If it did not take energy to use the corruption element, he wouldn't be this filthy right now. At that time, he made the decision to give up on hygiene for survival and he certainly would never regret it. Then again, now that he was outside, he finally understood how badly he smelled. Since he had the opportunity and it was actually a must, he would definitely go for it.

From his hand appeared some power of suction that began to quickly absorb the tree. In seconds, there was nothing left. Right after, he had the corruption cover himself completely. He made it devour everything over his skin aside from his hair. There was nothing left but a naked man after an instant.

A naked but clean man.

Feeling slightly refreshed, he glanced down at his body. Everything slimmed down quite heavily except that fortunately. He chuckled at his silly thought and checked for a new robe within his spatial ring. Giving up on using any kinds of unrequired energy meant that very few robes were in fact used. Without a way to clean his body, he had given up changing his outfit long ago as well. Hygiene-wise, it was horrible. But what else could he have done? This was his best option. He limited his use of energy to two things: grabbing food or water and storing the excreted wastes. Even he had limits to what he could have endured...

The battle robe he put on, after the underwear, was of a simple pale blue color devoid of any designs. After finally being clothed, he had to take into account his long hair and long beard. He was unused to both and would have shaved them long ago if it hadn't required him to exert himself. While he did not like it and it was detrimental in a fight, it did not matter much while sealed.

He pondered over it for a moment and took the decision to keep them as they were for the moment. Who knew what happened after his escape? It was hiding and framing his face quite well. Until he found out news about the latest events, he would rather remain low key. He picked another cloth from his spatial ring and tore it. Then, he used it to create some bindings for his hair and beard. That way, it made it look neat at least.

If the kid had not been a mortal, maybe he could have asked for more information...

He thought: "Whatever, this isn't the priority right now"

What he dreamt of right now was a warm meal and some Frone. He was ready to walk to the city when he noticed his arm. He had yet to cover its appearance. If he tried to enter with a corrupted side to his body...They might attack him on sight even if they were mere mortals. He used what remained of the torn cloth to bandage his arm, shoulder, neck and create some kind of eyepatch. It did not look particularly fashionable but it would do.

Finally ready, he left the forest and walked towards the village. The guards saw him approach from quite the distance as it was an open plain. He did not need to take more than ten steps to notice how the guards were looking at him weirdly. Sure, he wanted to keep it low key but, in the end, with that appearance, it would be hard. It could not be helped that he had to hide a side of his body and such.

He walked all the way to the village doors and saw four armed guards glancing suspiciously at him. They all wore iron armors that seemed to be gradeless like any mortal items. One of the guards moved up to him with a hand over his sword. Did that man think he could threaten Jin? If Jin was to be scared by such a low-level display of might, he should give up cultivation straight away.

Of course, he was not.

He watched calmly as the guard walked up to him and decided to greet him in a friendly way first. First impressions are often the key to good relationships.

He bowed slightly as he cupped his hands and politely said: "Greetings, Sir"

The guard lowered his guard slightly as he saw the seemingly weak man greeting him so humbly. They had guests every day but it was rare to find someone so fashionably peculiar. That long beard tied down by cloth four times and the long hair tied in the exact same way... Let's not even start on the many bandages he wore.

The guards thought this man was a bandit who got fucked up real good or an unlucky vagrant at first. Still, while he looked freaky, his clothes were neat and his appearance tidy.

Since he had been greeted, the guards did the same: "Greetings... May i ask as to what brings you to our village, Sir?"

Jin kept his fake smile on as he answered steadily: "Only passing by on my way to the coast, Sir"

The guard looked at him suspiciously before sighing and moving to invite him in. They walked alongside each other as they discussed some more, the guard trying to probe him further. The way to the gate was longer than should have been as the guard slowed down purposefully to talk. Jin noticed but did not mind. It was better to go along and not attract any more attention.

After reaching the gate, they had him pay the entrance fee of a copper and they left him alone.

Jin was truly grateful for that particular spatial ring. It really saved him many times. To think that it would not be an elemental ring but one containing daily necessities that made his survival possible...

As he entered the village, he grinned. It was quite small compared to many places he visited previously but this was good enough. There would definitely be something to eat and drink here. He couldn't ask for more right now.