"Senior," Liam and Grace bowed simultaneously.

"Juniors, it saddens me to see you leave," Beatrice announced. "Even our disciples have grown fond of their new morning routine. Are you certain I can’t convince you to prolong your stay?"

"I truly apologize, Senior," Grace said. "We made previous agreements with Fellow Daoist Lancelot from the Secret Jade Sect. We wouldn’t dare to risk offending him."

Obviously, Beatrice, or the Roaring Thunder Sect for that matter, didn’t want the two to leave, at least when it came to Liam.

And, if the Sect truly wanted to, Liam wouldn’t be able to leave. Nothing in his power could prevent that outcome.

Yet, coercion made for a poor incentive. The Sect wanted Liam for his alchemy, which he could refuse to do or directly tamper with, causing untold damage to the Sect itself.

Which was why Beatrice hadn’t resorted to any forceful method after Liam’s flawless thousand concoctions in a row. It was unbelievable how good he was, but nothing had swayed him, not even the promises of riches and women.

The Sect could still resort to forceful methods now that the deadline had arrived, which was why Grace had dropped the Secret Jade Sect and Lancelot’s names. With their reputation being part of the picture, the Roaring Thunder Sect would think twice about abusing their power.

Of course, Grace didn’t leave things at that.

"However," Grace continued, "We will never forget your hospitality. You have been perfect hosts despite our absurd demands. As such, the Roaring Thunder Sect will always have priority in our business."

That was a lie, or rather, it was a promise that would likely never amount to anything. Liam knew that far too well.

Grace’s goal was in the western region, while Liam’s was in the Inner Circles. Chances were they would never return to those areas again in their lives.

"Our stashes are quite low now," Beatrice forced herself to chuckle. "Master William has high maintenance, but his services make him well worth it. A short separation is for the best, but we’ll be sure to consider you if the need ever arises."

"Senior, you honor us," Liam and Grace exclaimed simultaneously.

"Please," Beatrice said. "You are friends of the Roaring Thunder Sect now, so do visit us. Only us, that is."

"Senior, that’s a given," Grace stated. "Who else would we visit?"

Beatrice’s face grew a bit sterner, but the decision was made, so she voiced it despite her tone showing some of her colder thoughts. "You have increased the Roaring Thunder Sect’s strength. You can go."

Liam and Grace slowly straightened before finally crossing the formation, feeling Beatrice’s piercing gaze on their backs throughout the event.

The two kept descending the rest of the mountain, at a relatively calm pace initially, only for their steps to quicken until their departure became a full-fledged run.

Spring had come, melting away the snowy environment, replacing it with vibrant colors, but neither Liam nor Grace wasted time appreciating it. A carriage was waiting for them at the bottom of the mountain, and they both heaved sighs of relief once its wheels started spinning.

As beneficial as the venture in the Sect had been, both Liam and Grace knew it had been a close call. That was the risk of agreements with far superior forces who could do as they wished.

"We can focus on steadier forms of income now," Grace announced. "Working with a Sect is very lucrative, but doing so from the inside is too dangerous."

Liam couldn’t help but agree. What his space-ring now contained vouched for the benefits, but that had remained a gamble driven by necessity.

"The danger paid off," Liam declared. "You made it work."

"Me?" Grace scoffed. "Master William, I might have a high opinion of myself, but I’m not one to claim credit over my partner. Also, acknowledge your own worth. Too much humility is bad for business."

Grace crossed her arms, throwing a look at Liam sitting on the other side of the carriage, before diverting her eyes.

"And I don’t like my partner having such a low opinion of himself," Grace helplessly added.

Liam was a bit taken aback. He hadn’t expected Grace to get so serious.

"Are you saying that this is thanks to me?" Liam asked. He knew that being an alchemist had played a crucial role, but something told him that Grace was implying something more specific.

"How could it not be?!" Grace scolded. "Do you realize how many rank 2 products you created without making mistakes? That’s not normal! I have never heard of such a thing!"

That actually was the norm for Liam, but Grace didn’t stop there.

"And what do you think they are thinking in the Sect?" Grace questioned. "They are wondering whether you’ll be able to do the same with rank 3 products one day!"

Understanding dawned upon Liam. Letting him go had been an investment for the future. That good relationship might eventually earn the Roaring Thunder Sect an expert who could help the Elders instead of just disciples.

"I made mistakes before mastering those recipes," Liam pointed out before acknowledging part of that scolding. "This is the only alchemy I’ve been taught. It’s the only alchemy I know."

That honesty brought Grace’s eyes back to Liam. As odd as it was, that humility was understandable under such circumstances. Liam simply didn’t know better.

"Well," Grace muttered, "You lied to me when we first met. You are good. This adds to your debt."

"Good enough to be called a master?" Liam asked, specifying his issue. "I don’t know the definition or requirement for that."

"You are a master," Grace said. "The title is more a matter of reputation anyway."

’I’m a master,’ Liam thought, lowering his head. It was different when Grace said it. More than anything, it felt like a true step toward one of his main goals.

But Grace didn’t stay still. She felt a bit bad about that unwarranted scolding, and there was something else. They only had the trip to deal with now, meaning they had time for once.

"Lower your hood," Grace said, standing up to sit beside Liam. "And turn."

"Why?" Liam questioned. "You can’t look at my face like that."

Liam believed that was about Grace wanting to read him, but she had far different intentions.

"Master William, this won’t do," Grace exclaimed, patting Liam’s shoulder. "When a creditor comes collecting, you comply with her demands."

"Is this about that debt I can’t pay with spirit stones?" Liam wondered, but still lowered his hood and showed his back to Grace.

"Indeed," Grace confirmed, summoning a comb from her ring. "I’ll do your hair. Yet, I’m afraid that’s not even enough to repay the interest."

"Is there an interest, too?" Liam just chuckled, learning to play along with Grace’s incomprehensible claims. "Will I ever be able to repay everything?"

"Of course, not," Grace calmly said, brushing Liam’s hair. "Your inseparable partner is a great merchant. She will never let you off the hook."

’What hook?’ Liam thought, before the brushing made him relax enough to suppress that doubt. He decided to summon the pipe instead, enjoying the moment the best way he could.

Chances were that was the only rest Liam would have for a while anyway. After all, his next step would be reuniting with Lancelot and challenging Archbishop Ignatius’s inheritance.