"Ah... this water is so cool and refreshing. It feels as if it can wash away all the heat and exhaustion in my body. It's so wonderful, like being granted salvation!"
Overjoyed, the woman scooped up a handful of crystal-clear lake water and brought it straight to her mouth, letting out a satisfied, delighted sound.
Seeing this, the other disciples hurried to the lakeside and crouched down, drinking thirstily. Cheerful laughter rang out now and then as they reveled in this beautiful moment of closeness to nature.
Yet while everyone was immersed in their joy, only the woman addressed as Senior Sister Jiang remained highly vigilant.
Her sharp eyes constantly swept their surroundings, missing not the slightest unusual movement. Her expression remained grave and focused, as though she stood ready to face danger at any moment.
Meanwhile, several sinister figures lurked atop a tall tree not far from the lakeside.
Their icy, malicious eyes fixed on the crowd below like hungry wolves. Like hunters waiting for the perfect moment to kill their prey, they patiently awaited the instant when they could deliver a fatal blow.
After more than two days of fierce fighting, however, she was utterly exhausted and desperately needed some cool water to clear her head. At that thought, she relaxed a little and walked straight toward the lake. "Coming, coming!"
A handful of icy lake water splashed over her face like a refreshing spring. Senior Sister Jiang let out a contented moan, feeling as though a great burden had lifted as she enjoyed this precious moment of leisure with her fellow disciples.
Suddenly, three figures shot from the tree like arrows loosed from a bow, charging straight at them like ravenous tigers pouncing on prey. Dozens more surged out from all around like a roaring tide.