"Lan Po, have any orcs ever told you that you're really beautiful?" Si Lu asked seriously, eyes sparkling like stardust as she stared at the mermaid sitting next to her.
This guy was stunning. Delicate—almost like a newborn. His features were so fine, so sculpted, it was hard to look away. Deep, thoughtful eyes. Petal-pink lips that looked like the color of cherry blossoms in spring. That sharp jawline? Like it was carved by the gods themselves.
Si Lu sighed internally for what had to be the fifth time. Mermaids were truly nature's spoiled darlings. Even her own appearance felt ordinary in comparison.
"Guess," Lan Po replied with a sly smile, choosing not to answer directly.
He didn't need to. The way the little female looked at him, full of awe and admiration, was more than enough to please him.
Among mermaids, beauty wasn't exactly rare. But the males were the ones expected to be the most beautiful—because there were so few females, the males had to rely on charm, strength, and looks to attract a mate. On land, it was the opposite. But in their underwater world, males had the burden of standing out.
Still, the little female beside him was a rare breed herself. She was beautiful—truly beautiful—in a way that transcended both sea and land.
She was the loveliest female he had ever seen, with a personality that was both funny and irresistibly endearing. When she smiled, she lit up the world. Her bright eyes made his heart flutter, and her laugh stayed in his ears longer than it had any right to.
She looked like a fairy—silver-white hair dancing in the sea breeze, cheeks pale and soft like fresh snow. And those dimples when she grinned? Deadly. Her entire vibe was like an elf from an enchanted forest.
"Even if you don't tell me," Si Lu said, tilting her head slightly, "I know someone's told you you're the most beautiful mermaid in the world. Are all mermaids this stunning?"
She wasn't joking. Her curiosity about mermaids was genuine. To her, they were mythical—symbols of beauty, purity, and oceanic magic. She never expected to meet one face-to-face.
"Not all mermaids look like me," Lan Po said lightly. "But you really are curious, aren't you? If you want, I could show you around sometime."
His tone was casual, but the invitation was sincere.
Seeing how intrigued she was made his heart swell. At the same time, he couldn't help feeling a little sour. Wasn't hegood-looking enough? Why did she want to see other mermaids?
Still, he was telling the truth. Most mermaids couldn't compare to him.
"Really?! I can visit the mermaid territory? Look around, have fun?" Si Lu's hand shot out to grab his wrist, eyes wide with excitement. "By the way, you never answered—do mermaids really live in the deep sea?"
Lan Po froze.
She had just touched him. Freely. Naturally. Like it meant nothing to her—but to him, it was everything.
His wrist felt hot under her fingers. Not just his wrist—his heart, too. The tips of his ears turned pink, but Si Lu didn't seem to notice.
He didn't usually let people touch him. Not anyone—not even his own kin. But this little female was different. Exceptionally different. And the way she touched him… he didn't hate it.
In fact, he kind of liked it.
"Of course," he said softly, locking eyes with her. "If you want to visit the sea, I'll take you anytime. It's beautiful down there."
And it truly was. His people—the mackerel clan—were gentle and free-spirited. They lived in peace, deep in the ocean, far from the noise of the outside world. Simple. Untouched. Safe.
"That sounds amazing," Si Lu beamed. Then she glanced at the others who were still unconscious nearby. "But... do you think you could wake them up now? We can't just leave them knocked out like this forever."
Lan Po chuckled and gave a nod. "Of course."
He lifted his hand and snapped his fingers—a crisp sound that echoed in the air.
Whatever she asked of him, he would do. As long as it was within his power, he would grant it.
A moment later, Hei Yao stirred.
He shot up like a warrior on high alert, sharp eyes landing instantly on the two figures sitting on the reef. His gaze was dark and dangerous—but he didn't act rashly. Xiaoxiang was still next to the stranger, and although Hei Yao had passed out, he'd been semi-conscious. He'd heard most of the conversation and sensed the changes in the surrounding energy.
Thankfully, this mermaid had no malicious intent. He just wanted to talk.
But even so, Hei Yao could feel the other man's power. This wasn't just any merman. He was extraordinary. Not only strong, but with a presence that radiated otherworldliness.
The rest of the group slowly began to wake as well, though none of them remembered what had just happened.
Only Hei Yao, thanks to his higher cultivation, had retained some awareness.
"Lulu, are you alright?" he asked, voice still tense. His gaze flicked to the mermaid. "And… who is this? Why were you sitting with him?"
"And why did I pass out all of a sudden?" Tata muttered, rubbing her temples. She looked groggy, confused. "I was just standing there, and then... lights out."
"This is my friend," Si Lu replied cheerfully. "His name is Lan Po. I told him it was okay to talk to us."
Tata nodded slowly, her gaze flicking to Lan Po with awe. It was her first time seeing a mermaid too—and wow, the rumors were not exaggerated.
She didn't feel threatened, though. Lan Po didn't seem dangerous. He wasn't radiating power or menace like some orc chieftain. If anything, he gave off a calm, gentle aura—especially when looking at Si Lu.
Tata blinked, and suddenly everything clicked.
Oh. Ohhh.
She understood now. They'd interrupted something.
"Lulu, we'll leave you two to chat," she said with a cheeky grin, dragging Xiong Da by the arm. "Xiong Da and I are going to the shore. Time to catch some seafood!"
She tossed Si Lu a knowing wink over her shoulder as she walked off.
Bai Di and Hei Yao stayed behind for a moment, exchanging looks.
Neither of them said anything, but it was clear they were thinking the same thing.
So this was the mermaid Lulu kept talking about. The one she missed. The one whose necklace she still wore.
Bai Di's chest tightened slightly.
He wasn't sure what he expected, but this? This beautiful, ethereal man? It made sense now—why Lulu had been so drawn to him. The mermaid's looks, his calm presence, his gentle voice... it was everything the little female adored.
Bai Di looked away, feeling a quiet ache in his chest.
No wonder she'd never stopped thinking about him.
"Lanper, let me introduce you. The one you just saw is my good sister, Tata, and that's her partner, Xiong Da. These two are my close friends, Hei Yao and Bai Di," Si Lu said, looking at Lan Po beside her as she introduced everyone.
These people were important to her, so she made sure to introduce them properly.
Tata and Xiong Da turned their heads, smiling warmly at the group.
Si Lu nodded, knowing Tata and Xiong Da had deliberately made space for them to catch up. Besides, Tata was at the seaside and genuinely wanted to hang out.
Bai Di and Hei Yao looked at Lan Po and gave polite nods, silently saying hello.
"Hello, I'm Lanper. As you can see, I'm a mackerel mermaid," Lan Po said with a warm smile.
He flicked his large, ice-blue tail proudly.
Si Lu's eyes practically went wide—this tail was breathtaking. She loved it.
The long tail slapped the water, sending droplets flying. The sun caught the ice-blue scales, making them sparkle dazzlingly.
Si Lu was honestly obsessed.
Bai Di opened his mouth to say something but saw the sparkle in Si Lu's eyes, clearly fixated on Lan Po and his tail. He wisely decided to keep quiet.
Whatever, as long as Lulu liked it.
Meanwhile, Hei Yao stared at Lan Po suspiciously, wary after the sudden sleep trick earlier.
"How did you make us fall asleep just now?" Hei Yao asked bluntly.
"It's a little trick from our mackerel race. Sorry about that," Lan Po replied politely.
He'd noticed Hei Yao was different—everyone else had dozed off except him, but even he was frozen. Plus, Lan Po sensed Hei Yao's strength; definitely silver level, which was no joke.
Just two days ago, Hei Yao had broken through to silver. That's seriously impressive—silver level is the top strength on this continent, and it's not easy to reach.
"What about that song just now? Why was Lulu the only one who heard it? Why not us?" Hei Yao asked straightforwardly.
He trusted Lulu wasn't lying. The song must be from Lan Po's mackerel family. But it was clearly meant only for Lulu's ears.
"Singing is natural for us. You're smart and perceptive!" Lan Po smiled, unbothered by the bluntness, answering kindly.
The white flute nearby stayed silent, while Si Lu watched the conversation with curiosity.
Seeing no conflict between them, she relaxed.
"No matter your purpose, if you ever hurt Lulu, I won't let you off!" Hei Yao's eyes flashed coldly, his tone fierce.
His message was clear: if Lan Po caused her harm, he'd pay dearly.
"Don't worry, I would never hurt her," Lan Po said gently, turning to Si Lu.
How could he hurt her? He already liked her too much for that.
"Hey, A Yao, I'm fine. Lanper's a friend I knew before—the mermaid I told you about," Si Lu reassured Hei Yao.
"Don't you want to visit the sea? Want me to take you now?" Lan Po looked at Si Lu with a tender smile.
"A Yao, A Di, can I go?" Si Lu asked, looking to her partners for permission.
Even though she really wanted to go, she respected their opinion.
Bai Di glanced at Si Lu. Honestly, he wasn't thrilled, but he saw how much she wanted to. Besides, Lan Po didn't seem dangerous, and the way he looked at Si Lu mirrored Bai Di's own protective gaze.
He figured Lan Po wouldn't hurt her.
She could go if she wanted. Especially since Lan Po's strength made him untouchable—no one could hurt Si Lu around him.
Even Hei Yao, recently promoted to silver, had been restrained by Lan Po.
Bai Di thought this guy would soon be part of their big family anyway.
"Lulu, I'm fine with it," Bai Di said, looking at Hei Yao.
"I don't mind either," Hei Yao replied coldly, "But you have to protect Silu. If she gets hurt, we won't let you off—even if we have to chase you to the ends of the earth."
He wanted Lan Po to understand the stakes.
"A Yao, A Di, you're so kind to me. I'll go with Lanper for a bit and be back soon," Si Lu said happily.
"Don't worry, Lan Po's reliable," she added confidently.
From the first moment she saw him, she just knew he wouldn't hurt her. His eyes were calm and clear.
"Lulu, go ahead but be careful. If he bullies you, tell us right away. Also, come back early—we'll be waiting by the sea. I know you love seafood, so we'll pick some up with A Yao while we wait," Bai Di said, sounding a little aggrieved.
Their hopeful, earnest eyes made Si Lu's heart squeeze. She jumped off the reef, but Lan Po caught her gently and placed her safely on the ground.
"Thank you," Si Lu said before running to Bai Di and Hei Yao.
What she didn't see was the flicker of loss and loneliness in Lan Po's eyes.
Had she changed her mind about going to the sea with him?
Si Lu ran back to the reef after quickly kissing Hei Yao and Bai Di on the cheeks, her smile bright.
"Wait for me here. I'll be back soon," she called out cheerfully.
"Hmm," Bai Di nodded, excited.
"Waiting for you!" Hei Yao smiled.
Lan Po watched Si Lu return, hope blazing in his chest. He couldn't help but smile, though a pang of bitterness followed.
To be honest, he was a little jealous.
Seeing the two male orcs standing happily on the shore made his chest tighten.
"Let's go, big fish. I want to see the seabed," Si Lu said excitedly. "I'm going to open my eyes underwater!"
"But wait—I'm a land female. Can I even swim? Can I breathe underwater? Will water get in my ears?" she asked, looking at Lan Po.
Yeah, she had a ton of questions now.
But despite all her doubts, she really wanted to explore the seabed. She'd heard there was a starry sky down there, with corals, strange animals, and gorgeous plants. She wanted to see it all and expand her horizons.
"Don't worry. Didn't I give you this necklace?" Lan Po smiled softly.
"That necklace lets you move freely underwater and breathe without trouble."
Si Lu still had many questions, but Lan Po patiently answered each one.
She loved his patience and curiosity. He was truly adorable.
"So that's how it works. That's awesome!" Si Lu beamed.
The necklace looked like an ordinary pearl, but a hidden blue gem shimmered inside.
She didn't understand the details, but it was stunning.
"Let's go. I'll take you to the sea. I'm sure you'll love it," Lan Po said, taking Si Lu's soft little hand gently.
Her hand was so soft, he really liked it.
The first time he touched a female's hand like this, it felt unreal—like a dream.
His heart pounded, almost jumping out of his chest.
Lan Po's lips curved into a small smile, his eyes full of tenderness.