At first, he hadn't even gotten a clear look at his attacker. Only now, with a sideways glance, did he recognize Zhao Lin.
As he shouted, his uninjured hand fished something out from his robes—a bright red, fragrant object that he tossed toward Zhao Lin.
Thinking it was a poisoned hidden weapon, Zhao Lin covered his nose and mouth and sidestepped away. But the object drifted limply, fluttering slowly to the ground.
A closer look revealed it was just a red bodice.
"What the—"
Seizing the opportunity, Yin Hu kicked hard against the ground, scrambled to his feet, and broke into a run toward his quarters.
He knew his sworn brothers were all in the Gold-Splitting Hall, but he was even more aware of Zhao Lin's speed. He'd never make it there. Better to fall back to his room and defend the door.
Zhao Lin saw through his plan at a glance and had no intention of letting him succeed. With a flicker of movement, he shot forward, closing the distance in an instant.
