Ultimate Magus in Cultivation World-Chapter 241: Train

They walked for a while without speaking, letting their breathing return to normal. The plains stretched wide and open around them, with no immediate movement in sight.

Han Yi broke the silence first.

"...Okay. That thing is still not chasing us, right?"

Mu Chen glanced back once more, then shook his head.

"...No. It’s staying down. Or it decided we’re not worth the trouble."

Han Yi nodded quickly.

"...Good. I like being ’not worth the trouble.’"

Yue gave a small tired smile.

"...Let’s keep it that way. We should put some distance between us and it."

Ling agreed.

"Yes. We move now, but we don’t rush. Stay aware. Watch the grass and the wind."

They continued walking, keeping a steady pace. Everyone stayed close, no one drifting too far ahead or falling behind.

Lei Feng spoke quietly.

"...We’re getting better at this. Not stronger in body yet, but better in how we move and react."

Mu Chen nodded.

"...We don’t panic as much anymore. That matters."

Han Yi sighed.

"...I still panic. I just panic while moving now."

Yue let out a short laugh.

"...That still counts."

After some time, the land slowly began to change. The grass thinned, and patches of dry soil appeared. Small rocks were scattered across the ground.

Ling slowed them down. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

"This area is different. Watch your footing. If something attacks here, movement will be harder."

Han Yi looked down at the ground.

"...Great. Tripping hazards. My favorite enemy."

Mu Chen reached out again when Han Yi nearly stumbled.

"...Focus. Slow steps."

They climbed a small rise and stopped at the top. Ahead, they could see a distant line of low hills and what looked like trees far beyond them.

Yue squinted.

"...I think that might be shelter. Maybe a forest edge."

Lei Feng straightened.

"...If we reach trees, we’ll have cover. But also more hiding places for enemies."

Ling nodded.

"Both are true. Still, we need a place to rest properly. We head that way."

Han Yi exhaled.

"...As long as nothing big and shiny jumps out again."

Mu Chen replied calmly.

"...If it does, we handle it. Like before."

They started moving again, tired but steady. Their steps were slower now, but confident.

No one ran.

No one panicked.

They walked together, watching the land, trusting each other, and moving forward—ready for whatever came next.

As the sun climbed higher, the distant trees grew clearer. The air felt warmer, and the plains began to slope gently downward toward a shallow valley.

Han Yi squinted at the horizon.

"...Looks closer now... maybe we can reach it before night."

Mu Chen nodded, scanning the open ground ahead.

"...Keep your eyes open. Open areas can be dangerous, but we move together. That’s what matters."

Yue adjusted her pack and took a careful step forward.

"...I hope we can rest properly soon. My legs feel like lead."

Lei Feng gave a small nod, still steady.

"...Rest will come, but we can’t let our guard down. Not yet."

Ling led them down the gentle slope, keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings.

"Stay alert. Keep distance between us small enough to help each other, but wide enough to avoid being easy targets. Step by step, we move forward."

Han Yi let out a quiet groan.

"...I feel like I’ve walked a hundred miles already..."

Mu Chen gave him a reassuring look.

"...We’ve only walked part of the day. But you’ll make it. We all will."

The forest edge grew closer. Shadows of the trees stretched across the grass, and the air smelled fresher. A small breeze rustled through the leaves ahead.

Yue perked up slightly.

"...Trees... cover... maybe even water nearby..."

Lei Feng shaded his eyes, looking at the forest.

"...We’ll still need to be careful. Forests can hide more than just trees."

Ling slowed the group as they neared the tree line.

"Observe the area before entering. Listen. Watch. Make sure nothing is waiting to ambush us. Then we move as one."

Han Yi took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.

"...After plains... trees feel... safe, right? I hope..."

Mu Chen gave him a faint smile.

"...They can be safe... if we stay together and stay aware."

Step by step, they approached the forest, hearts still racing from the plains but minds focused. The trees promised shade and a place to rest, but also a new unknown.

Together, they crossed the last stretch of open ground, entering the forest carefully, ready for whatever awaited them among the shadows.

The forest air was cooler, carrying the scent of damp earth and leaves. Light filtered through the branches, creating patches of brightness on the forest floor. Every sound—the rustle of leaves, a snapping twig, the distant call of a bird—felt sharper here.

Han Yi let out a quiet sigh, relieved to be under the trees.

"...Finally... shade. I needed this."

Mu Chen glanced around cautiously, still alert.

"...Don’t relax too much. Forests can hide as many dangers as plains, maybe more."

Yue stepped carefully over a root, peering into the shadows.

"...It feels... safer, but also strange. Quiet in a different way."

Lei Feng nodded, adjusting his pack.

"...We move slower here. Watch every step. Keep an eye on each other."

Ling led the group along a narrow, winding path.

"Stay close. Keep voices low. Listen for anything unusual. Step by step—we don’t rush, but we don’t stop either."

The group moved quietly, muscles still tense from the plains. Shafts of sunlight cut through the canopy, highlighting the uneven ground. Every shadow seemed alive, every rustle a possible threat.

After some time, they reached a small clearing with a patch of soft grass and a shallow stream running through it. The sound of water was calming after hours of tense movement.

Han Yi dropped to the ground near the stream, exhaustion catching up with him.

"...Water... finally... something normal."

Mu Chen knelt and cupped water to drink, then glanced around.

"...We can rest here, but stay aware. Take turns keeping watch. The forest is quiet, but quiet doesn’t mean safe."

Yue sat down, dipping her hands in the cool water.

"...I think... we finally have a moment to breathe."

Lei Feng leaned against a tree, closing his eyes briefly.

"...Rest for a bit. We’ll need energy for the rest of the journey."

Ling walked a short distance, scanning the tree line.

"Keep your guards light, but don’t let your guard down. We survived the plains together. We’ll survive the forest together too. Step by step, always together."

The group finally allowed themselves a brief pause, letting their muscles relax and their minds settle. The forest offered temporary safety, a chance to recover before the next challenge.