After four hours, Zhi Rui woke up with people yelling at her doorstep.
She lazily got up from her bed. she bated her eyes at the crystal clock and sighed. It was marking eleven in the morning.
The person was still calling her loudly outside. Zhi Rui frowned annoyed. "I'm coming out." She said. And thinking about how they can't depart without her since the sect leader himself demanded her presence. She prepared herself with leisure.
Outside the cave, a black-haired woman wearing an outer disciple robe was walking from side to side with a stern look. The fact that she was sent to fetch a novice disciple gnawed her insides, she heard Zhi Rui's voice, then she stopped in place and puffed her chest, ready to spout chidings and berating at the bold junior.
Five minutes passed.
'She must've just woken up. and is getting ready.' the woman justified. Snorting about how lazy this newbie is for waking up at almost noon.
Then ten minutes passed with no sign of Zhi Rui.
The woman clenched her teeth enraged. she was ready to smash the cave door. When suddenly she heard steps coming close.
The wooden cave door opened with a squeak. A wave of cold air came strongly from the cave washing the woman's whole body. The cold wind messed her clothes and hair, But Zhi Rui took all her attention.
The woman tried to open her mouth to begin her barrage of insults. yet she couldn't say anything.
Walking out of the cave was Zhi Rui with her silk like dark hair. A loose robe covered her body, the bottom of the robe wasn't tied so Zhi Ruis tight showed through the slit. Zhi Rui threw her hair behind with a yawn. And looked the woman's eyes with her deep green eyes; smiling gently.
She bowed lightly "I'm sorry senior, I've been meditating until late and overslept."
The picture amazed the woman, but more than that was Zhi Rui's aura.
Because the residual energy fluctuations inside the cave and Zhi Rui's thicker aura.she could tell. Even though Zhi Rui looked the same as yesterday. Zhi Rui was a step away from level two.
She saw Zhi Rui fighting a level a day ago, and yet a day later she advanced an entire level. the woman forgot about her grudge. It's impossible to evolve so fast. The woman decided there was nothing to gain from antagonizing, rather not even becoming friends had any value. so the woman merely spoke sternly
"It happens, junior sister. but the problem is that senior Guan is waiting for us, we already made him wait for an hour. since you woke up and is ready. I'll go ahead and report that you're coming. you must hurry."
She turned around and leaped to the distance.
"Neither antagonize, nor make friends with. polite is the way in these cases.' the woman nodded to herself.
Zhi Rui looked amused at the woman's back, hurrying away.
'These timid rabbit types is good to have around for laugh' Zhi Rui though. She instantly liked the woman.
With another yawn, She and Blackie strolled side by side. Breathing the cool air, Zhi Ri enjoyed the stroll. After all, by the end of the way, there's only action and stress.
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The woman reached the group and reported Zhi Rui's reason for being late. and that now she was on the way. The other three complained, but the woman herself remained taciturn. not spouting a word.
Guan Jing the leader of the expedition and the only level three in the group observed the woman's demeanor. And found it odd.
After ten minutes Zhi Rui appeared, she was walking slowly towards them. The other three were ready to speak, but Guan Jing raised his hand, calming their tempers. "We're going deep into the forest, we must keep harmony at any cost." He spoke sternly and clearly. Though he did show rage in his eyes he did not berate her or said anything about her lateness.
Zhi Rui reached them. She gave a good-natured smile. When she tried t speak Guan Jin raised his hand. Zhi Rui stopped midway. Then he pointed his finger at the black-haired woman who went to fetch her.
"This is Zhao Lin." he turned to the other three. twin males and another girl. "She is Zhung Chunhua, and these are the Han brothers."
He looked at her eyes and spoke clearly "You were late because of post-meditation, to stabilize your gain of strength. So I won't say anything. But don't let that happen again." He finished and delivered her a small piece of paper.
"This is the outline map of the ruins and the information of the area. but you'll read it later. For now memorize this: The Han brothers will bring the rear since they can defend and attack. Zhao lin who can heal and attack from distance will be in the middle with you. I and Zhun Chunhua will be in the front. Understood?"
Zhi Rui looked deeply at his eyes and slowly nodded.
Guan Jing snorted coldly. He turned around and waved his hand. signaling departure.
Zhi Rui looked dazed on top of the running blackie. Making Zhao lin running beside her frown.
Zhi Rui looked carefree, But She was observing Guan jing's every movement. the day in the arena, while everyone saw a man enraged for his sister's injuries, Zhi Rui saw more. rage, pride, relish, and annoyance.
From beginning to end that's what Zhi Rui saw. He was angry, but not enraged. Someone truly enraged have involuntary reactions. but he was in complete control of his posture. He felt pride the moment he questioned Zhi Rui about his sister's neck injury in front of the whole sect. And when Zhi Rui apologized so readily, he showed annoyance.
Against all the rumors about the diligent and strick Guan Jing, Zhi Rui deduced; 'He is a cold calculative man.'
Zhi Rui looked around her. With the exception of the woman who woke her up and guan Jing everyone else is being openly hostile.
Zhi Rui ignored the these are not much worry, what she needed to pay attention is Guang jing. 'The sect leader must've given Guan jing some message.'
Thinking about her soon to come ordeal and her accumulating fatigue, Zhi Rui sighed exasperatedly