Impulse

As a descendant of the Khan, Tosai had the right to treat any tent on the grasslands as his home. The Imperial Guard's camp was no exception.

One attendant helped him remove his ornate armor, while another wiped the sweat from his face and neck with a cool, damp cloth.

"So stifling." Tosai said it casually, trying to appear approachable.

Gu Shenwei nodded in agreement but said nothing. Centurion Wucuo pulled open his collar and fanned himself with his large, thickly haired hand. "It's so hot even all this flesh of mine is about to melt. Hotter than any year before. The men below all say the Old Khan King was the God of Fire ascending to heaven. Looks like there really is some truth to it. I feel like the fire in the Dragon Court still hasn't gone out."

Tosai pushed away the two attendants, lowered his head, and mourned in silence. Wucuo hurriedly straightened his clothes and armor, solemnly joining him.

"Four hours left." Tosai's tone was crisp and decisive, carrying the urgency of someone who had everything under control. "This is a battle—a decisive clash between commanders. Most soldiers can only watch from the sidelines, but a select few can earn the honor of fighting shoulder to shoulder with the commanders."

"I hope I'm one of those honored few." Gu Shenwei's cold exterior was an excellent disguise. Even when he lied, he appeared calm and unruffled.

Tosai let out a long breath. Instead of answering immediately, he carefully sized up the Dragon King. "I'm not from the Central Plains, so I'll speak plainly."

"That's for the best."

"The Dragon King has disappointed me." Tosai's eyes gleamed as he tried to give his words some penetrating force. "You seem not to have recognized your position or the situation.