Tao He's Spring. Preparations.

"Hyah!" Sweat dripping from his forehead, Tao He completed all three hundred and one steps of the Reverse Strike Stance. Nearby, applause accompanied by a squeal sounded, and then Liu Meiyin quickly approached with a cup of water. This had been their custom over the past year; Tao He practised and Liu Meiyin watched. They were now quite familiar with one another, and the love-struck girl was eagerly awaiting him to pop the question.

"Thanks," Tao He flashed a charming smile that did a -9999 damage to the poor girls heart. She blushed and looked down, twisting the handkerchief she held.

"That--"

"That--" they both spoke at the same time.

"You first," Liu Meiyin said quickly.

"No, ladies first," Tao He grinned.

"I-- I don't remember what I want to say again. You go first,"

Tao He chuckled.

"I wanted to say that I'll be returning for a while. There's a chance that I might be chosen as one of the Si Lak Mercenaries representatives at the Cultivators Gathering,"