"Nice to you meet you, Master Qi. I'm Jun Jihuo." Ethan lightly cupped his left hand onto his right fist and brought them in front of his chest, then slightly bends his back forward.

Hearing his deep and serene voice, those who heard it can't help but think how pleasant it was to the ears. ​​

They bet that if you close your eyes and just listen to his voice, you would think he was really attractive.

Alas, god had humbled him by giving him an average look with his velvety voice. Imagine the hearts he'll unintentionally steal if he also had a good face?

Maybe it was his voice that charmed Grand Disciple Life?

"Aiyo...likewise, young man. You two nearly gave me a heart attack there," Master Qi said, half serious.

"I don't even have a girlfriend yet and you went ahead of us old folks already? I really should go and explore the world outside the Academy, ah." He mused with a lighthearted sigh.

"Pfft! Who is Master Qi kidding? You're not young anymo—urgh!" An elbow pierced through one of Death's ribs, barely managing to cut him off from continuing his sentence.

"Don't listen to him." Lillie interjected, pushing Death away by his face. "Master Qi is still vigorous and youthful. I'm sure you'll find your match soon." The character Lillie created for Grand Disciple Life was the opposite of her real personality.

As Grand Disciple Life, she was known for being kind, gentle and compassionate. Always having a soft smile plastered on her face. Acting the part wasn't difficult, especially since her features were made to appear that way.

But the smiling part might make her cheeks hurt soon because she was not use to it anymore.

This was so that she would not attract any unnecessary troubles. Inexpressive, cold, aloof, imposing; these are what triggers others to butt heads with her.

But of course, envy was like everyone's natural trait. It's not an uncommon thing if maybe one or more would look for her and challenge her. Nevertheless, they weren't like the typical foes Lillie was used to, so she considered them as mild.

"As much as I would love to talk more, I'm afraid you lot should scurry now to let the others have their turn." Master Qi gestured with his head towards the expanding line of people.

"Of course, I apologize for causing delay. I promise to continue catching up once I see you again."

"I'll hold you to that." Master Qi expressed a crooked smile, his bushy beard almost covering it.

Then, he turned to narrow his eyes at Death, giving him a sharp glare.

"And who are you calling old, brat? Make sure your hair is black as mine before running your mouth, and you haven't got a girlfriend since you're on diapers!"

Death felt attacked. He retorted defensively with "At least it's natural and I don't have to dye it!" and "I'm busy!" Though the second excuse was as poor as a church mouse.

Ethan silently followed behind Death who was being pulled by Lillie up the plank and into the ship's deck.

Refusing to give up yet, Death exclaimed another remark, "If you shave off that ugly beard then you might have a chance with Grandmaster Xie!" His voice echoed for everyone to hear.

This made the students in the harbor stifle a giggle, understanding the joke.

Master Qi's face turn red from anger then green from disgust. "Peh peh! Who would want that ugly hag?!"

"I'll tell her you said that!"

"Be my guest!"

Lillie rid of their quarrel by pulling Death inside the ship, finally letting Master Qi continue his task without anymore disruptions from her foul-mouthed Senior Brother.

***

Swaying together with the calm waves, the ship started sailing upon reaching its boarders' limit.

Nostalgia began to rise up to Lillie's chest as she stood by the ship's railing, watching how the ocean seem to touch the blue sky. Her brown wig gently flew along the breeze's direction.

She climb back in the deck after dumping her bag inside the cabin to enjoy the view she hadn't seen for quite awhile. The last time she had been on a ride in the ocean was with Ethan at the yacht.

And nothing can beat that experience.

Gazing lazily at the picturesque scenery, Lillie noticed some colorful dots swimming ahead of the ship at a far distance.

Oh, they're the students who dived in earlier. It seems they noticed that the ship was already catching up on them, so they swam faster as if their lives depend on it.

They were in the queue before, so Lillie was certain they have the points to afford a ride.

But choosing to swim all the way to the Academy instead...they must be dedicated to get stronger, hence this act as a training for them?

If ever this swimming group read her thoughts, they would've swallowed the salty water and say, "We wanted to spread the news first!"

Lillie was momentarily separated from Ethan when he was left in their cabin, but he'll be joining her soon after he's done doing his business. As for her Senior Brother...either he's rampaging the kitchen's refrigerator or was having a drink with the crew.

He's quite the partygoer and everyone's favorite drinking buddy, honestly speaking.

"G-Grand Disciple Life?"

Lillie looked over her shoulder and saw two students in pale yellow Tang suit.

Sun students, Lillie noted.

"Hello, what can I do for you?" If Lillie wasn't wearing her current appearance, this two would've fainted long ago.

Her whole appearance may be different, but the confident air surrounding her frame was undeniable. Her aura was like an illusion that gives this seemingly plain Jane a unique allure that makes up for her average visage.

Dressing an empress in peasant's clothes wouldn't be enough to hide her noble bearing nor the ambience of a ruler.