They didn't hesitate. The five turned and bolted into the forest, robes flaring as they vanished into the distance.
Only then did Tian Lei slip the rings into his own stoarge rings, his expression unreadable.
"Are you alright?" Xiao Rou asked, stepping closer. He gave a small nod.
"What was that back there?" she pressed. "It was as if… that killing intent was too much."
Tian Lei took a slow, deep breath before answering. "Nothing. When they said they wanted to 'play' with you… it reminded me of some unpleasant memories."
He didn't elaborate, but it was enough for Xiao Rou to guess—someone connected to Tian Lei must have suffered abuse. That was why his anger had spiked so suddenly.
"You can wait here or go on without me," he said evenly. "Just stay within a ten-kilometer radius. I'll rejoin you in a few moments."
Before she could respond, he was already moving, vanishing into the twisted trees.
