Zhu Zhuqing noticed Xiao Wu's hesitation.
She glanced at Xiao Wu, a faint smile flashing through her cool catlike eyes. Then she reached out, took Xiao Wu by the wrist, and walked toward Rapunzel.
Xiao Wu stumbled as she was pulled along, her footing unsteady, but she quickly matched Zhu Zhuqing's pace. She said nothing and simply let Zhu Zhuqing lead her.
The two stopped beside Rapunzel.
Rapunzel was feeding the wounded soldier the last few sips of medicine. Hearing their footsteps, she looked up at them.
Her amber eyes held a pale golden glow beneath the sunlight, clear and gentle, as though she were looking at two friends who had come to ask for help.
"Zhuqing." Rapunzel spoke softly, her voice carrying a trace of weariness from having just finished her work, though none of its warmth had diminished. "What is it?"
Zhu Zhuqing tilted her head slightly toward Xiao Wu. Her voice remained cool, though gentler than usual. "Rapunzel, this is Xiao Wu. She's a new member of the Elite Camp."
Rapunzel's gaze settled on Xiao Wu, looking her over from head to toe before she smiled faintly.
The smile was slight, merely lifting the corners of her lips a little, yet it eased some of the tension in Xiao Wu's shoulders.
"I know you. We met at the Soul Master Tournament." Rapunzel set the medicine bowl on a nearby tray, rose to her feet, and brushed nonexistent dust from her skirt.
Xiao Wu froze for a moment. She had not expected Rapunzel to remember her.
"You're impressive too," Xiao Wu said. Her voice was slightly tense, but utterly sincere. "Your Golden Long Hair Martial Soul is very special."
Rapunzel smiled but did not respond. She knew Xiao Wu was being polite, but she did not dislike it.