Boldness

Tongtian Pass lay on the western border of Jade City. It had been built only recently, and its towering walls loomed like a crouching mastiff, glaring a warning at outsiders to keep away.

Gazing at the pass from afar, Shangguan Ru understood why news from the Western Regions rarely reached the Dragon Court. Tongtian Pass was heavily guarded, allowing people in but not out, sealing off one gateway to the Western Regions. The same was probably true of Qianqi Pass to the east.

Nearly two months had passed since the Old Khan King's murder, but its effects kept coming in waves. Groups of refugees passed Shangguan Ru, silently making their way through the pass. The Western Regions were also engulfed in fighting, though they were somewhat safer than the Northern Court. But no one could be happy about escaping a pit of fire only to land in a swamp.

Shangguan Ru had ridden Flame Colt day and night, leaving the main force far behind and arriving at Tongtian Pass alone. On the way, she drank when she was thirsty and chewed on a few strips of dried meat when she was hungry. Aside from stopping to rest her mount, she had barely paused.

At last, she understood a truth: the legendary bandits who heartily ate and drank were really just showing how hard their daily lives were. Even she, after enduring so much hardship, now wanted nothing more than for a table laden with chicken, duck, and fish to appear before her that instant.

She licked her cracked lips and began to miss the hardworking wineskin that had served her so well. Gently stroking Flame Colt's neck, she said softly, "Good boy. You'll have something delicious soon."

Flame Colt gave a cheerful snort, as if he hadn't had enough running