Bonds Forged in Battle

How? But Zhan Sheng didn't have time to argue and instead chuckled fondly at him. Zhan Sheng's gaze softened. "You are far from helpless, but right now, your well-being is my priority. Trust me, and wait for my return."

The turmoil in Mao Xia's eyes reflected his inner battle, torn between his desire to fight and his trust in Zhan Sheng. Reluctantly, he nodded, his body trembling with suppressed energy.

"I will trust you, my lord. But please, be swift and c-come back to me." Mao Xia's gaze lowered almost immediately after speaking those words.

Zhan Sheng caught the strange tremor in his words but thought nothing of it. With one last lingering gaze, Zhan Sheng turned away, his steps echoing against the stable floor as he made his way back into the raging chaos, leaving Mao Xia behind, the flickering light of hope guiding his every move.