I just saw in wiki that Tianshui is actually translated Skywater(I assumed it was just Tianshui since most fanfics use that)
Tianshui ----> Skywater
Also another week, another powerstones guys
…..
"Since that's the case, we'll gratefully accept your hospitality."
As a mentor of Skywater Academy, Wang Wan naturally carried herself with the composure expected of one. She clasped her hands toward Paimon in a sincere gesture of gratitude.
"No need to be so polite! Let's go!"
Paimon laughed lightly and waved her hand, taking the lead.
Shui Bing'er and her younger sister flanked Teacher Xu protectively, while Wang Wan led the group at the front.
"This soul beast…"
Shui Yue'er hadn't noticed it earlier. Now that she was staring at the shadowy creature ahead, her legs started trembling.
Why was there still a soul beast here with such overwhelming soul power?
"Oh, don't worry about it. That smelly lion won't attack us."
Seeing the fear on everyone's faces as they passed by the Flame-Mane Lion, Paimon suddenly felt much braver herself. Was this the legendary fear transfer technique?
"Keep moving. Don't speak."
Wang Wan turned around and gestured for silence. The soul beast was still here—likely because of that person. Just because someone powerful was present didn't mean they could take the beast lightly. If it suddenly went berserk, none of them would be able to withstand it.
"Traveler, we're back!"
From a distance, Paimon called out cheerfully.
Aether glanced at the group following behind her, and the skewer in his hand trembled slightly.
She actually brought them all over… Just how much more meat was he going to have to grill now?
Still, grumbling internally aside, he raised his hand and waved at them—the usual greeting between him and Paimon.
"Your Excellency, please forgive our abrupt intrusion."
As the group approached, Wang Wan stepped forward and cupped her fists.
"It's fine. I invited you all to eat, after all."
Aether waved it off and added, "Make yourselves at home. Start with these; I'll keep grilling. There'll be plenty soon."
He handed a large bunch of skewers to Paimon, then reached into the void and pulled out four stools.
"Come try the Traveler's cooking! It smells amazing—don't be shy!"
Paimon placed the skewers on the table and warmly beckoned everyone to sit.
"…"
He pulled things out of thin air!
The four from Skywater Academy were stunned. Even the injured Teacher Xu stumbled and had to lean against Shui Bing'er.
"…Thank you, Your Excellency, for saving me!"
Shui Yue'er was the first to snap out of it. She walked up to Aether and gave a deep bow.
Such an awe-inspiring display of power—it had to be the titled expert her teacher and sister had mentioned.
Skywater Academy had never produced a Titled Douluo before, so she naturally assumed this power could only belong to someone of that level.
"No need to thank me. It was nothing."
Aether waved her off as his gaze fell on the young girl before him—no less striking in appearance than Shui Bing'er.
Do people here all mature this quickly?
He had accidentally caught sight of her generous curves just now and couldn't help but want to make a sarcastic comment.
"Um… is there anything I can help with?"
Shui Yue'er hesitated briefly before speaking up. Before meeting Aether, she had imagined a grim, untouchable elder—but what she saw was a calm and approachable youth, the very image of a warm spring breeze.
His demeanor was casual, and nothing about him seemed arrogant or aloof. His youthful appearance made him feel more like a peer, so she dared to speak.
"It's fine. The grill's small. You guys eat; I've got it covered."
Aether noticed her eager expression and quickly declined with a twitch of his mouth.
"Yeah, yeah, sit down already! No need to stand on ceremony."
Paimon chimed in again.
"Mhm, go ahead and sit." Aether nodded in agreement.
"Thank you, Your Excellency…"
Wang Wan bowed and led her group to sit down, though her brows still betrayed a hint of nervousness.
A Titled Douluo personally grilling for them…
Who in the world would believe such a thing?
The three took their seats while Paimon eagerly entertained them.
But Shui Yue'er didn't join in. Instead, she quietly approached the fire, her delicate hands nervously twisting together at her waist as she stole glances at Aether.
"Uh… do you need something?"
Aether felt her gaze and finally couldn't ignore it anymore. He turned his head to ask—
Only to find that Shui Yue'er had gotten too close. When he turned, his head brushed against her lower leg.
"N-No, nothing…"
Shui Yue'er stiffened at the sudden contact, but instead of moving away, she remained rooted in place. A tide of strange emotions crashed in her heart, and her cheeks began to flush.
"Uh… sorry about that."
Aether scratched his head awkwardly.
No wonder there was a sweet scent mixed in with the barbecue. Turns out it was her fragrance…
He'd been so focused on grilling that he hadn't noticed her standing so close.
"I-It's okay…"
Shui Yue'er repeated herself like a broken record, then, as if resolving herself, crouched down and picked up a raw skewer from a banana leaf. Imitating Aether's movements, she placed it on the grill.
"Let me help… That way it'll go faster."
Her soft, sweet voice trembled slightly. Shui Yue'er didn't dare look at him again, her eyes fixed on the skewer as her mind wandered.
"…Alright, I guess."
Aether glanced at the others eating at the table with Paimon and nodded. He slowly scooted over a little.
"…"
Shui Yue'er noticed his discomfort and couldn't help but smile subtly. She boldly shifted closer as well.
"…"
The aroma of grilled meat now mingled with the unique fragrance of a young girl, surrounding Aether entirely and leaving him unsure of what to do.
This girl… is a bit too bold, isn't she?
Aether felt increasingly awkward.
The grill he brought from Teyvat wasn't small—perfect for one, a little tight for two.
But now, every time he shifted slightly, Shui Yue'er would immediately move closer too.
After just a short while, Aether found himself practically outside the range of the grill. He even had to stretch his arms to reach the charcoal beneath it.
"…"
The scene was getting uncomfortably awkward.
"My name is Shui Yue'er…"
The girl beside him kept her gaze on the fire as she introduced herself in a voice as soft as a mosquito's.
"Aether."
He replied simply.
"…"
The silence returned.
"Um… what's your spirit?"
Trying to break the tension, Shui Yue'er blurted out the first question she could think of—only to remember right after that asking about one's spirit was considered impolite among soul masters. She was about to apologize when Aether spoke up.
"…I don't have one."
"Oh~"
"Mhm."
One question, one answer. Short and to the point.
_
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