Renxian stood at the river's edge, his eyes sharp and fixated on the water's surface. He cast in all directions, his keen senses attuned to the subtle movements beneath the tranquil waters. His katana, cut off in half, was gripped firmly as he readied to stalk and capture the abundant fish that meandered through the river's depths.
In a deft and practiced motion, Renxian thrust his katana into the water, striking with exact time. A fish was impaled, and he retrieved a substantial catch. His eyes widened in awe, and he couldn't contain his excitement. "Gotcha!"
Siuxa, now able to move and seated on the sun-warmed rocks, couldn't contain her excitement. She clapped her hands with enthusiasm, her radiant smile lighting up her face as she exclaimed, "Wow, you're talented, Renxian!"
With the fish secured, Renxian departed from the river, his footsteps echoing on the solid floor. He set the still-moving fish on a bed of fresh leaves he had organized on a flat rock, creating an impromptu table. He watched as the fish stilled, drawing its final breath.
"Now then," Renxian declared, his oversized white trousers adjusted after having been folded at the knees, "I'll search for firewood and some branches. Would you mind here alone for a while, Siuxa?"
The woman shook her head, her raven black hair swaying with her movements. "Is there anything I can assist with?"
"No, there's no need to trouble yourself, especially since you're still recovering from all those wounds," Renxian responded as he sheathed his sword and slung his rattan backpack over his shoulder.
"It's fine, I'm much better now," she assured him, despite taking a few unsteady steps toward Renxian. "Do you still have those fungi?"
Renxian nodded in response, a hint of curiosity in his eyes as he wasn't sure what she had in mind for those mushrooms. "I still have some, why do you ask?"
Siuxa reached into a satchel containing food and spices on the rock. "I thought our dinner could use some extra flavor, don't you think?"
Renxian's smile grew wider, and he chuckled appreciatively. "Great idea! I'm all for it! You managed to turn that skewered monster into something delicious; this time, with the fish, it's bound to be even better!"
"You're too kind; I'm still a novice at this," she replied, checking the small spices container.
Renxian grinned at her and offered words of encouragement, "Well, I have faith that someday you'll become an expert at it!" With that, he turned and headed into the forest. "I'll collect some fuel for our dinner real quick!"
As Renxian disappeared into the dense undergrowth, Siuxa was left with her thoughts. She couldn't help but reflect on how much of a burden she had become to the rogue cultivator and the immense debt of appreciation she owed him for saving her and assisting her in cultivating at Gate 2. It was a dream come true for her.
With her shape covered in dust and sweat, she put the spices back into the bag and moved toward the river's edge. After a moment of hesitation, she turned back to ensure no one was nearby, and then she began to remove her tight apparel. Her top fell to the ground, and she untied her hair, letting her raven black locks flow freely.
Despite the numerous scars that marked her fair skin, she sighed with relief and satisfaction as she entered the cold water. A soft moan escaped her lips as she felt the refreshing sensation of the water, which seemed to wash away the tension and soothe her inner self - Siuxa looked up at the sky with a warm and contented smile.
"Do you think Siuxa is becoming more open?" Renxian exclaimed as he accumulated firewood.
[Yes, don't you feel the same?]
Renxian shook his head and responded, "No, I might be too focused on the memory I saw. Ah, come to think of it, how did I get back to the past like that?"
The system hesitated for a moment and then replied, [Some individuals experience similar things with their memories. But I didn't expect you to encounter it so real and solid.]
[Yours is not common. Because the others only catch glimpses of their memories.]
Renxian's thoughts delved into the matter more seriously at that moment. It couldn't be mere chance or coincidence that he was confronted with these memories, being compelled to relive a past he wished to erase. It was a stark reminder of a family that had been shattered, a family that had never shown an ounce of care or concern for Renxian's existence.
That's why he spent most of his time in his room with his books. Only in there, did he find solace from the outside world that screamed at him. Only in there, he found himself when the world outside refused to recognize him.
"Could you prevent it?" Renxian questioned with a hint of desperation in his voice.
[Prevent what?]
"For me to return to my world," Renxian continued his steps through the forest and his eyes appeared somber. "I don't want to relive those memories. Not ever."
[I will do my best.] The system responded with a consolation, understanding the depth of Renxian's request.
Renxian let out a huff of frustration and came back to the picturesque spot bathed in the warm, reddish shine of the sun. However, his composure soon turned into apprehension as he realized Siuxa was nowhere to be found. He set down the firewood and branches he had gathered and began frantically checking various places.
"Siuxa! Siuxa! Where are you?" Renxian's calls grew more urgent and anxious, each repetition laced with concern. His voice echoed through the forest, and then, relief washed over him as he spotted familiar clothes, Siuxa's leather armor, on the river's edge.
Unexpectedly, Siuxa rose from the water like a water nymph, her skin waxed in the dappled sunlight as she stepped onto the riverbank. She leaned down to retrieve her leather armor, but as she looked up, her eyes met Renxian's. Both of them registered the situation at the same time, and the realization caused their eyes to widen in shock.
Siuxa's once serene expression was now a vivid shade of crimson, her cheeks aflame with embarrassment, mirroring Renxian's astonished condition.
In her flustered state, Siuxa's lips stuttered, and she let out a loud and indignant exclamation, "You pervert!" With a tremendous swiftness, she threw her boots at Renxian's face.
***
That evening, they had dinner in a somewhat different atmosphere due to the recent incident. However, they both knew they couldn't survive there much longer as their conditions were dwindling. Guided by the map Renxian carried, the two cultivators agreed to head to a secluded village the next day.
As the sun rose from the eastern horizon, there were no signs of life left on the riverbank, only the remnants of their campfire. Renxian and Siuxa had begun their expedition even before the roosters crowded, encountering a few monsters along the way and honing their skills, especially Siuxa.
For her, even basic tier B monsters that were not Mystical Beasts were confirmed to be useful exercises, and she could now dispatch them without Renxian's assistance. Her skills had improved in her speed and deftness, all achieved through dedicated battle.
"What do you think?" she touched Renxian's shoulder, her face beaming with excitement. "Do you think I'm ready to cultivate at Gate Two?"
Renxian nodded in response, "I believe so. You've come to be more better."
Siuxa smiled upon hearing that, but for some reason, she fell silent. "Ah, is that Kiwano village?" she exclaimed as she climbed a hill.
Renxian, who was beside her, faced the village between the woods. It appeared to have few residents. The information delivered by the system turned out to be correct; the village was silent. There is no life detected except for a few old women sweeping their lawns and some traders from out of town.
"Excuse me, ma'am, is there an inn here?" Renxian politely inquired, but the woman's response seemed uncomfortable. Her wrinkled face darkened as if she didn't like Renxian's existence.
"Oh, I apologize, ma'am. We're just wanderers looking for a place to rest," Siuxa chimed in and, for some reason, the old woman pointed to a location. "Thank you, ma'am!"
"What the hell—" Renxian's exclamation was cut short as Siuxa forcefully made him hunch down, reflecting her stance right before they resumed their destination.
To their surprise, right in front of the wooden structure, a bustling scene unfolded. A multitude of people had gathered there, engaging in various activities, from displaying their merchandise to festive conversations. However, as Renxian and Siuxa made themselves known, a noticeable change overcame the crowd.
All eyes seemed to be fixed on Renxian as he paid little attention and moved to enter the establishment.
The once cheerful atmosphere within the inn swiftly gave way to tension as the crowd snatched the sight of the two cultivators. Their expressions shifted from exhilaration to apprehension, and their widened eyes were focused on the Rogue Cultivator, not with admiration, but with fear.
The hushed conversations and warm camaraderie vanished, replaced by an uncomfortable silence and an aura of unease. Until a voice can be heard amongst the darkness, "Well, well, look what we have here?"