Li Yan knew what was inside the box, nodded, and said, "Thank you. Please convey to the Daoist that he should rest and heal. We will visit when there's a chance."
After speaking, he clasped his hands and bid farewell, mounting his horse.
"Let's hit the road!"
With a command, the team set off again.
Upon leaving Zhongnan Mountain, the sky in the distance was already showing a pale dawn.
Li Yan couldn't help but turn back for a look.
In the blurry distance, there seemed to be a tiger holding a copper ring in its mouth, staring blankly at the sky...
...
Creaking, the carriage moved forward with difficulty.
The Qinling Mountains separated the North and South, with changeable weather. It was previously shrouded in clouds and fog; a day after leaving Zhongnan Mountain, the sky suddenly cleared.
The last traces of autumn's heat baked the mountains and rivers. Some roads were already dried out, but shaded areas remained more muddy, with deep ruts pressed into them.
