Early the next morning, before the sky had fully brightened, a thin layer of night still covered the horizon.
"The morning star flickered faintly at the edge of the sky.
A trace of early chill still lingered in the air."
"Master Wellspring arrived at the hidden chamber early.
He had already packed for the journey, changed into a clean black Daoist robe, and the Storage Ring still hung at his waist."
"Master Wellspring held the jade vial containing Jared's soul in both hands, careful enough that even the smallest shift seemed measured.
His face had settled into a grave, formal cast, as if what he carried was not a vial, but the whole weight of the journey ahead."
"He did not leave at once.
Before setting out, he went first to the forehall of Wellspring Order and found Julian there."
"Ever since Julian learned that Jared was going to Beastmoor Ridge to seek the Elderheart Soulwood, his mind had refused to settle.
The entire night had passed without giving him any real rest."
"Now he stood at the doorway of the forehall, his gaze fixed outward and unable to move away for long.
He was clearly waiting for Master Wellspring and Jared."
“Elder Leary, what are you doing here?” Master Wellspring stopped slightly when he saw Julian, then asked.
"Julian hurried forward.
His eyes went straight to the jade vial in Master Wellspring's hands, and when he spoke, the strain in his voice came through without cover."
“Sect Master of Wellspring Order, I want to go with you to Beastmoor Ridge. Beastmoor Ridge is too dangerous. With only the two of you, I truly cannot be at ease. One more person would mean one more pair of hands to watch your backs.”
"Master Wellspring gave a slight shake of his head.
There was no room left in his answer, even though his tone carried the weight of having to refuse."
“Elder Leary, thank you for your kindness, but you cannot come with us to Beastmoor Ridge this time.”
“Beastmoor Ridge is the territory of the beast race, and they have always rejected outsiders. The two of us going there is already a great risk. If too many people go, it may instead make the beast race misunderstand our intentions.”
“They may think we have come to provoke them. If that happens, not only will we fail to obtain the Elderheart Soulwood, we may invite death upon ourselves instead.”
He paused, then added, “Besides, Wellspring Order still needs someone to hold it steady. After the Aureate Heir and I leave, the order's affairs, large and small, will still need you to take trouble over them, Elder Leary.”
“If you remain at Wellspring Order, guard the order well, and protect its disciples, that will be the greatest help you can give us. Please be at ease, Elder Leary. I will protect the Aureate Heir, do everything I can to obtain the Elderheart Soulwood, and return safely.”
"Julian still had words at the edge of his tongue.
But once he met the fixed look in Master Wellspring's eyes, he knew the decision had already been made. No amount of persuasion would change it."
In the end, he could only let out a sigh and nod.
“All right, Sect Master of Wellspring Order. Then you must be careful. Beastmoor Ridge is full of danger. If you run into trouble, do not force it. Coming back in one piece is enough.”
“I will remain at Wellspring Order, guard the order well, and wait for you to return.”
"“Thank you for understanding, Elder Leary.” Master Wellspring bowed slightly, giving his thanks.
He said nothing more after that. Turning away, he walked toward the gatehouse of Wellspring Order."
"The jade vial in his hands swayed lightly.
Inside it, Jared's soul-sense caught the movement outside and knew the time to depart had come. The faint purple glow trembled once, but no sound came from him. He simply waited in stillness."
The two of them left the mountain gate of Wellspring Order, one ahead and one behind.
"By then, the edge of the sky had already begun to pale like a fish's belly.
The morning sun was about to break through the clouds and spill its light across the earth."
"Master Wellspring moved.
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