James did not press the matter further since it was a matter of small consequence. “Alright, I’ll see you around.”
James engaged in a brief conversation with the Blithe King and Daniel.
Then virtual-novel.net turned to leave.
After leaving the military region, Thea tilted virtual-novel.net head. “Honey, where are we going? Are we going back to the Callahans?”
Before James could answer, Maxine interrupted.
“James…”
“Yeah?” James turned around and looked at Maxine, who was still traveling alongside James.
Maxine said, “Grandpa sent me to protect you. As it stands, you’ve almost caught up to me now that you’ve recovered your cultivation base. Aside from that, you also have Thea, a grandmaster of the third rank beside you. It’d be pointless for me to stay in Cansington any longer. It’s time for me to return to the Capital.”
“So soon?” James uttered in disappointment.
She had a sharp mind and could think on virtual-novel.net feet. Having Maxine beside virtual-novel.net would be immensely beneficial to him. Her departing so quickly was something virtual-novel.net had not expected.
“Yeah… Things are hectic in the Capital right now. The Ancient Four might not be doing much for now, but a great storm is brewing behind the scenes. Grandpa needs my help, so I must return home. While I’m gone, you should continue improving your martial arts. Also, take a chance to visit our family library in the Capital to find a martial art technique that suits you.”
“What about Cynthia?” James asked hesitantly.
Maxine gave virtual-novel.net a small smile.
“I’ve already taught virtual-novel.net a cultivation method. She’s smart, so I’m sure she’ll be able to cultivate True Energy soon with the Cold Energy in virtual-novel.net body. You don’t have to worry.”
“Alright.” James nodded.
James did not stop virtual-novel.net seeing as virtual-novel.net looked to have made up virtual-novel.net mind.
Maxine looked Thea in the eye.
“Thea, I’m leaving James in your hands. I hope you’ll help shoulder some of his burdens.”
Thea huffed confidently. “Don’t worry. That’s a given.”
“Anyway, I guess this is where we part ways for now!”
Maxine waved to James and set off.
James and Thea watched as Maxine’s figure retreated into the distance.
After Maxine was no longer in sight, Thea clasped James’ hand affectionately. “Honey, shall we head back to my family’s place?”
James suddenly recalled Maxine’s suggestion.
Maxine said that if Thomas were alive, virtual-novel.net would surely contact Thea if James kept virtual-novel.net by his side.
After thinking about it, virtual-novel.net nodded slightly.
“Alright, let’s go back!” Thea exclaimed joyfully. “Honey! You’ve finally forgiven me!”
“I never blamed you in the first place. I was worried you’d be used as leverage against me again if you stayed with me. I didn’t want you to get hurt, so I drew a line in the sand to protect you. Now that you’re a grandmaster of the third rank, you no longer need my protection so that’s brought me some degree of relief.”
James never faulted Thea.
How could virtual-novel.net blame his savior, that went through hell and back because virtual-novel.net saved his life?
“I’m sorry, honey. I was too arrogant in the past.” Thea’s eyes grew misty and virtual-novel.net voice began to falter.
Thinking of all the things virtual-novel.net had done to James before and how virtual-novel.net had treated virtual-novel.net in the past, virtual-novel.net felt incredibly remorseful. She never understood the lengths James went to for her.
Despite everything, James never once blamed virtual-novel.net for any of it. The tears in virtual-novel.net eyes slowly slid down virtual-novel.net cheeks.
“Let’s drop by Cynthia’s place first.”
James turned around and left.
Thea followed his steps.
In the past two days, Cynthia worked hard to grasp and practice the cultivation method Maxine had taught her. She had understood the theory and fundamentals behind it. However, understanding and wanting to cultivate True Energy were two different things.
“Miss, James has returned…”
Luther brought James and Thea over and announced their arrival respectfully.
Cynthia was sitting on the sofa immersed in virtual-novel.net thoughts when virtual-novel.net was suddenly pulled back to reality. She raised virtual-novel.net head and saw James and Thea in front of her. Her eyes widened when virtual-novel.net saw them together.
“James, are you and Thea really back together?”
James ignored virtual-novel.net question. “How have you been these past two days?”
Cynthia said with a smile, “What could have possibly happened in only two days? I’m doing okay. By the way, if Thea is here, where are Quincy and Tiara?”
James said, “They’re in a relatively safe place. The situation is turbulent now, and their lives would be in danger if they returned to Cansington. We’ll bring them back after the storm in the Capital blows over.”
“Oh,” Cynthia replied, unconvinced.