Chapter 7: Leaving (Patreon)

The night in the deep, old forest was exceptionally still.

Coupled with the overcast sky, the darkness beneath the night was absolute.

Only a faint glimmer of light flickered from a thatched cottage hidden atop the mountain.

Swoosh... swoosh...

This was a small pool behind the cottage, formed by a converging stream.

Under the night sky, apart from the chirping of insects, only the sound of the stream and a faintly visible figure in the pool could be heard.

"Hah..."

Although coming to bathe in the pool late at night, especially in the chilly March weather, was a bit cold, for Haru now, being impervious to heat and cold was just a basic skill.

It was just that the pitch-black surroundings dampened the mood a little, and being alone felt somewhat lonely.

But with his divine art mastered, his strength had grown significantly.

While not as exaggerated as having "night vision," the darkness didn't affect him much.

If it were the Sect Leader Sister, night would still be as bright as day to her, not hindering her in the slightest.

After a day of training, Haru felt somewhat weary.

However, his nightly soak was one of the rare ways he could relieve fatigue and stress. Even though it was in an icy pool, he persisted through wind and snow.

It was just a pity that the "scenic views" he'd been hoping for never materialized.

Then again, thinking about it, with the Sect Leader Sister's power, how could there possibly be any "door-opening surprises" or certain scenarios?

So all those stories about lucky pervert moment— they were all lies!

Well, this was just his mind wandering while he relaxed in the bath.

If he really did try to peek, the Sect Leader Sister probably wouldn't even get angry or mind.

Swoosh... swoosh...

The mountain forest in the night was tranquil and profound, the distant peaks shrouded in hazy silhouettes.

Haru didn't linger long in the pool. Feeling refreshed, he slowly rose, stepped out of the water, picked up the clothes he'd scrubbed clean, and channeled his cursed energy to dry them.

That's right—cursed energy was just that convenient and versatile, useful for everything from cooking to laundry.

After returning, he'd just need to let them air out a bit, saving both time and effort.

Click!

Holding the freshly dried clothes, Haru soon returned to the simple thatched cottage, the only place with any light in the deepening night.

The cottage was modest but spacious enough. Beyond the front hall was the Sect Leader Sister's private chamber, though it had also become Haru's room since a year ago.

By the way, Lu Yinghua didn't live on the mountain. During his training periods, he stayed alone at the foot of the hill.

After all, the young master was nearly terrified of his master, avoiding the Sect Leader whenever possible.

For him, every encounter with her was like passing through the gates of hell!

Eyes open~

In the simple room, a graceful figure sat with an ethereal presence. Luo Hao, dressed in light, loose clothing, slowly opened her beautiful green eyes as Haru entered.

Under the dim candlelight, her eyes resembled deep, luminous gemstones similar to Haru.

Even her calm gaze carried an intangible, immense pressure.

Someone timid or fragile would surely feel fear and trepidation under such a look.

But after a year of living together, Haru had grown accustomed to the Sect Leader's presence. After greeting her with a "Sister," he went about hanging the clothes to air, though he could feel her gaze fixed intently on him.

"Sister?"

"Come here."

"Is something wrong?"

"..."

The Sect Leader's unusual behavior made Haru curious and slightly wary.

But at her words, he didn't hesitate to approach the resting area and sit down, admiring the celestial beauty before him, so close under the flickering candlelight.

Luo Hao didn't speak further. Instead, she raised her hand and patted her lap—a gesture Haru understood well and was all too familiar with. He lay down without hesitation.

Right onto the Sect Leader's lap, in the ultimate zone of comfort.

Head pat Head pat

Neither of them spoke. One relaxed comfortably within this absolute territory, while the other silently combed her fingers through his hair.

It was just like a year ago, when Haru had first transmigrated and they found themselves together in the meteorite crater.

Or perhaps, even closer now?

After all, Haru felt no restraint or hesitation. Instead, he wrapped his arms around his "pillow," and Luo Hao allowed it, her expression calm as she watched him.

"You're leaving?"

"Hmm? Yeah."

"Do you have to go?"

"Yeah, it's unavoidable."

"...Then go."

"Sister, aren't you going to ask what I'm going to do?"

"No need. Just remember to come back soon."

"Okay."

Haru wasn't the least bit surprised that the Sect Leader had guessed his thoughts.

For someone like her, abilities like "mind reading" weren't beyond her—she just chose not to use them on him.

His unusual behavior today had probably already caught her attention.

Plus, he hadn't tried to hide his request for Lu Yinghua's help in investigating someone from her. He just wondered how much she actually knew about this world.

And as for his identity as a transmigrator—the Sect Leader had known from the very beginning and hadn't shown the slightest surprise.

After all, she herself possessed the ability to "travel to other worlds"!

"It's late. You should rest now."

"Mm. Sister..."

"What is it?"

"Um, well... sister, can I rest with you today?"

"...You may."

Seeing the Sect Leader's silence, Haru had already started to give up hope.

But upon hearing her reply, his eyes instantly lit up, and he eagerly pulled her down to lie beside him.

Luo Hao didn't mind. Instead, after a bit of rustling, she arranged some clothes neatly by the pillow, then wrapped her jade-like arm around him in return...