Changed Plans.

In the cold underground, Zhi Rui relaxed. after all, she knew that it wouldn't be easy. And there was no reason to stress over the inevitable.

She observed Hilda. Only now that she is calmer, did she noticed that the woman is haggard, her hair is unkempt, her eyes is in a perpetual tired looking expression. Zhi Rui smiled.

She closed her eyes and focused on her ore to know Hilda's feeling.

She laughed, pent-up frustration, anxiety, irritation.

Zhi Rui made a playful smile, she got up and not minding Shizu, She sat down glued to Hilda. Startling the feline woman.

Zhi Rui approached the frozen Hilda's neck, She could actually hear Hilda's heartbeat.

Zhi Rui passed her hands through Hilda's hair and massaged it slowly. "Good girl, you endured well. you can relief yourself." Zhi Rui gently held Hilda's chin Hilda's eyes were red with tears. Zhi Rui contained the urge to make the cat cry and simply kissed her on the lips. but before long she got up and turned her back. walking away she spoke.

"They are trying to take my reputation for themselves, but even if I cannot do anything in the community center, I can use other means. Hilda and Shizu, while I look for a place to move, you design a plan to kidnap every renegade alchemist on this city. I have a tournament to finish.

------------

Izaya was still leading the tour while Lei gu was talking to the people. Zhi Rui narrowed her eyes. Without another word, she went to blackie and went back to the sect.

When she reached the place the eliminations, had ended and Zhun Xuying and Xun Lee were talking cheerfully. one cheerfully like the morning sun, the other elegant as the silent moon. Zhi Rui admired for a minute before walking up to them.

Before any greeting, Zhi Rui said, "The plans have changed."

Zhun Xuying's elegant demeanor shook. and Xun Lee was confused by the sudden statement.

"They plan to slowly absorb the community center from me, thus taking my standing with the people. To avoid that I'll need to remain in the people's eyes and mouth." Zhi Rui continued.

Zhun Xuying stared at her eyes. "What's the plan then?"

"First, I'll spear through this tournament. Then I'll take the difficult missions of the sect while catching criminals on my country as a way to keep my name up." Zhi Rui explained

Zhun Xuying frowned. "And how will you cultivate? will you have time for the actual plans?" She asked.

Zhi Rui nodded, "I can juggle between them. Besides my cultivation is a little different, I have to do some hunting to evolve." Zhi Rui smiled viciously.

Zhi Rui turned to Xun Lee "I'll be establishing a line of communication with the tower maiden soon. If you want any favors, we can negotiate." She said.

Xun Lee stood frozen, then slowly nodded.

Zhi Rui turned back to Zhun Xuying "You use your popularity with the disciples to know the most influent disciples and elders from the outer sect. I'll need to use them If I want my name spread."

"You're planning on challenging the veterans?" Zhun Xuyin spoke startled.

"You just entered level one. While people were surprised about your win in the tournament. they attributed it to your wits, rather than strength. Even if you want to challenge them, they might not accept."

Zhi Rui nodded wit ha smile, the slightly worry on Zhun XUying's tone amused her.

"Exactly, I'm planning on evolving to level two by the end of this tournament. Then I'll proceed to defeat each one of the strongest, in a positive way of course."

Xun Lee and Zhun XUying stared wide eyes at Zhi Rui. seeing as there was not a tremble on her posture. they grow even more amazed.

"The most talented disciples take at least half a year. you're saying you're gonna do it before the weekends?" Xun lee whispered.

Zhun Xuyin never disrupted eye contact with Zhi Rui.

"Even if you do break through, it'll do more harm then good, there are around three hundred inner disciples and some of them are waste dispatched fro their families to this desolate corner of the world. If you outshine them so much, you'll provoke their animosity."

Zhi Rui smiled at her, "If I had a choice, I would take it slow." Zhi Rui said, she looked with merriment at Zhun Xuying and continued. "I would bring you to my cave, with some grapes and wine, we would enjoy a good fun then we'd lie tipsy by the pond." Zhi Rui smiled as if picturing the scene. "we'd do that at least two times per week."

Zhun Xuying trembled, she pictured the scene, but she tried to stop, she, more than most know how this world works. And she knows that love is the opium of the people, merely a drug of temporary effect. The moment her husband sold her son, she died to that notion. Yet she finds herself feeling warm by this girl's teasings. She's ashamed of it, but she decided, as it's a temporary drug, she will enjoy its effects. After all, she's experienced. She can enjoy it, and still, be aware of reality.

Zhi Rui's longing smile disappeared. Snapping Zhun Xuyin to attention.

"I Want to have that. But I can't. If I try to have that now. It would be taken from me. so I must endure. until I can fully enjoy the fruits of life." Zhi Rui gazed at the high skies. A mad, obsession blooming in her heart.

Zhun Xuying sighed and nodded at Zhi Rui

"There's a couple of male disciples who seemed to know some inner disciples, I'll see if I can get information out of them"

"What should I do then?" Xun Lee asked. now, she needs to help Zhi Rui to gain a chance to communicate with the tower maiden.

Zhi Rui smiled tiredly. "For now keep your network with the outer disciples, soon you will accompany me into some missions."

Xun lee nodded with a playful smile. Zhi Rui looked at the afternoon sun.

She waves goodbye and blackie turned around. back to the cave.

Xun Lee watched with narrowed eyes as Zhi Rui went away.