Su Yu instinctively looked up at the sky, where sparse stars dotted the ink-blue expanse of night.
Though the moon shone brightly, it could not dispel the deep darkness-how could anyone call it early when it was pitch-black out?
He grumbled inwardly but kept his expression composed, clearing his throat twice.
"Ahem! Since Miss Huo Wu has invited me, I would be remiss to refuse. Miss Huo Wu, after you!"
A barely perceptible smile flickered in Huo Wu's eyes as she stepped aside and raised a hand.
"Young Master Su Yu, after you!"
The two walked slowly side by side along the gravel path.
Lanterns beside the path cast a warm yellow glow, stretching their shadows long, sometimes overlapping, sometimes drifting apart.
The wind, scorching during the day, had gained a touch of coolness at night, stirring the loose strands beside Huo Wu's temples.
"Thank you for checking on Shui Bing'er and me after today's match."
Huo Wu broke the silence first, her voice gentler than it had been during the day.
"I was unconscious then. My brother told me about it afterward."
"It was no trouble."
Su Yu glanced sideways at her. Though her face was still somewhat pale, her breathing had grown much steadier.
"How is your recovery going?"
"Mm, some of my Soul Power has returned. I'm all right now." Huo Wu raised a hand to smooth her wind-tousled hair.
"What about Shui Bing'er? Had she woken up when you went back?"
"She had, but she needs to rest too. Dean Shui said we would resume the unfinished matches once you've both recovered completely."
Huo Wu murmured an acknowledgment. Her steps faltered as she gazed at the dormitory buildings in the distance, their lights few and scattered, then suddenly said:
"Actually... I didn't lose to Shui Bing'er