The stables in the back courtyard.
Gongshu Wu changed the water three times before he finished washing his beloved steed. He wiped away the water with a soft cloth and put its beautiful, finely crafted armor back on. Stroking its mane, he said, "Head back for now. When I have time, I'll take you out for a good run."
The young horse nuzzled his palm obediently.
Gongshu Wu said, "I won't break my word."
Reluctantly, the steed turned into martial energy and slipped back into the tiger tally.
Looking at the mess on the ground, Gongshu Wu thought of the training grounds at Gong Manor, of the military camp, and of himself a year ago, when he could still slaughter enemies to his heart's content, charging into battle alongside his old companion. Now he could only hide his identity and skulk about behind a face even he didn't recognize...
His old companion was miserable, and he was even more miserable.
He'd spent the whole afternoon tending to his warhorse. Even someone as physically strong as Gongshu Wu was drenched in sweat by the time he finished. With the sticky sweat clinging to him and frustration weighing on his heart, he felt uncomfortable everywhere.
There was a small basin of clean water left in the vat. He grabbed a cloth, soaked it, and wiped down his bare upper body.
The warm afternoon breeze brought him an indescribable coolness and blew away a few ounces of gloom. He stood, put on his clothes, and was lowering his head to tie his sash when his sharp ears caught two sets of footsteps coming from the main courtyard. One belonged to Qi Yuanliang; the other was unfamiliar.
This man's steps were even more unsteady than Qi Shan's! Either he was a good-for-nothing who'd indulged