Ariel did not ask any more questions.
Lin Wan had always done things according to his own plan. No one knew better than him when to act and when to leave.
"All right." She stepped half a pace back, making way for Lin Wan to board. "I won't hold you up, then. I'll smooth things over with High Priestess Bo Saixi for you."
Lin Wan glanced at her, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly. "Thanks."
"You're welcome." Ariel tilted her head, and her fiery red hair slipped from her shoulder with the movement, gleaming softly in the morning light.
Lin Wan said nothing more. He untied the mooring rope and leaped onto the deck.
The boat rocked gently, sending a ring of fine ripples spreading beneath the waterline across the calm sea.
The morning wind swept in from the ocean, carrying a salty tang and blowing the loose strands over his forehead backward. He stood at the stern, watching the fiery red figure on the dock grow smaller and smaller.
Ariel did not wave. She merely stood quietly at the edge of the pier, barefoot on the white sand, her legs formed from her fish tail shimmering faintly like pearls beneath the morning sun. She watched as his ship slowly departed the dock, sailed out of Sea God Island's harbor, and headed toward the vast ocean dyed gold and crimson by the rising sun.
Only after the ship had completely vanished beyond the line where sea met sky did Ariel withdraw her gaze. She let out a soft breath, turned, and headed toward the Sea Witch Sacred Pillar Platform. After delaying for so long, Sea Witch would probably nag her.
The sea parted before the ship's bow and closed behind its stern. Lin Wan did not look back. Sea