Chapter 219: Impression is Key

<Congratulations you've achieved a breakthrough!>

That familiar notification gave me a satisfying feeling but I continued on with my cultivation, condensing my Qi Core into an even smaller core. Sadly, I didn't get another breakthrough after I consumed the High-Grade Fire Dust Essences, I took a break as I regulated all my Qi Cores before they started acting up. I know that if I don't cultivate them after I focused on one Qi Core, I might fall into unconsciousness and turn into an uncontrollable rabid human, or worse, I might explode and cause a ruckus in the Sky Kingdom. That's why I always make sure to spend a few minutes going through my Qi Cores to see if there was something wrong with them. I also try to condense them even more but if they won't budge, I'll just leave them alone. There's no use forcing my Qi Cores to condense even further when they can't because that would just cause irreparable damage to myself.

"Master, there you are." Someone called from behind me from outside the cave just when I was about to pack up.

It was Zenith.

"Zenith, what are you doing here?" I asked even though I already know what she was going to answer.

"I was looking for you." She plainly responded just as I thought.

I could tell that Zenith just came from a sparring match, probably with one of the Sky Knights, since she was a bit sweaty, making her already see-through clothes more see-through. That wasn't what caught my attention however, I realized that she almost depleted her Qi Energy to the point that she couldn't even recover from simple bruises. This was the first time I saw Zenith weakened so I was a bit worried. Were their sparring matches more than she could bear? I don't know. And it didn't seem like she was struggling. Or maybe she just didn't want to show me that she was having a hard time?

Either way, it was obvious that she's exhausted. Without further ado, I gave her some of my Fatigue Potions and healed her wounds with my Holy Element. "Thank you so much, master." She muttered.

"How are you adjusting to the place? Is everything all right? How is the Fourth Battalion?" I asked her. Even though all of them give me an update before we sleep at night, I just thought that maybe I'd ask her right now since... well... there really isn't anything I could ask her aside from that. Honestly, Yongrui, haven't you talked to enough women already? Why can't you bring up a nice topic every now and then?

"Oh, Natalia is doing fine. She has become a leading figure around the Sky Knights because of how powerful and talented she was. Judging from her cultivation, I'm guessing she's a bit higher than me. And also, her Ice Element is probably one of the strongest around. With your guidance, I can tell that she can become a strong cultivator that could rival even the strongest among the Sky Knights." Zenith relayed as she heaved a sigh with mixed emotions. "As for the Fourth Battalion, they're having a hard time keeping up with Sir Conrad and the others because they were weaker a bit weaker than them, but they're improving. Those guys are as hard-headed as ever."

Just from that, it was obvious that Zenith felt out of place in the Sky Kingdom, probably because of how rowdy she was... or maybe it's because of her approachability. I mean, Zenith is the straightforward and slow type of lady. And maybe the Sky Knights couldn't deal with her just as how they dealt with Natalia and the Fourth Battalion.

Before I knew it, I was already patting her on the head. After clearing my throat, I stood up, dusted myself off, and lent my hand to her. "Stand up, I'll show you something," I told her.

"Are we going to your chambers, Master? If so, I have to get ready first. I'm still a bit sweaty." She said with a serious expression. I couldn't tell whether she was joking or not so I decided to just not mind it. Seriously, how does her line of thought works?

Sigh, if I can't deal with her, then who else can? That's probably why she was looking for me. She probably couldn't connect to anyone, huh.

Grabbing a handkerchief from my storage ring, I wiped off the dirt on her face before I led her to an open field. On the way, she insisted on holding hands with me so I obliged. It's not like something bad will happen if she did, right? After being as smooth as butter, I could've sworn I saw Zenith get flustered the longer I held hands with her. Is this you're supposed to deal with a lady? I don't know, but it seemed effective.

Once we got to the open field, we attracted a few eyes since the King is basically taking a stroll with a lady. Or maybe the people of the Sky Kingdom just found it amusing that the King is walking outside. Who knows what they're thinking? Nevertheless, at least they don't bear animosity towards us. That's always a good thing.

And it works, either way, these people are in for a treat!

Because I just broke through to the Transcendence Realm with my Fiery Qi Core, I became more proficient in controlling both my Fire and Lightning Element. With this, I know that I could definitely manifest the image in my head.

Extending my hands towards the atmosphere, I attracted more attention than normal. I paid special attention to Zenith's reaction as she watched my performance.

A smooth wave of whitish fire appeared from my hands, followed by blue and pinkish lightning. The fire then slowly took shape in the air as the blue and purple lightning danced around, creating an outline for the picture. Pretty soon, the image started clearing up and the wavy ball of fire turned into a shape of a bird. One by one, feathers started becoming clearer, and pretty soon, a full-on picture of a white phoenix appeared in the sky. The blue and purple lightning rested on its back, resembling its tail and outline of its back. I then created a thunderclap with my blue and purple lightning, which made it seem like the phoenix was screeching with all its might.

Everyone who saw the entire performance clapped their hands. As for Zenith, she dreamily stared at the white phoenix. Honestly, I find it quite beautiful as well.

But just when I was about to make another creature out of my flames, a terrifying roar cracked the skies as it slowly darkened.

"RAAAARGHHHH!!!"

Suddenly, a screech could be heard in the skies, and I could've sworn that it didn't come from my made-up white phoenix!