Chapter 20: A Smile and the First Step!
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After Sayru was done with the guard…
He finally stepped into the Magical Capital!
A city truly worthy of its fame—its beauty enchanted the eyes.
As the two passed through the grand gate, they were greeted by lights illuminating everything around them.
The buildings were tall and ancient in style. Lanterns hung from the high walls gave the streets a charm that was truly unique.
With the sun setting and darkness slowly cloaking the capital, the city began to shine even more brightly.
Sayru pondered to himself,
"Could it be... today is the Ancestors' Festival?"
They walked through the crowded streets, the markets alive and bustling with people of all kinds—nobles and commoners alike.
As one went deeper into the capital, they'd see streets and stores catered specifically for martial artists, selling all manner of resources, pills, herbs, and gems.
Sayru also noticed restaurants that welcomed cultivators—where even the weakest had reached at least the First Star.
Even the waiters were at the Second Star.
Knowing exactly where he was heading, Sayru didn't waste time and delved deeper into the heart of the city…
Until he arrived at a high-class residential district.
A place filled with nobles, merchants, and wealthy cultivators. Despite that, it was calm and rather empty.
Sayru slowed his pace until he reached a small bridge over a beautiful lake lit with floating lanterns. He stopped and gazed up at the sky.
"Look closely. You won't see this sight again for another hundred years..."
He spoke to Ananova as he smiled—for the first time in a long while.
That smile enchanted Ananova. She turned to look where he was looking…
And saw lights soaring through the night sky. The heavens themselves glowed with a sea of floating orbs.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the atmosphere became nothing short of magical.
Unknowingly, tears welled up in Ananova's eyes for a reason she herself couldn't explain.
As Sayru tried to calm her, suddenly—the contract between them evolved.
Ananova, who was previously bound as his servant, had now become his official attendant. One final step remained before she could become his disciple.
"A-Am I… am I worthy of your protection now, Master?!"
Sayru sighed.
"Haaah… Yes, it means you now deserve my protection—but not yet my knowledge. There's still a long road ahead if you wish to be my disciple. But from now on, no one shall ever harm you while I breathe."
Joy sparkled on Ananova's radiant face. With a mature smile, she continued walking beside him, lightly holding onto his sleeve.
—
Night fell. The city began to quiet down, though some still celebrated—and the red-light district came to life…
Sayru and Ananova were searching for a suitable home to settle in.
'I have four million gold coins now, but it won't last forever. First thing's first: a proper residence to settle in for a while. Then I'll invest in the resources I currently need.'
Sayru went to a real estate firm and purchased a luxurious house in the noble district for 500,000 gold.
The two headed directly to their new home.
"This house is huge, Master!"
Ananova was in awe of the grand mansion—it resembled a palace, a far cry from the poverty she'd grown up in.
Sayru went straight to the second floor and pointed to one of the four rooms.
"This will be my room from now on. Don't disturb me unless it's urgent. Now go pick a room for yourself too."
Ananova's eyes lit up.
"Really? I can have a room too?! Yay!!
But… this house is so big. How will I clean it all?"
"That's your job now, since you're officially my attendant. I'll write down some techniques to help you train your Sacred Body, along with other preparations for your upcoming breakthrough. Don't interrupt me in the meantime."
Sayru entered his room and closed the door behind him.
"Alright… at the very least, I'll work hard to repay the immense kindness he's shown me!"
Inside his room, Sayru was scanning the house through the window, releasing his spiritual sense to detect and secure every inch of the estate.
Once he finished, Mimin emerged from his mind-sea.
"So… you've returned to this place once again…
And this room… It looks like you've finally resolved yourself to execute that plan."
She sat on the bed, her gaze sweeping across the room with a hint of sadness.
"I told you before, I won't repeat the same mistake again. The path ahead is clear—but treacherous. I may survive today, but not tomorrow. And I won't let that damned war begin again!"
Mimin got up and floated to his shoulder.
"So… what's your first move?"
Sayru gazed up at the starry sky and replied with a wicked grin:
"The first step… will be to destroy that moon!"