"What a wonderful story," Xinyi delightfully clapped after listening to the whole story of Lofey and Tyriece's first meeting.
"But something is really bugging me. What is a domain? And why can't we use our powers unlike in that spider's domain?" Tyriece asked out of the blue.
"You already used it to the spider in that cage of yours and yet you don't know. You're really a brainless bimbo," hissed Lofey.
"You? Knock it off, old bag." Tyriece scowled and turned his back at Lofey, arms folded in front. "Humph, no better words to say but insults. Can you not just explain to fill my empty brain with knowledge rather than spouting insults?"
Lofey raised his chin. "Dimwitted… If you didn't use the domain at it, it could have escaped with its steel web. Try recalling what you did when you built that cage and you'll understand what a domain is. Humph." And faced the endless snow land again.
Xinyi turned her head between the two with their backs on her. Looking at them, she thought she had to say something. "Ah, actually, "I've read before, that a domain is something you infuse your power on a certain area with your mark on it. So, the person inside that marked area can't get out unless they find the exit or erase your mark with their powers."
Tyriece instantly turned around. "Really? I placed a mark on that cage so it can't escape. I've been doing this as a habit, but…"
"You didn't know it was your domain. Knucklehead. I've taught you that before, but you only think of it as your prison cell. Not knowing you've been using your domain power all along. That's a result of not listening to my explanations first every time I teach you something new. You just jump ahead, testing everything you hear but not understanding," Lofey spouted without looking back.
"Fine, fine. No need to be angry, old man. I understand now. Thanks to Lady Lei here," Tyriece calmly said, but in his mind, you never explain well. All you do is shout at me or make me obey your every command.
Xinyi couldn't help but giggled while listening to the two. However, she was also puzzled if she could use such power. I'll try making it once we escape this place.
Silence prevailed. Xinyi and Tyriece felt there was no topic worth bringing up.
Yet, after a minute or two, "I have bad news. I think we need to wait for a while until this wind settles before we head out." After speaking, Lofey moved back toward them and sat at Xinyi's left side, putting her in the middle. They sat close together to keep themselves warm.
"Guys, we need to continue talking. We must not go to sleep," said Xinyi, unsure if what she said suited well with the two.
"You're right. Okay, continue yapping, Knight," said Lofey.
"Fine… Ah, Lady Lei, I wonder. Where are your tiny animals and Sir Nianshi?" Tyriece said.
"I don't know. I tried calling them, but that cunning fox cut off our communication." She sighed, missing them. They've been a part of her. Taking them from her was like chopping her limbs off. So this is how it feels to be powerless, she thought. Sighing again.
"It's difficult facing enemies we don't know," Lofey said as a statement. "But I heard you can control animals, Lady Lei. Can you ask that fox again on why she is hostile? Or ask her anything to get a hint of the way out of this place?"
"I also tried, but she won't reply… but to be honest with you, guys, I feel at peace here. I know it sounds absurd and out of place but I have a feeling I've been here before but I'm pretty sure it's my first time here," said Xinyi, eyes staring at the whiteness outside.
"What do you mean?" General Lofey squatted with arms folded on his chest.
"I'm not sure either, but I have a hunch. Maybe my predecessor had been here."
After speaking, Xinyi suddenly went silent. Her words reminded her about what Nianshi and Xionmao had been telling her. That she was more powerful than she knew. With this, her mind went deeper inside her, seeking the hidden Sorceress power but feeling helpless again. The power she sought seemed hibernating somewhere within her.
She tried again and recalled what Skrider told her about her predecessor, encouraging her to never give up. Then her eyes lit up. "Yes, contact Skrider." She spoke her thoughts aloud.
"What do you mean, Lady Lei?" Tyriece asked, cutting her line of thought.
"Ah, sorry. I remembered something. Anyway, it's a long story. I will concentrate on this feeling. Who knows? I might receive an enlightenment to help us get out of here." Xinyi closed her eyes but...
"We have all the time here. I don't mind listening," Tyriece said.
"Stop it, boy. Let her focus on what she said so we can get out of here. Remember, our brother Ming is still waiting and we still don't know if he's fine or not."
"You told me to yap, then I yap. Now you tell me to stop. Hey, don't be double-minded, old man." Tyriece frowned.
This annoyed Xinyi. "Guys, please, I need to meditate so please don't bother me. In case something happens, do nothing." She thought of calling Skrider, that was why she gave them a warning. However, those words didn't suit well with the general.
"Lady Lei, I don't know your position or limitations as a sorceress, although I expect you're powerful and you can do your stuff without us. But as long as I live, I won't allow anything to befall you. You are an important person to me as my brother's wife and someone needed in this world. So please, don't tell us we won't do anything if something goes wrong while you're in meditation," said Lofey.
"Same here, my lady," Tyriece chimed in. "I don't know how to face brother Ming if something happens to you in our watch."
Those words warmed Xinyi's heart. She happily understood these men were true to their brother. She couldn't keep them at bay anymore.