Night had already fallen, and a silver moon hung above the mountains.
In a hollow more than ten miles from Crouching Dragon Cave, a large force of soldiers marched swiftly into the mountains, torches held high.
On the ridge beside them, Ye Jingtang carried a spear in his right hand and held the Mount Jun Saber in his left as he followed the ridgeline. When he reached a cliff, he tossed the notched Mount Jun Saber over the edge to keep Yao Wenzhong from retrieving his weapon.
Luo Ning walked beside him carrying the heavy saber, with a powerful bow slung across her back-the one she had just used to disrupt Prince Wu's personal guards.
Pei Xiangjun brought up the rear with a spear, checking Ye Jingtang's complexion from time to time as they walked.
Ye Jingtang had landed two vicious blows on Xuanyuan Hongzhi without suffering any injuries himself, but Wind Pool Reverse Blood pushed his body too hard. Using it damaged his Governing Vessel, and the indescribable stabbing pain along his back was indeed rather unpleasant.
After the three had walked along the mountains for some time, Niao Niao descended from its circling flight high above and landed on his shoulder, signaling that the Imperial Court's troops had discovered Prince Wu's whereabouts. Seeing this, Ye Jingtang stopped wandering and found a nearby cave where they could rest.
The natural cave was small, with a few supplies inside that they had prepared on their way over.
Ye Jingtang laid his spear on the ground, unrolled a blanket, and sat down. He opened his flask, tipped his head back, and took a long drink.
Luo Ning leaned the Mount Jun Saber against the wall, sat down in front of him, and lit a candle before asking:
"How's your back?"
"It