Meanwhile, Yin Kuang and Wang Yue had already spurred their horses into a mad gallop, entering a stretch of forest to the southeast. This direction was actually the opposite of their destination, but it was the quickest route into the mountains. With pursuers certain to be on their heels, fleeing into the wild mountains and untamed forests was undoubtedly the best choice.
Moreover, the prearranged rendezvous point with Tang Rouyu, Qian Qianqian, and the others was also located within this forest.
Once inside the woods, the two rode through the not-yet-too-rugged terrain for some distance before abandoning their horses and continuing on foot, racing toward the high mountain to the south. They moved swiftly, reaching the shaded side of that mountain two quarters of an hour later, where they entered a hidden natural cave—this place had been scouted out in advance precisely to deal with unexpected situations.
"Let's rest here for a while. My companions will be here soon as well." After more than half an hour of fleeing for his life, Yin Kuang had expended a great deal of energy. He dropped onto a rock and took out some meat he had roasted beforehand. The roasted meat in this world provided even more energy than the high-calorie food from the academy.
Unlike Yin Kuang, Wang Yue was neither flushed nor out of breath, though his hair hung loose and disheveled, making him look rather bedraggled. Yet anyone who met the sharp gaze behind that graying, scattered hair would never think him pathetic. Wang Yue tossed the Green Steel Sword, and it planted itself steadily before Yin Kuang. Muttering, he said, "A good sword. Too bad it's somewhat undeserving of its name." Yin Kuang smiled but did not respond. After a moment of silence, Wang Yue said, "That assassination of