Chapter 253 - Parting Ways
Liangzhou Prefecture was set within a desolate landscape but, strictly speaking, it was not within the Gobi Desert. Traveling south from Liangzhou Prefecture, the majestic mountains and rivers of the Central Plains gradually unfurl before the eyes, like a painting scroll displaying its majesty.
A group of nine people with four horses were quite a sizable party, all things considered. However, Ye Beizhi and the others did not follow the canal south. Ye Beizhi had concluded that the Northern Qiang forces would surely pillage along the path of the canal should Liangzhou fall.
Not long after departing Liangzhou, Baili Gucheng and Yang Lu bid farewell to the group as the setting sun hung low on the horizon.
Baili Gucheng said, "Parting ways here means that it will be a long time before we meet again. On our journey, I owe much to all of you. I cannot repay it yet, but I will remember it always. Should you ever need me, I will not refuse."
Tang Jinnian leaned against a tree by the road and said, "Impending Sword, you owe me the most, and I’ve not forgotten it. Don’t die before I call on you."
Baili Gucheng chuckled lightly. "Indeed. I dare not forget. I await your instructions, Brother."
Xue Qiming squatted under the shade of a roadside tree, a blade of grass in his mouth slanted with his grin. "I’m still thinking about those jars of fine wine you buried at Fallen Moon Oasis. Last time I passed through, I didn’t get the chance to dig them up. Next time, I’ll make sure to drink my fill."
Baili Gucheng cupped his hands toward Xue Qiming. "I will certainly prepare a clean mat to welcome you."
Finally, only Ye Beizhi remained. Baili Gucheng turned to look at him deeply, then clasped his hands in a heavy salute. "Your life-saving grace... I will never forget it."
Ye Beizhi’s expression did not change. He simply nodded slightly, glanced at the horizon, and said calmly, "It’s getting late... time to go."
Baili Gucheng took two steps back and gave everyone a final, deep look. "Everyone—I bid you farewell!" With that, he swung himself onto the horse in one motion, sitting behind Yang Lu. Raising his whip high, it cracked crisply in the air.