Tributary Land

The sky was high, the clouds pale.

The banners hung limp.

The Grand Music Master struck the final notes; the Harmony Officer lowered his standard, scraped the yu, and the music ceased.

The panicked wild goose's feathered breast heaved violently. At last finding an opening, it beat its wings and fled.

Clang! The Spear Tally struck the ground.

Drops of blood slid from his fingertips, soaking into the damp gauze and staining it a small patch of pink.

Ha Lu Han collapsed to the ground. Such a massive man, yet once fallen, he was only a few feet high.

Batu raised his arms, carried Ha Lu Han on his back, and left the arena without a word.

The Honglu Temple loudly proclaimed the victor and loser.

The Imperial Calligrapher raised his brush, licked the ink, and circled the concluding words.

"His thunder shook the eight wilds; his might shone over the four barbarians. On this day, Liang prevailed!"

New year, new air.

Every civil and military official in court felt refreshed, stroking their beards and laughing with delight.

The envoys from the smaller states were still unsatisfied, their eyes filled only with reverence for the Celestial Dynasty.

Only the Northern Court delegation sat in utter silence, as though that spear had burst their very spirit.

"Damn, that was handsome!"

Meng Qiang leaped forward, his excitement plain for all to see. Just as he was about to slap Liang Qu on the back in celebration, he sensed something was wrong. Raising a hand, he stopped Zhang Shaofan, Hua Qingdu, and the others.

Sweat poured down that broad, powerful chest, soaking his belt. Strands of muscle twisted together like iron chains, smooth and vigorous, making him look like a sinewy, powerful leopard. Anyone who saw him would feel envy.

Yet—

He was