My body was completely 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.
I had to try. I needed to keep moving instead of staying in one place and relying on luck. I was wearing torn clothes and holding the jade lotus. 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 or compass. I counted only on myself. Luckily, I didn't need to cook when I was hungry because even raw meat tasted good to me.
CLANK!
The sound of a sword rang out in the distance.
"There are people there," I thought. I ran as fast as I could and found the noise.
I saw three disciples surrounded by beasts. One of them was hurt. Without hesitation, I broke through the circle and charged in. I had to make sure of one thing first. I'm 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 worrying about protecting the disciples.
STAB!
One of the beasts attacked me while I wasn't paying attention. Right in front of the three disciples, they saw something scary. I was pierced from front to back. They looked at each other, showing that they were both shocked and worried.
"Relax, this is nothing. But there is one thing I hate the most. Cowards who only dare to stab from behind," I said coldly. "Hold this for me," I said, giving him the Jade Moon Lotus.
I spun around and kicked the creature's head, shattering it into pieces. The disciple was very scared, especially when he saw the blood, brains, and eyes all over the place.
Damn. That was the only word that made sense in this situation.
Now, I had completely finished off the beasts. I went to the scared followers. "So, please tell me the way out."
They were still shaking, and they couldn't make a sound. They looked like mice caught in a trap, and 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 remembered to be grateful for even the smallest help.
I left, leaving them to deal with their feelings of fear and relief.
---
Now, I had finally left Kidang Alas. Dozens of eyes looked at me with surprise and confusion. Two people ran toward me. Tono and Putri.
"KARMAN!!!" they shouted at the same time.
"You bastard! You made us worry sick," Putri said, crying.
Tono stood beside me and put his arm around me. "Karman, we should get you some rest first," Tono said, worried.
"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 got before," Bonar said, 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 right away!"
---
That was my warm welcome from the friends I had fought alongside. But I still didn't feel anything.
Phew... Finally, I felt the cold water of the shower after leaving Kidang Alas. My body felt relaxed and refreshed.
And... I fell asleep right away. My body wouldn't respond even when I heard Tono's footsteps.
"Karman! I brought you a delivery from Bi Ijah," Tono said, then was surprised to see me asleep on the floor. But I was really tired and sleepy. Even before I completely lost consciousness, I heard Tono's voice and the sect's doctor checking on me.
"Everything is normal," the doctor said.
The truth was that no matter how strong or resilient I became, I was still human.
---
News of my return had apparently reached the sect elders and the Sect Leader.
"I'm sure you've all heard the news," the Sect Leader said as he started the meeting in the elders' hall.
"We should question the boy right away. This is too suspicious...." one of the elders was cut off.
"What are you implying?" Elder Hartono said, his face showing he was very angry. "You're going too far."
"I understand, but right now, we need to focus on safety. We need to be careful. Don't just rely on your feelings," the elder continued.
The atmosphere was very tense and heated. But Elder Bejo Bejan didn't say anything, which was different from his usual behavior. Too quiet for quietest man.
"Enough," the Sect Leader said. "I will personally check this matter." He then changed the subject. "We will talk about something else: the Sect Ranking Tournament."
---
Ahh... finally, fresh air. I hadn't felt this good in a long time. I saw Tono next to 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, okay."
"I was really worried, especially since you didn't wake up for five days," Tono said, sounding worried. "Luckily, the doctor from the sect checked on you every day."
"Tono, I have to go," 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 said.
"Ugh. You are annoying as always. I won't stop you. But remember, you are not alone. If you need anything, I'll be the first to help you. Remember that."
"Got it."
I went to the office of the Sect Leader.
"Excuse me," I said.
"Come in," the Sect Leader said.
When I opened the door, I saw a man wearing clean white robes with the Murim Alliance symbol embroidered on them. He was sitting in a chair with his feet up on a small table.
"This clueless guy has no sense of direction," I thought to myself.
I walked closer and immediately kicked the small table, which made the Murim man's feet fall to the floor.
"How dare you, brat!" the man exclaimed in surprise, reaching for his sword.
I stayed calm. We looked at each other.
"Draw that sword! And you will regret it."