"Hm, what city is that?" Signora asked as she carried them through the sky, flying gracefully.
They descended toward the grand gates of a city nestled against a mountain of ice.
"This must be Tianshui City," Dave said, admiring the elegant frost-covered structures. "It's a beautiful city—and home to the famous Tianshui Academy. They only admit girls with water-related martial spirits. It's also one of the Four Elemental Cities."
The others nodded in understanding.
As they landed at the entrance gate, the guards approached. Dave and the others presented their identification tokens. After a quick inspection, they were granted passage without any issues.
As they passed through the gates of Tianshui City, a soft mist rolled over the cobbled streets, and the scent of fresh water lilies filled the air. Gentle streams flowed along the sides of the walkways, with small, arched bridges crisscrossing above them. The buildings were elegant—painted in pale blues and whites, their roofs shaped like waves, glimmering faintly under the light of the cold sun.
"Wow," Meilin breathed. "This place is like a water kingdom."
Dugu Yan nodded, eyes wandering toward the largest structure near the heart of the city. "That must be the academy."
It stood tall and graceful, surrounded by a shimmering barrier of mist. The symbol of a blooming lotus surrounded by waves marked its entrance.
"We'll explore later," Dave said casually. "Let's find an inn first. We've had enough adventure for one morning."
They wandered down the main road, attracting more than a few curious gazes. A few locals whispered among themselves, eyes lingering on Signora's elegant robe and frosty aura, and on Dave's confident stride and the powerful presence that followed their group like a quiet storm.
Eventually, they stopped at a serene inn built beside a crystal-clear lake.
"Azure Ripple Inn," Dave read aloud from the delicate signboard. "Looks peaceful enough."
They stepped inside. The innkeeper, an older woman with silver hair tied in a neat bun, looked up from her counter—and paused, stunned by their appearance.
Signora gave a graceful nod. "We need two rooms. Lake view, if possible."
"Y-Yes, of course!" the woman stammered, regaining composure quickly. "Please, this way."
Once the rooms were arranged and luggage settled, Dave stepped out onto the wooden balcony of his room. The lake shimmered with morning light, and waterfowl drifted lazily across its surface.
Signora appeared beside him, quiet for a moment.
"So… what now?" she asked softly.
Dave smiled, arms resting on the railing. "We rest. We explore. And maybe—just maybe—we drop by that academy."
"You're planning something," she said knowingly.
"Nah, we're on vacation, right? It's normal to explore the academy too," he said casually.
She looked at him, still smiling. "Well, you did say it's an all-girls academy… so don't blame me if I get suspicious."
He grinned. "Not to mention, you've got three women in your bed now."
She smirked, clearly referencing the previous night, where all three of them had shared his bed.
Dave shrugged. "Believe me or not, but I've handled four women at once before."
She gave him a long look… and just nodded with amusement.
Signora shook her head with an exasperated sigh, but the corners of her lips curved upward in a smirk. "You're insatiable. It's a wonder you're still alive."
"Stamina training," Dave said proudly, puffing out his chest. "Battle-hardened body, remember?"
"You mean overworked," Meilin chimed in from behind, rolling her eyes.
Dugu Yan crossed her arms, trying to keep a straight face. "I still don't know whether to be impressed… or concerned."
"Why not both?" Dave shot back with a wink. They all smiled and then went to rest, next day waking up they all got ready as they moved towards the Academy.
They all chuckled as they approached the academy gates. The front plaza was lined with elegant fountains, water-spirits dancing in thin arcs over lotus-filled ponds. The buildings gleamed with blue and silver accents, reflecting the sunlight like a mirage.
Dozens of girls in elegant uniforms—robes designed with wave and snowflake patterns—moved in formation across the courtyard. A few glanced toward the group, especially Dave, with curious stares.
"Yeah," Dugu Yan muttered dryly. "This is going to be a problem."
As they reached the inner courtyard, the Senior Disciple guiding them suddenly slowed down, her eyes narrowing slightly.
She turned to face them again with a polite but cautious expression. "I apologize… but may I ask who exactly all of you are? We weren't informed of any high-level visitors today."
Dave kept his expression calm and friendly. "We're just travelers. Exploring the elemental cities on vacation. Nothing official—just passing through."
The girl hesitated, her gaze drifting briefly toward Signora, then to Dugu Yan and Meilin. Her brow furrowed. "Forgive me… but I can sense immense spirit power coming from the women in your group. Especially her." She subtly gestured toward Signora.
Signora, elegant as ever, merely offered a faint smile.
"I'm not trying to be disrespectful," the Senior Disciple continued quickly, bowing her head. "It's just that, as a safety measure, we're required to notify the Headmistress of any visitors with cultivation above Spirit Douluo. And… your companion feels far above even that."
Dave nodded slowly. "That's fair."
"If you don't mind," the girl said politely, "please wait here in the guest pavilion. I'll inform my seniors and request permission for further access."
"Of course," Dave replied, giving her a reassuring smile. "We don't want to cause trouble."
The girl bowed again and quickly walked away, robes fluttering behind her.
As soon as she was out of earshot, Dugu Yan crossed her arms. "You think they're going to freak out when they realize Signora's a Level 99 Ultimate Douluo?"
Signora arched a brow, looking mildly amused. "Wouldn't be the first time."
Meilin chuckled. "They'll probably bring the whole elder council."
Dave laughed softly and took a seat on one of the stone benches in the garden-like pavilion. "Relax. We're tourists today, remember?"
"But tourists with terrifying power," Dugu Yan added with a smirk.
Signora sat gracefully beside him, tilting her head toward the high tower in the distance. "I'm curious to see what kind of leadership this academy has."
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