Zhou Zixing returned to the Zhou Family's side. They were a little farther away now, but he could still vaguely see the Qian Family Martial Artists. Thick fog surrounded them, so the various families were not too far apart, all within ten meters of one another. That way, everyone could see the others and notify each other if danger arose.
He met with Zhou Ke, Zhou Mei, and the others, asking about what had happened after they withdrew. It was simple enough and could be explained in just a few sentences.
There were eight Zhou Family Martial Artists left at the moment. Seven had withdrawn along the way, making eight including Zhou Zixing. They had not lost anyone during the retreat, though several Martial Artists had been injured.
After applying wound medicine and taking Pills, they had recovered somewhat. If Strange Beasts attacked again now, the group could handle them.
Zhou Zixing nodded as he listened, then looked around. They were all Martial Artists from his own family, while the nearest Qian Family Martial Artist was ten meters away. He saw none from the other families, so he lowered his voice and told Zhou Ke and Zhou Mei about Qian Ying's plan.
"Elder, Elder Qian Ying's suggestion seems aimed at the Ouyang Family. Does the Qian Family, or Elder Qian Ying himself, have some grudge against the Ouyang Family?" Zhou Ke asked in confusion.
"I don't know that either. I tried asking around indirectly, but the subject was always changed. That made it clear Qian Ying would not speak of it." Zhou Zixing looked at Zhou Ke and Zhou Mei before continuing, "But from what I've observed, I feel that Qian Ying harbors some resentment toward the Ouyang Family. You truly would not notice it without watching carefully."
He and