ilin sighed dramatically. "Honestly, it's starting to feel like I'm in so kind of heavenly romance drama. One man, a dozen insanely powerful beauties, and all of them falling head over heels."
"I haven't fallen," Signora said casually.
Dave glanced at her.
"…Cause I was already his" she added with a smirk.
That made them all laugh.
They arrived at the guest house—a serene lakeside villa with lotus lanterns floating along the water's edge. The air was cool and peaceful, the surface of the lake reflecting the rising moon.
As the girls went inside to settle in, Dave stayed outside a little longer, gazing at the shimring water.
Signora joined him a mont later. "You know," she said softly, "for soone who says he's just on vacation, you leave quite the impression wherever you go."
Dave chuckled. "I bla destiny."
"No," she said with a playful smile. "I bla that annoying charm of yours. And your stupidly good soul force."
He didn't argue.
The moonlight shimred across the still waters, casting silvery reflections that danced like quiet spirits. Dave let out a long breath, the cool air filling his lungs as the gentle sound of crickets filled the silence.
Behind him, the doors of the guest house opened again. Dugu Yan peeked her head out, her green eyes narrowing with amusent.
"Still out here brooding under the moon like so tragic romance lead?" she teased.
Dave smiled over his shoulder. "Just enjoying the peace before sothing inevitably explodes."
"You say that like it isn't your fault half the ti," ilin said as she stepped out beside Dugu Yan, wrapped in a light shawl. "Or are we pretending the Dark Heaven Clan's destruction wasn't totally your ripple effect?"
"Technically," Dave countered, raising a finger, "I only gave Hui the power. What he did with it was his choice."
"Uh-huh." Dugu Yan rolled her eyes. "And if you give a lion a sword, what do you think it's gonna do?"
Signora strolled out behind them, barefoot, letting her toes dip into the lake's edge. "Cut down the ones who chained him," she said simply, glancing at Dave. "He made the choice—but you gave him sothing no one else ever did."
"Hope?" ilin guessed.
"Choice," Signora corrected gently.
Dave looked down at the water, then back up at the stars. "I don't save people," he said. "Not really. I just… give them a different path when they're cornered."
"And they follow it," Signora said, stepping closer. "Because they see soone who doesn't judge them like the rest."
There was a quiet pause.
Then Dugu Yan smirked. "Well, I'd say that whole tragic assassin arc was touching… but we're still sleeping in the sa house, and the Headmistress of a top-tier academy just gave you the 'you're welco anyti' smile."
"Yup," ilin chid in with a grin. "And with your 'water-elent compatibility,' she might as well have thrown herself into your arms."
"I feel so objectified," Dave muttered sarcastically.
"Oh no," Signora said mock-dramatically, placing a hand on her heart. "A handso man, constantly fawned over by powerful won? What will he do?"
They all laughed, their voices light against the lake breeze.
Finally, Dave turned and started walking back toward the guest house. "Alright, alright, enough teasing. Let's get so sleep. Tomorrow we explore the city—and I'm not letting you all turn it into a gossip festival."
Dugu Yan grinned, following. "No promises!"
ilin skipped ahead, humming. "Let's see if this city really is as beautiful as the stories say."
Signora lingered for a mont, watching the reflection of the moon in the lake.
She glanced at Dave's retreating figure, her expression softening.
"He really is dangerous," she thought. "Because without even trying… he makes people want to stay."
And then, barefoot and quiet as moonlight, she followed him inside.
The next morning dawned crisp and bright. Tianshui City sparkled in the early sunlight, with dew glittering on the tiled rooftops and water channels flowing gently through the cobbled streets. The group had already dressed and gathered at the inn's front gate, ready to explore.
Dave stretched with a yawn. "Alright. First stop?"
"The Floating Garden," ilin said imdiately, pointing at a pamphlet she had picked up. "It's supposed to be built entirely over a lake, using water spirit formations to keep it afloat."
Dugu Yan smirked. "And also where the city's top-ranked disciples usually train. Convenient, huh?"
Dave raised an eyebrow. "You two planned this."
"Obviously," ilin said cheerfully. "What's the point of visiting a famous academy if you don't check out the best parts?"
As they walked through the elegant streets, passing by blue-robed disciples and towering lotus-shaped structures, they drew attention. Not just because of Signora's commanding aura, or Dave's relaxed confidence—but because the group radiated a strange, undeniable harmony. Like they didn't belong… yet fit perfectly.
"Isn't that the group escorted by the Headmistress' disciple?" soone whispered.
"Who are they?"
Dave ignored the murmurs as usual, but Signora smiled faintly. She was used to eyes following her—and even more used to ignoring them. Today, she was content to walk beside Dave, her fingers loosely brushing his sleeve now and then.
As they entered the Floating Garden, the entire view opened like a painting. Water lilies danced atop the surface of the lake, while crystal bridges arched gracefully from one training platform to another. Girls in blue and silver uniforms practiced formations, sparring with elegant martial spirits like water serpents and mist blades.
Just then, the sa senior disciple from the day before appeared again and bowed politely.
"Respected guests. The Headmistress has invited you for tea in the inner garden."
"Oh?" Dave tilted his head. "That's a bit formal."
The senior disciple smiled politely. "Surely you jest, Seniors. Given your group's strength and presence, it's only natural for us to show proper respect."
Dave nodded, appreciating the courtesy. "Alright then, lead the way."
But before he could move, Signora gently tugged at his sleeve. She and ilin exchanged a brief glance, and Signora smiled faintly.
"You go ahead," she said softly. "We're just going to roam the city a bit."
Dave paused. "You sure?"
Signora nodded, her gaze steady. "We've had enough attention for now."
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