Chapter 328: The Journey

"Master Leonidas…"

Renee ran to Leonidas and hugged him tightly.

"Are you alright, Renee?" Leonidas asked, concern etched on his face.

"I'm fine… b-but my father…" Her voice trailed off, sobs erupting as she thought of him.

Leonidas sighed.

Jared approached, quickly lifting Leonidas and channeling spiritual energy into him. Leonidas felt a surge of strength.

"Thank you, Mr. Chance," Leonidas said, starting to kneel before Jared. Renee followed suit. "For all you've done! We'll never forget it!"

Jared stopped them before they could kneel. "Abbot Leonidas, please. Fate bound us together. Besides, Renee has helped me greatly!"

Renee's help had significantly shortened his cultivation time; the frosty energy within her body accelerating the process.

They descended the mountain to Lagrange Monastery. It was clean and deserted, yet profoundly altered. More than ten tombstones stood in the clearing behind the main hall.

Renee collapsed into sobs at the sight. The buried were her seniors and juniors, some of whom had cared for her deeply. Now, they were lifeless.

The largest grave stood at the front. Trembling, Renee approached, clutching the tombstone.

"Father… please come back! I'm Renee! Please call my name… I'm here…"

Her grip was so tight, it broke the skin on her fingers.

Leonidas' eyes welled up. He wanted to comfort her, but Jared stopped him, knowing she needed to grieve.

After thirty minutes, Renee calmed, accepting her father's death.

"Abbot Leonidas, Renee, what are your plans? If you need lodging, I can arrange something in Horington," Jared offered, considering their situation.

Leonidas looked at Renee with pity.

She met his gaze and said to Jared, "I only have Master Leonidas. Where he goes, I go."

Leonidas added, "Mr. Chance, don't worry. I'll take Renee with me as we journey the world. I'll protect her with my life!"

"Very well. Your decision," Jared replied, producing the Starry Compass. "Renee, take this. If the frosty energy troubles you, use it to expel it. Avoid areas with strong frosty energy, and relapse should be minimal."

He placed the compass in her hand.

"Jared… this is your… magical item! I can't accept it!" Renee protested. She knew its significance; he'd killed Falcon for it.

"Take it. It's just another item to me, but it could save your life. When I'm stronger, I'll help you unlock your potential," Jared smiled, patting her head.

Renee held the compass tightly to her chest.

They parted ways at the mountain's foot. Jared watched their retreating figures, unaware that giving Renee the Starry Compass would save him countless times in the future.

(Note: The promotional text "Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the ƒindNoᴠᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality." has been removed as it is not part of the story itself.)