Thirty breaths passed in a flash. A full two-tenths of the group—fifty or sixty people—stood up to take their leave.
Even Huaixi Prefecture had four people rise: Fei Si, Li Tong, Qu Ying, and a young master of the Xue family named Xue Chun.
Xu Yi was greatly surprised. Huaixi Prefecture had suffered the fewest losses. Even Tu Lao San, the only one they had lost, had met his end entirely because he'd left the main group. He had brought it on himself.
Xu Yi had assumed they were all brimming with confidence, but he hadn't expected so many to lose their nerve.
"Captain Xu, why are you surprised? Given my talent, staying here would only drag everyone down. Passing this imperial examination and becoming a First-rank Star Official is already an unexpected blessing for me and my family. Of course, I owe it all to you, Captain Xu, and the rest of you. I'll take my leave here, but once we're back in Huaixi, I'll host a banquet to thank you all. Every one of you must come."
Qu Ying clasped her hands and thanked them with easy grace.
"Brother Xu, if you ever have need of me, Fei Si will obey without question."
Fei Si didn't bother with empty pleasantries. He clasped his hands and bowed respectfully to Xu Yi.
Li Tong and the Xue family's young master also clasped their hands in thanks, their words utterly sincere.
Though only a single day had passed, they had weathered one twist after another. Xu Yi had done them a tremendous favor. What's more, amid all the danger, he had shown a remarkable personal charm that won their admiration.
Xu Yi turned it over in his mind and came to accept it. At this stage, he judged his strength insufficient,