Amidst the continuous thunder of hooves, time slipped quietly away. After galloping fiercely for another two hours, the scenery in the distance finally began to change. The boundless plains gradually disappeared, replaced by rolling hills. Those hills rose like ocean swells, outlining rugged shapes in the gathering dusk.
Xu Lin reined in his horse, and the others all halted in response, looking in unison at his complex expression. Xu Lin's gaze swept over his companions as well. Everyone looked utterly exhausted from the prolonged assault and intense combat. Sweat traced paths down their foreheads and cheeks, mixing with dust to paint a picture of grim resilience. The wounded, in particular, were pale as paper. By now, night had begun to fall, draping the entire world in a massive black curtain. Xu Lin knew well that they still had a full day's ride ahead tomorrow, yet several members of the party were injured and pushing their bodies to the absolute limit. They needed to find a safe and easily concealed spot right away where everyone could rest and recover their strength. With this in mind, he turned to the others and said, "Let's find a place up ahead to rest for a while." His voice carried a deep exhaustion, the raspy tone sounding especially heavy in the silent night air.
Hearing his words, the group exchanged knowing glances and silently nodded in unison. Xu Lin continued, "Christopher and Martin, stay behind. The three of us will cover our tracks." Even though the fai…
Chapter 80