"I'm honestly surprised you decided to follow us," Xiomi blurted out, her eyes fixed on Melina, who lounged casually on the deck of their flying ship. Around them, the crew bustled, guiding the chosen passengers aboard, assigning rooms, and explaining the ship's rules.
Melina chuckled. "My main goal has always been to explore the world. Sticking with you lot might just bear fruit."
Xiomi's brows shot up. "Oh, right—dragons live longer, don't they?" The realization hit her like a spark, and she leaned forward, curiosity burning. 'I need to know more about dragons, she thought,' studying Melina's relaxed posture.
Melina tilted her head, a playful glint in her eyes. "I thought cultivators lived long too."
"We do," Monfei interjected, striding over to join them, her robes fluttering in the breeze. "But it's not as… effortless as it is for dragons."
"Fair enough," Melina said with a nod, her lips quirking into a half-smile.
