Aside from the novelty at the beginning, Lian Yue and the others were growing increasingly impatient with these pressure-free challenges. They had actually started playing rock-paper-scissors to decide who would take the next turn, leaving Ling Tian laughing and crying at the same time. Jin Sha'er even wanted to call Xuan Ci, Long Shun, and the others over, so they wouldn't have to face such boring challenges.
Leaving aside Lian Yue and the others' halfhearted handling of their challengers, Hua Min'er did not go to rest after leaving with the Old Woman.
What had happened with Ling Tian left Hua Min'er with a jumble of emotions. Though she had stormed off, she was still worried about his injuries, so she stood in the wind atop a distant mountain peak. The steep summit towered into the clouds, and from there she could see nearly the entire city. Hua Min'er furrowed her brow and stared straight at the pavilion where Ling Tian was.
It seemed Ling Tian was resting and had no intention of fighting, and Hua Min'er let out a soft sigh of relief. The worry on her pretty face eased somewhat. The wind howled fiercely at that height, but Hua Min'er stood there in all her loveliness, her green dress whipping wildly in the cold breeze, just like her stormy mood.
Not far away, the Old Woman watched Hua Min'er standing in the wind and shook her head. As if accustomed to seeing her like this, she gave a quiet sigh and sat cross-legged. Yao Yu sighed as well. She and Huzi shook their heads, both wearing helpless expressions.
"Martial Aunt, Master really does care about Mistress," the youngest girl murmured, her voice full of hope. "Can't you talk to Mistress and help Master clear up this misunderstanding?"
"Alas, you