Neuvillette paused slightly as he sat beside the stone table, sipping tea.
He set down the delicate teacup in his hand and looked up, his pale violet, slit-pupiled eyes calm and unruffled.
"Swordsmanship?"
Neuvillette shook his head gently.
"You misunderstand."
"I don't know anything about swordsmanship."
Di Tian froze.
He didn't?
Then what was that giant Hydro Dragon sword that had just cleaved through the heavenly tribulation?
Neuvillette straightened his cuffs, his tone as mild as if he were commenting on the weather.
"I've simply lived a little longer than most."
"I've learned a thing or two about changing the shape of water."
"That was a heavenly tribulation just now, and its lightning was violent."
"Using water element alone to wash it away would've been too inefficient, and it would've soaked the floor here."
"Compressing the water until it was as dense as possible, then shaping it like a blade to cut through the lightning's structure, was faster."
"That's all."
Neuvillette spoke with complete sincerity.
He truly believed it.
Over the course of his long life, he'd studied countless ways to control water, all in the name of fair and efficient judgment.
Shaping it like a sword was simply convenient for cutting things.
What did that have to do with swordsmanship?
Di Tian fell silent.
Bi Ji did too.
But their thoughts were completely different.
Di Tian was furiously filling in the blanks.
The Great Dao was simplicity itself!
This was what it truly meant for the Great Dao to be simple!
There was no need for flashy sword techniques or profound sword intent.
As long as one mastered an element to its utmost, that was the Dao!
This lord's cultivation was unfathomable!
Bi Ji, meanwhile, cupped her cheeks in both hands, her beautiful eyes filled with stars.
So handsome!
That effortless, casual display was utterly captivating!
And when he'd said he didn't want to soak the floor, the earnest gentleness in his voice had nearly melted her heart.
"You're too modest, my lord."
Di Tian bowed again, this time even lower.
"Given your strength, my lord, about the alliance Gu Yue proposed earlier..."
Before Di Tian could finish, Neuvillette raised a hand to stop him.
"I don't like forming alliances."
"Nor do I want to be dragged into the Divine Realm's conflicts."
Neuvillette's voice was calm, yet carried a distant aloofness that kept others at arm's length.
"I built Skywater City to give Furina a stage to perform on, and to give her a home."
"As for Asura God or Rakshasa God..."
"As long as they don't cause trouble in Skywater City or disturb Furina's enjoyment, I won't intervene."
Di Tian's heart tightened.
As expected, this lord was proud.
But he didn't give up.
"When the lips are gone, the teeth grow cold."
"The Pseudo-Gods of the Divine Realm are hypocrites. They won't tolerate us Soul Beasts, and they certainly won't tolerate a powerful being like you."
"If the Star Dou Forest falls, Skywater City may be next."
"We're not asking you to take the initiative. We only ask that, if the Star Dou Forest faces annihilation, Skywater City lend us a hand."
"In return, every Soul Beast under the Star Dou Forest will recognize Skywater City as an ally. We'd gladly give our lives for you!"
Di Tian spoke with great gravity.
He had practically laid the Star Dou Forest's dignity in the dust.
Neuvillette pondered for a moment.
He did dislike trouble.
But he also knew that, in this world, some troubles couldn't be avoided.
Besides, having a few more fighters around would save him from having to step in himself.
"Agreed."
Neuvillette nodded slightly.
"Mutual protection only."
"If you cause trouble of your own accord, Skywater City won't be responsible."
Di Tian was overjoyed.
"Thank you, my lord!"
With the matter settled, Di Tian didn't dare linger. He didn't want to displease Neuvillette.
"Then I'll return and report back. Gu Yue is waiting for my news."
As he spoke, Di Tian turned to leave.
But after taking a couple of steps, he realized something was wrong.
Bi Ji hadn't moved.
The Emerald Swan was still standing there, her eyes practically glued to Neuvillette.
"Bi Ji?"
Di Tian reminded her softly.
Bi Ji's pretty face turned red, and she awkwardly rubbed the hem of her clothing.
"Well... Di Tian, you know I just broke through thanks to that cup of Silk Flower Wine."
"My cultivation is still a little unstable."
"The water element here in Skywater City is exceptionally abundant, and it would greatly aid my recovery."
"I was wondering... could I stay here for a while and stabilize my cultivation?"
"..."
By the end, Bi Ji's voice had dwindled to a whisper.
She sneaked a glance at Neuvillette.
Her long, slender, fair legs drew together slightly, giving her an astonishingly alluring air.
Di Tian looked at Bi Ji, the corner of his mouth twitching.
Stabilize her cultivation?
Was that really what she wanted?
She just wanted to get her hands on him!
But could Di Tian say that?
He couldn't.
Besides, leaving Bi Ji here would also serve as a kind of hostage, strengthening the connection between the two sides.
"Ahem."
Di Tian cleared his throat.
"Since that's the case, I'll have to trouble you to look after her, Lord Neuvillette."
"Bi Ji, remember not to disturb the lord's cultivation."
With that, Di Tian turned into a streak of black light and flew away as if fleeing.
He was afraid that if he stayed any longer, the ambiguous tension between the two would choke him to death.
After seeing Di Tian off,
Neuvillette was just about to go inside when a petite figure darted out from behind the covered walkway.
Furina came running over, clutching a little notebook, her face alight with excitement.
"Neuvillette! Neuvillette!"
"That Golden Ranking List thing just now was so grand!"
"..."
Furina circled Neuvillette, the little cowlick on her head bobbing up and down.
"Now, guess who'll be in first place?"
"Could it be me?"
Furina pointed at herself, her wide eyes full of expectation.
Looking at the lively girl before him, the indifference in Neuvillette's eyes melted away, replaced by a trace of tenderness.
He reached out and gently ruffled Furina's hair.
"Of course."
"Lady Furina is the master of all waters and the brightest star in the world."
"Who else could possibly deserve that place?"
Furina was delighted by the praise. She planted her hands on her hips and raised her chin.
"Hmph! Naturally!"
"This Hydro Archon is going to save the world!"
"Once I take first place, I'll make the Golden Ranking List give me lots and lots of cake!"
"..."
Watching the girl's innocent smile, Neuvillette's mood lifted as well.
As long as he could protect that smile,
what did it matter if he had to cleave the entire Divine Realm in two?
Just then,
the enormous Golden Ranking List shook again in the sky.
Its grand voice interrupted everyone's thoughts.
[Announcing the eighteenth name on the Power Ranking!]
[Name: Golden Crocodile Douluo!]
[Martial Soul: Golden Crocodile King!]
[Level: Level 98 Peak!]
[Affiliation: Spirit Hall!]
Before you continue