Dawn drew up on the horizon, its pale reddish glow creeping defiantly through the darkness of the night that stubbornly lingered before its inevitable retreat. The back of the leaving Shangguan Heng slowly faded into a silhouette that eventually blended into the darkness of the early daybreak.
Meng Qi stood gazing at the departure of his companion for a moment gaping. A feeling of joy came to him moments after. "Was Shangguan Heng deflated by my strength and endurance? Defeated without a duel?"
Indeed the comprehension and understanding of Heaven and Earth, and the mulling of one's future and prospective cause have always commanded admiration or exacted tribute.
He rubbed his chin as he reflected silently on his recent efforts and accomplishments. His fingers brushed his chin and felt the stiff hair of his beard.