The snow wolf's injuries were severe. It would surely need to find a place to heal, or search for food and water. Splitting up to search would be more efficient.
She nodded. "All right. Using this place as the center, split into pairs and conduct fan-shaped searches in the four cardinal directions. Do not go beyond ten li.
Watch for snow wolf tracks, bloodstains, and any unusual fluctuations of cold energy. Before nightfall, whether you find anything or not, you must return here to rendezvous!"
Her gaze swept across the group, and her tone grew heavier. "Though Qinghe County has never been known for any serious 'strange tales,'
in these deep mountains and ancient forests, anything wicked can happen. Be careful. If anything feels wrong, send a signal immediately. Don't try to be a hero."
At the words "strange tales," everyone's expressions turned more solemn. As disciples of a major sect, they knew far more than ordinary people.
"Yes, Senior Sister!" they answered in unison.
Very soon, the five split into four groups and scattered in different directions, swiftly vanishing into the forest of snow.
Xu Feng had wanted to move closer to Li Qingwu, but her cold glance stopped him. He could only leave in disappointment with his companion, searching southward.
Watching Xu Feng's departing back, Zhao Mang's lips curled into an almost imperceptible sneer.
Yet the direction he took did not entirely follow Li Qingwu's assignment. Instead, he veered toward the northeast.
As he turned away, Zhao Mang's fingers seemingly brushed by chance over a small leather pouch at his waist.
A faint powder, nearly colorless and odorless, drifted from the pouch's opening on the wind and settled into the snow beneath his feet.
Had a master skilled in tracking or medicine been present, they might have recognized