In the narrow cabin, Neeko and Jia Ruo took turns telling Yi everything that had happened on the island.
Yi listened in silence, then said, "I just fought Zed, right as they were escaping."
"Master, how did it go?"
"Zed's attacks were strange, and he was skilled at hiding. I couldn't find his trail, so I didn't pursue him."
The Sword Saint paused.
"They may have another way to leave the island. I don't mean a boat."
"I see. If even Master couldn't stop him, I don't know how many years I'll have to train."
Jia Ruo looked at Neeko.
"Don't lose heart, child. You'll surpass me soon. I can see that day coming."
Yi patted Jia Ruo on the shoulder.
"You've done enough for Neeko. Neeko is already, already very satisfied."
Neeko was touched by Jia Ruo's words.
Xayah, however, couldn't resist stirring things up. "Silly girl, he just wants your body. Don't let yourself be fooled so easily."
Rakan stood to the side, laughing awkwardly along without saying a word.
You two... there's a story there, Jia Ruo thought, stroking his chin.
The boat came ashore. When the boatmen learned that the evil on the island had been driven away, they were overjoyed and invited Jia Ruo and the others to stay the night at the dock.
Of course, they didn't tell the boatmen much about what had happened on the island. Jia Ruo simply said, "Don't worry. The evil has been driven away, and warmth has returned to the land."
For ordinary people, perhaps it was better not to know what lay behind it all.
That night, the little dock was bustling with activity.
The boatmen's wives warmly treated the group to a local specialty.
It was dried fish.
Every autumn, the fishermen caught the fattest sea fish, gutted and descaled them, then rubbed a thin layer of sea salt over the inside and outside.
Then they smoked them over firewood from a local tree that grew by the sea and gave off a strange fragrance.
The ingredients needed for the dried fish weren't expensive or rare, but the preparation had to be meticulous.
The boatmen saved it for major festivals, bringing it out to make a feast.
Though it was called dried fish, the skillful wives could cook it in all sorts of ways—whether simmered in soup or fried—and make it rich and delicious.
The food from another world gave Jia Ruo a taste of the warmth of everyday life he had missed. It was pure bliss.
Had he been in Runeterra for a year already? This seemed to be the first time he'd eaten such refined food. In Ixtal, he'd eaten fruit every day and roasted meat now and then, without any seasoning. After becoming the Sword Saint's apprentice, he'd spent every day training in swordsmanship. He'd barely eaten any meat, and had to make do with wild fruit.
At the thought, Jia Ruo looked at the delicious food before him, nearly moved to tears.
It smelled so good.
"Master, I almost want to stay here for a few more days. This dried fish is so delicious," Jia Ruo said, his mouth nearly full.
Neeko pursed her lips. "Then stay here by yourself. Aren't you worried they'll get sick of you?"
"So what? Their food is delicious, isn't it, old man?"
Jia Ruo swallowed his mouthful with effort and smiled at the old boatman.
The old boatman had already set down his bowl and chopsticks. Puffing on his pipe, he said, "It's no trouble, no trouble. We're just simple country folk; we don't have much to offer you. If you'd like to stay a few more days, young man, that's fine by us."
He had felt that wave of rejuvenation clearly. Perhaps these people before him really were extraordinary masters.
Although many people in Ionia could use magic, they were still only a small portion of the population.
And among those who could use magic, even fewer could use it in battle. Most Ionian magic users put their abilities to use in daily life instead.
The next morning.
Jia Ruo hadn't really meant to stay there for long. After packing their things, the group left the dock beneath the morning sun.
"Master, where are we going now? Back to find Senior Brother?" Jia Ruo asked.
"No. We're heading northeast to Placidium. The council needs to be told what happened here."
"I see." Jia Ruo turned to Xayah and Rakan. "What about you two? Do you want to come with us?"
"No. We don't want to go to a big city like Placidium." Rakan looked at Xayah. "Xayah likes peace and quiet."
"Then, this is where we part ways."
Jia Ruo and Yi cupped their fists in farewell, and Neeko followed their example.
Rakan and Xayah bowed in return and headed off in a different direction.
"Master, I think there's a conspiracy behind Zed corrupting the land's Magic Power. They may have set up this kind of seal somewhere else, too," Jia Ruo said as they walked. "It's quite possible that Neeko's homeland was destroyed because of it."
"That's right. That's why we're going to Placidium. It would be difficult for us to uncover the truth on our own. And besides..."
Yi stopped walking.
"There's a job in Placidium that would suit you and Neeko very well. You can stay there afterward. Your master and I may have to part ways for a while."
"What are you going to do, Master?"
Yi's words alarmed Jia Ruo. He had long since come to see Yi as his pillar of support.
"I'll continue traveling through Ionia and search for more disciples of the Wuju style."
Yi looked at Jia Ruo, his gaze still calm.
"You'll have to work even harder. Before we reach Placidium, you must learn the remaining half of my techniques."
"Master, I... I don't want to be separated from you. There's still so much I need to learn from you."
"Jia Ruo, you'll have to grow on your own sooner or later. A master may lead you through the door, but your own practice is up to you. A true man shouldn't act like a lovesick girl."
"Understood, Master."
Jia Ruo grew a little downcast.
Neeko said nothing. She only clutched the hem of Jia Ruo's clothes. There was no feast that did not end; would she have to part from Jia Ruo someday, too?
Neeko didn't know.
Before you continue