Partners

Dudun had been looking forward to this contest with the Dragon King. Since there was no way to confirm whether the Dragon King was truly in seclusion, he might as well force him to show himself and settle things once and for all.

"You've disappointed me." Dudun stared coldly at Li Man, seven paces away. Anger and bitterness surged through him at the betrayal.

Though he had many followers, Dudun was wise enough to choose only ten core partners. Any more would cheapen the prince's friendship; any fewer would make him seem weak.

Dudun had carefully selected each of the ten people he called his "partners," making sure every one of them had exceptional qualities. A Zheba and Li Man were among them. The former's sense of justice and peerless archery were both useful to him; the latter's most obvious advantage was his status.

Li Man was the son of a general. By the Northern Court custom of sons following their fathers' trades, he had been raised from childhood to become a general himself. Among Dudun's ten partners, he held the highest rank.

"I'd hoped you'd become my general one day, leading my troops into battle and conquering far and wide." Dudun continued. The other eight partners spread out on either side of him like wings. Each wore the same expression as their master: angry, yet restrained. "In just six months, you've become a different person. You even offered the Naihang Tribe to my enemy as a gift. If I'd known this would happen, I should never have left you in Dragon Court."

Li Man knelt on the ground, his hands bound behind his back. For a man who had fallen out of favor and might lose his life, he was far too calm; there was almost something mocking in