Chapter 53: Sara's Departure

When Zhen was happily walking back to Grotto's Inn because he no longer had to worry about being killed easily. 

Now that Zhen has reached the fourth stage in body tempering so unless the enemies can melt his body, they will never leave a dent.

'Ah, the benefits of being a cultivator than a mortal is truly fantastic.' 

As Zhen enjoyed this moment, he noticed something unusual. The Grotto's Inn was closed and there's no loud chattering.

Zhen raised his guard up and became serious. Zhen carefully walked to the door and finally relaxed when he felt Kuro's aura inside. 

The aura was alive and kicking, which means he's fine.

*Creak*

Zhen opened the door and he was shocked by the luggage being packed. 

'Are they kicking me out now?' Pondering if that luggage is his belonging but then he remembers that he doesn't have any stuff at all.

"H-Hey Sara, what's going on here?"

"You still know how to come back huh? Where did you disappear in these 7 days? We were searching everywhere for you and if it weren't for Kuro being fine.... we would have thought you've died."

'..... 7 days disappearance? What's the meaning of this Cecilia?' Hearing Sara's words, Zhen transmitted his word to Cecilia mentally because it would label him as a lunatic for talking randomly.

"Surprise, I can only make the time flow this much since I'm still weak so 7 days have actually passed in the real world."

A teasing voice echoed in his mind and Zhen became petrified. Cecilia can easily turn from serious to playful in a matter of seconds.

'Just where did she learn this from?'

"I'm sorry Sara, there were some problems with my body so it took 7 days to fix it properly. Please don't kick me out." Zhen pleaded for mercy while making up lies on the spot as usual.

'I'm truly a genius when it comes to making lies but at least it makes sense. They can't even check that I'm actually lying, given how reasonable the lie is.'

"We're not kicking you out... but we are going to leave the Town of Ash"

"WHAT? You're leaving the Town of Ash? Where are you going to go?" Zhen was shocked that it was Sara leaving this town.

They were living here ever since Sara was born but to think they're the first one to leave when this town is in an extremely delicate position.

"I know it's sudden, but I have been accepted into the magic academy in the Swift Feather Kingdom. I have applied for entry before meeting you... Zhen." Sara said timidly.

'Sigh, that magic academy where I have heard people talking to Simon in the Holy Library huh.' Zhen was not prepared for this sudden departure since they have spent very little time together.

(Refer to chapter 18 for the scene of Simon and fellows bootlickers)

"It's fine Sara, you have already prepared for everything and I would feel guilty if I'm the one that blocks your path." 

Zhen really didn't want to separate from her and tried to inform her of the real cultivation when he came back here.

However, Cecilia warned him not to because Sara has gone too far compared to him in cultivation. It'll ruin her instead if he tells her to reset cultivation.

Despite not being able to stop her, Zhen can slowly deviate her mage rank to the actual cultivation. 

The process will be slow but she can advance to a true Qi Cultivator in the near future when she attained a higher comprehension.

Zhen was glad to be able to make love with her as she received part of the true qi from Cecilia when she was still a tiny core without conscience in his stomach.

"Sara, take this cultivation technique and make sure, no one is allowed to see this. I mean no one which means not even your closest, including me." Zhen said with a serious tone because of this technique that Cecilia gave him to help her.

The consequence would be severe if it were to leak outside.

This tiny world will be in chaos and turmoil due to the newfound knowledge. Therefore, Zhen was gambling with his trust in Sara and the fact that she's his woman.

Sara took the technique with a grave expression because she has never seen him so serious before. She wanted to ask why but it's best to not pry for more information. They were lovers and he clearly wants the best for her.

When Zhen saw Sara nodding after taking the technique, his shoulder softened. 

'Now I won't have to worry about Sara being unable to protect herself.'

"Sara, seeing how your family is going to leave with you, take Kuro with you. Kuro and I are connected with each other so we can always communicate." After a long pondering, Zhen decided to have Kuro accompany Sara.

First, he'll need to hone his skills and learn combat experience himself. With Kuro being near him, Zhen won't feel any danger because of his presence. 

Plus, Zhen finally knew about Kuro's true form and he's one over-powerful beast.

Cecilia has told Zhen about Kuro when she first saw him. To Zhen's surprise, Kuro is a true dragon descendant with the purest bloodline. His ancestor was a fearful beast in Cecilia's original world too.

'Such a legendary beast is my familiar, if this isn't lucky, I don't know what is.' 

Zhen laughs inwardly when all the good things just come up to his doorstep without lifting an inch.

Knowing how fearsome Kuro is, Zhen is more comfortable with Kuro on Sara's side than his because he has Cecilia to guide him.

After Zhen chatted with Sandy and John for a long hour of the session, mostly Sandy telling Zhen to take care of himself. 

Separating is never a good feeling but it's inevitable and would only increase their affection from missing their other half.

Therefore, Zhen won't feel sad much because he can always go to the Swift Feather Kingdom at any time.

Just not now since those black mages, or the nickname Zhen decided to call them from now on, are the dogs.

The reason why he called them dogs now is because a dog is one who wags their tails to serve their master like a little bitch.

'I didn't look for trouble but time and time again, you have targeted my loved one.'

They don't know his true identity so Zhen would be a fool to not take advantage of this. 

Their so-called magical beast riot to make towns into ruin was simply because they detected some traces of Cecilia's family aura.

Karl would have been targeted as well if the dungeon wasn't capable of hiding their auras. This tiny world to them may be an ant that they could squash.

But if a dungeon appeared in this tiny world capable of avoiding their detection, his instinct is telling him that there is something precious hidden in this world.

Zhen stopped thinking about this complicated stuff as he hugged and kissed Sara passionately. 

He couldn't make love with her since they are leaving right now so he has to take any opportunity possible.

Kuro hugged him as well but it was too hard so Zhen could only hug back with some difficulty.

"Kuro, our time may be short but you're my family. Protect Sara well, I would meet up with you after I solved some crisis."

"Master, take care of your well-being too. Also when you meet up, make sure to bring delicious food for me."

'This Kuro, I can't tell if he will miss me more or the food.' Zhen let go of him gradually and watched as they departed the Town of Ash.

Only when he can no longer see their shadows did his gaze turned toward the Forest of Trove. 

'Time for me to train up and sabotage the dogs of the empyrean scheme.'

Before John's departure, Zhen had gotten much information about what happened in those 7 days. 

Apparently, the magical beasts in the forest have been acting anomaly and began to attack in a horde.

Based on John's intel, this is the sign of a magical beast's riot, preparing to launch a full attack on the town.

Right now, the town has been in a panic and almost turned into a ghost town since most of the residents have retreated to the Swift Feather Kingdom.

John, Sandy, and Sara only left right now because they were worried about him and still debating if they should leave as well.

Now that he came back safely and stopped their worries, they can leave with relief while Zhen is back to being alone.

"Don't you have me accompanying you right now?" Cecilia suddenly said in a sweet voice to his mind.

"That's right, I have you with me now. Time for you to teach me Flash Point."

A slight smile appeared on his face as Zhen started running toward the inner core of the forest.