While the Viper's Nest selected their next fighter, Wu Ling had retreated to a bench just inside the gate where he sat clutching his head in pain and trying to force every last bit of Heavenly Fragrance back behind the door to his Soul Garden.
His opening gambit had worked beautifully and he was certain that right now, the assassins of the Viper's Nest were plotting a counter against what they'd seen thus far. If they moved as he expected then they'd work hard to ensure that he couldn't close the distance with their next fighter.
That was fine, he'd planned his next strategy for just such an event, but now the fragrant aura he'd used in the last round became a distinct liability. If he couldn't get his aura under control the chances of his next plans failing became far too high.
"Excuse me, Lady Hua," one of the guardsmen said hesitantly. "Would, would you care for a cup of cool water? Something to refresh yourself before the next match?"
