44: Chapter 44 The Eve of Departure

After Long Aotian left, Chen Ergou did not take it too much to heart.

In his view, although Long Aotian's strength was not weak, as long as he was careful, there shouldn't be any major problems.

The urgent priority now was to prepare for the trip to the main city.

During these three days, Chen Ergou made full preparations.

He first replenished all his potions, crafting a large batch of [regret potion]s, [Confusion Potion]s, and [truth cookie]s.

These potions were very popular in the Novice Village, and they should be able to sell for a good price in the main city as well.

Then, he went to the market to buy quite a few materials and pieces of equipment.

The situation in the main city was unknown, so preparing more supplies was always a good thing.

He bought a large amount of alchemy materials, tools for repairing equipment, and some emergency food and potions.

At the same time, he did not forget to practice [Moon Slash].

Although he hadn't officially mastered it yet, after these few days of grinding, he could already sense the embryonic form of [Moon Slash].

Every night, he would swing his sword a thousand times in the courtyard, feeling the flow of his Sword Intent.

"Moon Slash..." he murmured to himself, and slashed out with his sword.

A faint silver light appeared on the blade, but it quickly dissipated.

It was still not enough; his understanding of Sword Intent was not deep enough yet.

But he was not anxious; things like cultivation cannot be rushed.

On the night before departure, Ye Liuli found him.

The two sat on a hillside outside the Novice Village, moonlight like water spilling over them.

In the distance, the lights of the Novice Village flickered, and occasionally a few barks of a dog could be heard.

The night breeze blew gently, bringing wafts of floral fragrance.

"We're leaving tomorrow," Ye Liuli said, her voice somewhat low, "There are some things I need to tell you in advance."

"What is it?" Chen Ergou turned his head and looked at her.

"About the situation in the main city," Ye Liuli said. "The main city is called 'Tianqi City,' and it is one of the largest cities in 'world descent.'"

"The forces there are intricate and complex. Besides the major guilds, there are also some NPC factions, such as the [Sword Pavilion], the Mage Tower, the Chamber of Commerce Alliance, and so on."

"[Sword Pavilion]?" Chen Ergou remembered the jade pendant Sword Saint Xiao Wuchen had given him. "That jade pendant must be the token of the [Sword Pavilion], right?"

"Yes." Ye Liuli nodded. "With that jade pendant, you can directly become an outer disciple of the [Sword Pavilion] and gain quite a bit of resources and protection."

Chen Ergou's eyes lit up: "That's not bad!"

"But don't be too happy too soon," Ye Liuli warned. "There is also infighting within the [Sword Pavilion]. As a newly joined disciple, you will definitely be ostracized."

"Moreover, Long Aotian's [Dragon God Temple] also has considerable influence in the main city. You offended him, so I'm afraid you'll have trouble once you arrive at the main city."

Chen Ergou scratched his head: "Then what should I do?"

"Joining the [Sword Pavilion] to gain protection is currently the best choice," Ye Liuli said. "But you must be careful; do not easily trust anyone."

"Does that include you?" Chen Ergou asked suddenly, a trace of a smile in his eyes.

Ye Liuli was stunned for a moment, then rolled her eyes at him: "Suit yourself."

But the tips of her ears turned slightly red.

Chen Ergou chuckled and didn't say anything more.

The two were silent for a while, then Ye Liuli suddenly spoke: "Oh right, there is one more thing."

"What is it?"

"Once we reach the main city, I might have to leave for a while," Ye Liuli said. "The [Dawn] Guild needs to establish a branch in the main city, and I need to go handle some matters."

Chen Ergou felt a bit disappointed in his heart, but he did not show it.

"Don't worry," he said with a smile, "Who is Chen Ergou? I can make it anywhere!"

Ye Liuli looked at him, her eyes filled with a complex emotion.

"Chen Ergou," she said softly, "Thank you."

"Thank me for what?"

"Thank you for your help during this time," Ye Liuli said. "If it weren't for you, the [Dawn] Guild wouldn't be where it is today."

Chen Ergou waved his hand: "Why so polite! We are friends, after all!"

Ye Liuli smiled slightly: "Yes, friends."

Under the moonlight, their hands were tightly clasped together.