He was especially careful along the way. Not only did he erase his own traces, he also deliberately left several misleading false tracks.
He had no confidence in facing several people at once. Better play it safe first.
The journey was uneventful, and he soon returned to the entrance of that hidden cave.
He darted inside, bringing in a gust of icy wind.
Inside the cave, the snow wolf had been licking its lips with lingering relish, savoring the taste of cured meat. It jumped in fright.
Its massive body jolted. Seeing Fang Yuan return, a flicker of guilt flashed through its amber eyes.
It instinctively rubbed its still slightly greasy mouth against the snow and mumbled from deep in its throat:
"Awuu... B-Boss... that cured meat... I... I was just tasting how salty it was..."
It wanted to explain itself. After all, Boss had barely left before it had eaten all the cured meat—and even hidden a piece. It was rather embarrassing.
This new boss looked fierce, but he had treated its wounds and given it food. That was a first in its life as a wolf.
Yet Fang Yuan had not heard it clearly at all. His expression was grave, and he spoke rapidly:
"Move! The people who hurt you are chasing us! They may have already found the trail!"
"Awuu?!" The snow wolf froze at first, then fury burst into its eyes.
It abruptly raised its head, tugging at its wounds until it bared its fangs in pain, yet what filled it even more was wild rage:
"Awuu—!!"
They were bullying a wolf too much! I'd already hidden here!
It struggled to stand, but its hind-leg injury was too severe. The moment it propped up its front half, it began to sway.
"Don't move!" Fang Yuan barked.