"This ghost fox has been wreaking havoc in Yunzhang County," Yan Tian said coldly, his sharp gaze fixed on the elder. "It has preyed upon over ten men, draining their life essence. And now you ask us to let it go?"
"Just a few mortals," the elder replied with a slight smile. "Surely that's no reason for such hostility?"
The casual tone of the elder's words struck a nerve. To him, mortals were clearly insignificant—nothing more than disposable ants. And yet, as his gaze lingered on the siblings, there was an unmistakable wariness in his demeanor.
Young as they were, these two carried extraordinary potential. The girl, holding a peachwood sword, was clearly at the peak of Breath Embryo Realm Stage Three, a level of cultivation that would make her a prodigy in any prestigious sect or noble family. The elder suspected they hailed from one such lineage. If so, killing them could provoke severe repercussions, far outweighing any personal gain.