"Anqing is still dozens of li of mountain road away. If we mosey along, even if we make it there, we probably won't be able to enter the city anymore." The woman said to Song You, "If we rode hard for a stretch, we could make it into the city, but it would be a shame to miss the scenery along this road near Anqing. Which will you choose?"
"I came out to travel and see the world. I'd like to take in more of the scenery."
"A wise choice."
The woman took the lead, leading her horse onward. "My master said that on the way from Lingbo to Anqing, this final stretch before reaching Anqing is known as the Ten-Li Gallery. Its morning and evening views each have their own splendor. Besides, so many people of the martial world are pouring into Anqing now. Even though Anqing often receives travelers and has plenty of inns, they still can't accommodate so many people. I'm afraid even the ruined temples outside the city will be packed. Even if we get inside, there may be nowhere to stay."
"That makes sense."
Song You answered softly.
Listening to the woman speak so seriously, including when she had negotiated with the bandits yesterday, what kept surfacing in his mind was the sight of her beheading grass with her saber all along the way.
Unexpectedly, the woman suddenly turned back.
Song You was not startled. He merely looked at her calmly.
"Also..."
The woman's gaze shifted to his horse. "Don't tell me you can't ride?"
"I can ride. I'm just not very good at it."
"Then why don't you fit a saddle?"
"I like walking."
"Perhaps..."
The two figures talked as they gradually walked away.
The road sometimes ran along mountaintops, sometimes through the valleys,