Jessica went around Norham with Jared and Flaxseed for half a day. It was only a small city, so they nearly covered the entire place within that time.
“I'm too tired! The two of you can continue exploring. I'm going to find someplace to rest.” After making up an excuse, Flaxseed left in a hurry.
Jared immediately knew why Flaxseed was dashing off. That guy is simply inseparable from women!
Jessica seemed aware of Flaxseed's intentions, too. She could not stop herself from rolling her eyes. “Are men truly so incapable of curbing their desires? Just look at the impatience on his face.”
Her remark instantly made Jared feel a little awkward. He coughed softly and said, “Not all men are like Mr. Flaxseed. I'm still a virgin.”
A look of surprise spread across her face at his words, and she stared at him in disbelief. “You... You have so many women around you, and you have a girlfriend. Didn't you ever...”
“No. Absolutely not. I think that's a sacred act that should wait until after marriage,” Jared replied while waving his hand dismissively.
She suddenly chuckled upon observing his reaction. “What a surprise. I never thought that a pure young man like you would still exist in such a society. If it were not because I already have feelings for someone else, I'd really have the urge to pursue you.”
“Is Patrick the person you have feelings for?” he enquired without beating around the bush.
Her face flushed slightly. Then, she nodded. “Yes. He's very nice to me.”
For some reason, the sight of her shy expression sparked an uneasy feeling in Jared's heart. I can't seem to get a handle on Patrick. There's this niggling feeling that he's not the person he appears to be.
The pair chatted as they walked. Noon soon rolled around, and they found a place to eat. Although the small border city did not have upscale hotels like those found in the big cities, it had its own unique cuisine. Jessica ordered a myriad of dishes, which all looked delicious.
“Do you often come here to eat?” he asked.
She shook her head. “Demon Sect has strict rules. We're not allowed to wander outside the secret realm at will. My position requires me to come out frequently, so I've eaten here twice. However, some haven't stepped outside the secret realm since they joined the sect.”
“How is that different from being locked up in prison?” Jared could not help remarking with a laugh. Being forced to stay in such a small space without being able to step foot outside is the same as being imprisoned!
“As a cultivator, shouldn't we ignore the affairs of the world and focus on cultivation? Actually, not allowing the other sect members to leave the secret realm at will is also our leader's way of protecting them. The world's spiritual energy has depleted, so it's no longer a suitable living environment for cultivators. Besides, according to the laws of nature, staying outside for long periods of time will not only cause our cultivation level to remain stagnant but even deteriorate. It could even cause irreversible damage to the body. Otherwise, cultivators would've already left the secret realm, and there wouldn't be any martial arts world left. Nonetheless, the spiritual energy is about to be replenished, and a battle might start again...”
There was a flicker of worry in her eyes. A battle for resources will happen again after the recovery of spiritual energy. When that time comes, immortals and demon spirits alike will go to any lengths for the sake of their own interests!
“Actually, it'd be a pretty good thing if we could continue living like this. If the restoration of spiritual energy occurs, it'll be a time of tribulation for the ordinary people.” Jared could imagine each of the secret realms opening after the spiritual energy recovery and the entire world descending into chaos. By then, ordinary people will appear utterly worthless to cultivators.
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