The sinister man was startled. He never expected anyone else here. He had already sensed the area—only low-level Monstrous Beasts lurked around.

Yet there he was—a man of unremarkable looks appeared before him. The man clapped his hands, floating effortlessly in the sky.

He saw a faint smile on the man’s lips, radiating leisurely confidence.

The sinister man snorted coldly. “Who are you? Leave now, or I’ll kill you too.”

Though he said it, he knew this man feared him not. In fact, this man was stronger. But as a powerful being, he had his pride.

Qin Jun laughed heartily. “Oh, I’m so scared. How will you kill me? A game? Or just magic?”

The sinister man seethed. No one had ever dared speak to him like this. Even his pursuers held a trace of fear. In his true form, he could slay beings five or six levels higher. His body resisted most magic; physical attacks barely scratched him. If legendary dragons immune all common spells, he immune sixty percent. Forbidden magic? Even dragons couldn’t withstand that.

He longed to tear Qin Jun apart. But he dared not move rashly. Lede gasped in the distance. Anan, Lengyan, and the other two were breaking free from the whirlwind. He must conserve strength and flee. Better to live and seek revenge later. Dawn neared—if his hunters arrived, escape would be impossible.

He acted instantly. Transforming into his true form—a massive demonic eagle—he flapped his wings. Endless gales erupted, overwhelming Lede and the trapped group. His power crushed them utterly.

To Qin Jun, it was a gentle breeze. The sinister man saw this. After his display, he shot toward the horizon. His speed was unmatched; even stronger foes failed to catch him last time.

Qin Jun didn’t chase. He marked the eagle, letting it live. Earlier, he’d missed a detail—one of the five was stunningly beautiful. His favorite mature type. The eagle could wait; this beauty couldn’t be lost.

With a casual wave, Qin Jun dispelled Lengyan’s whirlwind. All four broke free, rushing to Lede’s side.

Lede waved weakly. “I’m fine. Just rest. Thank this gentleman for me.”

Arrogant Anan now behaved meekly. He bowed his head. “Thank you for saving us.”

Lengyan gave a slight nod. Cold and reserved, she struggled with gratitude.

Qin Jun smiled, waving it off. “No need. Just a small favor.”

Li Xiaotian and Lin Nanze thanked him warmly. Having seen too much death, they relaxed quickly after Lede’s rescue.

Li Xiaotian grinned. “Young man, you’re not old, but your skills are impressive.”

They helped Lede descend to the Monster Forest floor.

Qin Jun chuckled. “Not that skilled. Just enough to protect myself.”

Leaning against a tree, Lede smiled. “That ‘just enough’ is beyond us. How did you end up here?”

Qin Jun explained lightly. “A friend was adventuring nearby. I sensed trouble, rushed over, saved him, then sensed you. We’re all human—I helped.”

Anan handed Lede a potion from his storage. After drinking, Lede’s tension eased. He no longer looked on death’s brink.

Lede sighed at Anan. “Now you know your limits? Others could kill you easily. Don’t be impulsive. Think first. Without this young man, we’d all be dead. And why didn’t you run?”

Lengyan stayed silent. Li Xiaotian and Lin Nan just smiled. Only Anan muttered, “We worried about you.”

Lede sighed again. “You kids…”

Qin Jun smiled. “They care. They wanted to share life and death with you. Such companions are the world’s greatest treasure.”

Lede laughed heartily. “I haven’t spoiled them for nothing.”

He asked, “What do you do, young man? With such skills, you must hold high rank.”

Qin Jun smiled. “Just a humble wanderer. I go where the wind takes me, seeing the world’s sights.”

As he spoke, Lengyan felt his gaze brush her. When she looked, he was already turning to Lede. “And you? What brings you here?”

Lede smiled. “Similar reasons. The Monstrous Beasts grew restless—we feared they’d harm innocents. We didn’t expect such power. Thank you again. Join us back? Let us properly thank you.”

Qin Jun shook his head. “No need. I have other matters. We’ll meet by fate.”

Lede understood. He compromised. “May I know your name? I’d hate to forget my benefactor’s name next time.”