Morning sunlight fell through the window lattice onto the bed. Outside, the clamor of Skywater City's morning market drifted over from the far end of the lane, vendors' cries mingling with the rumble of carts and carriages.
When Lan Tian opened his eyes, Shui Hanyi was already up, sitting at the dressing table and tying back her hair.
She had changed into a simple white dress, her long ice-blue hair loosely gathered behind her head with a silver ribbon. Hearing movement from the bed, she turned to glance at him, her lips curving slightly. "Awake? Breakfast is on the table."
After they ate breakfast, Shui Hanyi brought up making the announcement at the academy.
She planned to use secluded cultivation as her reason for handing full responsibility for the academy's affairs to the vice dean, then leave Skywater City with Lan Tian.
Her tone was calm and resolute as she spoke. Clearly, she had already made up her mind the night before.
They left the residence side by side and followed Main Street toward the academy.
There were still few pedestrians on the streets so early in the morning. Several vendors who had risen early were putting up their awnings, and they looked up for a few extra glances when they saw Shui Hanyi walking beside Lan Tian.
Unlike before, Shui Hanyi made no deliberate effort to keep her distance. She walked naturally at Lan Tian's side, occasionally turning her head to say a few words to him.
Lan Tian answered now and then, but for the most part, he simply walked in silence.
After arriving at Skywater Academy, Shui Hanyi summoned several key instructors and the vice dean to the Council Hall.
The Council Hall was not large. Seven or eight people sat around a long table, all of