"Huh? What did you say?"

The four members of the Hunters Guild turned to stare at Wenwu.

"Hey, master, what are you doing?" Silver tugged softly at Wenwu’s sleeve.

"I said, let go of that elf girl!"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa—brother, what’s this about? You set the price, we paid you. You’re not backing out, are you?" He deliberately flipped his knife, flashing the blade at Wenwu.

"Yes, I’m backing out. I’ll return your money—just give me back that elf girl!"

"What if I refuse? Kid, I advise you: don’t stir trouble. Take the cash and walk away quietly."

"Master, don’t push it," Silver urged again. "You can’t beat them like this."

"Yeah, listen to that little fox demon and scram."

"Who are you calling a fox demon?" At the words, Silver’s demeanor snapped. Her hidden fangs bared, hands twisting into claws—Wenwu had never seen her like this. "Fox demon" was clearly her trigger; had he not been her master, she’d have torn into him on their first meeting.

"Boss, that fox is pissed."

"Pissed? I’m Crocodile—I fear no greenhorn fox demon. Fatty, guard the elf. Second and Third, handle that kid. I’ll take the fox. She’ll fetch a fine price."

Wenwu had stood his ground moments ago, but now two thugs advanced on him. Silver clashed with Crocodile, yet she was losing badly.

"Kid, our boss honored you with business," one thug sneered. "Refuse the wine, taste the punishment—don’t blame us for being ruthless." Second and Third lunged with knives. Unarmed, Wenwu dodged desperately, but two-on-one was exhausting.

"Ah!" A slash ripped his leg. He collapsed.

Hearing his cry, Silver faltered—and Crocodile’s fist slammed into her gut. She rolled onto the dirt. Crocodile grabbed her hair, grinning. "Silver foxes sell higher than elves, brother. Thanks for the elf *and* the bonus fox."

"Master… run…" Silver gasped.

"Loyal little thing," Crocodile chuckled. "Hunters Guild only captures. Especially useless pests like you."

"Silver!" Wenwu clutched his bleeding leg, gritted his teeth, and staggered toward her. *Why am I doing this?* he thought. *Before, I’d have fled already.*

Crocodile signaled Second. The thug raised his knife for a killing blow to Wenwu’s back.

"Master, look out—ah!" Crocodile yanked Silver’s hair. "Fox demon, shut up and watch."

"Silver! Bastard, get your hands off her!"

"Worry about yourself, haha! Wha—what?!" Wenwu spun lightly, dodging the strike.

"This feeling… it’s familiar…" Silver exhaled in relief.

"Formless wind, be my companion. Shadow my steps, move as the Jade Star." Wenwu whispered the words.

The calm forest erupted. Gale-force winds blinded all with stinging sand. Through the chaos, Wenwu glimpsed a figure—solidifying into a girl with pale green hair, clad in cyan robes, floating before him. No lips moved, yet a voice echoed in his mind:

"Jade Star, at your command!"