"...Heh." At that, Hysilens's lips curled into a faint, inscrutable smile.
She gently set down her cup, her posture elegant.
"I could tell from your eyes that you had wanted to ask this question for a long time, hadn't you, sir?" Her tone was calm, revealing neither pleasure nor anger.
"Since our first meeting? Or even earlier?"
"Because I am the daughter of the Ocean. This body was originally molded from spirit water."
Yan Huan stroked his chin.
"Then do you hiccup when you run? Does the water in your stomach slosh around?"
"When you don't drink water, does the water level inside go down? Do you need regular refills? Can it evaporate? Does it get hot inside during summer? Does it freeze in winter?"
Hysilens quietly listened to his rapid-fire questions. The smile on her face gradually deepened, eventually turning into a soft chuckle tinged with helpless indulgence.
She tilted her head slightly as she looked at Yan Huan, a glimmer of mischief flashing through her eyes.
"If you are truly that curious," she slowly said, her voice gentle yet carrying an inexplicable allure,
"why not join me for a meal? Perhaps you can see the answer for yourself."
"Forget it." Yan Huan waved in refusal, then turned and headed toward the Cloud Stone Celestial Palace, leaving Hysilens and her amused smile behind.
The sights along the way were all peaceful.
Children chased and played through the swept-clean streets, their laughter crisp and bright.
Residents along the street left their doors open, with the sounds of everyday conversation and the light clinking of tableware drifting out.
A few small shops were still open. Their owners either dozed over their counters or chatted with familiar customers.
The air carried the scent of cooking smoke, fragrant plants, and freshly lit insect-repelling