I Cultivated As The Devil

Wolf, part 1

The Next Day

The sun had just begun to rise when the exit of the High Elder's hall was filled with people. They were talking noisily, seemingly arguing about something.

Then, Elder Morem appeared before them, and they immediately surrounded him.

"What does this mean, Elder Morem? Why is it all over town that you're sending that orphan to the White Temple Institute?"

"Your actions are unjust, Elder Morem. The other youngsters here have trained hard and have reached Stage Cat as you desired! But instead of choosing them, you chose Emrys?!"

The old man raised his hand to silence everyone. "Calm down, everyone. There's no point in arguing about this now. Besides, I've already decided that Emrys is the one we'll send to the White Temple Institute."

"Wait, Elder Morem. Your decision doesn't seem fair."

"Yesterday, you presented me with numerous problems, and I didn't stop you. After that, I said I would take care of the decision to resolve them, so now that I've given you a solution, you're rejecting it?"

A young man raised his hand. "With all due respect, Elder Morem."

"What is it, Sai?" The old man said as the young man approached him, accompanied by two others behind him.

"I just want to say that my friends and I want to go with Emrys to the White Temple Institute. We've reached Stage Cat, as per the policy for enrollment in that school, so there shouldn't be any problem with that, right?"

As Elder Morem observed the three young men, he saw and heard the truth. They had indeed reached the second level of the cultivation system.

But instead of being happy that Emrys would have companions on his journey, the old man was worried for reasons he couldn't express, because he didn't want any more trouble.

The entire Death Lotus clan had not always been this peaceful. Their ancestors lived in a town full of bandits and demons, but Morem had changed the course of every family under this clan's jurisdiction.

He alone protected the entire clan, who had abandoned their naturally evil ways, but now, he seemed to be getting old because he couldn't stop the dangers that could potentially return to their original state.

Morem let out a sigh. "I'll only agree if Emrys himself agrees to go with you to study as adventurers."

Although Morem had a bad feeling about the young men's sudden suggestion, he also considered what might happen to the entire clan if he didn't agree to this request from the other young men who had also tried to become adventurers.

"I'm fine with it." Everyone present turned to Emrys, who had just arrived. He smiled as he approached Sai. "Let's work together to save the entire clan from the very beginning. I'm counting on your support, Sai."

Emrys extended his right hand towards Sai, who accepted it with a smile. "Don't worry. We won't let you down."

"We're always behind you, Emrys." Said one of the young men, Loan.

"Let's work together as adventurers in the future." Added another, named Eris.

"Thank you!" Emrys replied with a nod.

The people applauded what they saw. They liked the cooperation of these young men who, at their young age, had a strong fire in their hearts to establish a single goal: to save their family and clan.

Emrys turned to the old Elder and asked, "Elder Morem? Why don't you seem happy right now?"

Elder Morem was sad and worried for the young man. Because of his soft-hearted nature as Elder, he had lost control of the situation and allowed the flow of water to carry away all the plans that should have protected Emrys.

So, because of this, Morem silently apologized to the young man and forced a smile at Emrys. "Go pack your things. Because soon, I'll take you to the exit of our town for your journey."

"I've been ready since earlier." The young man showed his small bag of belongings beside him.

"That's what I like about you, Emrys. You're so quick and always prepared." Sai praised the young man.

Emrys just laughed.

It didn't take long.

The entire clan was at the town gate. The four young men stood straight in front of Morem, their serious faces observing each other.

"I apologize that we didn't have a feast before you left to honor your courage in following your hearts and challenging the course of life to save your loved ones.

"Just always remember what I always say. Be strong and don't easily surrender your soul to evil. Don't be greedy for money and power. Prioritize your safety and keep your conscience and honor clean in any situation—death or anything else.

"A valiant adventurer is not measured by how strong they are in their strength level or wealth. Because a valiant adventurer is measured by how much they value the lives of others before their own well-being. You became adventurers not to become politicians. You became adventurers because of your natural instinct to save the lives of others! Travel with joy and fear of the Creator. Always do what is right and set aside selfishness. That's what matters. May you be kept away from darkness. And may our ancestors in heaven watch over you."

"Thank you very much! Elder Morem!" The four young men bowed and shouted together.

Three hours had passed since they began their journey.

They could no longer see the land where their hometown was located from this mountain. Every hour, Emrys looked back at the path they were taking, and the smile on his lips wouldn't fade.

As they were at the top of the mountain they needed to cross down to the other side, Sai turned to Emrys and spoke. "Let's rest here for a while."

"Is that okay with you, Emrys?" Eris asked.

Emrys nodded with a smile. "It's fine!"

"If so, let's eat first. Can you find some firewood around here?"

Emrys put down his small bag of belongings beside him. "Sure. I'll take care of it. You three rest here for now."

"Really? It's okay with you for us to rest?" Loan asked, already sitting on a wide rock there.

Emrys nodded. "It's really okay. I'm used to this, so I'll take care of it. I'll be back soon."

"Okay, Emrys. Be careful in the forest." Sai said.