NOVEL WEB Chapter 323: Coastal City
Meilin paused for a moment, then gave a soft, understanding smile. "I get that," she said gently. "I felt the same when it was me. Though," she added with a slight smirk, "I did ask Dave to ease the pain a little afterwards. Just enough to let me walk straight again."
Dave, who had been standing to the side, gave a light chuckle. "Well, I guess you two are more alike than you think."
He patted his jacket, then stood upright with a grin. "Alright then! Get yourselves ready, my beautiful troublemakers—we've got a coastal city to conquer."
With that, he turned and walked out of the room, whistling lightly as he made his way to the washroom down the hall.
Behind him, Meilin chuckled. "Troublemakers, huh? He's the biggest one of all."
Dugu Yan smiled softly, her cheeks still flushed from earlier, but there was a new spark in her eyes—confidence, pride, and a quiet joy.
Together, the girls turned to get ready.
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Not long after, the trio stepped out of the inn—refreshed, dressed, and more than ready to take on the day.
Dave walked in front, adjusting the cuffs of his coat with a relaxed confidence, his signature smirk already in place. Beside him, Meilin strolled with her usual grace, her long hair tied in a sleek ribbon, eyes scanning the streets with curiosity. And on Dave's other side, Dugu Yan walked a little slower than usual, her steps careful but proud. Though her legs still ached faintly, her spirit was high, and her cheeks held the soft glow of someone deeply content.
The city around them was alive. Seagulls cried overhead. Street vendors called out their prices in sing-song voices. Children ran past with wooden swords, pretending to be spirit warriors. The scent of grilled seafood and sweet buns drifted through the air, making all three of their stomachs growl at once.
"Looks like someone's hungry," Meilin teased, nudging Yan playfully.
Dave raised a hand before either of them could argue. "Say no more," he said, eyes gleaming. "Breakfast is on me."
They turned a corner, and the scent of freshly baked flatbreads and spiced tea grew stronger. Just ahead, a large open-air food court buzzed with locals—tables shaded under bright cloth awnings, and rows of steaming dishes on display.
"Perfect," Dave said, leading them toward an open table near the edge where the sea breeze still rolled in.
A moment later, he returned with trays balanced in both hands—bowls of fragrant fish porridge, crispy dumplings, sweet rice cakes, and spiced tea with floating lotus petals. He set it all down with a flourish.
"Here you go, ladies," he said with a grin. "Breakfast, courtesy of your favorite troublemaker."
Dugu Yan sat down carefully, eyes widening at the spread. "Dave… this looks amazing."
Meilin didn't wait—she picked up a dumpling and bit in. "Mmm… okay, you're forgiven for waking us up too early."
Dave just chuckled and poured them each a cup of tea. "Eat up. We've got a full city to explore after this. Shops, street shows, sea markets—and if we're lucky, a few stuck-up young masters to mess with."
Dugu Yan laughed softly, picking up her spoon. "Just don't get us chased out before lunch."
"No promises," Dave said with a wink, raising his cup like a toast. "To mischief, memory-making… and good food."
Meilin and Dugu Yan raised theirs too.
Breakfast didn't last long—not because they rushed, but because the food was too good to leave unfinished. The fish porridge was rich and comforting, the dumplings had the perfect crisp bite, and the tea left a subtle floral sweetness that lingered on the tongue. With the morning sun high and warm, and the sea wind playful against their faces, the trio stepped back into the heart of the coastal city, ready to see what it had to offer.
Dave led the way, hands in his pockets, eyes scanning the vibrant streets with amusement.
The market district was already alive with color—rows of spirit herbs displayed in glass jars, rare ores glittering under enchanted lanterns, and bizarre trinkets claiming to boost cultivation by a hundred years with a single breath.
Meilin slowed at a stall with shimmering veils and intricate jewelry. She held up a thin gold chain with tiny spirit jade beads. "What do you think, Dave?" she asked, holding it up to her neck.
"I think it'd look better wrapped around your waist," he replied without missing a beat.
She smirked, placing the chain back as the merchant stared, flustered.
Just beside them, Dugu Yan paused in front of a delicate sculpture carved from sea crystal. It was shaped like a dragon coiled around a wave. She touched it lightly, her eyes soft. "It looks like home."
Dave stepped behind her, his voice quieter now. "If you want it, I'll get it."
She shook her head with a smile. "Not yet. Let's see more first."
Further along the street, a commotion gathered near a round stage set at the square's center. A traveling troupe of performers had begun their act—flipping through the air with spinning spears and flaming rings. A man juggled knives while balancing on a spirit beast's back, and a young girl summoned petals of light that shimmered like starlight before fading into sparks.
A small crowd gathered, clapping and cheering. Meilin dragged both Dave and Yan toward it, eyes gleaming.
"They're good," she admitted, arms crossed, as she watched one acrobat land a flawless triple-flip.
Dave leaned over, murmuring to her with a grin, "Think they'd let me jump in and show off?"
"You'd cause a riot," Meilin replied dryly. "Or start a duel."
They continued walking, weaving through merchant stalls and lantern alleys. Every few corners held surprises: a street artist drawing spirit beasts with water ink, a man offering palm readings, and even a few low-tier rogue cultivators loudly trying to sell forged spirit tools.
Dugu Yan stopped when she saw a group of little kids laughing and chasing a man in a goofy fish costume. One child stumbled, and before he hit the ground, she instinctively caught him.
The child blinked at her. "You're strong, big sister!"
Dave chuckled as he stepped beside her. "She's the strongest girl in the city," he said proudly.
Dugu Yan smiled, but her blush betrayed her bashful joy.
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