299 Bonus Adventure Planning 1 (1/2)
Truen bowed respectfully after he returned to Earth with the Sage God of Medicine. The physician returned the gesture and served them bitter Chinese tea.
\”I know that you're not here to apprentice under me. Likewise, I have no intention to teach an assassin the ropes of my trade.\”
The wood elf thanked Hua Tuo. \”As expected, Hua Tuo is insightful. I'm here to thank you on Zero's behalf as well as request for a favour.\”
\”Oh?\” the physician stroked his beard with interest. From Buddha's texts, the physician pictured Truen as a wood elf with a double face and a very cruel heart. Why would someone like that ask for a favour?
\”As the founder of the Onion Union, is there something that you cannot do?\”
Truen didn't react to that light jab. He wasn't very surprised that the physician knew what he was doing behind the scenes. After all, Hua Tuo was invited to the Onion Union before. the Sage God declined Truen's invitation but promised to act individually and help out if Zero was ever in any kind of trouble.
\”It's not that I cannot do it, it is simply easier if you assisted me. I need to meet up with the villagers in Half Moon Village but without a proper cover and excuse for me to be there, it will be very hard to convince all the villagers. A few of them already know me but most of them don't. I don't want to bring the Onion Union's operation to that village if possible because that is Zero's base of operation. I do have to meet up with the dragons to make preparations before Zero graduates his magic training. We need to scout the human towns and kingdoms.\”
Hua Tuo sighed. \”Understood. You can rest here for now. I need to briefly return to the abyss to close the hospital and clinic.\”
Truen didn't question why the Sage God had a hospital and clinic in the abyss but expressed his gratitude. Hua Tuo left quickly and the wood elf decided to take a look around at the abode where Zero once lived at for a while. He smiled when there were still traces of the teen's activities in the hut. He didn't think that Hua Tuo was someone who would shape his pills into stars and hearts. That was definitely Zero's doing.
Hua Tuo returned quickly even before Truen had the chance to boil water and make tea. \”It is settled now, let us pack and travel to the village. I assume you are already acquainted with Olaf?\”
Truen nodded. \”I also happen to be in contact with Coux, Wiser, Qin Yun, Amaraline and Sekkin from Baal's faction. They told me that the Demon Lord has entered his slumber and will not be waking up for at least a few centuries.\”
Truen was pleasantly surprised by the level of preparation the villagers had prepared. He was also thankful that Hua Tuo agreed to introduce Truen formally as Zero's travel buddy and unofficial guardian so that the villagers wouldn't treat him with hostility.
The first person they met at the village was Clowis who immediately pointed his spear at the wood elf. Truen didn't retaliate and allowed Hua Tuo to do the explaining. Qin Yun and Olaf had to verify Truen's identity before the villagers relaxed.
\”Sorry,\” the head warrior apologised. \”You just gave off a rather scary aura. It is hard to believe that Zero is good friends with someone like you.\”
Hua Tuo coughed awkwardly and Truen maintained his smile, not taking offence to Clowis' blunt words. The village decided to host a small feast to welcome Truen that evening and the wood elf decided to mingle with the villagers to learn more about how Zero had been coping the past year they had been apart. The stories many villagers told amused Truen. He was happy that Zero coped very well but also a little conflicted when he realised how much he had missed out on Zero's growth.
Olaf chose not to comment too much and allowed the leader of the Onion Union to blend in with the common folk. The Frost Dragon found it amazing how Truen was able to worm his way into society. The wood elf might not be very powerful in terms of combat strength but he was very manipulative and skilful in getting access to information. If such a person was not on Zero's side, Olaf would have gotten rid of them. Truen was truly a scary force to be reckoned with and definitely should not be underestimated.