They stole... trash?

Strax observed the formation of the four cultivators, his eyes gleaming with malicious amusement. A mischievous smile curved his lips as he cracked his neck, completely unbothered. The tension in the air was palpable, but he was not the least bit concerned.

"Oh, so the leader doesn't want to play alone. Calls in his friends for help? How cute," he said, his tone contemptuous, but his gaze sharp, cutting like blades. "Cut the crap and come at me already."

He didn't give them time to think. In a lightning-fast move, Strax disappeared from their sight, reappearing in front of the hooded leader. Before the man could react, Strax delivered a kick so powerful that it sent the leader crashing into the wall, creating a crater on impact. The leader lay there, motionless, but Strax didn't give time for a celebration.