Perhaps it was because Ovid’s senses had always been dull, or that his mind had been exhausted by the fighting, he was only somewhat aware that Margrethe had torn through the stola the receptionist had gifted him with her claws that rivalled the sharpness of obsidian.

A strand of sword essence shot through the forest, severing many of Margrethe’s brilliant red feathers, fresh blood spurt outed.

Phoenix blood is extremely similar to dragons blood in the regard that they will erupt into flames when exposed. Cai Hua, flicking his wrist, stored the divine blood bursting from Margrethe’s body before then.

Steps of Nirvana was a technique that could evade even the attacks of saints. When Irene shook her head, she was implying to Cai Hua that the opportune time to intervene would be when Margrethe had placed all her focus onto Ovid.

Margrethe was very afraid of pain, using her technique, she fled several dozen kilometres, her lips letting of an elegant, yet extremely unwilling phoenix cry that resounded into the distance. Upon hearing this cry, all the beasts let out agitated roars and placed themself between Margrethe and Ovid.

Of course, it was simple for Ovid to pass through the wall of beasts in moments, yet he did not, as it was unnecessary. He had obtained the blood essence of a phoenix.

Eventually, the tide of beasts retreated, retaining vigilance as they guarded Margrethe through the dense vegetation of the forest that was unaffected by the struggle between the two.

Manipulating a drop of the blood essence onto Ovid’s forehead, which had begun to show cracks from the internalised heat, he said, “When your constellation goes haywire, consume a drop of the blood.”

All blood essence was extremely precious, not to even speak of phoenix blood. Ovid was aware of its value, so he nodded his head in response.

Cai Hua smiled faintly as he said, “Your talent is very good, and so is your luck. Although it is difficult for you to start cultivating, you have already touched the borders of spiritual manipulation through your brawl with the fletching.”

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Cai Hua fondled Ovid’s hair that had turned quite wild during the fight and asked in a casual manner, “Do you wish to continue cultivating at the forest?”

Ovid retrieved the sword he had stuck into the ground, after placing it into the scabbard, he asked, “Where is Anna?”

Cai Hua passed the porcelain bottle that held Margrethe’s blood essence and replied, “She is in my minor world, no need to worry.”

Ovid then said very straightforwardly, “Then I will continue to practice in the forest.”

Cai Hua thought for a while, staring distantly toward the heart of the forest, he said, “I have to meet one of my wives and search for the medicine at the mountain ranges north of here. It would not take long.”

The mountain ranges Cai Hua was referring to was naturally where the Papacy and Juliana Empire meets, and the medicine he was searching for was naturally the everlasting flower. The distance between the Aeon Forest and the mountain range was twenty days on even the swiftest of horses, yet to saints, it was a meagre feat requiring less than twenty minutes.

After passing Ovid a few life-saving devices, Cai Hua placed Anna, along with Aegis onto the red soil. Leaving in a speed that surpassed the Steps of Nirvana, it was impossible to see his silhouette for more than a few moments.

“Um, I have been chosen to guide you through the forest,” Aegis said, her words meek and her movement dull. “I’m sorry if I mislead you two in advance.”

Anna smiled and said, “I don’t blame you.”

Cai Hua had visualised the battle within his minor world, so the two were not shocked upon seeing the damaged state of the forest.

Aegis had been chosen to lead Ovid and Anna as she was the most educated. However, she was a rather tedious individual and can barely tell left from right, even if she was not an imbecile as hearsay have it, she was certainly not intelligent.

“We should be careful as we go through the forest, there are not many roads or signs for directions,” Aegis said in an uneasy manner. Calming herself down, she took a stride opposite of that of Margrethe.

The sun had set for some time by now, yet much of the warmth from the day was retained among the woods, the floor of the forest was pleasant to walk on, although the soft and tender grass that reached one’s ankles were slightly ticklish, it was easy to walk through. Strolling the forest was extremely comfortable, with Irene assuring their safety, it was like drifting across a park.

As they entered the area untouched by the battle, the faint sound of the rustling of bushes as creatures flee from the group was remarkably common. These creatures had seen the battle between Ovid and Margrethe, more importantly, the slaughter of the Dryads. Though Ovid had paid a heavy price, they feared him greatly. Still, in this forest were many beasts that had achieved the peak of the bishop level.

Ovid returned to his habit of hugging the scabbard closely, following Aegis in sluggish steps as they continued to walk past the forest, he noticed a patch of grass that carried a distinctive silver colouring. After that patch, were many other similar patches, forming what appears to be a road. The grass was somewhat interesting, as the silver colour made it not seem withered, but rather lively and full of spirit. It was extremely striking.

Ovid prefers to have a degree of control over all aspects of his life, he asked Aegis, “Where are we going?”

Aegis replied, “To the grave of Saint Gael.”