Renxian couldn't avoid it, remaining silent and watching Siuxa as she sat there beside him. The woman began to crawl backward, fearful of the figure beside her.
Those brown eyes reflected a sense of apprehension and reflected the moonlight. She stammered when she spoke, "Aren't you the one who slaughtered other cultivators?"
"What?" Renxian was surprised, his hold on the skewer almost faltering as he comprehended this truth from a different perspective for the first time.
[It's not true. Those rumors were spread by those who hate you. They are envious because you have defeated them.]
"Does the title 'rogue cultivator' have a negative connotation?" Renxian sought clarification, pondering to himself.
[More or less. The title is attached to you because you always escape battles, and they know you are not affiliated with any sect.]
Renxian let out a sigh, realizing he had no choice but to accept it. His past turned out to be more complicated than he thought, and the "rogue cultivator" title he once considered cool and admired by some cultivators was now off the mark.
"No, no," the man with the bun swiftly rose to his feet, leaving Siuxa even more perplexed. "That information is inaccurate! I've never committed inhumane acts like that."
"Don't come near me!" she shouted while starting to throw some rocks at him. "You wanted to kill me after this dinner, right!"
"Why would I do that when I am concerned about the toxin of the meat you stole!" Renxian responded and defended himself with his hands. "It's nonsense that I didn't kill you when in that time!"
Siuxa stopped, what the man said was right. "But... aren't you a cultivator killer?"
Renxian extended his hands, and his handsome countenance assumed a reassuring demeanor. "Listen, the rumors aren't accurate. You should seek the truth directly from the source!"
However, Siuxa was swift in her response. "What if your intention is indeed to harm me? I don't want to risk my life!"
"You're right," Renxian acknowledged with a straightforward expression, not denying the potential of a valid threat. "But I am not the one you think me to be. I hold no harmful intentions toward you!"
Renxian began to approach her as Siuxa continued to maintain her distance. "Hey, I told you not to come near me!"
"And I wish to reassure you that I—" Renxian's words were interrupted as he tripped over a flat rock hidden among the pebbles, the very rock Siuxa had been perched on, causing him to lurch forward.
A cacophonous crash reverberated through the surroundings as Renxian attempted to regain his foundation, only to discover himself inadvertently atop Siuxa. Her eyes widened in surprise, her cheeks blushed, and she found it impossible to conceal her embarrassment because she was aware of the closeness of Renxian.
Siuxa's chest rose and fell rapidly, her breaths shallow and labored, as she struggled to draw in enough air. The warmth enveloping the space between them was noticeable, especially with the muscular man's shape in such closeness, offering an unexpected sense of comfort and shelter.
After a brief moment, she snapped back to her senses and made a determined effort to shove against Renxian's broad chest. "Get out of me!"
Renxian allowed the woman to stand freely beside him. Siuxa still wore a cautious expression and said, "What makes me believe that you have no harmful intentions toward me? Other than this dinner?"
Renxian fell silent, contemplating something until he recalled his side quest. "How about this... what if you become my companion?"
"Huh?" Siuxa furrowed her brow, her skepticism deepening at the unexpected proposal. "Why would I agree to that with a cultivator-killer, especially when you could easily pose a threat to me?"
"And why do you believe I would do that, given that it's been a less terrible option all along?" Renxian retorted, not the one who backed down. "Okay, hold on, I understand your apprehensions. But if you decide to join me, I'll make sure that I help you improve your cultivation."
Siuxa was taken aback by Renxian's offer, which didn't sound too bad. Being stuck at Gate 1 for years had been a mental torture for her, not just dealing with social intimidation, but also without Gate 2, it felt difficult to survive out there.
On the other hand, this proposition meant more than just a way out of her current predicament. It meant allying with the famous rogue cultivator whose name resonated throughout the various regions. Renxian was renowned for his exceptional skill in confronting and defeating formidable Mystical Beasts and rival cultivators.
Joining forces with him could open up a world of opportunities and possibilities that Siuxa had never dared to dream of before. As Siuxa remained in deliberation for an extended moment, Renxian pressed further, "So, what do you think? It's not a bad offer, is it?"
Siuxa found herself at a crossroads, torn between the prospect of venturing alone into treacherous territory that could overpower her where threats lurked at every corner, or reach herself with Renxian. After exhaling a breath, she replied, "Fine. But remember, don't you dare tricks on me!"
[Side Quest (Siuxa): Invite her to be your companion. (Completed)]
[Increased Siuxa's trust: 5℅]
[Side Quest (Siuxa): Hunt Forest Imp with her.]
With a triumphant smile on his features, Renxian basked in the satisfaction of having persuasively won Siuxa over. "Now then, shall we take a rest? Tomorrow, we'll be hunting monsters!"
As Renxian reached for his faded blue attire, Siuxa inquired, "What kind of monster?"
Renxian, slipping into his clothes, settled back near the campfire. "Forest Imps," he responded. "You're familiar with them, right? It would be wise for you to get some rest while the fire still crackles. I'm here to watch over things."
Siuxa's initial hesitation was evident, and her trust in Renxian remained far from absolute. Doubts lingered: what if he had ulterior motives while she slept? Yet, faced with limited alternatives and the relentless weariness that clung to her, she reluctantly made her way towards the leafy bedding.
"Consider this," the man with the black hair and bun added, offering a reassuring smile, "is a sincere demonstration of my complete lack of intentions to cause you harm."
With a touch of shyness, Siuxa settled onto the makeshift mattress, her back turned to Renxian, who maintained a close range. For some inexplicable reason, the ambiance that enveloped them provided Siuxa with an unusual sense of tranquility and peace, a stark contrast to the unrest she had experienced during her trials in the wilderness.
In a soft, almost inaudible voice, Siuxa whispered, "Goodnight."
Renxian certainly heard her and responded within his thoughts, "System, how can I assist her to Gate 2?"
[Through meditation. Since Gate 2 is for building resilience and strengthening attacks, it should be balanced with practice. Hunting monsters is the right choice for that.]
"Good," Renxian acknowledged. "So far, so smooth."
[Don't rush. You need to establish a connection as naturally as possible to ensure the success of this dual cultivation.]
"Yeah," Renxian replied, casting a watchful eye on Siuxa's form beside him. "I'm determined not to let her down."
***
The brilliant morning sun bathed the dense forest in its exquisite light, its beams penetrating to the very heart of the woods. The remnants of their campfire had long transformed into a bed of ashes, evidence of the two individuals who were now absorbed in their endeavors.
The forest resounded with loud cries, echoing from the core of the wilderness as the Forest Imps were vanquished one by one. Siuxa showcased her remarkable agility and quick reflexes, effortlessly eluding their relentless attacks.
Equipped with nothing more than a modest dagger, she skillfully brought down several of the less cunning Imps who, in a moment of foolishness, tried to escape. The combined might of Renxian's powerful strikes further amplified the impact of their teamwork, leading to substantial achievements.
Siuxa made a nimble leap to approach Renxian, who had just dispatched a bunch of Imps with a single strike, standing right beside him. "Their numbers seem to be increasing," she observed.
Renxian chuckled with enthusiasm. "Isn't this fun?"
"Yes," Siuxa replied, sharing the excitement, "but with this number of them, it might be difficult for me to evade their relentless attacks." She admitted, her confidence wavering in her abilities.
"Don't worry; I'll stand right beside you!" Renxian offered encouragement and turned to face Siuxa. "We can conquer this together!"
Siuxa nodded, her eyes now resolute and instantly focused. With a swift, determined movement, they recommenced their efforts, thrusting themselves into the midst of the throng of hundreds of Imps that appeared to multiply as they spilled forth from their caverns.
Renxian's slashes had the strength to obliterate multiple Imps in a single stroke. The constant clash of swords filled the air with tension, and the cacophonous cries of the Imps continued without respite.
At a critical moment, Siuxa made a slight misstep while avoiding an attack and narrowly escaped a spear thrust from one of the Imps. Yet, Renxian right beside her, executed his skill known as the "Blinding Slash." In the blink of an eye, he lunged forward and cleaved the Imp in two before it could inflict any harm on Siuxa.
This sudden turn of events introduced Renxian and Siuxa to a colossal creature that made the earth tremble. The monster emerged from its cavern, its massive form endowed with razor-sharp, sword-like claws, and fiery red eyes. It carried a massive spiked mace with toxic thorns.
[The Forest Imp Boss: Enraged Imp.]