Moving Forward

Once the serious business was out of the way, Shui and Cleia continued talking. As she stayed on the sidelines watching them, Lisa finally picked up on something that she hadn't noticed before.

'So that's it. I've been self-conscious this whole time.'

In Lisa's mind, she was someone who Shui had rejected, so she could only imagine that he either wanted to distance himself from her, or didn't think much of it. Both options weren't pleasant to consider, but now she saw the third option.

"Hey, Shui, will you come back to celebrate after Cleia becomes the sect master?"

Lisa's interruption came out of nowhere, but Shui easily hid his nerves behind a warm smile.

"Sure. I think that would be the perfect opportunity for a reunion party."

"I'm glad you agree. Then, you won't mind if I add a penalty if you fail to show up."

"Huh?"

"Ah yes, Kate mentioned many details about your childhood together, and I found one portion to be especially intriguing. Something along the lines of wearing a dress."

It was then that Cleia, Jade and Lisa witnessed a scene that made them doubt their eyes. Shui, the one who always seemed so calm and composed, was visibly shaken with a light blush.

"I-Is, that so?"

He tried to hide his blunder by taking a sip of the tea and shifting his gaze away, but there was no way the three girls would let him off so easily. Cleia and Jade turned to Lisa, signaling her to continue at full force.

"Yes, apparently, she had a childhood friend who looked surprisingly good when dressed up. Even as a girl, she felt a little jealous of them."

"Oh, that's an interesting story."

"Yeah, she even left me with some of the images from her memory. Shall I show it to everyone?"

"Uh, I don't think it's right to reveal something like that. We should respect the privacy of this person, right Cleia?"

"I don't mind."

"What?!"

"We're just getting a look. As you men might call it, admiring a work of art."

Cleia maintained a relaxed smile, but Shui could see the playfulness in her eyes. Even if she didn't know the full story, he was sure that she had managed to deduce a part of it.

'Fine, you leave me no choice.'

"Since we're bringing up old stories about beautiful friends, I happen to know two cute girls who were rather bold when it came to romance. One of them even went as far as to kiss-"

""Don't say anymore!!!""

They made a good attempt, but Shui wouldn't allow himself to lose in this battle.

Elsewhere, in a region bordering the central region, there was a major-level force known as Dragon River Academy. This force generally kept a low profile, but just like any other major-level force, it wasn't to be underestimated. Even if one was accepted as a disciple, it wasn't unusual to be stripped of one's position if they couldn't uphold the standard of the organization. Although it couldn't be said that there was no corruption happening, the strings that even the headmaster could pull were limited as everything was overseen by the stern supreme elder who upheld the rules and had the authority to punish everyone. Thanks to this strict policy, Dragon River Academy always maintained its ranking as one of the top five major-level forces.

It was to this prestigious force that the remnants of Storm Sky Manor decided to go after losing their base. A group of them already had places ready in Heavenly Storm Sect, but that was only for those with strong connections. For the rest of the talents that had come on this journey, it was decided that they would attempt to join Dragon River Academy. When they had arrived, the time for new disciple selection had already passed, but on the account of the friendship between Dragon River Academy and Heavenly Storm Sect, an exception was made. However, their standards remained high, so of the talents that had been brought, only one was able to become a core disciple of Dragon River Academy while the majority failed to become even outer sect disciples.

This one core disciple was currently meditating in a white courtyard surrounded by blue flowers. She sat on an uneven structure with the breeze playing with her hair. Unlike a couple months ago, she had her hair in a braided ponytail that reached the center of her back. Her beauty had grown with her body and skills, but the sight of what was below her would impress an observer for a much different reason.

"Senior sister! Senior sister! They finally posted- huh?!"

Suddenly, a petite girl dressed in the blue and white robes for inner sect disciples rushed into this courtyard. At first, her face was flushed with excitement because of the news she brought, but her expression froze when she noticed what the female core disciple was sitting on.

"Is it about the final trial?"

"Uh, yes."

The petite girl obviously wanted to ask about the pile of unconscious bodies that were being used as a seat, but the core disciple didn't seem intent on explaining. As she was a new addition to the sect and was the youngest core disciple with the lowest cultivation, trouble came for her frequently. However, just like today, she always defeated all who confronted her.

The core disciple leapt off the bodies and delicately landed in front of the petite girl like a leaf on a pond. Her junior sister appeared to be in a daze, so she gently took the document from her hand and looked at it.

"It's as I thought."

Dragon River Academy was currently selecting disciples that would be allowed to enter an ancient battlefield that would be opening soon. It was said that Kings and Emperors once fought and died on this battlefield, along with thousands of Masters and True Masters and countless Sky Realm experts. This resulted in several inheritances and remains being left behind.

Masters and above were unable to enter the battlefield because their presences would negatively affect the space. Nevertheless, the battlefield was perilous, so only the strongest and most talented disciples in the Earth Realm and Sky Realm were eligible, and they would be accompanied by elders at the peak of the Sky Realm.

Although the tests required to gain a spot were rather difficult, the plan was for core disciples and direct disciples to lead their juniors so their tests were even harder. As this core disciple was only at the second level of the Earth Realm, most thought it was impossible for her to get a spot, but she had come close to the finish line and already considered a spot to be hers.

However, there were many who were reluctant to see her succeed so she had to face additional challenges, and she could identify the final one from the document. The last trial that would decide which core disciples in the Earth Realm would be eligible for the trip, was a battle royale, but all of her rivals were hostile to her so she was sure that she would be targeted. Still, this challenge was simpler compared to the rest she had overcome; she only had to display her strength.

"It's too bad I won't be able to join you on the trip, but I'll cheer as loud as I can during your match."

"Thanks," the core disciple said while caringly patting her junior sister's head.

The core disciple, Kate, then looked up at the sky.

'Shui, I'm going at full force, so you better not disappoint me when we next meet.'