Liam’s distrust inevitably grew. Joel had been hiding a lot, from Randall’s presence to that unexpected tournament. Joel also had yet to reveal much about the mission, as well as what he wanted from it.
Nevertheless, oddly enough, Liam didn’t smell the same stench from the two Uncles and Randall. Somehow, that didn’t feel like a ploy.
’Am I being naive again?’ Liam wondered. ’Is this how cultivators conduct themselves?’
There was value in secrecy. That much was evident, and Liam eventually managed to apply that to the current situation. By not sharing anything, Joel was keeping himself crucial to the mission.
It was what the Recruiters Guild did with the Sects after all. The former basically had a monopoly on finding new disciples, keeping itself relevant while being a relatively unnecessary middleman.
Naturally, Liam couldn’t dwell long on those realizations since the development led to some curiosity that soon took a physical form.
The four incoming figures reached the group before stopping a few meters from it. The former also featured one rooting expert, a brown-haired woman, and three foundation experts, all men, all wearing quite striking red robes.
Despite knowing about the existence of other Sects, that was Liam’s first time interacting with fellow cultivators outside the Pale Moon Sect. He couldn’t hide his interest, and the same went for the four newcomers.
The four red cultivators glanced at Joel and Melissa before focusing on Liam and Randall, their intense gazes snapping between the two as if searching for something.
That clear and overwhelming attention felt odd in the presence of a rooting expert, but Liam soon understood what was happening.
"Fellow Daoist Cecilia," Joel greeted, bowing at the rooting expert before using his eyes to highlight his companions. "These are my Junior Sister Melissa and my Junior Brothers Randall and Liam."
As soon as Joel introduced Liam, the four newcomers focused on him, inspecting him from head to toe, as if forgetting about the existence of his three companions.
’Right,’ Liam recalled. ’I’m the famous genius.’
The Alchemy Elder had warned Liam that rumors about his nine spiritual roots might have spread past the Pale Moon Sect, and he received confirmation of that now. People knew him and could have unexpected intentions.
"Fellow Daoist Joel," The red rooting expert, Cecilia, announced, pouring cold water on that blatant interest while performing a bow. "These are my Junior Brothers Jason, Milo, and Neil."
The three red foundation experts bowed, which Liam and his companions could only match. Still, now that the introductions were over, it was time for the aforementioned tournament.
"Cecilia and I share the same goal," Joel explained, addressing his fellow disciples. "Since our Sects wouldn’t help, we agreed to cooperate, but we first have to prove that our teams are up for the mission."
That also made sense in Liam’s mind. It reminded him of when Erik wanted to give him additional contribution points for handling a heavier workload.
The current arrangement fell under the same category, only rendered more complex due to the presence of different Sects. That was no friendly cooperation. It was a deal founded on cynical calculations, starting from each team’s worth.
"Senior Brother, if I may," Randall suddenly called. "I suggest we let Junior Brother go last so that he can familiarize himself with the rules."
"I completely agree," Joel exclaimed. "Does the Crimson Warrior Sect have any objections?"
"None," Cecilia declared. "Then, we will send Brother Neil first. He is the fighting expert in my team."
The tall, physically imposing man wearing a black bowl cut among the red group stepped forward, performing a simple bow before waiting for his opponent.
"We will send our defense expert then," Joel responded. "Sister Melissa, if you will."
Melissa didn’t even nod at Joel. She stepped forward and bowed at her opponent before stretching her palms, wearing her Sect’s battle stance.
"This is the Crimson Warrior Sect’s Piercing Claws," Neil announced, showing his right hand. "Please, Senior Melissa, block it."
Melissa didn’t reply, so Neil acted. He summoned his Qi and shot forward, thrusting his right arm and fingers at her.
Nevertheless, Mellissa promptly waved her palms upward, painting a transparent, bluish canvas in front of her, which redirected Neil’s attack without requiring any clash, making his piercing fingers go above her head and miss her completely.
The two immediately stepped back after the exchange, bowing at each other again, but waiting for something, which Joel handled due to Melissa’s silence.
"That was the Pale Moon Sect’s Qi Control," Joel explained. "Sister Melissa’s core has high water affinities, greatly enhancing its defensive properties."
"To manifest your core’s properties so vividly," Neil gasped. "Senior Melissa, I’m humbled."
Melissa bowed again but stepped aside right afterward, forcing Neil to do the same and clear that improvised battlefield so that new fights could happen.
"Our Brother Randall will go next," Joel introduced. "He is our scout and movement expert."
"He can face our Brother Milo," Cecilia stated. "He’s our scout and perception expert."
Randall and the short man with long blonde hair from the other group stepped forward and bowed at each other, immediately dealing with introductions.
"Senior Milo," Randall called. "I’ll use the Pale Moon Sect’s Ghost Step to try to take you by surprise."
"Senior Randall," Milo politely responded, smiling. "I’ll use the Crimson Warrior Sect’s Pulsating Senses to try to follow your moves."
Once the introductions ended, Randall disappeared, unleashing his iconic martial arts to reach Milo’s back instantly.
However, Milo twisted his body in response. His eyes had closed, but he had managed to cross his arms and place them between his torso and Randall’s stretched hand. Randall had been half a step faster, but that reaction speed remained superhuman.
"Senior Milo is incredible," Randall praised, retreating. "I’ve never seen anyone react so quickly to my Ghost Step."
"Senior Randall is one deserving of praise," Milo responded, happily dismissing the compliment. "Despite knowing your position, I was still unable to keep up with you."
The two bowed at each other and returned to their respective groups, excitement building in the air. Clearly, everyone wanted to see the famous genius fight.
"It’s my Brother Liam’s turn now," Joel declared. "Junior Brother, have you grown more familiar with this-?"
Joel couldn’t finish his question since looking at Liam’s face told a story of its own. Liam had crossed his arms, furrowed his brows, and even tilted his head, the audience unable to decide if he appeared more confused or utterly shocked.