Meeting Cassandra

The twins were slightly confused when Shui suddenly announced his decision to be compliant, but it worked out in their favour so they shook off their confusion and led the way.

Since the three of them were inner section disciples, Shui thought that Cassandra would be waiting within the inner section, but the two led him to the tall double door that served as the entrance to the core section. While inner section disciples could call outer section disciples freely, the core section could only be accessed by individuals with sufficient qualifications, but even when the inner section elder from the War Department saw the three of them, he opened the way without question. Shui knew that he hadn't gained enough status in the manor for this treatment yet, so this had to be because of the mistress that the twins served.

'I knew she was popular, but to think it was to this extent.'

While Shui pondered on the level of Cassandra's influence, they passed through the giant door. On the opposite side of the door, was a cave well lit by blue ores that glowed faintly. The ores had little use as forging material, but as they only shined in the presence of highly concentrated nature energy, it was a plain yet extravagant source of lighting. There were rumours that there was a lake of spirit drops in the core section and considering the concentration of nature energy, Shui could definitely see it being possible. As he trained with divine energy he needed several times more nature energy to make a breakthrough, but he felt that he would be able to increase his cultivation just by staying here for a few days.

'Looks like I underestimated this place. I wonder if there's a way to become a core disciple without waiting for the selection.'

The cave wasn't very big and there were no side paths, so after a few minutes Shui had truly entered the core section. There were less buildings, but besides the light mist that covered the area, it wasn't that different from the rest of the manor. Though there still seemed to be an obstacle, Shui could sense Kate's position much more clearly so he wanted to take a look, but he had to follow the twins for now.

After entering the core section, the three soon arrived at their destination. It was a wide courtyard wrapped in a fantastical atmosphere, with curtains of gentle colours decorating the area. At the center of the courtyard was a table laden with tea and sweet snacks, but there was only person seated while being waited upon by four women dressed as maids.

The women were all as beautiful as the twins that escorted Shui, but even so their mistress was a step above. The young lady with small cherry lips, azure eyes and long black hair, possessed a charm that beckoned admiration from both sexes. However, Shui knew that her charm wasn't just in her appearance, it was also from her cultivation. It was a case similar to his, as she seemed to have cultivated the soul, it was easy for her control others with just her looks. Soul cultivation was harder to read than energy cultivation so Shui wasn't sure, but based on the apparent strength of her soul she likely possessed a nebula two-star soul. Still, despite all of this, there was something else that surprised Shui the most. Although she now donned a black silk coat, she was the inner section disciple that was there when Kate was recruited into Storm Sky Manor.

"Mistress."

"We've brought him."

Like dogs wagging their tails, the twins quickly approached their mistress and reported the success of their mission. Cassandra rewarded them with a smile along with a 'Well done', before shifting her gaze to Shui.

"It's nice to meet you, or perhaps I should say, it's been a while?"

When directed at him, Cassandra's voice was like divine nectar or the most sumptuous feast in the way it tried to break down his walls of caution. She didn't seem to be doing it on purpose, but her cultivation method caused her to charm others naturally. Nonetheless, Shui repelled her enticement without much effort.

"You remember me?"

"Of course. Though your unfortunate circumstance made you ineligible to join us at that time, my dear junior sister always reminded me of how talented you were. Please, have a seat."

When Cassandra gestured at the chair across from her, Shui immediately felt the piercing gazes of her obedient fans. It seemed like they would rip him apart if he sat down, but Shui could only show a wry smile and accept her offer.

"Thank you for the offer. Are the two of you close?"

"Not as close as I'd like us to be, but we do get along well."

"I see. How is she?"

"Unfortunately she's doing closed door training at the moment so you won't be able to see her, but you don't have to worry since she's not in any danger."

"That's good."

As Shui paused and took a sip of tea, Cassandra discreetly nodded her head in approval. Her sweet maids hadn't noticed it, but anyone else would have already become enraptured by her beauty at such a close distance. However, not only was Shui unruffled, he was also able to ask about another woman. Granted, in terms of just appearance Kate was comparable to Cassandra, but it was still behaviour that would usually only be possible for some elders in the manor.

"My lovely flowers, would you mind leaving us alone for a few moments. I'd like to have a private talk with young master Shui."

Intrigued by the young man in front of her, Cassandra ordered her maids to leave so that she could test him further.

"But, mistress-!"

"Please."

One of the maids tried to protest, but this time Cassandra's voice was accompanied by spiritual intent. By mixing her intent with her charm, Cassandra was able to force them into obedience and make them back off. Mixing powerful intent with his voice was a means Shui hadn't considered, but it was similar to his use of eye contact to increase the power of hypnotic spells. Once the maids had left the vicinity, Shui restarted the conversation.

"Is there something you want to tell me?"

"It's less of a statement and more of a query. Did you know that Nathan from your clan has been missing for a few days?"

Cassandra mixed her intent into her voice to shake Shui's composure and extract the truth from his expression, but he deflected her attempt with ease.

"Is that so?"

Of course Shui was still surprised that she seemed to be suspecting him, but her charm couldn't pierce his defense that easily. He didn't know how far she had investigated, but Shui and Nathan were known to be on bad terms so his indifference shouldn't be surprising since Nathan was just 'missing'.

"Yes. Of course it's too soon to be pessimistic, but I wondered if he met with you since you arrived."

"...No. We weren't that close and I haven't told anyone from my clan that I've arrived yet."

If Cassandra had been watching him since he entered the manor, then his lie would be seen through instantly, but he didn't think he had caught her eye at that point.