Lisa's decision

Once everyone else had cleared the conference room, only three people were left. While Mater was strong, that was only among those in the Earth Realm; against core elders, his strength would get him nowhere. However, no one was worried that these two would act out against him.

"Firstly, Elder Carver, could you please explain why you went against Tark's plan and attacked that beggar?"

"Forgive me, Mater, but I only regret that my people weren't able to finish the job. As was proven in that laughable trial, the evidence we allowed that beggar to possess was too dangerous. Even though the contract won't be enough to deal any significant damage to our faction, it's the perfect opportunity for other factions to attack us. I had warned young Tark about this possibility, but he was too stubborn."

"I see your point, Elder Carver, but I was the one who gave Tark the authority to make that plan. If you had a problem with it, then you should have contacted me. Especially when you failed in your objective. I hope we understand each other."

Core Elder Carver was a dark-skinned man superior to Mater in both size and power, but he offered no argument.

"Yes, I will remember that."

"I'm pleased to hear that. Now, Elder Lucin, I realise that certain aspects were out of the Punishment Department's control, but I still don't find it very amusing that that boy was able to run circles around your judges."

"I offer no excuse. Although they took part in the plan, the court is protected by rules that even I can't modify. The boy knew and took advantage of them by sealing our legal moves and eventually forced them to make an illegal choice."

"Are you saying the result would have been the same even if you were there?"

"I might have been able to see through a few of his tricks, but with the contract in his hands and his teammates on his side, I doubt I could have done much better."

"Hoh, if even you say that, then I suppose he's more than just an ignorant hanger-on."

"Should we have those two clans make another attempt?"

"Hmm, no. If he leaves the manor, I'm sure they won't miss that opportunity. As I've said before, there's no need for any more schemes. I'll be entering seclusion, and once I exit it, I'll simply crush them all with my strength."

"Hahaha! As expected of the young lord," commented Elder Carver.

As Reinhart predicted, the Mater faction restrained itself after the incident, and then several months passed. It was spring in Silver City, and there was a busy atmosphere over Storm Sky Manor. Along with the welcome of new disciples, the promotion of current disciples required many preparations. The Inner Section Selection, where outer section disciples could become inner section disciples, and the Core Section Selection, where inner section disciples could become core disciples, were held sequentially. The Inner Section Selection was wrapping up, so most were changing their focus to the Core Section Selection.

Among the top inner section disciples, Shui was considered a clear favourite to become a core disciple. He was rumoured to wield strength comparable to that of Earth Realm cultivators, making him stronger than established disciples like Lionel and Clyde. Furthermore, his performance in the House of Trials earned him the admiration of oppressed disciples, especially since he was able to gain victory with just his words.

Shui had the opportunity to become a core disciple earlier with the High elder's permission, but he refused because the core disciples were more likely to trouble him and he didn't want to steal Kate's opponents. He had also lost the need for a better cultivation environment, as he didn't plan to breakthrough for the time being. Few knew about this event and even less about why he refused, so it was only occasionally talked about among the elders.

Though he kept a low profile, Shui continued to meet with his friends inside the manor. However, there was one who still refused to meet him. If he really wanted to see her, then her attempts at hiding would be proven useless, but forcing the issue didn't seem like the right answer to him, so he asked for Serina's help. Slightly exasperated by his behaviour, she agreed and went to one of the public gardens managed by the inner section alchemist disciples. Only common-grade herbs were planted in this garden, but there was an emphasis on beauty and presentation, so it was popular among female disciples.

Watering a section of faintly glowing lilies was the target of Serina's objective, Lisa. Her hair had grown longer since Shui had last seen her, and her atmosphere was gentle and peaceful. Serina had also grown since then, possessing a cuteness that didn't lose to Lisa's sensual charm, but she still admired Lisa's beauty.

"Miss Lisa."

"Hmm, oh, Serina. I didn't expect to see you here."

When Lisa turned around to face Serina, the hint of apprehension in her eyes was not undetected.

"You don't have to worry. Shui isn't here."

"Ah, I'm sorry. Even though we haven't seen each other in so long,

"Because you've been avoiding me, or, to be more specific, Shui?"

"Yes..."

Lisa looked like a scolded little girl in the face of Serina's question. While she saw it necessary to detach herself from Shui's group of friends, she did feel guilty for doing so without any warning. While Lisa thought about expressing her regret, Serina got closer to her.

"Miss Lisa, do you hate Shui?"

"No! I just, don't want to hope for too much. Shui's a really great guy, so even if we can't be lovers, I'm sure it would be nice to remain friends."

"Then,"

"But, I can't do that. He's handsome, talented, strong, kind; he's just too perfect. Even if I tried to be friends with him, I'm sure I wouldn't be able to stop myself from wanting more. That's why, it's better that we don't see each other."

"And what if you could be lovers?"

"That, would be too good of a dream."

The sad and lonely smile on Lisa's face created a tightness in Serina's chest. She wished that she could comfort her, but she knew that she wasn't the one for the job.

"I see. I'll tell Shui to give up then. But, I hope that one day we can still be friends."

"...Yes. That would be nice."

Serina left the garden and soon met with Shui and Fatty at her residence. Shui tried to look calm, but there was still a slight anxiety in his movements.

"So, what did she say?"

"I'm sorry, you should give up."

"Huh?!"

"So she hates him now?" Fatty asked.

"Really?"

"No. I don't feel comfortable saying everything we discussed, but it's not your fault, Shui. This is something she has to deal with herself."

"And there's nothing I can do about it?"

Considering the number of miracles she had witnessed, Serina found it hard to believe the day came when she had to say this.

"Yes. This time, there's nothing you can do."

"Oh..."

Shui managed to maintain his composure, but he sighed with clear disappointment. Although he didn't eavesdrop on their conversation, he didn't have any doubt about Serina's judgement.

"Serina, if I didn't return with Kate, could this have been avoided?"

"Hmm, it might have been delayed, but I don't think the issue would have been solved. The way I see it, this was inevitable."

"I see. If there's nothing I could have done then, I guess I'll just have to accept it."