Throughout the journey, Wu Qiong was in particularly high spirits, taking the lead with Jiang Lan on horseback, accompanied by Ye Zhuhua at his side. Ye Zhuhua spoke warmly and courteously, knew when to advance or retreat, and never once behaved rudely, making himself very likeable to the ladies.
Tian Zhide and his martial brothers were escorting a Hidden Guard of the Xiahou Family while Situ Che smacked his lips and sincerely praised, "Master Ye is truly a talent, excellent in both martial arts and character, truly an outstanding match for Miss Lan."
Tian Zhide and Fei Yonglin nodded in agreement, deeply concurring.
The bound Hidden Guard, however, just wore a blank expression, his eyes dim and listless, as he watched Ye Zhuhua and the others chatting and laughing.
Wu Qiong sighed and gazed into the distance at the barely visible mountain gate, lamenting,
"This time, I really must thank Master Zuo Sheng."
