Purple mist curled around Ra Cun's feet as he walked toward the labyrinth's exit. Each step left toxic trails that clung to the ancient stones. His lips curled in disgust at the sound of Xie Mu's quiet sobs echoing through the chamber.
Had he and Xi Fang erred in their judgment? The woman they chose to handle clan strategy now lay defeated, drowning in self-pity rather than planning her next move. The Xie Mu he remembered would have already formulated three countermeasures, even in defeat. But this girl. He shook his head.
Then, a hand gripped his shoulder.
"Stop."
Ra Cun froze. Not from the strength of her grip - it was barely more than a touch - but from the unexpected contact. His senses had detected no killing intent, no surge of qi, no whisper of movement. Just a simple touch and a single word.