[ Should she be flattered to be compared to his cultivation partner? Sounds like she should be flattered.

Either way, she moves to catch up with him, studying the smoothness of his gait, how quiet his steps are. That isn't a skill everyone learns, and it makes her wonder. As she walks beside him, another milk serpent slithers past her feet, though she doesn't react in any other way than to watch it go by. ]

I rather think we're inviting ourselves instead.

[ After all, this is the serpents' home, not theirs. Technically, they're the ones trespassing—they can't be surprised when they run into snakes. ]

Are you worried for me?

[ She's teasing, a small smile playing at her lips. ]

You need not be. The only harm they caused was to my patience. I have very little of it for mad old men. [ That means you, Manouk. ]