CHAPTER 327: CHAPTER 180 RETURN TO THE EMPIRE

Luo Chen nodded in agreement. He then turned around and headed straight for the Purple Bamboo Cottage. Lan Xin watched his back, a surge of inexplicable emotions welling up inside her. She stood there for a while, without speaking another word.

It wasn’t until Thunderstorm softly called out to her that Lan Xin came back to her senses. She waved to indicate that Thunderstorm shouldn’t be anxious, and said softly, "Thunderstorm, accompany him as he prepares, I need some quiet time..."

"Yes, Sect Leader." Thunderstorm replied respectfully, then turned to follow Luo Chen.

Inside the Purple Bamboo Cottage, Luo Chen began to pack his belongings. He carefully placed the high-level fighting spirit rules secret tome and the golden bullhorn, which he had obtained from the Dark Night Hell, into his bag. These items were of immense significance to him, not only as hard-won trophies but also as vital resources for his future cultivation path.

Thunderstorm stood quietly at the entrance, like a weathered stone statue. His gaze was deep and determined, as if guarding this young man. It was only when Luo Chen finished packing that Thunderstorm coldly said, "Come out and have breakfast when you’re ready."

Luo Chen acknowledged, shouldered his bag, and walked out of the room. He and Thunderstorm headed toward the dining area together, exchanging few words along the way, but their mutual understanding grew stronger. They both knew the upcoming journey would be filled with the unknown and challenges, but with belief and the support of companions, nothing could stop their steps forward.

After breakfast, the three embarked on a new journey. Lan Xin stood in front of the Purple Bamboo Cottage, watching their silhouettes gradually fade into the distance. Her heart was filled with both anticipation and reluctance, but more than that, a hope for Luo Chen’s future growth.

Luo Chen followed Thunderstorm, silently leaving the Purple Bamboo Cottage. The morning sunlight filtered through the treetops, casting dappled patterns on the trail, adding warmth to the serene morning. Walking side by side, they each had their own thoughts. The light-hearted atmosphere from breakfast carried a slight, indescribable gravity.

As they left the Purple Bamboo Cottage, Lan Xin still stood by the lakeside, her gaze profound and far-reaching, as if seeking something. Her figure seemed somewhat solitary in the morning breeze, yet imbued with a resilient tenacity. Luo Chen looked at her, a surge of inexplicable emotions rising within him. In these days, Lan Xin’s smile and gentleness had long been deeply etched in his heart. However, his aversion to the Demon Race remained like an insurmountable chasm, lying between him and Lan Xin.

"We should set off." Thunderstorm broke the silence, his voice calm and steady.

Luo Chen snapped back to reality, nodding. They both transformed into a stream of light, vanishing instantly, leaving Lan Xin still standing by the lake, her gaze complexly watching the direction they departed.

During the flight, Luo Chen was carried by Thunderstorm, weaving through the clouds. The sound of the wind, brought by high-speed flight, whistled past his ears as he looked down at the beautiful scenery below, feeling an inexplicable sense of grandeur. Mountains, rivers, plains, canyons, jungles... these magnificent landscapes unfolded before his eyes, as if nature was showcasing its endless charm to them.

During the flight, there was little exchange between Luo Chen and Thunderstorm. However, on this long journey, their relationship quietly evolved. Luo Chen began to gradually understand and accept Thunderstorm, who seemed cold but had a fervent heart, while Thunderstorm was also impressed by Luo Chen’s resilience and perseverance.

As the sun gradually set in the west, they finally landed outside a bustling small town. Thunderstorm’s face looked somewhat pale, evidently due to the significant soul energy consumed by the long-distance flight. He quietly adjusted his breath, striving to recover his strength. Looking at him, Luo Chen felt a surge of gratitude within. He knew this journey wasn’t easy for Thunderstorm, yet he had never complained once.

On the busy streets of the town, Luo Chen and Thunderstorm blended into the crowd, beginning their new adventure. Here, they would face more challenges and opportunities, but no matter what, they were ready to forge ahead.

And at this moment, in the distance, Lan Xin still stood by the lakeside. Her lips curved into a faint arc, her eyes flashing with a captivating blood-red glow once more. She knew that Luo Chen and Thunderstorm’s journey had just begun, and she would continue to watch over their growth and transformation. No matter what the future held, she would silently protect them until they found their own path.

In the days that followed, Luo Chen and Thunderstorm temporarily settled down in the town. They began interacting with the local people, learning about the customs of the land. Luo Chen’s curiosity about this world grew stronger; he wanted to understand this world more deeply and explore those unknown domains.

Meanwhile, Thunderstorm began guiding Luo Chen in cultivating soul energy, helping him grow faster. He knew Luo Chen had immense potential, and with diligent cultivation, he could undoubtedly become an extraordinary powerhouse in the future. During cultivation, their relationship became increasingly intimate, and they began to support each other like brothers, progressing together.

Thunderstorm stopped and turned to Luo Chen, saying, "Let’s rent a carriage in town." His voice was calm but carried an undeniable decisiveness.

Luo Chen hurriedly caught up, curiously asking, "Is it because the soul energy consumption is too much?" In his view, with Thunderstorm’s ability, flying shouldn’t be an issue, so why choose a carriage, a relatively slow mode of transportation?

Thunderstorm snorted softly and shook his head, "This distance is nothing to me. Choosing a carriage is because there are supreme powerhouses in the Golden Wind Empire ahead; if I don’t conceal my aura, I might be discovered."

Upon hearing this, Luo Chen felt a startle in his heart. A person even Thunderstorm feared, could it be a strong Soul Demon-level figure? He couldn’t help but be filled with curiosity and awe for that unknown powerhouse.

"Golden Wind Empire? Is it the western country that has political entanglements with the Auslan Empire?" Luo Chen followed closely behind Thunderstorm, attempting to learn more about this mysterious empire.

"Yes, the Golden Wind Empire indeed has a complex political relationship with the Auslan Empire," Thunderstorm nodded in confirmation, continuing to explain, "However, the national customs of the Golden Wind Empire greatly differ from the Auslan Empire. They are open and bold, and the body shapes and skin tones of their people differ from other countries, most importantly, their personalities and pursuits are also unique. Once you arrive there, never perceive things through the Auslan Empire’s perspective."

Luo Chen nodded silently, keeping these words in mind. He knew he was about to step into a new world, a world full of the unknown and challenges. At the same time, he continued to ponder about the formidable powerhouse that even Thunderstorm feared, wondering who they could be and what kind of strength made Thunderstorm so cautious.

The two found a carriage rental place in the town and rented a simple carriage. Though basic, it sufficed for the journey ahead. Thunderstorm drove, and Luo Chen sat inside, quietly awaiting the unknown journey ahead.

As the carriage slowly set off, Luo Chen’s mood gradually calmed. Staring at the ever-changing scenery outside the window, his heart filled with anticipation and curiosity. He knew this trip was more than a simple journey; it was an opportunity for spiritual training and personal growth.

The carriage bumped along the rugged road, with neither Luo Chen nor Thunderstorm speaking, both immersed in their own thoughts. Luo Chen gazed at the distant horizon, imagining the appearance of the Golden Wind Empire and its distinct citizens. Meanwhile, Thunderstorm remained ever vigilant, ensuring the safety of their journey.