"Why did you make trouble again? I've only been gone for a few days, and you couldn't help but misbehave, could you?" Tessa complained as she placed her hands on her hips and glared at Rocky. A few days ago, she had left for Sword Spirit Sect after receiving an urgent summons from the sect. However, when she returned to the city, she heard that Rocky had defeated Cory in the competition. What complicated the matter was that some mysterious woman had injured Cory yesterday, and Tessa was sure that Rocky had something to do with it.
"No, I've been good. I swear!" Rocky blinked as he ardently proclaimed his innocence.
"This guard team comprises of experienced and inexperienced members. It is a place where dragons and fishes jumbled together. As you've been here for a short while, the others might consider you an easy target. Perhaps it's better if you did not stay here. I'll request my father to arrange a leisurely job for you, or if you prefer, you can train Nightshade on a full-time basis for me. Over the past few days, I've noticed that it's been listless on the days that you don't show up, almost as if you are its master," Tessa said, dejection evident in her tone. Not once had she imagined that Nightshade would prefer Rocky over her.
"No, thanks. I believe the guard team is the best place for me at the moment. Please be assured that Captain Ramon takes good care of me." Rocky waved his hand as if to dismiss her offer.
"But..." Tessa started to object. She was worried that the guard team would bully Rocky if he continued to stay.
"I know you care about me, but I can look after myself," Rocky interjected. He needed to settle her worries if he intended to continue as part of the guard team.
"How dare you insinuate that I care about you? What a nerve!" Tessa stared at Rocky, somewhat indignantly. She was horrified that he would make such a suggestion. And yet, her face turned red. During her trip to Sword Spirit Sect, she had thought of Rocky from time to time, which left her quite distressed. Of course, she did not want to believe or accept that she had a crush on Rocky.
And yet, Rocky had unintentionally succeeded in winning another girl's heart with his unique charm!
"By the way, Tessa, is there any spiritual land around the city suitable for cultivation of those at the Spirit Realm?" Rocky asked.
Places with rich spiritual power in the Supreme Ether Land were referred to as spiritual land by the spirit warriors.
"Why do you ask this?" Tessa furrowed her brows in confusion.
"Oh, I want to search for powerful spiritual beasts, collect samples of their blood for research, and cultivate my strength alongside," Rocky explained with a grin. He didn't want to reveal his intention of enhancing his strength enough to break through to the King Realm to Tessa, and so, he used research as his excuse.
To enter the Martial Spirit Graveyard, he would have to qualify during the fiercely competitive selection battle. Even though he had the confidence to enter the final battle, he would be no match for Xavier, the number one Spirit Realm master of the Sword Spirit Sect, if they were paired as opponents. He had learned Xavier's strength before and knew that Xavier was superior. If he wanted to meet the eligibility criteria for entry to the Martial Spirit Graveyard, Rocky needed to enhance his strength.
"The spiritual lands for cultivation around Sword Spirit City are very dangerous. Only powerful warriors at the King Realm dare to enter these. Take Ghost Valley for instance. Nightshade was severely injured the last time I went there with it," Tessa advised with a shake of her head. Just the mention of how Nightshade had been hurt brought back terrifying memories. She didn't want Rocky to find himself in a similar situation.
"Don't worry about me. When I was in my hometown, I often went to some dangerous spiritual lands to collect spiritual beasts' blood samples. Trust me when I say that I can protect myself," Rocky promised, confidence dripping from every word.
"No way. It's more dangerous than you imagine," Tessa protested with a roll of her eyes. Refusing to accept advice and the urge to explore dangerous places were typical traits for Rocky. She wondered why he was so stubborn about placing himself in harm's way.
"If you won't help me, then I'll ask Captain Ramon." Determination reflected in his expression and voice. To add to her sense of urgency, Rocky then turned and pretended to leave.
"No. Wait!" Tessa hesitated. She racked her brain for a way to convince Rocky. When she couldn't think of anything, she conceded. "Fine. I'll tell you, but you have to assure me that you will not go alone. Promise me that you will inform me when you go. I will accompany you so that you don't get into trouble." Tessa grabbed Rocky's arm and forced him to look at her as she implored. She was concerned for his safety. He had to see that!
"Okay, I will take you with me. You're a great friend!" Rocky smiled perfunctorily, but of course, he had no intention of taking Tessa along.
Later, Tessa shared details of the location of the three spiritual lands for cultivation with Rocky.
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