Three hours later, the night had deepened further. Near a willow grove by the shore of Heavenly Sound Lake, close to Xuanyuan Hill, the windless lake water stirred on its own, revealing Zhang Tie's figure. He then stepped out of the water, one step at a time. Not a drop of water clung to him as he walked straight onto the grass by the shore.
On his way back, Zhang Tie had chosen a different place to come ashore, lest he disturb that pair of wild lovebirds again. He was not some pervert addicted to peeping. Accidentally stumbling upon such a thing was one matter, but knowingly going back to watch when the two of them might not even be finished yet would be rather pointless. That was the sort of thing children did, and Zhang Tie was no longer a child.
The place where he came ashore was over twenty li from where he had entered the water, and it was also sparsely populated. He should not disturb anyone here.
Zhang Tie stood by the lake, looking out over its waters.
Just moments ago, while Han Yuanhong had been speaking with the Orqi Empire's sole surviving knight, the little beetle Zhang Tie had transformed into had been perched atop a potted plant in the room. Zhang Tie had arrived a few minutes before Han Yuanhong. He himself had remained still in the lake not far from the ship, while sending his little beetle incarnation aboard first. Zhang Tie had not known beforehand that Han Yuanhong would come today, but since he had come, Zhang Tie might as well stay and listen to what Han Yuanhong wanted to say.
It was clear that, in less than a day since they had parted at the entrance to Qian Gate, Han Yuanhong