Wu Yuan, Gu Ji, Wu Xiong, and the others rode Xishuang Horses at full gallop, sparing no effort. With the Official Road smooth beneath them, they covered dozens of miles in less than half an hour.
They were gradually leaving the city behind and venturing deep into the wild countryside.
This was bandit country, ruled by land brigands and river pirates.
In the distance, a vast stretch of rolling hills came into view, covered in dense woods.
The Official Road cut through a winding ravine in the hills.
"Up ahead is Wanin Gully. It stretches for more than ten miles and is one of the most active areas for land brigands around Li City. Everyone, stay alert." Wu Xiong shouted, "Keep the young master surrounded as we ride."
"Haha, Brother Wu, you're being too cautious."
"Land brigands often gather in Wanin Gully, but would they really dare attack us?"
"We'll be through ten miles in the blink of an eye." The guards, all former centurions, laughed loudly.
They might have sounded unconcerned.
But their hands moved without delay. Some urged their horses on slightly, while others gently tugged their reins. With swift, practiced coordination, they surrounded Wu Yuan and Gu Ji, placing them in the center of the group.
In their eyes, the weakest members of the group were Wu Yuan and Gu Ji, who was merely a steward.
In truth, many of the guards had been puzzled—and even resentful—that Wu Yuan wanted to bring along a steward of ordinary ability.
But when Gu Ji displayed his excellent horsemanship, the guards wisely kept their questions to themselves.
Rumble, rumble, rumble! Hooves thundered against the ground. The group charged straight into the winding stretch of road without slowing in the slightest.
More than a dozen warhorses galloping at full speed shook