Dawn brought this trade caravan to a halt.
She approached them first, appearing calmly in front of their path.
The beasts she commanded lingered nearby.
Standing in front of the trade caravan was another woman of similar height to Dawn's.
Wearing plain black robes with crimson embroidery, short auburn hair, and a warm expression.
Yet underneath that was a heavy presence.
'Third Foundation Cultivation.'
Dawn couldn't help but remark in her mind.
She was not expecting to meet such a powerful Cultivator as part of a trade caravan.
"What business does your caravan have coming this way?"
Calling out to the figure before her, Dawn let the beasts remain idle but obviously ready to move.
A threat, of sorts, towards this unknown party.
"Easy, friend, we are merely here to aid a neighbouring Settlement in these dire times."
"You are aware of the tides, correct? So you must know how dangerous these times are."
Dawn merely probed.
If they truly wanted to help, that would be great, but should they hold more selfish intentions...
"I assume you are from Iron Mountain Quarry Settlement? That is the direction we are heading."
"Yes, I am on a duty to help prepare the Settlement for the tides of beasts and Spirits."
"Hmm."
This woman eyed the surrounding beasts.
'Foxes, bears, and tigers?'
"It seems you have encountered plenty of beasts. Could these be from the tides?"
Dawn nodded.
"We have not slaughtered a lot of beasts, so we do not have much to give in return."
"That is a shame, but we still wish to offer our aid."
Thinking, Dawn doesn't suspect any ill intentions from these people.
If they are so willing to offer aid, then so be it; Dawn will let them pass.
If they truly had intentions to exploit or harm the Settlement, Silver Extreme and the Mortal Settlement Lord were there.
Their names alone should ward off any ill intentions.
Before she could say another word, she caught a glimpse of a pale girl walking from behind the frontmost carriage.
"Dawn...?"
Calling her name, she locked eyes with Dawn, surprise and warm emotions swirling in her otherwise cold eyes.
"Selene?"
Requiting her surprise, Dawn took a step forward as thoughts flooded her mind.
'What is she doing here?'
'She should be at Great River Bank Settlement.'
'Why is she with this group?'
Walking forward, she pushed those thoughts out of her mind.
Stopping as she noticed the other woman turning around to Selene.
"Sister, is this who you told me about?"
'Sister?'
...
The large groups of beasts receded out of their view.
Dawn had sat down with Selene and this other woman, whom she came to know as Edifice.
Selene's senior sister, Immortal Seed of Immortal Adamant.
Neither of them expected to meet in such a setting, under such circumstances.
This surprise reunion was not unwelcome; however, Selene had taken Dawn in a gentle embrace, who returned it plainly but affectionately.
As Edifice watched, she decided to introduce herself and explain their situation.
"So this trade caravan was truly a cover-up?"
"Indeed, forgive us for our deceit; if I had known you were Selene's friend, I would have explained everything then and there."
"Let's not dwell on past inconveniences. Tell me, what was it that you sought my aid for?"
Clearing her throat, Edifice summoned a map from her carriage.
Floating, it splayed along the air like it was on a table.
A detailed map revealed marked routes and locations.
"We are currently searching for a State Cultivator's inheritance."
"It is marked further south, but these areas are within the tide's reach."
"Without enough manpower, we would not be able to search, let alone take it."
"However, with your aid, we would be able to move further south unhindered."
"What do you say, friend Dawn?"
Dawn listened as Edifice explained.
Looking at the size of their caravan, it wasn't very large.
There was still the possibility of them trading with Iron Mountain Quarry Settlement, but it was likely focused on this personal expedition they were on.
However, looking at the numbers, there still seemed to be too few to become a substantial group.
Besides Edifice, most Cultivators were only First Foundation Cultivators. The other three Second Foundation Cultivators looked meagre.
This group was not at all capable of facing the tides.
"Why don't you gather more manpower?"
"There are... political reasons that forbid us from doing so."
"Hmm..."
Dawn did not question the reason, instead thinking about the benefits and risks.
"What are the details of this inheritance? What has you, an Immortal Seed, so interested?"
"Ah, well... Political reasons forbid Immortal support, so this is something I must claim myself."
Then, Edifice gestures to Selene.
"I was intending to take this for myself, but my Sister here is in dire need of support."
"She has still not chosen a Dao Art to assimilate, but we might be able to find one of interest at this inheritance."
"However, I do intend to take this Mystical Weapon for myself."
"Friend, what is it that intrigues you?"
Dawn thought about it before waving her hand.
"I have already received ample support. There is nothing more I need."
She did not need these Dao Art scriptures or another Mystical Weapon; she was amply supported by her father.
Dawn was also on her right path; she did not need other Dao Arts.
Sparing Selene a glance, Dawn sighed solemnly.
"But I will not turn away; I will help you, Selene, to achieve what you need."
A little surprised, Selene shyly but gratefully thanked her.
Edifice also expressed her gratitude.
"Thank you for your help, friend."
"While you may not require a reward for your contribution, I do think I have a way to repay your favour."
Interested, Dawn entertained the idea.
"What is it that you can offer me?"
"Simple, I can help to relocate those beasts you have."
Edifice pointed at the map again.
"It would be most efficient to join our hands to combine our efforts in relocating these beasts."
"This should reduce your workload, allowing us to move out much quicker."
"What do you think of this idea?"
Edifice continued to explain her plan, leaving Dawn in quiet contemplation.
Happy with this idea, she accepted.
"Then I will leave them to you."
...