The journey passed without incident, though the caravan took several extra days traveling from Astramere to Stellar City. Managing the large entourage proved challenging—this trip lasted a full third longer than Ethan's previous solo travels.
A curious incident occurred at the mountain sect's sacred gates. While the others entered without issue, the little white fox Menglu triggered the protective formation and found herself barred. Ethan had to personally petition Sect Master Thorne for a special token—one typically reserved for mountain guardian beasts—before Menglu could roam freely within the sacred precincts.
After meticulously assigning quarters to all his followers, precisely seven days later, Confucian Order envoys returned. This time, they finalized every detail of Ethan and Ele
