Chapter 364 - A Battle God?
Darlene felt strangely serene and secured in Leon's arms. Talentless people like her were used to the scornful gazes of others and being insignificant.
Even the tribal chief that sheltered them did not hold any expectations of their futures. Talentless people with Void Bodies cannot practice even the most basic body cultivation method widespread throughout the Infertile Plains.
That is the undeniable truth.
However, when Darlene look at Leonhardt, there was no prejudice or contempt in his eyes. Only sympathy—not because she was talentless but because of the treatment talentless people like her were receiving.
Talentless people without backing were like slaves. They have no rights and no means to defend themselves. They were prohibited from having children and only lived to serve others.
'Darkness Profound Energy-based body cultivation is not the only cultivation path in existence. Darlene might not be able to cultivate the Darkmoon Tribe's body cultivation method, but the same cannot be said for awakening and divine cultivation.'
Leon quietly pondered and made a mental note.
As they enjoy each other's warmth in bed, Leon rustled her hair in silence.
Various thoughts and questions were gathered in Leon's mind. It was rather extreme of people to disown their own children for being talentless.
"I don't think any normal parent would disown their children even if they have no talent for cultivation. The treatment of people with Void Bodies seems rather harsh." Leon frowned and asked, "Is there a particular reason for this?"
It might be insensitive of him to continue asking, but he needed answers.
Darlene was slightly surprised and turned her head to stare into Leon's eyes. If not for his genuinely curious expression, she would have thought Leonhardt was joking.
Ask anyone in this land of darkness, and they will be able to answer such a simple question. It was something everyone should know. It was strange that Leonhardt did not know.
Nevertheless, Darlene did not think too deeply. Since she accepted Leonhardt, she would not question his origins.
Whether he was a friend or foe of the Darkmoon Tribe, it no longer matters to her. Talentless people like her never had a strong attachment to their tribes.
"Talentless people are people forsaken by the Battle God, or so everyone believes. Also, everyone believes that talentless people will only breed more talentless people. Having a talentless person like me in their family is both a stain and a disgrace to any reputable family. The more reputable they are, the more this is so." Darlene said, self-mockingly.
'Battle God?'
Leon's brows furrowed slightly.
After he quickly inspected Darlene's body with divine sense, he gently rubbed her head before shifting her body to meet her eyes.
"If I said you can cultivate, will you believe me?" Leon lightly smiled.
He was not planning on revealing anything just yet. However, it did not hurt to give Darlene hope. It would be even better if he could give her some confidence and get rid of her inferior complex entirely.
Cultivation starts with the will. If there is no will to cultivate, then there is no need to bring up cultivation.
She can cultivate? How was that possible?
Darlene felt a little dizzy by Leon's question and shook her head. Was he just saying that to comfort her? There was no need to. She was not so delicate that she would be depressed over such a matter.
"You don't need to say that to comfort me, Young Master Leonhardt. I am fine. I've long come to terms with such—Ahh!"
Darlene suddenly issued a short cry after Leon smacked her rear. She glared at him slightly while feeling wronged. Why did he—he suddenly beat her 'there'?
"I said there's no need for formality between us. Just call me Leonhardt." With a slightly displeased look, Leon said. After a short pause, he added, "Hubby is also fine."
Darlene's heart fluttered wildly. She lowered her head shyly.
"Then, I will call you, Hubby?"
"En."
Leon nodded.
He no longer brought up the matter of cultivation. Actions speak louder than words, but now was not the right time to prove it. It was sufficient to instill a little bit of doubt.
If Darlene gives it some thought, she would see the possibility of other cultivation methods out there. His body was the best proof—A body with strength rivaling Great Warriors yet mismatched in size.
Leon had plans to reveal his identity as someone from the Human Domain to negotiate friendly relations with the Darkmoon Tribe and possibly an alliance. There were areas where they can benefit from each other by working together.
However, until he possesses sufficient strength, he will not do anything that risks exposing his identity. He currently did not have enough weight to bring to the negotiation table. Agreements are made when interests align, benefits are clear, and both sides are equal.
For now, he should lay low and learn more about the Darkmoon Tribe while looking into the whereabouts of his adoptive mother and the rest of the missing people.
'I need to quickly improve my strength.'
Leon frowned.
Many things required his attention and focus, yet he had so little time to accomplish them all. What a busy life he was living.
"Is something wrong?" Darlene asked nervously.
"No, it's nothing." Leon shook his head and smiled. While giving Darlene a head rub, he said, "Tell me more about the Battle God."
"H-Hubby does not even know about the Battle God?" Darlene asked with her eyes wide. Why does it seem like her man is ignorant of everything? Had he been living under a rock?
"Hmm. As far as I can remember, I have alone." Leon said.
Knowing her man was a lone vagabond, she suddenly felt like he was even more pitiful than her. At the very least, she had a fulfilling childhood until the age of 13 and knew who her parents were.
On the other hand, it seemed like her man never knew his parents and was forced to toil outside from a young age.
As Darlene looked at her man sympathetically, Leon ruffled her hair and said with a light smile, "Don't think so much and tell me more about the Battle God."
Leon felt uneasy, but it was necessary to keep up the fake identity. Chief Valencia's eyes and ears could be anywhere.
If his guess is not wrong, Chief Valencia is going to bring up the matter of joining the tribe again the next time they meet.
After all, unless Chief Valencia had implicitly allowed it to happen, someone would have stopped him from committing the act last night in his drunken stupor.
"The Battle God is—eh?"
Darlene was interrupted by a series of sudden movements and urgent calls outside, following the ringing city bell.
"Something is happening outside."
"We can continue to talk later. Let us get dressed and head out for a look."
It only took a few breathes for Leon to fully dress. On the other hand, Darlene was still in bed.
"Umm…"
A shade of red painted her face as she lowered her head and hesitated in bed with the blanket wrapped around her. Her clothes had all been torn apart by Leon last night.
"Ahem, right." Leon coughed and said, "I'll head out first to find someone to fetch you some spare clothes."
"Ah? No, there's no need for that. There are some spare clothes in the drawers here, Young—Hubby. I-I will go put it on right away!"
Although it was a little bit embarrassing to change in front of Leon, she did not want to be left behind.
Young Hubby?
Leon raised an eyebrow and could not help but punish her by smacking her round bottom as she walked past with her wrapped blanket.
Pak!
"Ahh!"
Darlene cried and threw Leon a dirty look full of question marks.
"My little wifey has become quite bold. Who is a 'Young Hubby'?" Leon questioned.
"Ah, no. I did not mean it like that…"
"Oh? What did you mean then? Also, is there a need to cover yourself? I have seen everything already."
"I… I…"
Darlene was stumped for words.
What could she say? She was trained about a lady's etiquette and was not a wild exhibitionist like some female warriors out there.
Noticing Leon's grin, Darlene stamped her feet angrily.
"Y-You're teasing me!"
"Hahaha…"
Leon chuckled lightly and did not comment.
Shortly after Darlene was dressed and head outside with Leon, he grabbed a passing female servant and asked, "What is going on, if I may ask?"
The female servant was rudely stopped, but she was still surprised by Leon's politeness. There was no need for a Great Warrior to be this polite to a lowly talentless servant like her.
"The hunting team just came back with Blackwind Tribe survivors, but they also brought back a powerful Bone Army with them. Everyone is preparing for the big battle."
The female servant answered faithfully with a light blush.