Through the long wait, Yelü Xueye rested with his eyes closed.
The Jianghu folk around him hung their heads in dejection. Cold-Blooded Chasing Life's strength had soared, and he had issued his challenge brimming with confidence, only to lose in two moves.
As for Little Butcher, even if he was stronger than Cold-Blooded Chasing Life, he could not match Flower Devotee-and Flower Devotee had been defeated too.
For the Embroidered Uniform Guard, loyalty to the emperor and control over power mattered more than individual victories or defeats in combat. Even so, their prestige had suffered, and they had lost face.
Amid the silence, six riders came galloping over.
Their leader wore an expressionless face. The five Golden Threads on the shoulders and sleeves of his Flying Fish Uniform shone especially bright.
"You're Little Butcher?"
Yelü Xueye glanced at him, his expression turning somewhat grave.
Not yet eighteen, and only one step away from Deputy Thousand-Household Commander. Such a man was terrifying.
Yet however glorious his official career might be, he would still crumble beneath a fist.
Jia Huan remained silent, leaning forward to stare at Cold-Blooded Chasing Life.
The latter's eyes nearly split with fury, his expression growing uglier. He felt that gaze was thick with mockery.
You'll meet the same fate!
Better to suffer humiliation together than bear it alone.
Jia Huan leaped off his horse and walked calmly toward the Tatar, stopping fifteen paces away.
"You have guts!" Yelü Xueye sank his breath into his Dantian, gathering strength to strike, his hand gripping his sword hilt tightly.
He sensed an entirely different presence.
The autumn wind began to rise, and the atmosphere turned rigid as iron.
Under countless watching eyes, Jia Huan slowly drew his saber.
Clang!
In that instant, the saber's song rang out. Drawn a single