Chapter 171: Give me one reason

Chapter 171: Give me one reason

Xu Shan swiftly retaliated, smashing its skull with a brutal strike.

One after another, the Beasts kept falling on the ground. It was as if the predators had met an even bigger predator.

As the last Snarlclaw fell, silence descended upon the clearing. Xu Shan stood among the defeated creatures, chest heaving with exertion.

He gazed at the leader of the Pack who was lying lifelessly. Around the neck of the beast, he noticed a small gem, hanging by a thread as if it was a necklace.

That gem was only around the neck of the leader of the wild beasts which made Xu Shan intrigued. There was no way that this beast was someone's pet. But it was also clear that it couldn't wear a pendant on its own.

Xu Shan stepped closer to the Beast, and took off the pendant, observing the beautiful blue gem carefully.

From what he remembered in the woman's memories, these beasts rarely left the forest. Moreover, they were never seen near the main passage that led to the City.

It was strange to find them attacking him on the main route.

From the small gem, Xu Shan could feel a very unique form of energy. It wasn't offensive or defensive. Instead, it was something else. It was like this energy was trying to invade his consciousness.

Since his mental defenses were strong, this thing had no effect on him, but he had a clear understanding as to why those strange beasts attacked him. Someone was controlling their pack leader and had them attack.

However, he also knew that no one should've known about his arrival here. And if they really knew him, they should've known that this beast was useless against him. It was clear that this trap wasn't for him. Either that, or it was a trap for him by someone who didn't understand him.

Xu Shan's mind raced with possibilities. Who could have orchestrated such an elaborate trap? And more importantly, why? Could it be a coincidence, or was there a deeper plot at play?

As he pondered these questions, Xu Shan couldn't shake off the feeling that he was being watched. It was a strange feeling.

Resolving to find answers, Xu Shan decided to follow the trail left by the Snarlclaws. He wantedto make sure that he wasn't missing something important.

As he ventured deeper into the nearby forest, the atmosphere grew more foreboding, and an unsettling presence lingered in the air.

A few minutes passed as Xu Shan moved stealthily through the undergrowth, his senses honed to their maximum. Suddenly, a flicker of movement caught his attention. He froze, noticing a figure darting between the trees ahead.

Without hesitation, Xu Shan gave chase, his steps silent and swift. The figure was agile, but Xu Shan continued his pursuit with ease. As he closed in, he recognized the person—a woman, clad in dark, form-fitting attire, her face obscured by a mask.

The woman glanced back, her eyes widening with surprise as she realized she was being pursued. Her steps faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure and quickened her pace. Xu Shan knew he had to catch her, to get answers.

The chase led them through a maze of towering trees, the canopy above blotting out the fading light of day. Xu Shan closed the distance, his instincts telling him that this encounter was important.

He initially wanted to see where the woman was trying to get to. That's why he didn't catch her right away. Unfortunately, soon it became clear that she was just running away without any destination.

Finally, with a burst of speed, Xu Shan lunged forward and tackled the woman to the ground.

The woman struggled fiercely, her moves precise and calculated. It was evident she was skilled in combat. Unfortunately, she couldn't gain an upper hand against Xu Shan.

"Who sent you? What is the meaning of that attack?" Xu Shan demanded, his voice filled with curiosity as well as anger.

The woman's eyes flickered with defiance, but also a hint of desperation. "You're mistaken. I had nothing to do with those creatures. I've been tracking them, trying to understand their sudden aggression."

"Recently, those beasts started attacking all the merchants passing through the main route, which created lots of troubles for us. That's why I came to check myself!" the woman exclaimed. "I sensed a powerful aura in this forest, and I thought it might be related to their behavior."

Xu Shan studied her, searching for any signs of deception. There yet.

"If that's the case, then why were you running? Why not approach was a genuineness in her voice and a sincerity in her eyes. Perhaps she was telling the truth, but he couldn't let his guard down just yet.

"If that's the case, then why were you running? Why not approach me openly?" Xu Shan questioned, tightening his grip on her throat, making her gasp for breath.

The woman grimaced, her voice tinged with frustration. "I thought you were behind the beasts and were coming to kill me after finding out that I was trying to find clues! I had to ensure you were not a threat before revealing myself."

"Moreover, the feeling you give me is even more dangerous than the beasts. He couldn't risk getting caught!"

Xu Shan's grip didn't loosen even though his suspicion waned a little. He observed her carefully, searching for any signs of deception.

"What is your name?" he asked, his tone more measured, while removing her mask, revealing a face framed by dark, cascading hair.

"I am Lin Xia, a member of the Merchant Union, tasked with safeguarding the interest of our Union," the woman answered, her eyes filled with unwillingness.

"Merchant Union?" Xu Shan frowned. "Even if I were to believe you, but isn't it easier to search your soul to get the answers I need? Give me a reason to keep you alive. If you can't come up with a good enough reason, then..."

The woman's face paled as she heard his words. Even after knowing everything, the man still didn't want to let her live? Her eyes filled with a trace of fear.