Published: February 12, 2025
The cries of agony made Zimu and the others stop in their tracks and turn back.
Although the voice had distorted, they still recognized it as the cry of a companion.
Had they been attacked?
Several guards immediately moved a few steps toward the direction of the scream, but they quickly halted because Zimu did not move.
"Your Highness?!"
Zimu slightly lowered his head, caught in a state of hesitation. In his heart, the life and death of a guard were not important. Not only was it not as important as capturing the Rebel Dragon Race they were tracking, but it wasn’t even as significant as the act of honing his skills itself. With his identity as a prince of the Hall People, only a formidable master could compel him to make certain compromises.
Now that it was certain that the guard had been attacked, should he go back to save him or continue pursuing the Rebel Dragon Race that was so close? Zimu was not a fool; he naturally wouldn't openly state that the guard's life was unimportant. But he needed to find a reason to convince the others.
"The sound should carry far; the captain of the guards should be able to hear it as well," Zimu said, looking at everyone.
The faces of the other guards immediately darkened as they understood the implication of the prince’s words.
Seeing the expressions of several guards, Zimu felt a twinge of regret. He had come to the novice hunting ground to make a name for himself, and if negative rumors about him surfaced upon returning, that was not what he wanted to see. In the past, he would have given orders without hesitation, but now, reputation, fame, and prestige were the most important things to him, followed by the highly valuable Rebel Dragon Race.
His confidant, upon observing Zimu's expression, quickly spoke up, "Your Highness, how about this: leave two people with us to catch the Rebel Dragon Race, while the others go over there to see what happened and find the captain of the guards, so he can come join us."
This was a compromise, though not the best solution. However, both the guards and Zimu himself could accept it.
"Alright, let’s do that. When you see the captain of the guards, report this situation to him. Also, injuries are inevitable during the hunt, but this time, I will cover the medical expenses for my brothers."
Upon hearing Zimu say this, the expressions of the guards eased. After a slight bow of gratitude, two remained behind, while the others rushed toward the direction of the scream.
Zimu looked for a moment before turning his gaze back, leading his people toward the now very close white shadow.
At this moment, he still did not realize how wrong this choice was due to the ingrained thinking patterns brought by the class differences within their race.
Three guards swiftly traversed the dense forest, slicing through any stubborn mutated plants or creatures that dared to block their path.
The six of them had a strong bond, spending at least half the year training together, enduring hardships, learning, and even sharing meals and accommodation. Their mutual understanding was excellent, which was why, despite not reaching the level of formidable masters, they could stand against them when united.
Now, with one good brother’s life uncertain, how could they not be anxious?
After running at high speed for a while, the three caught sight of a humanoid shape lying in the bushes not far away.
It was Xie Pi!
One guard softly called out his companion's nickname. The three of them silently split apart, each forming a half-arc as they approached the spot where their companion lay.
Although they were worried about their comrade, their solid combat training made them aware that there was likely danger nearby.
As they got closer, the three of them felt their hearts shatter.
Their fallen comrade had clearly lost his life in a horrific manner. Not only was one leg severed, but there was also a terrifying fatal wound on his neck. When the weapon penetrated there, it had exploded with such force that it created a gaping blood hole. At this moment, the wound had stopped bleeding, indicating that he had died some time ago.