Felix woke up the next day sore but hopeful. He had spent most of the night cultivating but made sure to sleep a few hours. Once Xue had gathered the disciples, they found the same guard as yesterday waiting at the manor's entrance. Felix was surprised when they didn't go straight to the main gate and instead stopped outside a stable. That was when he learned that they would not be flying back to the Sect.

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A few hours later, Felix huffed as he tried to keep up with Xue.

I understand that this is good training for using Qi to reinforce my legs but come on!

He glanced at the three recruits in the back. They were all riding some sort of weird lizard horse.

Those two rich kids are doing alright. Chung however looks like he needs a break. I understand why Xue insisted we get animals but Chung looks like he is really taking a beating. He has no ability to ride these animals. Xue on the other hand...

Felix glanced to his left to see Xue right next to him, walking at a seemingly leisurely pace. She had a serene expression, yet carried an air of deep introspection.

How the heck can she be walking and still keeping pace with us. Stupid Xanxia Bullshit.

Xue had been lost in thought all day and Felix was loath to interrupt her. The recruits chatted animately behind them and Felix was surprised to see that they all got along. Xue's introspection had therefore left Felix with no one to talk to.

I suppose it's not too late.

He absently scratched at his hand as they crested a hill. He glanced again at Xue.

At least now I have someone in my corner. I think.

Felix turned from idly glancing at the woods to their left to the other side of the road. The land sloped in that direction and led to a pretty large meadow. As he watched, a figure in a dark cloak burst from the woods on the far side of the meadow. The figure paused to stare back and Felix could only see the dark holes of an Onooka Mask.  Felix was confused as the figure bowed toward them but then an arrow shot where their head was. The man sprinted up the hill and a few seconds later a crowd of men burst out of the woods behind him.

Felix suddenly felt Xue grip his shoulder and a moment later he was deposited behind Chung. She leaned by his ear.

“Lead the kids from here. I will catch up if I can.”

Though he was confused, Felix trusted Xue's judgment. He directed the mount into the woods, the other recruits following after.

Be safe Xue.

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Xue watched the bewildered Felix and recruits flee into the woods.

I hope he is not just gifted but lucky. She thought.

She turned to face the nearing cultivators while activating the only true external technique she could. What she hadn't told Felix was that she could feel the cultivation of the fleeing Onooka Clansman.

He is at least a Mid Core cultivator. That implies that their pursuers are even stronger. But what force would dare be so blatant close to our sect?

The Onooka clansman paused on the road in front of Xue with an already written sign saying "Fight together?"

Xue simply shook her head and said "Help my disciples".

The figure cocked its head to the left and then shot off in the direction the disciples had run.

Xue turned to face the rapidly approaching group, idly brushing away a few snowflakes that had fallen on her outfit. She frowned as the apparent leader of the group signaled, six of the men breaking off to continue the pursuit. The leader and the remaining men stopped and slowly surrounded her.

Well, nothing I can do now. Hopefully they make it out.

Xue watched as the leader stared at the Thousand Season Sect symbol on her robe. She thought for a moment that he might back off but then she saw his expression harden.

Come on. I need just a few more seconds.

The man raised his hand and opened his mouth to give an order.

"Wait" yelled Xue. "Are you sure you want to offend the Thousand Season Sect?"

The leader paused as the snow started to fall heavier and then a smirk formed on his lips.

"Don't be daft, Fairy. You can tell what's going on. I can't let anyone know we are here. It is just your bad luck that you got between us and our quarry. That's why you sent those kids away, no?" He stopped suddenly and looked at the snow that was now falling heavily around them. "What the hell is this?" He looked back at Xue and his eyes opened wide. "Attack!"

He and his men charged. Xue laughed as she deflected a sword that seemed to be moving slower than it should. The falling snow thickened to a blizzard.

Too late you bastards.