Return to Blackstone Town

The dangers of the Magical Beast Mountain Range are beyond doubt.

After Jonathan ventured deep inside, he encountered seventh-rank magical beasts over a dozen times in just a few days; he was able to slay them during the first few encounters.

But later on, the seventh-rank magical beasts gradually stopped appearing alone, so he stopped acting rashly.

After all, he was here to train and gain combat experience, not to throw his life away.

If they were alone, Jonathan would dare to fight even a peak seventh-rank or an eighth-rank magical beast.

However, the vitality of an eighth-rank magical beast far exceeds that of a seventh-rank, and most of their defenses are increasingly terrifying; he had only succeeded once.

During that one time, he himself suffered non-trivial injuries.

He was only able to kill it because it was not a magical beast with high defense, but rather one that possessed some soul-based attacks.

Ordinary magical beasts dared not provoke it on its own turf, which was what gave Jonathan the opportunity.

A magic core from an eighth-rank magical beast is worth hundreds of thousands; for such a rare magical beast, it exceeds five hundred thousand, and if auctioned, reaching a million gold coins is not impossible.

While recuperating, Jonathan thought that, sure enough, the stronger one's strength, the easier it is to obtain money.

Like his trip to the Magical Beast Mountain Range this time, the wealth he has accumulated is likely no less than that of an ordinary count.

With the properties of the Dao Fruit, he fully recovered in just a day or two.

He dared not venture deeper rashly; if he encountered a ninth-rank magical beast, he would truly be in danger.

Thus, Jonathan began to head north.

In the blink of an eye, over a month passed.

Jonathan began his return journey with two large bundles on his back.

"Boss, look at his pack, he's a fat sheep! Should we make a move?"

"Although it's unlikely to be all magic cores, I imagine it's worth quite a bit of money. Old Eight, Number Thirteen, and Number Fifteen, you three go."

"Once you're done, hurry and catch up."

"Yes, boss."

Jonathan had discovered them long before they discovered him, and he could see that they were all skilled in the art of assassination and practiced dark battle qi.

However, as long as they didn't make a move, he couldn't be bothered to deal with them.

It was just a pity that they were not sensible.

The three of them secretly followed Jonathan, thinking they were well-hidden, but in his eyes, their positions were as clear as a bright candle flame.

After following for a stretch, they prepared to strike, but then Jonathan's figure suddenly vanished before their eyes.

Just as they were confused, Jonathan had already appeared behind one of them, holding a black dagger.

That man had his throat slit and died instantly.

The other two were shocked, their expressions changing as they immediately turned to flee the way they came, but their speed was no match for Jonathan's.

In just a moment's time, they all died by his hand.

After checking their belongings, Jonathan smiled faintly, "So they were from the Saber, were they doing a trial in the Magical Beast Mountain Range?"

As far as he knew, people trained by the assassin organization all had to undergo this trial.

However, Jonathan was a special case; with Xue Yan vouching for him, he was exempted from this trial and became a gold-ranked assassin directly.

"Oh ho, there's even a few thousand gold coins; I'll just take them back as wine money for Abraham."

Shouldering three bundles now, Jonathan set off once more.

Assassin organizations are extremely strict and hold human life very cheaply; the leader of this trial, seeing that the three had not returned for a long time, guessed they were already dead and had no intention of going back to find them, simply leaving with the others.

On the return journey, several more groups eyed Jonathan covetously, but few actually dared to make a move.

Those who did only met the end of death.

Ten-plus days later, Jonathan arrived at Blackstone Town and headed straight for his former residence.

Only to find that it had long been empty, and it looked as if it hadn't been lived in for a long time.

"It seems they settled down in the town directly. That's fine too; interacting more with people can smooth out the killing intent in his heart and remove his gloom."

On the square from back then, besides Bode, Abraham was there as well.

However, as the chief instructor, Abraham mostly just gave lectures and occasionally provided some pointers.

Although he was missing an arm, he was still a seventh-rank warrior after all.

In front of them was still a group of children with their arms stretched straight, holding heavy objects, though it was no longer the same batch Jonathan had seen back then.

Some had gone out to adventure, some had joined the town's guard, and others had gone to Black Flame City.

Jonathan did not reveal himself immediately, but observed for a period of time.

At this moment, it was noon.

Suddenly, he saw a middle-aged beauty walking over from not far away; her figure swayed, she was pitiful to behold, and her appearance was excellent.

She was carrying a basket with a floral cloth covering it, and she actually walked slowly to Abraham's side.

"Didn't I tell you there was no need to see me off? I'll head back when the time comes."

The beautiful woman smiled slightly, "I was just idle, it was no trouble at all."

As she spoke, she took out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from Abraham's brow, and Jonathan's eyes nearly popped out of his head watching them.

Didn't he say he was all alone and living a life of melancholy? How did he find someone to keep him company so quickly?

The old man is quite impressive!

Seeing them acting so affectionate, even Bode, who was standing to the side, couldn't bear to watch anymore and spoke up to tell them to be mindful of their surroundings.

Abraham's old face flushed red.

"This is fine, too."

Jonathan curled his lips into a smile, then revealed himself and called out to him, "Father, I'm back."

Hearing the voice, everyone looked over, and Abraham said in surprise, "Jonathan, you..."

"Father, I've only been gone for a few years, and you've already found yourself a lovely companion. You move pretty fast."

Upon seeing Jonathan for the first time, the beautiful woman raised an eyebrow, looking somewhat surprised.

Bode said, "You have the nerve to talk about your father? You went to Ulada Magic Academy and didn't come back even once in several years. For a son to act like you, you're quite unfilial!"

He's my brother, alright!

"Uncle Bode, long time no see."

"It has been a long time. Back then, you were just a boy who only reached my chest, and now you're as tall as I am."

Jonathan was now a full meter eighty, with exceptionally handsome features and a clean, short black haircut, though his attire was very plain.

He wore brown leather armor, a black cloak, and had four bundles strapped to his back.

"What's with all these bags? Is there a gift for me in there?"

"Uncle Bode, these aren't gifts, they're spoils of war."

The beautiful woman walked over and said with a smile, "Hello, my name is Sanita. You must be Abraham's son, Jonathan."

"Aunt Sanita, I hope you don't mind me calling you that."

"That's fine."

Abraham said, "So you finally remember how to come home. Come on, let's go home first. I'll take you to see the new house."

"Alright."

Jonathan followed the two of them to a house in town. The place wasn't large, with only three rooms.

Abraham took him into an empty room and closed the door. Jonathan guessed he intended to talk to him about Sanita.

Sure enough.

"Sanita came here as a refugee, and I took her in. Don't get the wrong idea."

Jonathan teased, "What wrong idea? Isn't it obvious? Sanita clearly has feelings for you."

"You've been single for so long, it's only natural to have urges. She really is quite beautiful, and I approve of you two being together!"

Abraham gave him a solid knock on the head, "What's this about approving or not? Even if I were with her, would I need the approval of a little brat like you?"

"Then why are you explaining it?"

"I..."

Abraham was left speechless by the question.