NOVEL WEB Chapter 16: 16 A Friendship Born by the Lake
As dawn began to blanket the land with warmth, Arthur stopped training and prepared to catch fish at the lake to bring back to the house where he would return.
"Art, you've finally arrived! I told you not to overdo your training. Rest and relaxation are also necessary, especially for a kid like you! Alright, now I'll cook the fish you brought first—it'll add to our side dishes and help meet your growth needs," said Uncle Jack in a worried tone.
After Uncle Jack left, the atmosphere became slightly awkward as Jing Liu watched him from the dining area. Unable to bear the tension any longer, Arthur took the initiative to start a conversation.
"Hey, did you sleep well last night?" Arthur asked awkwardly.
"Well, after living on the streets for almost a year, this was the best sleep I've had," Jing Liu replied calmly.
The silence grew even more uncomfortable, so Arthur decided to ask about her martial soul and whether she possessed spiritual power. Though it was a sensitive and private question, since Jing Liu was still a child, Arthur wanted to gauge whether he should train her rigorously or gently to ensure her safety.
"So, have you awakened your martial soul yet? And do you have spiritual power?" Arthur asked, trying to lighten the mood.
"No, I'm not six yet, so I haven't awakened my 'martial soul' and can't confirm if I have spiritual power," Jing Liu answered quietly.
"So, when do you turn six? I'll ask Uncle Jack to take you for your martial soul awakening!" Arthur said enthusiastically.
"I turn six tomorrow. But… doesn't Uncle Jack need rest after going to sell the harvest yesterday?" Jing Liu asked calmly.
"You're probably right. I'll tell Uncle Jack about this later when he's not as tired," Arthur said, thinking about the master dwarf who could craft spirit equipment.
"I should probably ask the 'master dwarf' about this tomorrow," Arthur thought to himself.
"The fish is ready! Time to eat!" Uncle Jack announced with a smile.
After a quiet meal, Uncle Jack instructed Arthur to take Jing Liu around the village to help her get familiar with the paths and avoid getting lost.
"Alright, where should we start first? The mountain or the lake?" Arthur asked excitedly.
"I'd like to go to the lake first," Jing Liu replied softly.
In truth, Arthur wasn't taking her through the village streets of Saint but rather to his usual training grounds—to test whether her physical condition was suitable for the training he had in mind.
"Alright then, let's go! This journey will be long and winding!" Arthur said in a teasingly ominous tone.
With that, the two began exploring Arthur's training spots, though he deliberately took a longer, roundabout path.
"Are you still holding up?" Arthur asked, glancing back.
"This is just the beginning—I'm not even sweating yet!" Jing Liu responded coolly.
After answering, a glimmer of light appeared ahead, and Jing Liu ran forward to see a crystal-clear lake, its bottom visible through the pristine water. The sound of birds in the air made the place feel even more extraordinary.
"Don't be too surprised—this is just the start! We'll follow this small stream connected to the lake to see something even more amazing!"
"Really? Then let's go!" Jing Liu said, her excitement beginning to show, though she still seemed somewhat reserved.
The two walked side by side, following the stream that led them onward, accompanied by the rustling wind and the distant roar of a waterfall waiting ahead.
To be continued...
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