The days in the mountains were peaceful. In the blink of an eye, Akes had spent several more days in the mountain village.
His injuries had long since healed. Every day, aside from cultivating, he either strolled through the mountains with Monica or sat quietly by the stream. Their feelings grew deeper by the day, and even the village children had noticed, often teasing, "Brother Akes is looking for Sister Monica again!"
Morning light filtered through the mountain mist and fell across the bluestone paths of the small village.
Akes stood before the courtyard gate of the Desri couple. His injuries had completely healed. Monica stood beside him in a plain dress, her long hair loosely gathered, her eyes filled with reluctance.
"Father, Mother, it's time for us to go," Monica said softly, her eyes slightly red.
Desri nodded, his gaze falling on Akes. He said gravely, "Boy, I'm entrusting Monica to you. If you let her suffer even the slightest grievance, you know the consequences."
Akes solemnly clasped his fists. "Father-in-law, rest assured. I will protect Monica with my life."
Lady Desri took Monica's hand and gave her a few quiet instructions. Then she looked at Akes, her eyes carrying the particular scrutiny of a mother-in-law. "You may be quite strong, but the Radiant Church will not let this go. Be careful on the road."
Akes nodded in agreement. Just as he was about to leave, a thought suddenly crossed his mind—sign in.
[Ding! Sign-in successful! Obtained: Fire Spirit Bead (Sealed) ×1] [Detected that the host possesses Fire Spirit Bead (Sealed) ×2. Would you like to fuse them?]
Akes's heart jolted. A Fire Spirit Bead? He remembered receiving a Fire Spirit Bead (Sealed) through a sign-in back when he was at the Ernst Institute. It had been