Tall, looming trees were scattered around each with leaves and growths that could cover the entire sky, save for some spaces where none grew.
The last light of day was about to fade out and the darkness slowly crept in. Soon, the only glimmer of light present was that which was emitted by fireflies spread throughout the area sparsely.
Flying above the richness of greens, the only thing that could be seen was the small dilapidated house placed in an inconspicuous area in the forest. With the roof seemingly holding on to its last bit of strength to keep itself together before it crumbles and falls, welcoming the empty view of the inside of the house.
Although the Lei Forest in Dongmen City was a place not many people frequented, except for some occasions, the silhouettes of people currently present still counted till the twenties. The area supposedly did not have any wondrous views or places filled with boundless treasures, but, it served as a rather perfect training ground if one were up for the challenge.
"Mao Huan, we should get going. Tell your group to quicken the pace, we would not want to stay here when it gets dark"
A young woman with soft features mentioned with an irritated and tired voice when she saw the tall figure walking towards her and her group. She was clad in a full black uniform with a strikingly yellow shawl and was standing beside an oddly shaped rock, as she used it for balance while bending down to dust herself.
Because of her uniform color it was quite difficult to notice but if closely looked upon, there were many areas with mud and dirt stuck like glue and stains darker than the rest. It was safe to imply that it was fresh blood seeping into her clothes.
"Little flower, whats with your tone? Don't tell me you are a sore loser"
The one whom the woman referred to as Mao Huan replied playfully along with a broad smile plastered on his face.
He sauntered towards the woman while pushing away a few branches and vines that were on his path. He seemed to be in a good mood, and did not look at all like the worn out group in front of him but instead, lively and fresh.
The woman whipped her head up, giving Mao Huan a visible glare and shrieked out loud.
"You cheated! You were supposed to go in the Red Dive!" She pointed out to him accusingly and at this point, she was visibly angry. "Green was not included in the list!" It was as if steam was already seen coming off from her ears as she spoke every word towards the young man.
"Come on, you know the level of difficulty of red. At first I wanted to go for the next best, but" Mao Huan stopped walking at this point, paused and threw a half smile towards the woman "Your group went there already so we went for the next next best" placing emphasis on the second next he gleamed.
Mao Huan turned his heels and looked towards his own group of people while placing his hands on his hips along with a satisfied smile on his face.
Out of the 10 people from his group who entered the green dive, 3 were injured and the rest looked like they just came out from a short walk. Except for a few bruises here and there, they looked like they came in the forest for a picnic. This was a huge contrast from the other group who were all rested on the ground looking like they were in the most painful moments of their lives.
He then turned back towards the woman and held his head up high while still keeping that satisfied smile on his face.
The woman furrowed her brows towards Mao Huan and let out a deep sigh. Making herself stand up straight she shook her head and looked straight at him.
"You explain to Weimin. I can't be bothered with you anymore"
She waved her hands in front of her, in a motion that was synonymous to asking him to hurry away.
Turning her gaze towards her left, she was fixated at the slightly obvious red path as she followed it with her eyes until she could see no further. There was nothing to be seen on the pathway but dirt and the color red, but the woman did not turn away even with the many movements around her.
Longing was visible in her eyes. There was a sense of sadness but with a tinge of expectation.
It was there.
She knew it.
She felt it.
This gaze was not missed by Mao Huan, as he let out a helpless chuckle and walked closer to her.
"We will get there soon. It isn't right for us yet" After patting her shoulder, he looked at her for a while before turning back to both their groups and regained his serious aura, which was a complete 180 from his playfulness a while ago. "Ok, those under me help out Xiulan's people. We have to go before Weimin gets mad while waiting for us"
Mao Huan held Xiulans other shoulder and turned her towards him as if she were standing on a turntable as he tried to get her attention back to the current situation.
"We have enough time. Let's go for now"
He flicked her forehead before letting her go and running to the group, aiding those who needed it.
Tao Xiulan looked blankly at Mao Huans' back. Although she snapped out of her dazed feeling, she still felt intense regret and she knew that it was difficult to overcome.
Sighing, she shook her head and followed him back to the group.