Chapter 2353 — Chapter 2353 Leaving Kulas Behind

"Don't thank me just yet," Ren Xia said to Kulas after hearing his appreciation.

"What?" Kulas raised his eyebrows in a puzzled manner.

A sadistic grin tugged at Ren Xia's face as she responded, "It may be stronger than the Great Mammoth Body Refinement technique, but it is also several times more difficult to cultivate. If you think you had it rough being tortured by the Immortal Clans, just wait until we start training."

A terrified look appeared on Kulas' face after hearing her words, but it was not because he might have to endure unimagine pain. It was simply because he realized that he might be trained by Ren Xia.

"Did I hear you correctly? That you'll train with me? Hell no! I object!" he openly opposed.

Ren Xia sneered and said, "That wasn't a question, so your objection is void."

"Why?! It's not like I am cultivating for the first time! Hell, I am technically older than you! I can train myself just fine!" Kulas remained persistent.

"You're older than me? Don't make me laugh," she sneered with disdain. "You've been dead for most of your soul's lifespan while I have lived all of mine."

"And while you may be able to train yourself, you'll progress much faster if I train you."

"B-But! What about my journey with my brother?! If I train with you, does that mean I won't be able to travel with him?! I have waited so long for this moment! You can't take that away from me! You have no right!" Kulas complained to their parent like a child after being told they couldn't go out to play.

"What?" Ren Xia immediately frowned.

She glared at him and snapped, "You want to travel with him at your current level? How dare you even think such a thing when you've just regained your body and have no cultivation at all! You'd only be a burden to him! Haven't you already caused him enough trouble?"

"T-That's…" Kulas wanted to argue, but he found himself unable to retort, because everything Ren Xia said was true.

While he may have a powerful physique, Yuan was already fighting God Ascension-level cultivators. No matter how powerful his body is, he would never be able to clash with Celestial Qi as a mortal.

"How long do you think it'll take you before you reach a level where you won't be a burden—training alone? Even with your experience, you'd need several thousand years. However, if you train with me, I can guarantee that you'll be somewhat useful in just a few decades."

Hearing her words, Kulas turned to look at Yuan with a reluctant yet pondering face.

Seeing how Kulas was looking at him, Yuan realized what he wanted to say but couldn't and sighed.

"Kulas," Yuan suddenly called out to him.

"Y-Yes?" Kulas' body subconsciously stiffened.

Yuan stared him in the eyes and spoke in a stern voice, "I know what you want me to say. You want me to tell you that it's okay to follow me—that I will be able to protect you. Unfortunately, it's not the cultivators that I am worried about. The Eternals are aware of my return, and I have even attracted the attention of a few new ones."

"No way…" Kulas' jaw dropped.

"I cannot be certain that I will be able to protect myself, much less you. Therefore, you should stay here and train with Ren Xia for now," Yuan said.

"Sorry, Kulas. I know you're disappointed, but this is for the best for both of us."

A bitter smile tugged at Kulas' lips, and he released a saddened sigh, "No, I was being unreasonable to begin with, so there's no need for you to apologize. In fact, I should be the one apologizing to you for trying to push my selfishness onto you even though I was aware that I'd only be a burden."

He clenched his fists and swore, "However, I swear it will not be long! I will train my butt off and quickly follow you, my sworn brother and number one rival, Tian—Yuan!" "Save that enthusiasm for later. You'll need it," Ren Xia interrupted.

"What about you? Aren't you going to spend some time with your beloved?" Kulas suddenly asked her. "I bet it's been a long time since you two met each other."

Ren Xia turned to look at Yuan and smiled, "While it's true that it's been a while, I am satisfied with just seeing you alive and well now, dear. Let's have a proper reunion later."

Yuan nodded, "I'll leave Kulas in your hands."

"Don't worry, I'll discipline him properly," she chuckled with a beautiful smile on her face.

"Oh, right."

Ren Xia suddenly turned to Yu Ning, who was minding her own business nearby.

"What's your name, again?" she asked.

"My name is Yu Ning, Senior Sword Goddess!" Yu Ning respectfully bowed to her.

"Oh? You know me?" "Of course."

"Is that so? Well, I heard what you said earlier, and I am willing to teach you, as well. If you want to serve my husband, you'll need to pass my standards first. What do you say? Are you willing?"

"I-I am willing!" Yu Ning responded after pondering for a brief second. "However, I am an Array Master…"

"So am I," Ren Xia calmly remarked. "In fact, I am a Level 9 Array Master."

"What?! You're a Level 9 Array Master, too?!" Yu Ning exclaimed in shock.

Ren Xia nodded with a nonchalant face, acting like it was only normal for her.

"In that case, I'll be in your care, Senior Sword Goddess!" "Just call me by my name."

"Yes, Senior Ren!"

Some time later, Yuan said, "Since everything is dealt with here, I'll be taking my leave now."

Ren Xia nodded, "Take care, daring. I'll come find you once I am done training them. We have much to talk about."

"See ya later, brother!"

"Until next time, Young Master. Before you leave, I'd like to thank you again for saving me." Yu Ning said as she gave him a deep bow. "If it weren't for you, I'd still be rioting away in the Shadow Realm, after all." Yuan nodded, and after saying his farewells, opened up a portal and disappeared into it.