First Mission

This wasn't the first time Shui had encountered Clyde, and he seemed stronger since then. Clyde was still at the peak of the Soul Realm, but he was now almost at the half-step level where he would only need a material for his phantom palace in order to advance to the Earth Realm. Of course, that made him little different from Lionel in Shui's eyes, but it was still impressive for an inner section disciple. In the next core disciple selection happening in less than a year, he would certainly manage to become a core disciple, but his future prospects weren't what Shui cared about. 

The last time they met was a similar situation, and at that time Shui chose to escape to avoid getting involved in a lovers' spat. However, since then, though he wasn't sure why she was so eager about getting close to him, Lisa had proven her sincerity so Shui considered her as one of his people. Therefore, this time he took a step forward to cover her. 

"I'm not sure why you came here, but I'm enjoying a stroll with Lisa right now so would you mind leaving for today?"

Lisa's eyes widened in surprise and joy while Clyde clenched his fist and glared at Shui like he wanted to make him a dead man. 

"I was going to ignore you if you apologized for getting close to my girl and rolled out of here, but it looks like you have other plans. It seems that since you managed to deal with Lionel, you don't think much of me. It looks like as your senior, I'll have to teach you that there's always a higher mountain."

"I don't really see any need to fight you, nor do I know what history you share with Lisa, but you're too presumptuous if you think you can act like my senior."

Clyde's outward pressure increased while Shui faced him without a change in expression. Everyone thought that a battle today would be inevitable, but one person sought to prevent that outcome.

"Clyde, stop it."

Lisa stepped out from behind Shui and faced Clyde in his place. Once Clyde grimaced and lowered his pressure in response, Lisa turned to Shui.

"Thank you for standing up for me, but please let me take it from here."

"Okay."

If he thought this would turn into a fight then Shui definitely wouldn't have backed down so easily, but based on what he could see, Shui didn't think things would turn out that way.

After getting Shui's approval, Lisa took another step forward and faced Clyde head-on while he grimaced at her courage. 

"Clyde, if you want to talk then we can talk later. Right now I want to be with Shui."

"LIsa, are you really going to keep being like this?"

"I admit that I was just throwing a tantrum at first, but now I've made my decision so don't interfere."

Without waiting for a response, Lisa grabbed Shui's hand and led him out of the courtyard. Clyde's eyes stuck to them as they left, but neither turned to him again even after they were out of sight. Once she was sure that he hadn't followed, Lisa sighed in relief and relaxed her hold on Shui's hand.

"Will you be okay after doing that in public?"

Shui didn't think Clyde would hurt her, but he still asked to make sure since he would be leaving soon.

"Yes, I should be fine. You've probably heard already but, he and I used to be together. We split because of circumstances, but he won't hurt me at least."

Shui sensed a strong emotion hidden beneath her casual tone but it didn't seem right for him to point that out. He figured that she would need some time alone so he said that he had other things to prepare and they parted ways. He didn't really have much interest in the romance of others, but since it looked like he was going to be wrapped up into it, he could hardly hold back a sigh. 

A couple days past since that incident and Serina had finished comprehending the opening stage of the Revolving Metals Art. It was only on the level of a vague sixth sense, but she could now detect metals in her surroundings without the use of her spiritual sense. She had been excited when she first gained this ability, but her head quietly cooled down when she remembered the danger following her brother. 

Once he met up with Serina and confirmed that she had brought all essentials except for food and water, they were ready. However, they waited at Serina's house for a little longer in the hopes that the last member would arrive. At first, Serina had been reluctant to bring him on this dangerous trip, but once Shui pointed out that he would only come of his own volition, she agreed to wait. 

It had been nearly half an hour since they started waiting and Shui was almost finished explaining where they would be heading and what they would do on the way. Based on what Serina told him of her experiences so far, he believed that it would be good for her to get combat experience before they reached Stonefield, so he planned to have her do one of the evolved beast subjugation missions and if they had the time, bounty hunting as well. 

Serina wasn't so innocent that she couldn't imagine hurting someone, but the first kill was usually a turning point. 

"...As long as you remember that you should be okay."

"Got it."

Shui was just about finished giving his pre-journey advice, so all that was left to do was wait a little longer. However, Serina couldn't settle down.

"Shui, do you really think he'll come? This will be dangerous after all."

At first, Shui opened his mouth with the intention of giving a positive answer, but once he noticed a certain someone approaching, he changed his mind.

"Why don't you ask him?" 

Following the direction that Shui gestured with his eyes, Serina found Fatty running towards them. Shui wasn't surprised to see him, but Serina was the opposite.

"Sorry I'm late!!!"

He was using nature energy to run so it was clear that he was seriously in a rush. By the time he reached in front of the two of them, Fatty was breathing heavily with his hands on his knees and his armpits wet with sweat. Any cultivator with the ability to cast spells could easily recover from such a state, but he seemed to forget that.

"You had us waiting you know."

Although he knew Fatty was being sincere, Shui still acted tough on him.

"Sorry about that, Boss. It took me a while to pack everything for the trip."

Despite his pitiful display earlier, Fatty still regained his breath and composure after a few moments.

Seeing him with such enthusiasm, Serina couldn't help but ask, "Fatty, why did you come? Don't you know that this will be dangerous? You could die."

"Of course I know that, but I wouldn't be a cultivator if I couldn't take a little risk. Besides, we're friends aren't we? It's only right that I help you when you need it."

"Fatty..."

As Serina gave him a complex smile without a clear answer, Fatty felt a little nervous.

"We are friends, right? I'm not just delusional am I?!"

Both Serina and Shui laughed before Serina responded, "You're right, we are. Thank you, Fatty."

After seeing Serina with a proper smile on her face and Fatty showing relief, Shui announced their departure.

"Okay, you two, it's time to go."