The journey continued with Lin Yun, Madam Li, and their new companion Bai Yun weaving through the sun-dappled forest paths. The owl soared in lazy circles above them, diving low and hooting as if scolding their slow pace. Its wings cut through the air with effortless grace, feathers ruffling in the breeze, urging MC and Madam Li to move faster.
Madam Li watched with a soft smile, her eyes following the bird's spirals. "This beast is so energetic after the recovery. It's like it has endless stamina."
Lin Yun nodded, his gaze tracking Bai Yun's movements. "It wants to stretch its muscles. I can help with that."
He looked up at the owl. "Hey, Bai Yun—let's play a game."
Bai Yun tilted its head with a confused expression, perching on a low branch, its deep blue eyes blinking curiously.
Lin Yun explained, "The rules are simple. You're a spirit beast, so your strength and speed are much faster than mine. I want you to catch me. If you do, I'll give you whatever food you want. But if not, you starve for half a day."
Bai Yun's eyes widened in fear of losing its food, but it quickly gathered courage. A fire of confidence ignited in its gaze, and it hooted defiantly.
Lin Yun saw this and gave a faint nod. "Looks like you're motivated. Let's do it."
He turned to Madam Li. "Stay here. This won't take long."
Without waiting, Lin Yun darted into the forest, weaving swiftly between the trees—sometimes leaping up branches, sometimes dropping low to the ground. The leaves rustled under his feet, and sunlight filtered through the canopy in golden shafts.
Bai Yun screeched excitedly and gave chase, wings beating furiously. It dove and twisted through the air, talons outstretched, cutting corners with aerial precision.
But when Lin Yun activated his Phantom Step, his form blurred into shadows, leaving afterimages that confused the owl. He started mocking Bai Yun. "I think you're too slow. If you lose, I'll eat your share of food tonight."
Bai Yun glared in anger, flapping its wings even faster. No matter how hard it tried, it couldn't catch him—Lin Yun was always one step ahead, vanishing and reappearing like mist in the wind.
After some time, Bai Yun finally gave up, landing on a branch with a defeated hoot, its feathers ruffled and chest heaving.
Lin Yun approached with a calm expression. "Oh, you finally admit your loss?"
Madam Li, who had been watching from afar, approached with a smile. "I think that's enough training for now. It's almost time for lunch."
Lin Yun nodded. "Okay then."
He took out food from his storage pouch—dried meat, fresh fruits, and bread—and Madam Li prepared it with final seasonings, arranging it neatly on a flat rock. They both started eating the simple meal, the aroma of herbs and smoke filling the air.
Bai Yun watched with pitiful eyes, staring at Lin Yun longingly.
But it didn't sway his resolve.
After witnessing its second defeat that day, Bai Yun turned to Madam Li with hopeful eyes, begging for food.
Madam Li couldn't resist the cute owl's gaze. She turned to Lin Yun. "I think this is enough."
Lin Yun looked displeased but let out a sigh. "Fine. I was just trying to see what it can do—testing its potential."
Madam Li asked, "So what do you think of Bai Yun's potential now?"
"Its potential is very poor," Lin Yun said. "Look at its fatty appearance—it's clear they fed it plenty of good stuff, thinking this was a Spirit Veil Owl. I think this owl just returned because it doesn't want to find food on its own. Am I right?" he asked Bai Yun.
Bai Yun seemed to understand what Lin Yun was saying, but the bird started acting even more pitiful, looking at Madam Li in hope of help.
Lin Yun said, "Now stop that act of yours."
He took out some more food for Bai Yun.
In the middle of eating, two soldiers in protected gear approached the group.
"Hey, you all—leave this place," one barked.
Lin Yun observed the situation calmly and asked, "Can you please tell me why we have to leave?"
One of them sneered. "Because we said so. Leave!"
In an aggressive tone, he added, "When is it up to commoners to ask questions to nobility? Just leave, you bastard!"
Lin Yun's eyes narrowed, thinking of giving them a beating. But he looked behind and saw a royal caravan coming from afar. Many soldiers surrounded it, with the main palanquin in the center—covered in red cloth and gold embroidery.
He quickly withdrew his killing intent.
The group left the place without resistance.
As they walked away, there was movement in the palanquin. A hand emerged, giving instructions to the main guard.
The main guard looked at the leaving Lin Yun and stopped them.
"Sir, the princess wants to meet with you too."
Lin Yun was shocked and quickly alerted himself. The atmosphere became tense.
Lin Yun thought, Why does the princess want to meet with us? No, I think she doesn't want to meet us, but someone else. Except for me, only Madam Li is left, so I think she knows Madam Li. If she wanted to harm her, why not just give an order to arrest us?
He said, "Okay, let's meet."
Lin Yun and Madam Li went inside the carriage.
They saw a beautiful woman with brown hair. She said with a smile,
But Lin Yun could clearly feel something was not right.
"Long time no see, Aunt Li."
End of Chapter