Shui Bing'er grew a little embarrassed under her mother's gaze, her cheeks flushing slightly as she said shyly:
"I... I promised Tianxing that I would attend Senior Liu's celebration banquet. I can't go back on my word."
"Is it only because you made an appointment?"
Shui Wuyue pressed, her eyes carrying a hint of scrutiny before she continued:
"After you go this time, do you still plan to return to Skywater Academy?"
Those words were like a basin of cold water, instantly extinguishing Shui Bing'er's excitement.
She lowered her head, her fingers twisting anxiously at the hem of her clothes, unable to answer for a moment.
Ever since advancing to Soul Elder, she had tried cultivating at home and discovered that, just as Xue Tianxing had said, her Soul Power circulated much more slowly. This was the trouble with an Ultimate Spirit, and it became increasingly obvious after level 30.
If she could cultivate alongside Xue Tianxing and benefit from the boost of their Martial Soul Fusion Skill, she would surely be able to overcome this predicament.
But if she stayed in the Balak Kingdom, it meant leaving her mother, leaving her younger sister Shui Yue'er, and leaving the Skywater Academy where she had grown up.
On one side was a bright future in cultivation; on the other were deep family bonds. She was caught in a difficult choice.
Shui Wuyue took in her daughter's hesitation and gently patted her shoulder.
"Mother isn't trying to force you. I just want you to think it through. I've already looked into Xue Tianxing, the young prince of the Balak Kingdom. He's only eight this year, a full four years younger than you.
"Perhaps he is sincere toward you now, but can you guarantee that when he grows up, he will still treat