The sash came free. Tianlong shrugged his shoulders, letting the outer robe slide down his arms and pool at his feet.
His torso was revealed.
Sculpted muscle. Not the grotesque bulk of a bodybuilder, but the perfect proportions of a warrior-god. Broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist. Defined pectorals, eight-pack abs, those V-lines that drew the eye inexorably downward.
Golden skin—literally golden, glowing faintly with residual divine energy. Smooth, unmarred by scars despite countless battles.
He looked like a marble statue of masculine perfection given life.
The mermaid stared, her mouth hanging open slightly. She'd never seen a male body like this. Merfolk males were... different. Sleeker, more streamlined for swimming. This was 'power'—raw, overwhelming, undeniable.
