Tao Yao happened just as Tao Yao was conversing with the system sprite Xiao Xiao.
The door to the room was gently pushed open.
Xiao Xiao quickly hid away.
In walked Tao Yao's maid, Shiro, carrying an exquisite silver tray with a steaming pot of black tea and several delicate pastries.
"Miss, these are freshly made desserts," Shiro said softly as she placed the tray on the table.
"Thank you," Tao Yao smiled and nodded, suddenly as if recalling something, she said, "By the way, Shiro, I have a small request that might trouble you."
Shiro blinked in surprise before responding, "Please go on."
A mischievous glint flashed in Tao Yao's eyes as she cheerfully said, "Could you help me find a dance teacher in the city? I want to take a few classes."
Hearing this unexpected request, Shiro couldn't help but show a look of astonishment.
She blinked, seemingly confirming that she had heard correctly.
"A dance teacher? Miss Tao Yao, are you going to learn how to dance?"
Shiro cautiously asked, her tone laced with uncertainty.
Seeing Shiro's reaction, Tao Yao suddenly felt playful.
She slowly stood up, elegantly walked over to Shiro, and cheekily winked.
"Of course!"
Tao Yao said softly, her tone mischievous, "Once I've learned, I can dance just for you! Doesn't Xiao Shiro want to see?"
These sudden words instantly brought a faint blush to Shiro's cheeks.
She slightly lowered her head, avoiding Tao Yao's gaze, her fingers unconsciously twisting together.
"I... I definitely want to see," Shiro said quietly, her voice almost inaudible, "I'll go find a suitable dance teacher for you right away."
Having said that, Shiro quickly walked out of the room, as if escaping from something.
Watching Shiro's flustered figure, Tao Yao couldn't help but chuckle softly.
Once Shiro left, the system sprite Xiao Xiao sprang out.
She began to circle around Tao Yao, examining her with scrutinizing eyes.
Tao Yao was amused by Xiao Xiao's behavior and, a bit frustrated, asked:
"Hey, why are you looking at me like that?"
[Master, I have a question.]
Xiao Xiao stopped spinning and tilted her cute head.
[Didn't you know how to dance? You danced in Hiyakura's dream before... why do you suddenly want to learn to dance now?]
Earlier, Tao Yao had used her popularity points to weave a dance in Hiyakura's dream.
This left the impression on the system Xiao Xiao that Tao Yao knew how to dance.
Upon hearing Xiao Xiao's words, Tao Yao couldn't help but smile.
She gently shook her head and explained, "You also said that was in a dream. I can't actually dance in essence."
In fact, before becoming Tao Yao, she had watched quite a few dance videos.
With memory and imagination, she could naturally imitate a dance in her dreams.
But in reality, she couldn't dance.
After listening to Tao Yao's explanation, the system Xiao Xiao seemed even more confused.
[Then why... ]
Before Xiao Xiao could finish, Tao Yao interrupted.
"Of course, it's to leverage my current advantages."
Tao Yao said calmly, a glimmer of determination flashing in her eyes, "Before heading toward the death of the command, I want to leave the players with a wonderful memory as Tao Yao!"
Tao Yao was actually not that resistant to dancing.
She had long accepted reality.
Since she had become a younger sister, she should take good advantage of her current situation.
After hearing all of this, the system Xiao Xiao seemed to suddenly understand something.
Her eyes lit up, and she exclaimed excitedly:
[So that's how it is! Master is amazing!]
Xiao Xiao twirled around Tao Yao and continued to praise her.
[Hehe, with your looks, Master, you will definitely captivate a bunch of players.]
Hearing Xiao Xiao's compliments, Tao Yao couldn't help but smile.
She gently patted Xiao Xiao's head and said:
"Alright, stop chatting. We still have a lot to prepare."
...
The next morning.
Shiro brought good news.
With astonishing efficiency, she found the dance teacher that Tao Yao needed within the twin cities.
"Miss, I have found you a very talented dance teacher as you requested," Shiro said respectfully. "She will come to visit you this afternoon."
Tao Yao nodded, a glimmer of anticipation flashing in her eyes.
"Great job, Shiro. You did well."
In the afternoon, a gentle knock on the door sounded.
"Come in," Tao Yao said.
The door opened, and an elegant lady walked in.
She wore a simple yet graceful long dress, her long hair neatly tied up, exuding an aura of elegance with every movement.
"Hello, Miss Tao Yao," the lady smiled and said, "I am your dance teacher; you can call me Elena. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Tao Yao stood up and extended her hand with a smile.
"Hello, Teacher Elena."
After exchanging greetings, Elena began her self-introduction.
"I have been studying dance since childhood, and I have advanced at the Royal Dance Academy for many years. I have toured in several countries and have served as a private dance teacher for many young ladies of nobility."
Elena spoke eloquently, "I am proficient in various dance styles, including classical ballet, modern dance, court dance, and more."
Tao Yao listened attentively.
When Elena finished introducing herself, she smiled and said, "Teacher Elena really has a wealth of experience."
Elena smiled modestly and then asked:
"Miss Tao Yao, do you have any prior dance experience?"
Tao Yao thought for a moment and replied, "I guess I do have some. I feel quite suited for it."
Since coming to this world, Tao Yao had tried out her body's flexibility.
Although she had not formally learned to dance, she found that the body she was using now should be quite talented.
Elena nodded, a hint of appreciation flashing in her eyes.
"That's a good start. So, Miss Tao Yao, what kind of dance do you specifically want to learn? Or do you have any special requests regarding that?"
"Special requests…"
Tao Yao pondered for a moment, a mischievous glint flickering in her eyes.
She smiled and said, "I want to learn a dance that can make people fall in love at first sight! Also, rather than just learning a ready-made piece, I want to create one myself."
Upon hearing this response, Elena was slightly taken aback and then looked somewhat conflicted.
"Miss Tao Yao, this might be quite difficult…"
"It's fine, I'm not afraid of hardship!"
"Okay, I understand. I will teach you well."
And just like that, Tao Yao began her journey of learning to dance.
In the following days, she would set aside time each day to learn dance from Elena.
From basic standing positions and hand placements to complex turns and jumps, Tao Yao studied diligently.
Tao Yao was serious and sincere, never thinking of being perfunctory.
After all, this dance would become a beautiful memory for the players after her death.
At the impending farewell, she wanted to leave a memorable impression on the adorable Hiyakura with the most beautiful posture.
...
Outside the Twin Cities, a group of young girls were walking slowly.
Leading them was Laurel from Manju Academy, followed by Hiyakura, Jasmine, and Violet.
They all wore slightly fatigued expressions, but their eyes shone with determination.
Laurel had just finished a call with the academy principal and turned to face everyone, her expression serious as she spoke:
"Classmates, the threat of the Apostle cult is growing."
"Whether it's the brief fissure opened in Qingyang City or the demonic power index measured from Tao Yao, it's enough to confirm they are engaging in dangerous activities."
"Therefore, this time, we must find a way to completely uproot their forces in the Land of Dawn."
"According to intelligence, the largest branch of the Apostle cult in the Land of Dawn is hidden within the Twin Cities. From now on, I will need several of you to assist in investigating the Apostle cult."
Jasmine was the first to respond, gently pushing her glasses, her tone calm: "We will do our best, but, Sister Laurel. The Apostle cult operates discreetly. How should we start our investigation?"
Violet continued, "Yeah, we're new here and not familiar with this city. Perhaps we should familiarize ourselves with the environment first, and then gradually gather information?"
Hiyakura nodded beside them, expressing agreement.
Laurel smiled slightly, "You're right. Let's settle in first and start our actions tomorrow."
...
The group arrived at a hotel in Yao Yue City and settled down temporarily.
Late at night, Hiyakura found it hard to sleep.
She lay on the bed, her mind constantly replaying that pink figure.
"Will Tao Yao really escape here?" Hiyakura murmured.
Unable to sleep, Hiyakura got up and approached the window.
She looked down at the entire Yao Yue City, where the moonlight cascaded down like water, and starlight sprinkled the night sky, enveloping the entire city in a hazy silver veil.
The distant building silhouettes appeared faint and indistinct, and the scattered lights on the streets resembled scattered gems.
Hiyakura softly spoke to herself, "Jasmine mentioned that this is a famous tourist city among the four main cities of the Land of Dawn. I should be able to find many unwanted treasure chests here…"
Suddenly, Hiyakura was struck by a whim and decided to go out for a stroll.
In fact, Hiyakura had always been a restless person.
She loved adventure and the mystery hidden in the dark.
Whether it was garbage cans or abandoned treasure chests, she always managed to find surprises in various corners.
This uncontrollable curiosity drove her to sneak out of the hotel.
Hiyakura strolled along the streets of Yao Yue City, the moonlight guiding her way.
She spotted a trash can and couldn't help but rummage through it, surprisingly finding a shiny coin.
Continuing on, she discovered an unwanted treasure chest. After opening it, she was overjoyed again.
Just like that, Hiyakura unknowingly arrived at a secluded courtyard in the woods.
Surrounded by dense trees, the courtyard seemed isolated from the outside world.
Moonlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled light and shadow on the ground.
In the center of the courtyard was a small fountain, the gentle sound of water adding a touch of liveliness to the quiet night.
Suddenly, a melodious music echoed, breaking the silence of the night.
Hiyakura looked toward the sound and saw a pink figure gently dancing in the moonlight.
The dance was elegant and natural, the footsteps as light as a feather.
The dancer did not flaunt her skills intentionally, yet every movement was full of rhythm.
Her arms were as soft as willow branches, and her waist moved fluidly like water.
The pink skirt flew as she spun, blooming like a flower under the moonlight.
Hiyakura held her breath, deeply captivated by the scene before her.
Unconsciously, she took a few steps forward, wanting to see the dancer's face more clearly.
When the dancer turned around, Hiyakura was astonished to find that the familiar face was—
"Tao Yao!" Hiyakura couldn't help but exclaim.
Previously, when she first arrived in Qingyang City, she had met Tao Yao.
Now, upon arriving in the Twin Cities, she encountered Tao Yao again.
Facing each other, upon hearing the voice, Tao Yao paused her dance.
But the music, lingering around, continued to play from an unknown source.
Tao Yao turned to look at Hiyakura, her face breaking into a radiant smile.
"Hi, little cutie, we meet again! Just as I said, we would see each other again," Tao Yao's voice was light and joyful.
Hiyakura felt a bit confused and couldn't help but ask, "Did you know I would come here?"
"Well, I guess it's a bit of luck. I know you love adventure and want to explore various new things, so I've been coming here often to try my luck recently and unexpectedly ran into you."
Tao Yao offered an explanation that sounded very reasonable.
In reality, Tao Yao could foresee their encounter here.
After all, this was a game world.
Hiyakura was the core protagonist of this world.
So as the protagonist, Hiyakura must explore the map, right?
Various teleportation points.
Treasure chests hidden all over the world.
All needed the protagonist to interact with them.
And this city was one that Hiyakura had yet to explore.
So all she needed to do was wait in one place.
Naturally, she would get to see Hiyakura.
Although Tao Yao had countless other ways to meet Hiyakura.
She still chose this surprising method among many.
Upon hearing Tao Yao's response.
Hiyakura, somewhat cautiously, asked: "Were you specifically waiting for me?"
Tao Yao chuckled lightly and replied:
"Well, if you want to interpret it that way, I don't mind…"
"After all, if it weren't for waiting for someone, very few would do what I'm doing—staying up all night dancing alone in the park, right? Even though this park has many magical conch shells from the distant ocean countries as accompaniment."
Hiyakura detected the deeper meaning behind Tao Yao's words.
Tao Yao was intentionally waiting here for her…
After a moment of silence, Hiyakura finally asked the question that had been troubling her:
"Are you... really a bad person?"
Last time.
There was a bond between the two.
Only it was interrupted because of Jasmine and the others.
She had many things she wanted to understand from Tao Yao.
Faced with Hiyakura's doubts.
Tao Yao's smile grew profound.
She slowly spoke, her voice as gentle as the night breeze:
"Little cutie, there are no absolute good or bad people in this world. I am simply doing what I want to do; whether it is good or bad, it is not for me to say."
She paused for a moment before continuing:
"Although this is a rotten world, it isn't as beautiful as it seems."
"But because it's not beautiful, I should act even more to try to change this rotten world into what I desire!"