Gang Troubles

Just as Bartos said, even without announcing Shui's cultivation there was no significant opposition to him participating. And so, with the trip to the ancestral lands coming up, Shui had much to prepare. He created talismans in the Primordial Library and would soon go to Cyrus with Yur to buy essentials like rations. Things needed for survival could be found in the ancestral lands, but Shui didn't take that as an excuse to slack off with his preparations. He also planned on buying spirit gems since he would need to quickly replenish his nature energy in the ancestral lands. He didn't buy any before since he never needed them, but this was an adventure where they were a must-buy since he would have to stay in the ancestral lands for around three days.

Drawing mid-level inscriptions required an extra process compared to low-level inscriptions. In addition to imagining the effect of the symbol, one must also have a detailed understanding of how it would work. For Shui, this was only a matter of time, so once he got into studying during the winter, he soon reached the stage to do mid-level inscriptions. Once he could do mid-level inscriptions, he could stack the effects of symbols through the layering technique, and could still bring out the effect of symbols by drawing them mentally, albeit to a limited degree.

The talismans he had in stock were already enough; if he didn't factor in the layering technique. Now that he could properly use the layering technique, he made several copies of every symbol he could draw. When layering the effect of a symbol, the final result would be exponential greater. For example, if the destructive effect of the 'Burst' talisman was 3, then when two were layered the maximum destructive effect would be 27. With this sort of increase in power, how could he not make several duplicates of the same talisman? Even if the maximum effect didn't happen, it was guaranteed that it would surpass the minimum effect, in this case 6.

However, drawing the same symbol over and over again did get dull, so at one point he tried to duplicate a talisman with the symbol of 'Copy'. Unfortunately, though it was theoretically possible, Shui's skill would have to reach the high-level inscription stage before he could use symbols interactively.

In addition to making talismans, Shui also made some simple artifacts. Since they only consisted of good material and inscriptions they were actually closer to talismans than artifacts. Without the inscriptions, the materials would only have use if sold, but with a bit of form alteration and inscriptions, these items were perfect for him.

While Shui began his preparations, Ulus, the leader of the underworld of Cyrus was talking to his second-in-command, Alan. Ulus sat behind a desk and Alan stood in front of the desk.

"So you saying that bastard Rut's tryin' to cut ties with us?" Ulus asked with his usual stern face.

"I'm not sure, but he hasn't been coming in and helping us with any jobs lately, so I did a little snooping. It turns out he's acting really obedient to some kids in the Workers' Association."

"Did you find out why?"

Alan shook his head. Only the two siblings, Shui and Rut knew the reason for this circumstance, but none of them were willing to expose it. Once he heard what Alan had to say, Ulus turned silent with a pensive expression. Rut was the useless cousin of the previous boss, so he tried to be civil and let him do what he wanted, but this was too much.

"Bring him in."

"Yes Boss."

Less than an hour later, Rut was kneeling before Ulus with his arms tied behind his back by rope made of fibers from common-grade mutated flora.

"Big, big bro Ulus, what's this for?"

Rut looked around nervously. The rope was enough for him to know that things wouldn't go well for him. He hadn't come here recently since he had become too afraid. Ever since Shui put him in his place, his cultivation had stagnated and he couldn't even look at the weaklings he used to bully the same way. Every time he considered mugging them, his mind flashed to the time when Shui took control of his life. Everyday he lived in fear that he could die at any moment, so he became more cautious and timid.

With one look at Rut, Ulus was sure he was ruined. He didn't know which person turned the stupid brute into a doormat, but he was thorough. In his mind he already knew what he was going to do with this waste.

"Rut, is there anything you want to tell me?"

"What? Huh?"

At first, Rut was confused, then wary, and finally cold sweat wet his back. He thought of the events that landed him into this situation. He considered talking, but then he recalled the imprint inside him. He couldn't, he had no choice. If he talked he would die, but if he didn't he might die as well.

As Rut looked hesitant to talk, Ulus sighed and then signaled them to leave. Not long after Rut was dragged out of the room, a scream of horror and pain reached his ears. Ulus had no need for useless trash.

'Now then, should I try and avenge the cousin of the past boss?'

While walking the streets of Cyrus, Shui felt a sudden sharp discomfort in his mind.

'What? This means-!'

Without even looking at Yur who was beside him, Shui dashed ahead.

"Shui!"

Since he couldn't stop him, Yur had no choice but to chase after him. What Yur found strange though, was the fact that he couldn't catch up to Shui. Even if the crowd prevented him from going at full speed and Shui's body made it easier for him to slip through, Yur didn't get how the difference between them actually increased despite the fact that he should be faster because of his higher cultivation.

'When did he get this fast?'

While Yur was struggling to keep up, Shui put on his new mask that was basically a copy of the old one, as well as a new cloak during his dash through the crowd. This cloak had the same black colour as the one he wore as Shin, but the design was slightly different and the symbol inscribed on it was 'Defense'. Furthermore, two 'Defense' symbols were layered. At his current proficiency, Shui could only use the layering technique with three drawings of the same symbol at best, so this cloak was one of his masterpieces.

In a short time, Shui had reached the house where Lily and her siblings lived, but it was too late. He rushed inside the house, only to find a pair of twins and Sia tied up on the floor.

"Mm, mmm."

They were conscious but their mouths were sealed. Shui took out his dagger and quickly cut through the rope constricting them. Lily had told Shui that the children had started to cultivate, but they were still in the early Mortal Realm so the rope needed to restrain them wasn't that tough.

"Big brother and big sister were taken away! You have to save them."

"Yeah, p-please."

"We'll do whatever you want."

Of the three, only Sia knew that the one in front of them was Mr. Shin, but once she asked him for help, the twins did the same.

"Don't worry. I'll go bring them back."

Shui felt a prick in his heart from the tearful expressions of the children. He knew this had something to do with Rut being killed; it was most likely an attempt to bring him out into the open.

'They're hostages so they probably won't hurt them, but now that I've come here they might have found me.'

Shui was wary of this unknown enemy, but he couldn't simply abandon Lily and Ryan. He had once risked his life to let them escape, so how could he bear to abandon them without a fight?

"Okay, bring me the clothes of your big brother and sister."

The twins were confused as to why he asked for such a thing, but Sia was already dashing away. In under a minute, she came back with a pile of laundry. It was easy to see which belonged to who so Shui had no problem picking out articles of clothing worn by each of them. After placing a skirt on the floor to his right, and a shirt to his left, Shui took out two talismans. Both of the talismans had the symbol for 'Pinpoint' which had the function of locating the aura left on the clothes and passing the location to his mind. With these talismans, Shui discovered where the pair were and that they were held in the same place.

Right as he was about to run there, Yur appeared at the entrance. Once he saw the mask, he was sure the one in front of him was Shui so he called him.

"Shui, what are you do-?"

"Perfect timing. Watch these kids."

Yur looked slightly haggard from chasing him, but Shui purposefully ignored that. He didn't plan on wasting any time.