******** Expedition (II) ********
The next morning, all the slaves who're to go on the expedition are gathered at the exit of the residential area of the sect. Liang continues to look at me strangely, although she doesn't seem to be angry. I've asked Ken to inform Bei Lu and Bi Lang. Otherwise, they'll kill me when I return.
A few meters away, some students are arriving. Some have arrived even before us. Among them, there is Bai Wan. I know her because she's from the twins' family. Apparently, they get along well with her. She's an alchemist, so it is normal for her to go. One of the objectives of the expedition is to collect spiritual herbs.
She must be at stage six or seven, although she doesn't seem to be very skilled in fighting. On the one hand, the branch she has chosen isn't for fighters. On the other hand, her body isn't very muscular. In fact, she could be considered obese.
I see how other students look at her out of the corner of their eyes. It seems that her enormous breasts attract attention. Her figure may not be the preferred one for most. They tend to prefer them slim, but there're those who like them that way.
In fact, many people don't care about the figure if they have "big tits." I've heard them say it quite often.
I look inside the Residence for a moment. At the six of them naked. Some have bigger ones, and some more modest breasts. To me, they all have their appeal. Too much. I'd better stop looking.
She seems to be quite interested in the expedition. She's constantly checking various tools, books and maps. She doesn't pay any attention to the other students. Nor to their glances. I don't know if she doesn't care. Or if she doesn't even notice.
Little by little, more students and some elders arrive. Those in the Soul realm are in one group. Those in the Genesis realm in another, Bai Wan among them.
They'll go to different areas. It's not just about collecting herbs. It's also about facing beasts of their level. Partly, to obtain their remains. Partly, to learn how to face them. And survive. Or at least, that was the case last time.
I stay next to Liang. We're assigned to the Genesis realm student group. All the better. The area we're going to will be less dangerous. There shouldn't be any great dangers for me. If I could just unlock my power without any problems. But I have to stay at stage one.
Some elders appear when we're almost due to leave. They're distributed between the two groups. I've heard the cultivation of some of them. They're all at the Body realm, at least. I don't know if there're any beyond that. I don't think so. They wouldn't bother to take care of the students. They must be lower-ranking elders.
Suddenly, two students appear. I have to control myself so as not to show my anger. They're Jia Xu and Bai Xuan. I have to inform the girls. So, that they're prepared. We might have a chance. But it won't be easy.
Bai Xuan greets and talks to Bai Wan. They obviously know each other. I wonder if she's also involved. It's possible that she gave them the poison. We'll have to find out. They aren't around for long, and each one goes to do her own thing.
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It's a relief that they have carry rings. That way, we don't have to carry the luggage. The slaves. But we do have to clean the path. Or pick up whatever they want to point out, even if it's poisonous plants. Some of us have a bit of irritated skin. And it seems that more than once it's been on purpose.
They have been reprimanded, though. We have to be in the best possible shape to do our tasks.
Setting up the tents. Cooking. Carrying the food. Cleaning. Nothing too heavy or dangerous so far. Although, it's only the first day. We haven't gone too far. The beasts there don't even dare to come close.
Some students are tired. They're not used to walking so much. They haven't even thought about using qi to strengthen themselves. I guess, they'll learn from now on.
Slaves can't go far away alone, not even to pick up branches. Protective talismans aren't useful here. They simulate the essence of a beast. In the forests where we normally go, they're enough to scare away the lower-level ones. Here, it could be counterproductive. They could attack us because they consider us rivals. It seems that there are higher-level talismans. But they're expensive, too expensive for slaves.
