Su Cheng: ?
She looked down in shock at her scarred right hand.
Countless tiny cuts, bruised and slightly loosened fingernails, the fluid oozing from burst blisters washed away again—
None of that mattered.
What mattered was that the power she had unleashed in that instant was absolutely beyond her original capabilities.
This was clearly the effect of battle aura.
Although her arm was still incredibly sore and her fingers hurt as if they were about to shatter, she could vividly feel the burning power within them.
The dragon eagle raised its head and wove through the rainstorm, letting out short, cheerful screeches one after another. After a few cries, it began to flap its wings vigorously, darting up and down.
Su Cheng realized it was hungry.
Now, holding the saddle horn with one hand, she could pretty much secure her entire body while reaching her other hand into the bag for raw meat on the bone.
Raindrops pelted against her face so hard she could barely open her eyes. She forced herself to shakily pull out a massive, meaty leg bone, took a deep breath, and hurled it forward.
If she had not possessed battle aura, it would have been absolutely impossible for her to throw such a thing that far with one hand from this posture.
Yet at this very moment, the bone traced an arc in the air, and the dragon eagle abruptly turned its head, catching the meat in its sharp, long beak.
Su Cheng breathed a sigh of relief.
The intelligence of this kind of magical beast was not too low, but one could not expect them to be like humans or dragons.
In their world, the concept of consideration hardly existed.
Though even if it were a dragon, they most likely would not do it either, as they usually only deign to cooperate with the strong.
As the night began to fade, the silhouette of a town gradually became clear in the dawn light.
The surrounding rolling mountains were relatively low, resembling an enclosing corral, tracing a jagged arc against the horizon.
The houses and hills below were shrouded in a dusty gray shadow. Herds of beasts chewed on fodder in the pens; hundreds of large-horned rock cows swished their fluffy tails, while two-headed fire salamanders dug at the mud beside puddles. The owners of the paddock stood by the fence gate. The couple was drawing water from a well when they heard the distant screech of the dragon eagles. They immediately looked up, their faces lighting up with joy.
A few carts laden with hay rumbled down the road, their wheels rolling through puddles and splashing up scattered silvery light.
The dragon eagles landed one after another. The couple had already run over, enthusiastically inviting the mercenary lords to their paddock.
Su Cheng's entire body ached terribly; she had no patience to listen to their sales pitch about how delicious the meat of their cows and salamanders was, or how much dragon eagles loved it.
Is there a church temple in this town? she asked, straining her hoarse voice. I need a cleric to heal me, I can pay whatever it costs—
The wife nodded repeatedly. Yes, yes, my lord, there is even a bishop at the temple...
Su Cheng was a little surprised. Generally speaking, only proper cities had a bishop presiding over a temple.
But if this town was important enough, or faced some severe threat, it made sense for the church to send a bishop.
She pulled out a few gold coins. My dragon eagle will eat here—
As for whether her teammates chose this paddock, that was their business. She could not hold on any longer anyway.
Su Cheng: Do you have a horse? Can I borrow it?
The couple instantly beamed and nodded profusely. The wife dashed off to ride a horse over, while the husband enthusiastically babbled on about how fresh the cows in the pen were.
You still have the strength to ride a horse?
Sasha jumped down from his dragon eagle's back, watching her with interest. Are you sure you will not just hit the ground and fall asleep?
I have held on until here, Su Cheng looked at him weakly. I can probably hold on by a thread for a bit longer.
The silver-haired youth laughed and leaped up, lightly sitting beside her. You can gather aura now?
As he spoke, he reached out and pinched her wrist and ankle bones. His cold fingers moved up along her half-wet clothes, pressed her knee, and then touched her inner thigh.
Su Cheng drew in a sharp breath.
She did not even need to look to know those areas were definitely chafed raw. The rainwater and blood mixed on her pants, making it as uncomfortable as could be.
The vampire raised his hand. Carry you to the temple?
Su Cheng rolled her eyes at him and, enduring the pain, snapped, I do not need you!
Sasha narrowed his red eyes. Then who do you want to carry you?
Are you deaf! I will ride a horse over myself!
Su Cheng finally untied the reins and scrambled down. With the protection of her battle aura, she was not afraid of breaking any bones anyway.
At most, it would just be a few more scrapes and bruises.
But the expected pain never arrived.
A pair of strong, iron-like arms caught her, even avoiding her sensitive chafed spots.
Her back bumped against a solid chest. A coolness seeped through the fabric as she fell into a seated position on the man's bent forearm, the back of her knees securely caught by his other hand.
...Be careful.
His voice pressed down from above, deep as muffled thunder.
Su Cheng slightly lifted her face. In this position, the top of her head barely reached his shoulder, and she was completely encircled in his embrace.
She looked up into those bright golden eyes, feeling very conflicted. Right now, I want to thank you, but I also want to hit you.
Kai looked down, meeting her gaze. Hearing this, he actually hugged her closer to his chest. I am sorry. Then hit me.
Su Cheng: ?
Su Cheng: ...I am joking. You already warned me, and I felt that progress too. It really was an instantaneous breakthrough, right when I almost died.
I know it was hard on you, he fell silent for a moment. But you would not die.
Su Cheng let out a long sigh. I do know those wind magic spells that can keep you from falling to your death, but they cannot be cast perfectly under just any condition. If I—
It is not because of that, Kai said helplessly. If you really fell, I would catch you.
Su Cheng looked at him, unconvinced.
Leaving other times aside, during that rainstorm, the four dragon eagles were very far apart. She could not see where the other three were at all.
...However, I always believed you could do it, because you showed good talent and comprehension right from the start.
Kai said in a low voice.
The morning breeze lifted a corner of his cloak, completely wrapping the young girl in his arms within his shadow.
If it caused you too much pain, I apologize.
He held her with one arm, letting her lean against his shoulder, while raising his other hand to shield the young girl's sweaty forehead, as if trying to block the chilly wind for her.
Camus also jumped down from his magical beast's back, walking past them without casting a sideways glance, as if he did not know them at all.
They were too lazy to shop around and simply decided to feed their mounts at the nearest paddock.
The dragon eagles shook off their temporary riders and flew over happily to chow down.
The paddock instantly descended into chaos, the herd of cows fleeing in all directions.
Having received a pile of gold coins, the male owner smiled so widely his eyes vanished, and the hostess quickly rode over on a horse.
She had specifically chosen the best horse in the stable. Its coat was bright and snow-white, its mane like shimmering silver frost, its limbs long and vigorous, and its posture very majestic.
The horse held its head high and let out a clear, ringing neigh.
Su Cheng glanced at it.
Then, inappropriately, she thought of the God of Purity.
"Anyway, I'll be careful next time."
Kai held her waist and placed her on the horse. Perhaps mindful of the injuries on her legs, he changed her to a side-saddle posture.
Su Cheng pulled the reins and looked down at the Commander. "Thank you anyway, but how on earth did you come up with such an abstract way of training—"
She pursed her lips as she spoke. "...Never mind. I'll go get healed first. This is too uncomfortable."
Although the horse's back was high, it couldn't compare to a magical beast. Moreover, the saddle was fully equipped, and the horse's temperament was not that irritable.
Having had the experience of riding a Dragon Eagle, she now felt this was entirely effortless.
Su Cheng asked the hostess for directions and learned that the Holy Church was right in the center of the town. She then gently kicked the horse's belly. "Let's go, handsome—"
The morning market had opened, and the town's streets were surging with crowds. Several wider streets acted like the spokes of a wheel, dividing the town into various fan-shaped districts.
Entering the town from the east, she saw rows upon rows of shops lining the streets, selling bone wares, saddles, leather goods, meat, and forage.
Because the town was located on a major transportation route, many travelers passed through. Some medium-sized herbivorous magical beasts were being led by their riders to feed at the troughs.
Right in the center of the town stood a beautiful white jade building, with the Holy Emblem of the Flaming Cross Ring erected on its dome.
Su Cheng dismounted and limped up the stairs.
Her current appearance was truly unappealing, no better than a beggar's. She could have easily been kicked out.
However, the paladins guarding the door all saw the gold coins in her hand and the quite valuable white horse, so none of them said a word.
The entire temple was quite small, containing only one large worship hall where the believers coming for morning prayers gathered.
She walked past the door and casually grabbed a passing cleric, asking them to heal her.
The cleric looked at her in surprise and sized her up for a moment. "What kind of injuries do you have? I haven't been a holy cleric for long. If it's very serious—"
"They are all superficial wounds," Su Cheng showed her her hands. "My legs are also chafed, but there is no damage to the bones or muscles."
The cleric breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "Then I can heal you, but it won't cost that much money. One silver coin is enough."
For most clerics, this level of superficial injury could be resolved with a single healing holy spell, and it wouldn't consume too much physical energy.
They then went to a small side hall nearby.
The cleric chanted softly for a few moments, and a pure, milky-white light surged from her hands. The warm light fell on the wounds.
Su Cheng watched as the injuries on her hands completely healed within ten seconds. "That's amazing..."
Suddenly, she felt a trace of regret for not joining this organization.
Otherwise, wouldn't she also possess this kind of power? Many things would become so convenient.
And this was only a beginner holy spell for a cleric.
She thought to herself as she untied her belt.
However, she might not be able to pass the entrance exam. After all, she knew what kind of character the God of Light was, and it would be difficult for her to genuinely pledge allegiance to that guy from the bottom of her heart.
"All done," the cleric looked at the young girl's thighs, which were now as smooth as before. "Are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere else?"
Because the other party firmly refused to accept the gold coins, Su Cheng had no choice but to give her a handful of silver coins. She also took the opportunity to ask if there was anything good to eat or fun to do around here.
The cleric still felt embarrassed, thinking she had given too much, so she cast an energy-restoring holy spell on her. This kind of spell was suitable for people who hadn't slept in a long time.
Su Cheng quickly thanked her. Although a magician's energy was better than an ordinary person's and she could hold on without sleep for two or three days, it was ultimately uncomfortable.
The cleric enthusiastically introduced the area and offered to show her around the temple. "There are historical ruins right here! They are all open to the public!"
Ironcage Town was one of the empire's ancient towns, having existed for thousands of years. It was said to have been attacked by the wicked fires of pagans, and today it still preserved memorial sculptures left over from ancient times.
Some of them were in the garden of the Holy Church.
In the courtyard surrounded by high walls and vines, ancient olive trees cast dappled green shadows, and several statues stood on the high ground.
Su Cheng looked at the nearest sculpture.
It depicted a middle-aged woman with a resolute expression and a gaunt face, dressed like a minor noble, but holding two swords in her hands.
Su Cheng softly read the inscription below.
"In memory of Isha Vane, who guarded this land with her sword and oath until her last breath—"
The cleric beside her sighed softly, a look of admiration on her face, and began to explain in a low voice.
This statue was of a mayor from thousands of years ago. At that time, the forces of the God of Darkness had not yet retreated to the Southern Continent, and the Silver Moon Empire was still engulfed in the chaotic flames of war.
A group of pagan bandits passed by the area and bathed the entire town in blood. The mayor at the time resisted bravely and died in battle only after being struck by over a dozen arrows. Her four children were also sacrificed alongside her, the youngest being only nine years old.
She fought desperately to buy the residents a chance to escape. However, there were too many bandits, and almost everyone in the town was killed, leaving very few survivors.
"...Her body returned to dust, but her soul is forever forged here. Passerby, please remember: true courage is holding the torch high even when knowing the darkness is approaching."
Looking at the weather-beaten inscription, Su Cheng couldn't help but sigh and gave a gentle bow to the statue.
"Speaking of which, why is her statue here? Was she a cleric?"
The surroundings suddenly became quiet.
"No."
A voice came from behind.
The cleric from earlier had left at some unknown point.
Su Cheng turned her head.
A tall, slender figure stood in the shade of the trees.
The man was very tall and well-built. He wore a light gray trench coat that accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist, and his legs, wrapped in knee-high boots, appeared even more slender.
His hands were tucked in his pockets. His silvery-white curly hair was tied up in a high ponytail, cascading down to his waist like a river of frost.
The pale golden morning light filtered through the gaps in the leaves, falling dappled across his braided hair and tracing his deep, handsome features.
He was frowning slightly, looking over with an indescribable gaze.
"This used to be the garden of the town hall. Later, the town hall was relocated for expansion, and a temple was built here instead. They preserved this section."
The silver-haired man said.
He stepped over the moss-covered path and slowly approached.
Su Cheng couldn't help but feel that he looked somewhat familiar.
