Hours passed without any interruption, and when the crystals finally dimmed, that was when Xuan made his way out of the cave.
He was half expecting Hanbi to arrive, but alas, she must be tired after that zither performance. And of course, it wasn't like she was obligated to follow him around like a duckling.
Anyways... It's time for seclusion, Xuan thought with a sigh.
Yet the moment he stepped foot onto the snow, he was met face to face with two people.
Hanbi, and the First Head Monk, Chen Shun.
"You two...?"
"We came here to fetch you," Chen Shun chuckled. "But you came out just in time, so let's go. Xue Hanbi will accompany you as your healer, and then switch with Foyan after 12 hours as discussed."
"I see, alright. Are we heading there right away?" Xuan asked.
Chen Shun smiled and pulled out two blindfolds. He handed one to Hanbi, and then the other to Xuan.
"Put these on. The location of the seclusion cave must not be revealed to anyone," he explained cautiously.
