can help you in a critical moment. Consider it a bit of support from me."
Xu Shang took the parcel gratefully and bowed deeply to the proprietor, "Your generosity and support will be etched in my heart. When I return from my travels, I will surely visit again to report on my journey."
Bidding farewell to the proprietor, Xu Shang stowed the map and the parcel into his pack and resumed his journey.
His gaze drifted carefully over the map until it caught a winding blue line labeled "Duantian Mountain Range". The contours of the range looked exceptionally rugged on the map, and its shadow seemed to shroud the surrounding terrain, casting a mysterious and unpredictable aura.
Xu Shang muttered to himself, "The Duantian Mountain Range is said to be one of the most perilous places in the Rentian Empire, as well as an unavoidable path to the wider world. Since the primary goal of this journey is to temper myself, I should suppress my cultivation to the Body Inscription Realm, and only unleash my full strength if I encounter a formidable enemy." A resolute gleam flickered in Xu Shang's eyes; he knew that only by crossing these mountains could he continue his journey of experience.
Putting the map away, Xu Shang looked up into the distance and saw the rolling mountain ranges looking particularly magnificent under the sunlight. He took a deep breath and adjusted the pack on his back, ensuring all his gear was properly arranged. He checked his water skin and dry rations, confirming that all essential supplies had been brought along.
As time passed, Xu Shang quickened his pace, hoping to reach the entrance of the Duantian Mountain Range before nightfall. He strode across fields, crossed a few small streams, and occasionally caught sight of small animals darting through the grass, lending a touch of vitality to the land.
As the sun gradually slanted westward, Xu Shang finally arrived at the foot of the Duantian Mountain Range. He halted, raising his head to gaze up at the peaks piercing the clouds, a sense of awe involuntarily rising in his heart. The sheer majesty of the mountains only strengthened his resolve: he would conquer this range and make it a milestone on his path of trial.
Xu Shang began searching for the entrance along the edge of the mountains, knowing that trailheads are often hidden in unassuming places and require careful looking. He pressed forward along a path strewn with gravel and weeds, his stride remaining steady.
Just as the sun was about to set, Xu Shang finally discovered a concealed mountain pass. Flanked by towering cliffs, the pass narrowed into a passage in the middle, as if intentionally carved by nature for brave travelers. He knew that once he stepped into this passage, it meant he would officially embark on the journey of crossing the Duantian Mountain Range.
Without hesitation, Xu Shang stepped into the pass. As he ventured deeper, the surrounding light gradually dimmed, yet he felt no fear. On the contrary, his heart was filled with anticipation and excitement. He knew this would be a journey fraught with challenges and adventures, and he was already prepared.
As night fell, Xu Shang ignited a torch to illuminate the path ahead. The firelight danced in the darkness, guiding his way. His footsteps echoed along the mountain path, blending with his heartbeat to become the loudest sound in the silent mountains.
With the glow of the torch dancing against the rock walls, Xu Shang walked deep into the Duantian Mountain Range.