Having utterly dismantled every stronghold and the very headquarters of the Serpent of Andumali, Yue Wu decided it was time to depart and return home.
As for Hosen and Easton, he resolved to simply eliminate them upon their next encounter.
Upon returning to his home in Saxon City, Yue Wu found Jeanne D’Arc standing by the doorway, patiently awaiting his arrival.
Five other girls accompanied her, their presence a comforting sight.
“Brother, are you alright?”
Seeing Yue Wu, Jeanne D’Arc rushed forward, embracing him tightly.
The profound unease that had gripped her heart vanished in that instant.
“I’m fine. How are you feeling now?”
Yue Wu gently stroked Jeanne D’Arc’s head, and she then released her embrace.
“Mm, just like before.”
To reassure him, Jeanne D’Arc twirled around, demonstrating that she was perfectly fine.
“Let’s go eat first. Afterward, I’ll take you all somewhere.”
The moment Yue Wu returned, Xiao Qing burst from inside the house, launching herself into his embrace.
“Mm.”
Yue Wu and the others headed to a nearby restaurant for a meal.
There, they unexpectedly spotted an acquaintance.
“Teacher Yue Wu, I didn’t expect to see you dining here! The little girls behind you are quite lovely. Is the one in your arms your daughter?”
Daliena Murphy happened to be dining in the same restaurant as Yue Wu.
Daliena Murphy
Level: 100 (S-rank)
Gender: Female
Race: Human
Age: 26
Profession: Martial Artist
Affiliation: Fiore Academy
Attributes: Qi, Unity of Heaven and Man
Strength: A+
Constitution: A+
Endurance: B+
Magic Power: S
Spirit: B
Agility: A
Description: The ‘Battle Maniac’ and ‘Arena Queen’ of Fiore Academy, she is a martial artist who reveres Huaxia on the Subcontinent. She once spent time there, possessing exceptional martial arts talent.
After a decade of dedicated effort, she comprehended the realm of ‘Unity of Heaven and Man’. Upon returning to the European continent, she swept through every arena, her combat record unblemished by defeat.
Daliena had achieved a breakthrough during her previous match with Yue Wu, her strength directly propelled her into the echelons of S-rank powerhouses.
She was profoundly grateful to Yue Wu, and having encountered him today, she felt compelled to express her thanks once more.
“Regardless, thank you for the match today.”
“So, I’m treating today. Don’t be shy!”
Daliena approached Yue Wu and clapped him on the shoulder, her demeanor as familiar as if they were long-lost friends.
“Shouldn’t you be at the arena right now?”
Yue Wu was somewhat puzzled by Daliena’s presence in a restaurant during the afternoon.
Unlike him, she was typically bound to the arena, and with evening still hours away, this seemed like an unauthorized absence.
“I’ve already left Fiore, which is why I’m thanking you.”
Daliena took a seat at the same table as Yue Wu and his companions.
“Why did you leave? Wasn’t Fiore Academy worth staying for?”
Yue Wu didn’t look at Daliena; instead, his gaze was fixed on the menu the waiter presented.
He wasn’t particularly concerned about her departure from Fiore Academy, merely asking out of casual curiosity.
He himself held no strong attachment to Fiore, as nothing in this world had truly captured his interest yet.
Yue Wu’s level, attributes, and abilities had already reached the pinnacle of the world.
Even confronting the entire world would be an exceedingly simple task for him.
The only events that truly piqued his interest were the impending invasions by the radical demon faction and the Void in two years’ time.
If there was one truly worthwhile endeavor for him, it was locating the World Tree.
The sole path to the World Tree led to the world’s core: the Mirror Dimension.
The Mirror Dimension was an unstable gateway, its entrance potentially appearing in the sky, the deep sea, within the earth, among the clouds, or even within insignificant jars and bottles at home.
Inside, it formed a miniature world, structured as a colossal labyrinth, with the World Tree situated at the maze’s furthest end.
Legend held that the World Tree embodied the world’s consciousness, connecting countless realms.
Nearly every world possessed a World Tree, and should one be destroyed, the world that lost it would invariably face ruin.
“I only joined Fiore to stabilize my strength and, incidentally, to reach S-rank.”
“I signed a contract with Hootga, stipulating that I could leave once I achieved S-rank.”
Daliena explained her reasons for departing the academy.
“So, what are your plans for the future? Are you returning to Huaxia?”
Yue Wu lowered the menu he held, lifting his gaze to meet Daliena’s.
“Why would Teacher Yue Wu ask if I’m returning to Huaxia?”
“Just a hunch.”
“How interesting. I do indeed plan to go back.”
“Brother, are you going back to the Subcontinent?”
“Oh? Teacher Yue Wu, are you from the Subcontinent?”
“I am Huaxia.”
“Teacher Yue Wu, I never realized you kept that hidden. How often do you go home?”
“I have no sense of direction; I wouldn’t know the way back.”
“If you ever return to Huaxia, Teacher Yue Wu, I’d be happy to show you around.”
“Thanks.”
“No need to thank me, it’s a small matter.”
“Since you’re heading to Huaxia to study, I can tell you the whereabouts of the martial arts grandmaster who taught you the ‘Unity of Heaven and Man’.”
“Teacher Yue Wu, you know that martial arts grandmaster?”
During Yue Wu and Daliena’s conversation, Jeanne D’Arc only interjected once, unable to join in otherwise.
However, when Yue Wu mentioned the martial arts grandmaster, Daliena’s excitement was palpable.
“I know him, but he might not know me.”
“Then, Teacher Yue Wu, how do you know where that martial arts grandmaster is?”
“Because I know him.”
“Then please, you must tell me!”
“At the foot of Wudang Mountain. If you see a white-haired individual, simply follow him.”
“White hair? There’s a saying in Huaxia: ‘A great kindness needs no words of thanks.’ I’ve already expressed my gratitude, Teacher Yue Wu.”
“Won’t you stay a little longer?”
“No, I can’t. Next time you visit Huaxia, Teacher Yue Wu, please be sure to let me know. I’ll show you around.”
Daliena rushed off in a hurry, completely forgetting her earlier promise to treat them.
Yue Wu, however, paid it no mind.
****
After their meal, Yue Wu led Jeanne D’Arc and the other five girls to the incredibly familiar Fingerli Forest.
“Today, I’ll assess your combat compatibility, and then I’ll assign each of you a training partner.”
Shavier: “Really?”
Alicia: “That’s wonderful!”
Yue Wu: “You’d all better take this seriously, because one careless mistake could lead to death.”
Luoge: “This consort understands.”
Jeanne D’Arc: “Don’t worry, Brother!”
Windy: “W-will we really die?”