The Drunken Man's Real Interest Wasn't the Wine
Early afternoon, just past three.
The atmosphere in the study in Daiyu's little courtyard was a little different from that morning.
A faint scent of calming sandalwood, the kind that helped settle the mind and focus, now filled the air. Daiyu, Tanchun, Zijuan, and Xueyan each occupied a corner of the study. Some sat cross-legged, regulating their breath and nurturing their spiritual energy; some practiced a mysterious basic spell, their movements still clumsy but already carrying a hint of grace; and others studied the notes on a cultivation technique in a jade slip, concentrating as they pondered and practiced.
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No one knew how long the four of them had been practicing. One after another, they finished their exercises almost in unison. Zijuan and Xueyan went out together, while Daiyu and Tanchun came back to themselves and began walking around the study, stretching their limbs to ease their weariness...
Suddenly!
A small, fair hand rudely swept aside the colorful pearl curtain at the inner side of the study, the one leading out to the hall.
Right after that!
"..."
(0`)
A certain troublesome little girl immortal rubbed her bleary eyes as she came out at a leisurely pace. Her hair and hairpins were still tousled and messy, and she carried her little bear, Tibbers, in one hand. She was even shuffling along in a pair of soft-soled embroidered shoes.
"Hi, everyone!"
(^▽^)
She had clearly just woken up. Faint red marks from the pillow were still visible on her little face, but that didn't stop her from stretching and greeting Daiyu and Tanchun.
"Yaaawn—"
Before she could finish speaking, and before anyone else could say a word, she let out a huge, entirely unladylike yawn.
"..."
(つ△.)
Then she