First, Ri Di ordered his men not to lower their guard to the west. He then personally led a group to the eastern pass to set up a Bow Array and wait.
At this point, Ri Di dared not take any arrivals lightly, no matter which direction they came from.
It wasn't long before Zheng Xiu and Xie Luohe heard the news. Zheng Xiu was puzzled to learn the party was approaching from the Great Desert. Though still recuperating, he patted Xie Luohe—who was basking in the sun with Mao'er in her arms, eyes narrowed contentedly—and exchanged a few words with her. Then, he walked alone toward the eastern entrance of Richan Valley.
