"Young Miss, are you sure you want to go to the training fields?" Ying Xiao Li questioned again as she worriedly looked at Fan Zhu Xia who just recently regained her consciousness as far as she knows.
Looking at her worried expression, Fan Zhu Xia just shook her head and gave her a reassuring smile.
"Of course I want to go there Lili. Didn't you tell me that Father's currently there?"
"But-"
"Relax Lili! I'm more than alright. I just really need to talk to Father about something."
"But Young Miss, Lili could have gone and informed Lei Wangye that you've woken up and I'm sure he would have gone to see you immediately."
"And that's exactly what I'm trying to avoid! Didn't you tell me that a lot has happened in the short span that I was unconscious?"
"But-"
"No Lili. If Father is busy then I won't disrupt his work even more if I can help it."
Seeing Fan Zhu Xia's determined expression, Ying Xiao Li sighed and just shot her another worried look then said, "Lili understands but Young Miss must tell Lili if she feels any pain or discomfort!"
"Yes, yes. Now come on... Let's hurry!"
With Fan Zhu Xia's urging, Ying Xiao Li picked up her pace, all the while keeping an eye on any changes on Zhu Xia's condition.
Before long, they arrived at a wide training field filled with a large number of people standing in organized groups and as they looked around, Fan Zhu Xia soon spied Fan Hui Zhong's form standing at the front.
Seeing that her father's busy giving instructions to the throng of people, Fan Zhu Xia decided to quietly wait for him to finish at the back with Ying Xiao Li.
Despite trying to not draw any attention to herself, Fan Hui Zhong inadvertantly caught sight of her when he seeped his gaze across the crowd in front of him.
Losing his focus, Fan Hui Zhong stopped talking mid-sentence and suddenly strode off.
The soldiers who were confused by his actions turned to follow his gaze were then stunned at what they saw.
Two young ladies, both delicate beauties with one who exuded a quiet shyness while the other looking coldly aloof and untouchable.
Ying Xiao Li who noticed the crowd's attention felt slightly uncomfortable and took a small step towards Fan Zhu Xia who just took her hand in hers and patted it comfortingly.
"Relax. Nothing to worry about Lili." she murmured with a small smile before she let go and walked forward to meet her father halfway.
Once close enough, Fan Hui Zhong immediately enclosed Fan Zhu Xia tightly within his arms and buried his face in her hair.
Feeling him trembling slightly, Fan Zhu Xia felt guilty and hugged him closer as she tucked her head into his chest.
"Sorry for making you worry..."
Inhaling deeply, Fan Hui Zhong then slowly let go of her and pushed her gently to arm's length to examine her closely.
"Are you alright?"
With just these three words, Fan Zhu Xia heard and felt his unending worries and boundless concern.
It was just like back when he first found her.
It made her feel choked up as unshed tears glistened in her eyes.
Heavens know how terrifyingly close she was to losing herself and despite her cold and calm appearance, what she felt was totally the opposite.
She just got used to the habit of putting on this mask to show that everything was okay.
That nothing was wrong.
When the truth was that it was not.
Yet she just gave him a small smile before she softly spoke and said, "I'm fine."
It was a lie and both of them knew it.
Yet neither spoke of it.
They had a tacit understanding and despite seeing the pained look on Fan Hui Zhong's eyes, Fan Zhu Xia just shook her head and directed a calm gaze towards him with smile.
"Truly I am." she reiterated with a warm and reassuring tone.
Sighing, Fan Hui Zhong just tightly squeezed her hand before deciding to change the subject.
"Why did you come all the way here? You should have just let someone come and call me."
"I'm sorry. I was in a rush to talk to you... and I also wanted to see if you're alright..."
"Then would you like to go back together? I should be done here soon."
"I'll wait for Father then."
"En."
With an affectionate look, Fan Hui Zhong then led her to one of the closest trees that provided shade and quickly produced a couple of chairs and a small table for her to sit and wait in.
Seeing his actions, Ying Xiao Li whose been silently following quickly excused herself with a murmured excuse to have someone bring some refreshments.
After making sure that she's comfortable, Fan Hui Zhong left her and went back to the crowd of soldiers waiting for him while inconspicuously watching their exchange.
Eyeing the soldiers, Fan Hui Zhong opened his mouth to speak.
"This Lord knows that all of you are surprised and probably curious as to who that young lady is. Remember her face for she is my daughter and the young miss of Lei Palace... This Lord expects you to treat her accordingly lest you suffer my wrath. Is that clear?"
"YES WANGYE!" the soldiers' voices boomed out in unison, making Fan Hui Zhong give them an approving nod.
"Alright then. As I've informed you all before, look at the people around you since this people will be your groups for the duration of your training. I've already discussed things with Min Sheng along with my nephew LI Jie and both of them should be taking turns in training you in different areas. Remember that here, we do not accept any slackers and anyone with subpar levels. This army is something I've personally built and I will not... I REPEAT, NOT have anyone with ulterior motives ruin the Lei Sha Di Army!"
With a sweeping gaze, he pinned them under his piercing eyes, the threat in them blatantly obvious to everyone there.
A short moment passed before Fan Hui Zhong felt satisfied enough at the soldiers' reactions and felt that he already got his point across.
"Remember, that from the moment all of you joined your lives belonged to us. We as your masters hold the last say on whether you live or die... It's not like your lives are worthless. On the contrary, your lives are quite important especially since all of you here practically serves as our sword and shield."
Looking at them, Fan Hui Zhong paused for a minute before he continued and said," There is no strict rule here but there is one thing that This Lord would like you to carve on your minds and souls... Your loyalty is priceless. As such, as long as you don't have any thoughts to betray and harm us then the Fan Family and the Lei Palace will treat you the same way as close comrades whose gone through a sea of blades and blazing fires and promise to take care and shield you from any threats, no matter what it is or from where they came from."
"Now This Lord knows that most of you are tired and still getting used here so you may all go back and take a rest. Follow your seniors and let them show you where you all will be staying. Dismissed!"
Acknowledging him, all the soldiers gave a respectful bow as they slowly trickled out of the field and seeing them dispersing, Fan Hui Zhong made his way back to Fan Zhu Xia's side where she was already quietly drinking wine making him frown slightly.
"Xia'er..."
Hearing his disapproving tone filled with underlying concern, Fan Zhu Xia just gave him a small smile in response.
"Father, how about we go back to my courtyard so we can talk?"