Po Xiao can't remember how long ago he'd passed through the gate after his pardon, all he knows is that once he did, he hadn't stopped walking. Not even to take a break for drinking, which likely should've been done some time ago, but doing so means finding somewhere safe enough to stop and, from what he can hear, it doesn't sound like he's anywhere near a town yet. Only one(?) other person has passed him with a braying donkey who didn't say a word, though that's also fine with him because he'd much rather keep to himself.

While he's still adapting, paying attention to his surroundings is something he was taught from a very young age; it's why he's got the lingering feeling something is following him, yet won't realize it's some monstrous snake, and the sound of someone else's footsteps just so happens to be conveniently timed, he probably won't know unless whoever's shown up tells him.

Instinctively, he about-faces, swinging the bamboo rod he's been using in a wide, chaotic upward arc. Po Xiao's not sure what he's aiming for, but so long as he puts enough space between it and himself...