Building A Carnal Empire In The Fantasy World-Chapter 42: Smuggler’s Pass

The baying of hunting dogs grew louder with each passing minute. Kael could hear the animals crashing through the underbrush behind them, following their scent trail with single-minded determination.

"How much further to the mountains?" he called to Lady Leya as they pushed through a thick patch of thorny bushes.

"Five miles, maybe six," she panted, her noble dress catching on branches. Despite being the strongest of them at Level 7 Earth Rank, the rough terrain was wearing her down. "The Blackwood Mountain range deep within the Blackwood Forest marks the northern border."

Behind them, Sara stumbled over a fallen log. Her Level 6 Mortal Rank cultivation was the weakest in the group, and the constant running was taking its toll. Lila, also Mortal Rank Level 7, helped her friend back to her feet.

"I can’t... I need to rest," Sara gasped.

Madam Vex looked back toward the sounds of pursuit. Her senses could pick up more than just the dogs now. "There’re horsemen. At least a dozen at the Earth Rank. They’re gaining ground fast."

Lady Morwen’s face was pale with exhaustion and stress. The revelation about Cole had shaken her badly, but her willingness to survive kept her moving. "There’s a ranger station about two miles ahead. We might be able to lose them there."

"Or get trapped," Velara muttered. Her own energy was still recovering from the battle with Cole. The gray streaks in her hair were a permanent reminder of how close she’d come to death.

Kael made a decision. "Sara, Lila - you’re riding." He pulled two pills from his system inventory. "Stamina boosters. They’ll help with the climb ahead."

The girls swallowed the pills gratefully. Within moments, color returned to their cheeks and their breathing steadied.

"How do you have so many pills?" Lady Leya asked, though she didn’t sound suspicious. More curious than anything else.

"I’m always prepared for emergencies," Kael replied simply. It was true, in a way. The system shop always had useful items available for the right price.

They pressed on through the forest. The trees began to thin as the ground started to slope upward. Rocky outcroppings became more common, and the air grew cooler.

The first glimpse of the Blackwood Mountains took everyone’s breath away.

Massive peaks stretched across the northern horizon like the spine of some sleeping giant. Snow capped the highest summits, even in late spring. Waterfalls cascaded down cliff faces that looked impossible to climb.

"Beautiful," Sara whispered.

"And very much deadly," Madam Vex corrected. "Those passes will be narrow and treacherous. Perfect for ambushes, and attacks from Demon Beasts." 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

But Kael was studying the mountains with different eyes. Although he didn’t know why, his senses were enhanced past the earth rank limits and could detect something the others missed—flows of natural energy running through the stone like underground rivers.

"The mana currents are strong here," he observed. "Much stronger than down in the lowlands."

Lady Leya nodded. "The mountains are ancient. They’ve been collecting spiritual energy for thousands of years. It’s one reason the border stays stable—the surrounding high-tier factions benefit from the power that flows down from the peaks."

A distant howl made them all freeze. The hunting dogs had found their trail again.

"Move," Kael ordered.

They began climbing in earnest now. The forest gave way to bare rock and scattered pine trees. The path, such as it was, switched back and forth across the mountainside in a series of steep switchbacks.

Sara and Lila, boosted by Kael’s pills, kept pace without complaint. But everyone was breathing hard in the thin mountain air.

"There!" An hour later, Lady Morwen pointed ahead to a wooden structure built into the side of a cliff. "The ranger station."

The building was small but sturdy, designed to withstand mountain weather. Smoke rose from its chimney, suggesting someone was home.

As they approached, the door opened. An old man stepped out, wearing rough clothes like a normal mortal without cultivation, and carrying a hunting bow. His weathered face was suspicious but not hostile.

"You folks are in an awful hurry," he observed. "And those dogs behind you sound mighty determined."

"We need to reach the Astralion Empire," Lady Leya said quickly. "It’s urgent."

The ranger’s eyes sharpened as he took in their torn clothes and desperate expressions. "Running from the Church, are you?"

Kael tensed, ready to bring out his sword. But the old man just chuckled.

"Relax, son. I’ve been helping folks cross these mountains for thirty years. The Church doesn’t pay me enough to care about their business."

He gestured them inside. "Name’s Garrett. I’m guessing you need the smuggler’s pass?"

The interior of the station was warm and comfortable. Maps covered the walls, showing dozens of routes through the mountain range. Some were marked with symbols that probably meant dangerous weather, demonic beast territory, or unstable terrain.

"Smuggler’s pass?" Velara asked, having never heard of it.

"The official crossing takes three days and goes right through a Church checkpoint," Garrett explained, pouring hot tea from a kettle. "The smuggler’s pass is harder, but it gets you to Astralion territory in a day."

He traced a route on one of his maps with a gnarled finger. "Follows an old dwarven road most of the way. Problem is, it goes through giant territory."

Everyone looked at him in alarm.

"Giant territory?" Sara squeaked.

Garrett nodded grimly. "The Ironpeak Clan controls the high passes. They don’t usually bother travelers, but they don’t like trespassers either. And lately, they’ve been more aggressive than usual."

The sound of barking dogs was getting closer. Through the window, Kael could faintly see torchlight flickering between the trees below. It was just past dawn, so mist-like curtains blanketed the surroundings.

"We’ll take our chances with the giants," he decided.

Garrett studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Fair enough. You’ll need supplies, though. Mountain weather can change in minutes, and the giant roads are rough on soft city feet."

He moved to a storage room and began pulling out climbing gear. Ropes, pitons, warm cloaks, and sturdy boots in various sizes.

"That’ll be fifty gold," he said matter-of-factly.