Colorful years

That morning, the sun seemed to be still immersed in a sweet dream, reluctant to show its face.

The dawn, like a lazy child, slowly and reluctantly pulls at the inky black sky.

The earth was still shrouded in a thin layer of mist, making everything appear hazy and mysterious.

In this tranquil atmosphere, Congcong and his father, Zhang Zhong, hurried along the road to Zhangjiajie Forest Farm. Their purpose was to collect precious pine resin. Along the way, their footsteps broke the silence, accompanied by heavy breathing, echoing along the mountain path.

As the sky gradually brightened, the father and son reached the halfway point of the hillside. The terrain here was quite steep, and the mountain path was rugged and uneven, so they had to carefully take each step and move forward slowly.

After finally reaching a slightly flatter area, the father and son stopped simultaneously, panting heavily.

After resting for a while, Congcong looked at his father with expectant eyes and asked, "Daddy, what kind of story are you going to tell me today?" Zhang Zhong looked at his son's adorable appearance and felt a surge of love in his heart.

He affectionately patted Congcong's head and smiled, saying, "Cong'er, the road ahead will be a bit gentler, and we can walk more easily without being so out of breath as before. Daddy has already planned to tell you a story! But what kind of story would you like to hear?"

Without hesitation, Congcong replied, "Daddy's stories are all so wonderful! I love listening to all kinds of stories!"

Hearing his son's enthusiastic response, Zhang Zhong smiled happily. After a moment's thought, he decided to tell Congcong a legendary story from the late Sui and Tang dynasties—the story of the great hero Qin Qiong selling his horse.

Zhang Zhong took a deep breath and then slowly began to tell this fascinating story...

Now, let's talk about Qin Qiong, the hero of Wagang Village. Born in this chaotic world of war, he learned unparalleled martial arts from a young age and set out to roam the world with a heart full of heroic ambition.

However, fate has been unkind, and he has yet to find a place to settle down and make a living.

The little money he had on him had long been used up, and now he couldn't even afford the rent, let alone fill his stomach.

As life became increasingly difficult, the shopkeeper gradually began to consider driving him away.

At this moment, Qin Qiong sat alone in his room, his heart filled with sorrow and frustration.

His brows were furrowed, his gaze fixed blankly out the window, his thoughts surging like a turbulent tide. Recalling the hardships and setbacks he had endured along the way, he couldn't help but sigh at the unpredictability of life and the winding, difficult path of existence.

How could they possibly resolve this predicament? Was they really destined to end up homeless? Thinking of this, Qin Qiong became even more troubled and let out a heavy sigh.

Just then, Congcong, unable to contain his curiosity, asked, "Father, what should we do about Qin Qiong?" His father smiled slightly and replied calmly, "Cong'er, don't worry, don't worry, let me explain in detail..."

Qin Qiong sat quietly in the room, his thoughts drifting back to the days when he fought alongside Qin Qiong across the north and south, weathering countless storms together. Deep in his mind, the image of the valiant warhorse that had accompanied him through countless mountains and rivers surfaced.

That was truly a rare and magnificent steed! It was agile and swift, with a coat as black and glossy as ink. Its four hooves were as fast and powerful as if it were riding on wheels of fire, capable of "traveling a thousand miles a day and eight hundred miles at night". Whether it was a steep mountain road or a vast plain, it could traverse it as if it were flat ground.

Legend has it that it was comparable to Red Hare, the famous steed of Guan Yu, a hero from the Three Kingdoms period. This horse was not only incredibly fast, but also possessed unparalleled intelligence and loyalty, saving Qin Qiong's life on several crucial occasions.

However, at this moment, Qin Qiong looked around the empty house and couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness and sorrow. He had now reached the end of his rope, penniless and unable to even maintain a basic standard of living.

The only thing he still considered valuable was his BMW, which had been with him for many years.

If he sold this horse, based on market prices, he could get at least a hundred taels of silver. This money would be enough to sustain him for a while and solve his immediate livelihood problems.

The thought of parting with this close companion caused Qin Qiong unbearable pain, as if his heart were being pierced by a thousand needles, and even his liver seemed to be aching.

But reality is always cruel and merciless. After a fierce internal struggle, Qin Qiong sighed deeply: "Forget it, let's sell the horse first and get through this difficult situation." So, he slowly stood up and walked heavily towards the door.

The sun shone brightly outside, but Qin Qiong felt no warmth whatsoever. He gently stroked the warhorse's soft mane, his eyes filled with reluctance and longing.

Then, he gripped the reins tightly and walked step by step toward the horse market...