As I walk into Zhen's courtyard, I look around and frown at how empty it is. Where is he? I walk further in and as I reach his room, I hear "Are you looking for me?" I jump and turn around to see Zhen standing behind me with a smirk and a lifted eyebrow.
I smile from ear to ear as I leap at him and give him a large hug. Zhen catches me and returns the hug with a chuckle as he says "How's my Granddaughter?" I step back and give him a knowing smile as I say "I'm fine, thanks to you. I heard you're the one who tracked me down."
Zhen nods and says "No matter what, this Grandfather will always be able to find his grandchildren." I hug him again and look around the empty courtyard with a frown. "Why is it so empty though and where is MingMing?" I ask looking back to him.
Zhen sighs and says "The servants and the guards are annoying. All they do is stare at me and gossip so I sent them away. MingMing wants to look for others from our clan who may have been away when the people came and killed everyone. She sends word every three days."
I nod my head in understanding but then frown. I look back to him and ask "What were they gossiping about?" Zhen's face darkens and says "It's not important. I'm proud of you for growing stronger but I told you that you can't advance too quickly. You can seriously injure yourself or kill yourself!"
He flicks my forehead making me hiss in pain as I rub my forehead in anger. I glare at him and say "I was told I could leave once I broke into the second tier! I wasn't given many options so I took what I could."
Zhen sighs and says "I understand but you can't do this again. As you grow stronger, the consequences will grow larger. I don't want anything to happen to you." My anger completely disappears as I nod my head while saying "I promise not to do it again."
Zhen gives me a warm smile and strokes the top of my head while saying "You can cultivate again when your foundation levels out and strengthens. Just give it a few days or if you can find a natural spring, that will help speed up the process. I think Bai Lei has a few himself.."
I nod my head in thought as Zhen asks "Are you sure you're okay? I spelt blood..." I turn to him and give him a large smile and thumbs up as I say "I'm much better. Guozhi actually helped me. He wasn't all that bad this time..."
Zhen snorts in disdain as he says "Because he wants you." I look over to him in surprise but I don't say anything. It's not like he's wrong... "Oh! What's been happening with the Under Realm?" I ask with concern.
Zhen's face turns solemn and says "The barrier continues to weaken as the attacks from the inside increase. They know it's weakening so they're doing everything they can to speed up the process. The leaders from other realms are going to be showing up soon to discuss what can be done."
I nod and tap my chin as I say "Well that's good that everyone's on the same page." Zhen looks over to me and shakes his head saying "Not really. The different realm leaders get along when they need to if you put them all in the same room at the same time? Sigh... it will probably get a bit tense around here."
"It's best to stay in your courtyard and not wander around while the others are here. No matter how you look at it, you are a weak spot for Bai Lei. If someone wants to cause problems or hurt him, you would be the perfect opportunity." Zhen says with another sigh.
I stare at him for a few seconds before nodding my head and saying "Even if I don't want to admit it, what you said is right." I run my hands through my long hair and say "I will stay in the courtyard to avoid trouble...Tsk. I need to get stronger."
Zhen narrows his eyes on me and says "You need to wait until your..." I lift both hands up in the air and say "I know I know!! I will wait until it levels out... I can feel it myself. Now that I know what it is, it'll be easier." Zhen nods his head as I turn and say "I'm heading back. I want to stop by and check on Lady Xue."
Zhen gives me a warm smile and says "Good, she's been very worried about you." I wave to Zhen and quickly leave. Lady Xue's courtyard was along the way back to Bai Lei's courtyard so on the way back, I stop by and find her drinking tea under the large tree again.
As I walk in, Lady Xue turns to me and freezes. "Nova!" She instantly jumps up to come to me but I quickly come to her and say "Don't get up! Just sit and rest." As I walk over, she takes both my hands in hers and says "I'm so glad you're okay. My son has been a wreak since you were taken. How are you feeling? Do you need anything?"
I chuckle at her and shake my head saying "I'm completely fine but thank you." She nods and sits down but she refuses to release my hands as she gently rubs them saying "Look at you! You've lost weight! You need to make sure to eat and take care of your health, okay? Do you have something you'd like to eat? I'll have someone in the kitchen to make it right away."
I giggle at her and say "I'm okay, really!" She frowns at me and says "Fine? Your hands are even cold! Why are you walking around with so little on? Here, you can wear this." She goes to take off her cape-like cloth so I quickly jump up and say "I'm okay! Please don't take this off. It would make me feel horrible."