The sound of horse hooves beat like urgent drums against the bluestone road. Ye Fan sat in the saddle, gazing at Qín Wǎnshuāng's tense spine. The Dark Iron Sword at her waist tapped lightly against its scabbard with every jolt, each crisp sound striking like a blow to his heart.
The confidential letter from the capital was still clutched in his palm. The bloodstains on the paper had dried completely, yet a faint metallic scent remained—the trace left when Qín Wǎnshuāng had pricked her finger.
"There is a Pine Grove Valley ahead," General Lǐ reined in his horse, pointing toward a mountain recess on the left. "There is a natural cave inside, secluded enough."
Chapter 70