The world was moving again, and Audun smiled as he saw Avari still sleeping. It appeared that although hours had passed in the realm he was in, almost no time had passed in the real world. Audun was still in shock from how much power the senior showed over the world. There were rumors that cultivation techniques existed that allowed one to cultivate time, but they were long since outlawed by the church.

He looked down at the vial and scroll in his hands, and decided that now would be the best time to use it. It would be better if Avari didn’t know what happened, he didn’t want her to be mad at him. He sat down cross legged, and allowed his mind to calm.

There was no doubt that a qualitative transformation, like what was about to be bestowed on him, would hurt. Yet, he felt it shouldn’t be too bad, ever since that night, pain has merely been a shadow of what it once was.

When he felt he was ready, he chugged it in one go. It took only a moment before the discomfort hit. Every single cell in his body twitched and itched, making him feel exceedingly uncomfortable. He could feel the dirt and grime of his old body being expelled, and a new, stronger one taking its place. It was almost as if he was shedding his skin, to be reborn anew. He imagined anyone else would pass out from the pain.

The sun was above the horizon before the tingling finally wore off, and Audun was able to move. He quickly retrieved some water and removed the grime from his exterior. He then changed into some new clothes, ones that Avari apparently just kept with her. His usual outfit unfortunately needed a heavy washing after what just happened, so he couldn’t look as cool as usual.

“You’ve probably been awake since before the sun rose in anticipation to leave, huh Audun.” Her messy hair was struck by the sunlight in such a way as to make her look like a newly awakened goddess, causing Audun’s heart to be moved.

He gave her a smile. “I have been awake for a while, but being awake for so long has made me just want to push forward and see your hometown even more.”

“Audun. Baste. You went into the forest without me, didn’t you.” Before she had even finished talking, Audun was already back on the road.

“I would never, I just can’t wait to see the next town is all.” He laughed as he got a head start on her.

“If you think you can outrun a Joka’s wrath, you have another thing coming.” Even as she said that, she picked up her sealing poles with a smile. Then, activating her wind ki, she sped after Audun.

The day wore on, and the two friends ran after each other. Avari was surprised by the speed that Audun was able to achieve, making her all the more suspicious. She should be the fastest person in the whole True realm, given her heritage and cultivation technique, yet he was always just a few steps ahead. When she got faster, so did he, showing all the more that he was just holding back. And it infuriated her.

The sun hung low in the sky when they both stopped, seeing huge towers in the distance. Audun stood there with his mouth hung open, in awe of the sight. Avari stood there and felt a warm feeling hit her.

“That is Yusen, the last city in the southern areas. To leave through to the other side, you have to pass a Joka checkpoint, and then it's a two day journey on a flying construct to the capital.”

“We are going to ride in a flying construct!” Audun was jumping up and down in excitement, it was every cultivators goal to fly through the heavens. While a construct wasn’t the cultivator doing it of their own power, it was still an amazing experience.

“Yes, little Audun. Since I am a main branch member, my returning home will give me the utmost priority.” Audun frowned at her contented expression. Her mentioning the main branch brought his burning question back to his mind.

“We cannot reveal to them who I am, to anyone in your clan Avari. I must ask, what will be my alias.”

Avari felt a hint of sadness towards his words, he only spoke like that when he distrusted someone. “We can keep your first name, and say that you forsook your clan name. People would be suspicious, but if I vouch for you, nothing will come of it.”

He was still slightly suspicious, but he knew that she had no reason to betray him. The main thing was the fact that he was possibly getting himself involved in a clan civil war. It would be a serious distraction to his revenge, and could even get him killed. But he knew he wouldn’t leave Avari to deal with this alone.

“I’m sorry I seem so on edge, there is just a lot to worry about. Especially with a possible civil war.”

“And I’m sorry that I dragged you into this Audun. You may still back out now, I would understand.” She looked anxious and sad, causing sympathy and sorrow to sweep through Audun. He shouldn’t have mentioned the civil war.

“Avari, I will stick by your side, through everything. You are a dear friend. Now, let's set up camp and sleep, we will arrive tomorrow morning by the looks of it.”

She set up camp similarly to last time, it seemed she was not going to sleep in the little house ever again. This time, however, they wordlessly ate and then went to sleep. The night was calm for a time, until galloping horses converged to their location.

Audun was the first to wake, with them entering in the range of his passive divine sense before they smashed into the barrier. Audun stood in snake stance, ready to lash out against multiple opponents. Avari was also up by this point, with her holding two daggers emanating a fearsome aura.

“Oh look what we have here, the Joka’s clan prodigy b**ch. What a catch boys.” Audun’s head went numb when he heard the voice, that familiar voice. He was one of the bandits that was there during the night he lost everything in his old life.

“If you know who I am, then you should know better than to attack me. Even if you win, my clan will find and exterminate you.”

“Oh sweetheart, I’m afraid that with the position your clan is in now, there will be no rescue party.” Avari lost her focus at the comment, causing the bandits to be able to smash through the barrier. In seconds, multiple peak true realm combatants surrounded them.

While Avari was left off guard by the comment, Audun’s icy rage built. It was a matter of fortune to meet these people here, and he was going to take full advantage. He dove forward, his body loose as he rolled forward. The bandit was just preparing his defenses when Audun drove his palm forward at full force. It slammed into the bandit’s neck, causing him to instantly crumble.

The other bandits were all focused on Audun, with his shocking display of ferocity. This lapse of judgement allowed Avari to collect herself and instantly take down two bandits who were near her. The remaining four were now angry, and completely on guard.

“Oh you idiots, you always feel the need to hold back. These catches won’t prove as easy dumb a**es, they are both obvious prodigies.” The main bandit swaggered forward, with his cultivation rotating. He was at the second level of the Earth realm, and he had no handicaps like the other bandit.

Audun showed no fear in his eyes however, only a killing intent. This man would not leave the battlefield alive, no matter what. He began to rotate world qi around himself and the bandit.

“Prepare to die by my hand.”