My body was now fully healed. Even my hair and eyes, which had turned yellowish-gold, had returned to normal. The only problem now was that I had no idea how to escape.
Well, anyway, I had to try. At least, I needed to keep moving instead of staying in one place and relying on the luck that always let me down. With my clothes torn and the jade lotus in my hand, I kept going, looking for a way out.
Six days went by. I had no idea how far I had traveled. There was no map, no compass. I relied solely on myself. Luckily, I didn't need to bother cooking when I was hungry because even raw beast meat tasted good to me.
CLANK!
The sound of a sword echoed in the distance.
"Ah, it seems there are people there," I thought to myself. Running at full speed, I finally reached the source of the noise.
I saw three disciples surrounded by beasts. One of them was injured. Without a second thought, I immediately broke through and charged into the encirclement. One thing I had to ensure first. Saving my source of information for the exit.
First, I moved them to a safe spot on the side. This way, I could focus entirely on the beasts without the distraction of protecting the disciples.
STAB!
One of the beasts attacked me while my back was turned. Right in front of the three disciples, they witnessed a terrifying sight. My chest was pierced straight through, front to back. Their gazes mixed horror and concern.
"Relax, this is nothing. But there is one thing I hate the most. Cowards who only dare to stab from behind," I said coldly. "Please hold this for me," I added, handing over the Jade Moon Lotus.
With a reflexive motion, I twisted my body and landed a kick directly onto the beast's head until it exploded into fragments. The disciple's eyes widened in sheer terror, especially seeing the blood, brains, and eyes splattering everywhere.
Hell. That was the only word appropriate to describe this situation.
Now, I had completely finished off the beasts. I approached the trembling disciples. "So, please tell me the way out."
Still shaking, they couldn't produce a sound. They looked like mice cornered by a cat, one of them even wet himself.
"<---"
One of the disciples pointed to the left with a shaky hand.
"Thank you," I said coldly. At least I still remembered that I should express gratitude for even the smallest assistance.
I left, leaving them to their terror and relief.
---
Now, I had finally exited Kidang Alas. Dozens of eyes greeted me with surprise and bewilderment. Except for two people who immediately rushed toward me: Tono and Putri.
"KARMAN!!!" they shouted in unison.
"You bastard! You made us worry sick," Putri cried, tears streaming down her face.
Tono stood beside me and put his arm around me. "Karman... let's get you some rest first," Tono said, concerned.
"Thank you, both of you. But I need to deliver this right away," I replied, gesturing to the Jade Moon Lotus.
"Relax, Karman. Healer Sugeng is already a little better, even with just the incomplete Jade Moon Lotus we managed to get before," Bonar chimed in, having just arrived.
"Thank goodness," I replied, glancing at Senior Bagong at the end of the room.
"Bonar!" Putri urged. "Take this to the clinic immediately!"
That was my warm welcome from the friends I had fought alongside. But still, I felt nothing.
Phew... Finally, the first cold shower since leaving Kidang Alas. My body felt slightly relaxed and refreshed.
And... I immediately fell asleep. My body wouldn't even wake up when I heard Tono's footsteps approaching.
"Karman! Look, I brought you a delivery from Bi Ijah," Tono said, then was surprised to see me asleep on the floor. But I was genuinely exhausted and sleepy. Even before I completely lost myself to dreams, I heard Tono's voice and the sect's physician checking on me.
"Everything is normal," the physician said.
The reality was: no matter how strong, how resilient I became, I was still human.
---
News of my return had apparently reached the sect elders and the Sect Leader.
"So, I trust you are all aware of the news," the Sect Leader opened the meeting in the elders' hall.
"We should interrogate the boy immediately. This is too suspicious—" one of the elders was cut short.
"What are you implying!" Elder Hartono exclaimed, his face flushed with emotion. "You people are going too far."
"I understand, but right now, we must prioritize safety. We need to be careful. Don't just rely on feelings," the elder continued.
The atmosphere was truly tense and heated. But unlike his usual demeanor, Elder Bejo Bejan was silent this time. Too silent for even the quietest man.
"Enough," the Sect Leader commanded. "I will personally verify this matter." He then changed the subject. "We will discuss something else: the Sect Ranking Tournament."
---
Ahhh... finally, fresh air. I hadn't felt this refreshed in a long time. I saw Tono beside me, neatly organizing his clothes in the closet. But I couldn't waste time; I needed to prepare immediately.
"Thank goodness, Karman, you're finally awake. But don't stand up so fast, just sit down for a moment."
"Ah, oh, okay."
"I was really worried, especially since you didn't wake up for five straight days," Tono said anxiously. "Fortunately, the sect physician checked on you every day."
"Tono, I have to hurry," I said.
"What do you mean? Where are you going now?"
"I need to meet the Sect Leader."
"Karman! I know you're strong. But you—"
"This is important, Tono," I interrupted.
"Ughhh. You are annoying as always. I won't stop you. But remember, you are not alone in this world. If you need anything at all, I will be the first one to run and help you. Remember that."
"Got it."
I arrived at the Sect Leader's office.
"Excuse me," I said.
"Come in," the Sect Leader welcomed me.
As I opened the door, I saw a man dressed in clean white robes embroidered with the Murim Alliance symbol, sitting in a chair with his feet propped up on a small table provided.
"This stupid man has no sense of place," I muttered internally.
I walked closer and immediately kicked the small table, sending the Murim man's feet crashing to the floor.
"How dare you, brat!" the man exclaimed in surprise, reaching for his sword.
I remained calm. We exchanged stares.
"Draw that sword! And you will regret it."