To Love the Gentle Moon - Lan Xichen X Reader

Journey to Gusu - Part 1

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Feng Yuemei adjusted the silk cloak around her shoulders as she followed her brother, Feng Minghao, toward the prepared horses waiting by the stone-paved courtyard of Fenghua Manor. The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of blooming wildflowers from the distant mountain slopes. Birds chirped from the surrounding trees, creating a serene backdrop against the anticipation thrumming in her chest.

The horses, tall and sturdy with glossy coats, were well-suited for the mountainous terrain. Minghao approached first, his practiced ease evident as he mounted his horse, a powerful dark bay with a white blaze down its nose. Yuemei's steed, a graceful dapple-grey mare with an intelligent gaze, waited patiently as a stable hand offered assistance.

Yuemei took a steadying breath and allowed herself to be helped into the saddle. Though she was no novice at horse riding-having often indulged in it as one of the few pastimes her mother approved-riding sidesaddle in a flowing skirt felt awkward. The restrictive layers of her traveling dress didn't offer the same freedom as her old riding attire. She adjusted her position, testing her balance while holding the reins lightly in her gloved hands. After a few moments of shifting her weight, she found a comfortable posture and urged the mare forward with a gentle nudge.

The group set off at a steady pace, leaving behind the familiar stone walls of Fenghua Manor. They descended through the narrow mountain paths of Bijie County, the trail weaving through the dense forest that embraced the base of Fengyue Peak like a protective cloak. Golden Ridge Forest, named after its sun-dappled canopy, stretched endlessly, its ancient trees standing tall and resolute. Shafts of sunlight pierced the thick foliage, casting dancing patterns on the moss-covered ground below.

Villages dotted the forest paths, modest homes built from wood and stone, their thatched roofs blending into the natural surroundings. As they passed, villagers paused from their daily tasks to bow respectfully, their faces lighting up with warm smiles upon recognizing the Feng Sect's emblem-a crescent moon framed by wind-carved branches.

"Feng-guniang! Feng-gongzi!" a cheerful elder called out. "Safe travels and good fortune on your journey!"

Yuemei's heart swelled with warmth at their genuine well-wishes. These were her people-ordinary folk who lived under the protection of her family's sect. Seeing the villagers' trust and respect toward her father and her family reminded her of the responsibility she now bore as the daughter of a sect leader.

The journey through the rugged mountain trails was steady but demanding. They decided early on to eat fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible, preserving their dried rations for harsher terrains where food might be scarce. Their qiankun pouches, enchanted with spatial storage, held the necessary provisions and travel gear-a practical choice for long expeditions like this one.

As night fell, the group set up a small camp in a forest clearing. A circle of low-burning fires provided warmth and kept away curious woodland creatures. The scent of burning wood mingled with the crisp night air as the stars glittered overhead like scattered diamonds.

Yuemei found herself unable to relax despite her exhaustion. The thought of lying down on makeshift beds of leaves unsettled her. It wasn't the discomfort but rather an instinctive wariness-a lingering sense of vulnerability. In this world filled with spiritual beasts and lurking dangers, the idea of something creeping up in the night sent a shiver down her spine.

Instead, she opted to settle near her brother. Leaning her back against the sturdy trunk of an ancient oak, she rested her head lightly on Minghao's shoulder. His familiar presence was a comfort, grounding her amidst the strangeness of her new reality.