The rain stopped just before dawn.
Qiao Xixi had slept soundly while leaning against Jin Ling. When she awoke, she found herself being held by Xijing, lying in the fork of a wide tree branch.
Hearing her stir, Xijing looked down at her.
"Xixi, you're awake."
Qiao Xixi hummed in acknowledgment and sat up from Xijing's embrace.
"Where are we?"
Xijing took out a leaf-wrapped package from his tunic, opened it, and handed her a waterskin.
"We're outside Beast King City."
Qiao Xixi was a little surprised. 'So soon?'
Seeing the doubt in her eyes, Xijing explained, "Kunlin and the others picked up the pace after we set out last night. They only found this place to stop and rest a short while ago."
"Actually, that wasn't entirely accurate. While we are technically outside Beast King City now, it will probably take until tomorrow to actually reach it."
