Protoganist's Sidekick Fights Back-Chapter 47: Zhu Zhihao’s Departure

The jasmine-scented air hung heavy in Yue Mei's courtyard. A faint mist clung to the manicured gardens.

Zhu Zhihao, a splash of crimson against the pale morning light, stood before Yue Mei.

Her face was serene, but her violet eyes held a flicker of warmth and affection.

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Yue Mei's own crimson eyes shimmered with tears. "Be safe, Aunt Zhu," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you."

Zhu Zhihao's hand rested gently on Yue Mei's cheek, a warm, steady touch.

"Little Mei," she murmured, her violet eyes full of warmth and worry. "You have found a safe place here. For now, you must cultivate well. Remember what I said: Trust in yourself. I believe you will find a way here."

Su Kang and Su Ting watched from a distance, respectful but present. Su Kang had come to see Zhu Zhihao off—a polite gesture, yes, but also a subtle way to show their understanding.

He watched as Zhu Zhihao turned to him, her expression unreadable.

"Young Master Su," she said quietly, "keep Yue Mei safe. I'll return in six months."

Su Kang met her gaze. A silent promise passed between them. "I will, Senior Zhu," he replied, his voice steady.

With one last look at Yue Mei, Zhu Zhihao rose into the air. Her crimson robes swirled like flames as she ascended.

"I have to make sure they can't track her," she thought.

She had to return to her auction house to maintain appearances. She couldn't let suspicion arise from her absence.

Too much time, too much effort had gone into creating this life for herself and Yue Mei.

Su Kang watched her disappear, anticipation and unease mixing within him. He felt that this wasn't the end. It was just the start of something much bigger.

Su Ting decided to stay behind to comfort Yue Mei. Su Kang nodded at him and left them alone, his mind already on other matters as he returned to his own courtyard.

Inside his quiet cultivation chamber, Su Kang sat on his meditation mat. He closed his eyes and reached out with his mind.

"Fate," he called silently. "Finally, it's time. I need new cultivation techniques and the thing you promised."

He'd been waiting for this, for the chance to finally change his techniques. He couldn't ask before, not with Zhu Zhihao around.

Her senses were too sharp. He didn't want to do something like this in her presence.

Now, with her gone, he was finally free.

"Fate," he repeated, his thoughts focused, "I need to change my Qi cultivation urgently. It will take time to convert my Qi according to new techniques."

Fate's voice echoed in his mind, metallic, but... different somehow. "Su Kang... most of my techniques... they're not suitable for the current you."

A wave of cold disappointment washed over Su Kang. Not suitable? What did that even mean?

"What do you mean by not suitable?" he asked, his voice tight with frustration.

"You need... a special physique or spiritual body to practice them," Fate explained. "For example, they require a divine yang body, a Chaos Body, or ancient dragon blood. Something... more."

Damn it! Su Kang clenched his fist.

"You said most," he pressed, a flicker of hope rekindling. "There are some that are suitable for me, right?"

"Yes," Fate admitted. "A soul technique and a body technique. But... they are still dangerous. Your body would need to be reconstructed."

"A soul technique? A body technique? Tell me more." Su Kang was intrigued.

"The Sanctuary of the Unwavering Soul," Fate began, its metallic voice resonating with a plain tone.

" It purifies and strengthens your very soul essence. It makes your willpower stronger."

A strong soul and willpower—Su Kang nodded. This was essential for a cultivator, and it would be helpful against demonic cultivators.

"And what about the body technique?" Su Kang asked.

"The Starforged Physique," Fate replied. "Your body needs to absorb astral energy to refine bones, muscles, and organs. But your body is unable to handle astral energy now."

"Body reconstruction?" Su Kang repeated, his voice laced with curiosity and caution.

Fate's metallic voice echoed in his mind, steady yet firm. "Yes. Your body is currently unable to absorb Astral Qi."

" If you attempt to cultivate the Starforged Physique as you are now, it would be impossible. You need a spiritual body or physique related to stars to even begin with it."

Su Kang's expression darkened. "Then why suggest it?"

"Because I have prepared for this," Fate answered, a rare note of finality in its tone.

"I would not offer you a path that leads only to failure. The body reconstruction will force your body to adapt. The end result will be a physique that can withstand and absorb Astral Qi."

Su Kang took a deep breath. He had expected that cultivation at this level would demand pain, but knowing that Fate had already made preparations gave him some confidence.

"Then, what do I need to do first?" he asked.

"Begin with the Sanctuary of the Unwavering Soul. Strengthen your soul, refine your mind. A strong will is essential to endure what is to come.

Simultaneously, practice the Star Tempering Exercise—a preparatory technique that will gradually prepare your body for the reconstruction."

Su Kang nodded. "I understand. What about Qi cultivation?"

"I will decide that after seeing your results. To balance your body and soul cultivation, you need a Qi cultivation technique that is based on harmony; otherwise, your body and soul will be hard to control," Fate said.

"What about the thing you were about to give me?" He wanted to know about this. He had been waiting for this thing since the wedding night.

"It's better if you use this after changing your Qi technique. If you use it now, it will be difficult to change your techniques later."

"This..." Su Kang sighed. He had waited so many weeks for this, yet he had to wait longer.

"Can't I practice a Qi technique now based on harmony?" he asked.

"You can, but it's best to figure out how your physique will be after the transformation. These cultivation techniques are different, so you can't be reckless."

He let out a deep breath and decided to wait a little longer. A few more months were nothing compared to superior cultivation techniques.

"Okay, then let's begin," Su Kang nodded. Soon, he felt some memories being injected into his spiritual consciousness.

It was the Star Tempering Exercise and the foundation technique for the Sanctuary of the Unwavering Soul.

He needed an isolated space with potent starlight for his practice and transformation. Su Kang selected a lone mountain within the Su Manor's vast territory.

It was far from the bustling training grounds, shrouded in mist, and quiet enough for uninterrupted cultivation.

With a decisive step, he made his way up the mountain, surveying the landscape.

It was ideal—distant from prying eyes, yet close enough for him to return when necessary.

Atop the mountain, he set up a simple cultivation spot. He gathered spirit stones and arranged protective formations.

Later, he decided to arrange arrays for gathering starlight. It ensured that nothing would hinder his practice.