Cassandra's Decision

A month had passed since the core disciple candidates had been sent on their respective missions. Considering the three-month deadline, one might think that the first month wouldn't have much fanfare, but that wasn't the case. Three candidates, now a step away from being official core disciples, had returned, while one was confirmed deceased. Although candidates could flee if they felt their lives were in danger, few did, so it was common for there to be casualties.

In addition to the sole confirmed death, there was a rumour that another had passed away. There was no proof, but through a 'coincidence' it was revealed that the rumoured candidate was in Garakil at the time of rampage that happened a few weeks ago. Considering that evolved beasts that most elders would be helpless against took part in this rampage, it wasn't odd that this rumour floated about, even if there was someone behind it.

However, to the ones who knew him and his strength, they were more interested in a different detail regarding the incident. It was said that the tragedy was diverted thanks to an unknown Master who used a technique to force the tsunami serpents back while also dealing a heavy blow to the water dragon king.

While everyone was talking about these theories, a mysterious figure silently entered the courtyard in front of the elders' meeting hall. To ensure that candidates could report on their mission as soon as they returned, an inner section elder was always waiting in the courtyard to receive the candidates. The inner section elder on duty at this time was meditating behind a table.

"Please confirm that this mission is complete," the mysterious figure said while putting down an egg the size of a human baby on the table.

This figure's concealment was maintained until he reached the elder, who tried to appear unruffled but was actually a bit spooked by his appearance. The person also placed the jade slip containing the mission details on the table, so the elder reached for it to find some clue of his identity. While only the core disciple candidates knew what missions they took, the elders were aware of every possible mission and could guess who was on what mission based on the information of their whereabouts and actions.

It should have been especially easy in this case because this disciple was the only one who went to the location described in the mission detail of the jade slip. However, the elder drew a blank. He checked the jade slip and looked back at the disciple, but he couldn't connect the dots. It was as if he was lost in a forest with a single distant light to guide him but unable to get a step closer. The elder was confused, but he didn't think this was important enough to dwell on.

"I can confirm that this egg meets the requirements set forth in the mission details. As you have completed your mission within the declared timeline, you are now a provisional core disciple. However, obtaining your privileges as a core disciple will be postponed until the official ceremony. Do you have any questions?"

"No."

"Then that is all for the time being. Remain on standby inside the manor until you're summoned."

And with that, Shui completed his mission. He didn't want to have any trouble with the elders, so he applied light hypnosis to the elder on duty so that he couldn't recognise him. It might get the elder into trouble later, but Shui didn't see that as his problem. News would soon spread that he had returned after completing his mission, but before reuniting with his friends, Shui decided to settle some other business. He first checked his target's location, and once he confirmed that they were inside the core section, he snuck inside and made his way to their residence.

When Shui had returned to the manor, Cassandra was sitting on a sleek wooden chair in her living room, remembering the message she received from one of her maids.

'Since your Mistress is one of her few friends, I'd rather not kill her, but I can't let her keep threatening me either. So I'll give her one chance to make up for her actions.'

Despite Shui's rising popularity, most would agree that Cassandra was superior to him in strength and status, so such a threat would be something to laugh about. However, Cassandra knew that his threat wasn't empty. She judged that she might be able to defeat him if she worked together with her maids, but it was still too risky, so she tried influencing his enemies instead.

Unfortunately, that plan also failed. She didn't have any specific details, but judging from the attitudes of the Wailings and Gus clan, it didn't look like Shui would face any more opposition from them for the time being. The Lava Stream Sect was also a bust since the situation in Garakil was chaotic and it would be hard to pin the murder of the two core disciples on Shui. The Mater faction likely still had him in their sights, but she was starting to lose faith in them as well. 

"Is there really no other choice?"

Cassandra reached for the cup of steaming tea resting on the table in front of her, but she paused right before taking a sip.

"Your arrival is rather, abrupt."

"I had no reason to delay. So, have you made your decision?"

Shui, who had silently slipped past Cassandra's maids, took a seat across from her. He was in a position that many would pay outrageous sums to be in, but Shui faced the beautiful woman in front of him with cold eyes.

"I suppose. I assume that an apology won't be enough to make amends."

"Not after all the trouble you've caused me. I'll need a guarantee as well, one that I won't have to doubt."

"An oath then. How suspicious of you."

"I believe this is only natural. And, what's your answer?"

Cassandra returned the teacup to the table and faced Shui. Thanks to her high soul cultivation, she normally never had to worry about confronting someone verbally, but Shui was different. She was well aware that he beat her in the field that she was most confident in, so she didn't try to use any techniques on him. Instead, she read his non-verbal signs to unravel his thoughts. Yes, even now she hadn't given up on removing him from the playing field. However, Shui had long reached the limits of his patience.

"That's enough games. Answer me now, or you won't be the only one leaving the living realm."

"You! You wouldn't!"

Finally, Cassandra showed panic. With just her life on the table, she was willing to take some risks, but she valued her maids too much to consider such a sacrifice.

"I don't like it either, but if I kill you, they'll definitely attack me, so I might as well get rid of you all together."

Cassandra was fairly confident that Shui wouldn't go that far, but she also didn't doubt that he would respond if attacked with killing intent.

"You, coward!"

"Hmph. Call me what you wish. Now, what's your answer?"