Chapter 90: Tongfu Inn
Outside a small town still a hundred li from Wudang Mountain.
An army of West Depot Guards and Embroidered Uniform Guards, all clad in bull-fighting robes with fierce, cold eyes, halted outside the town to make camp. Yu Huatian led Yan Shisan, Ma Jinliang, Ding Xiu, and the other senior officers of the West Depot and Embroidered Uniform Guard slowly into town. They intended to rest there for the time being, then set off again tomorrow and reach Wudang in one sustained push.
There was also another man among them, dressed in fitted black clothes, with handsome, cold features and an unusual sword case cradled in his arms. He was none other than the Golden Snake Gentleman, Xia Xueyi.
During the battle at Wen Family Fort, to protect his wife and daughter—and unwilling to die just like that—he had ultimately chosen to join the West Depot, becoming one of the Imperial Court's hawks and hounds he had once despised most.
Although his submission was not sincere, Yu Huatian did not care. Once he entered the West Depot, whether he stayed or left would no longer be up to him.
After matters at Wen Family Fort were settled, Yu Huatian had given Xia Xueyi three days to settle his wife, Wen Yi, and daughter, Wen Qingqing. Xia Xueyi had not disappointed him. After spending three days with them, he had caught up with the West Depot's force and joined them as promised.
He had said little along the way, though he seemed somewhat curious about Yan Shisan, whose sword intent was cold and contained, and occasionally glanced at the blue-black longsword in his hand.
Perhaps this was the mutual attraction between swordsmen.
The others paid little attention to this new member, either. He had only just arrived,