Early morning, fine rain fell like silk threads, silently soaking the swamp.
The sunlight stubbornly pierced through the rain curtain, dyeing the distant continuous majestic snow-capped mountain peaks into a dazzling golden brilliance, as if a deity had crowned the mountains with golden crowns.
That light also clearly illuminated the open ground before the wooden fence of the Rotten Moss Tribe.
At the tribe entrance, many lizardfolk had already gathered.
Semiaya tied a bundle of sharpened bone spears to her back, then turned her face to look at her younger sister who was lowering her head to arrange the small leather pouch at her waist.
"Sekashi, really... aren't you going to say goodbye to the Envoy?"
Sekashi slowly shook her head.
"No, elder sister."
Semiaya didn't press further, simply nodding.
Sekashi nodded absentmindedly, but her gaze drifted toward the swamp, lost in unknown thoughts.
At that moment, the old Priest Shazak, leaning on his bone staff, slowly approached surrounded by several young warriors.
The tribespeople behind him carried a stack of specially tanned thick cloaks, along with several ration packs emitting the fragrance of smoked fish and tuber plants.
"Semiaya, Sekashi."
Shazak's aged voice carried the unique authority of a tribal priest with a trace of barely detectable concern.
"Thank you for everything you've done for the tribe."
"Take these—the wind and snow at high altitudes are more terrifying for lizardfolk than the swamp's damp cold."
His gaze settled on Sekashi.
"Child, since you've already made your decision to embark on this Snow Eagle Trial path, this old man won't nag anymore."
He stepped closer, gently tapping his bone staff on the ground, lowering his voice with solemnity.
"Remember, the Snow Eagle Trial is a test of sky and snow domain. It's certainly difficult, but not impossible to complete."
"One of our tribe's greatest Shamans, Lord Kukara—before his death, his Snow Eagle partner buried him on Eagle Beak Peak where he could see the direction of our tribe. That loyal raptor might still be guarding his old friend's resting place."
"If you can climb Eagle Beak Peak and find Shaman Kukara's resting place... perhaps you'll have a chance to encounter that Snow Eagle."
"Thank you, Priest Shazak."
Sekashi nodded seriously.
Lizardfolk struggling for survival in the gloomy swamp, and Snow Eagles soaring through the frigid heavens, overlooking the mountains—they seemed like two completely different life trajectories.
Yet, during a Winter Year so distant that even the tribe's oldest singers couldn't remember, when the shadow of hunger enveloped the tribe.
A lizardfolk ancestor turned his gaze toward the majestic snow mountains, toward the sky's dominant creatures freely circling in the biting cold wind.
Whether despair bred courage, or courage ignited the spark of hope, he embarked on an unprecedented journey.
After enduring unimaginable hardships, ultimately, on that inaccessible extreme peak, a life from the swamp and a king of the sky forged a trans-species alliance.
This miraculous connection opened a trial path to the sky and ice for the lizardfolk.
It henceforth became the most noble, yet most dangerous coronation ceremony on the lizardfolk Shaman's path.
Symbolizing the ultimate expression of courage, wisdom, and communication with nature spirits.
Today, Sekashi would also embark on this path, carrying her dreams and concerns.
Without lengthy farewell ceremonies, the two sisters waved goodbye under the gaze of Shazak and the Rotten Moss tribespeople, then turned onto the wet northern path, leaving behind delicate yet resolute and fearless figures.
And beside Shazak's feet, a rough clay pot remained quietly, filled with Gray Gravel Crystals that Sekashi had carefully collected at the riverbank over these days, along with a letter written on straw paper.
...
When Chen Yu rode Little Ka back to the castle, it was already early morning of the second day.
The little fellow was so sleepy he couldn't keep his eyes open, like a melted rice cake, plunging "splash" into the swamp, where faint snoring immediately sounded.
Chen Yu climbed to the high reaches of the oak tree, gazing toward his western territory.
Recalling that surging tide of cockroach Magical Creatures, he still felt lingering fear, finally understanding why that patch of Strangler Water Banyan could grow so lush and green.
Couldn't they grow big eating cockroaches?
Those things were high in protein.
If not for the Strangler Water Banyan forming a connected wall, those cockroaches would have likely invaded his territory long ago.
What excellent trees.
These things should be multiplied—must plant them throughout the western territory... no, best to encircle the entire territory, not letting a single cockroach enter.
The adventurer's manual mentioned that these giant cockroaches were originally called Black Feather Filth Descendants, terrifying Magical Creatures capable of spitting acid and spreading plague diseases, also skilled at ambushing and hiding, possessing somewhat hard insect shells.
They most liked hiding in dark places, swaying their twin antennae...
Giving people a disgusting, yet ungraspable terrifying feeling, making people afraid at night that a Filth Descendant might suddenly emerge from under the bed.
Like a lingering nightmare.
Rumors said they were demon descendants that fell from the gaps of hell to the main material plane, once running rampant through the White Horse Kingdom, wherever they passed, crops were completely gnawed away, also bringing terrible infectious diseases to villages and cities.
They were the most despised Magical Creatures by human kingdoms, casting enormous shadows over humanity.
Reaching the point where everyone shouted to beat and kill them.
Even Goblins appeared more amiable compared to them.
The kingdom's military spent decades driving them out of the kingdom.
Never expected to see their figures here.
These Filth Descendants grew larger than human fists, some even reaching his size.
A single one wasn't frightening—the terror came from their swarming appearances, densely covering the lake shores, making the slime's trypophobia act up.
Chen Yu had no doubt that even if each cockroach spat a bit of saliva, they could drown him.
He squeezed out a serious expression, feeling his territory's security was severely challenged by these Filth Descendants.
These were no ordinary enemies—must strike with heavy fists.
Send these detestable otherworldly sprites rolling back to hell.
He needed sturdier, more reliable fortresses, a more powerful army...
and more ferocious firepower!
To defend his territory, defend the slime's glory.
Needed to update his skills.
The morning mist in Xu Xuan Heaven hadn't yet dispersed when Chen Yu unusually left his low thatched hut, following the faint, elusive sound of zither music, finding Shao Qingsong at the secluded Stream-Viewing Pavilion in the outer sect.
Several books were spread on the stone table in the pavilion, Shao Qingsong quietly conversing with an unfamiliar cultivator.
Seeing Chen Yu approach, a smile flickered at the corner of Shao Qingsong's mouth as he waved the other cultivator away, rising to guide him to sit on the stone stool in the pavilion.
"Junior brother, here to cultivate your sentiment?"
Chen Yu got straight to the point, his gaze filled with anticipation. "Senior brother, about the Dao technique I asked you to find last time..."
Shao Qingsong lightly coughed.
"Ahem... found one."
He pulled out a faded old book from his sleeve, his movements carrying some hesitation.
"It's a sword control Dao technique, perfectly suited for earth attribute, it's just... well, not very elegant."
"How exactly is it inelegant?" Chen Yu grew curious.
"Um... requires kneading mud."
"You understand playing with mud, right... need to knead lumps of mud into balls, then combine with secret methods to refine them into excellent sword pellets."