That force never appeared again.
But the old wolf did not dare gamble. It was too old, too thin, too hungry. It had only one last chance! If it failed again this time, it would no longer have the strength to pounce a second time.
Little Fly's fingers quietly reached toward his waist.
A knife was tucked there.
The knife the old man had given him.
It was also one of the three things the old man had left behind.
The other two were: first, the black stone pendant hanging around his neck, which had never left his body.
Second, the palm-sized book wrapped in beast hide. Three ancient words were written on its cover: Ancient Wilderness Scripture.
When opened, it was completely blank—not a single word inside.
Yet the old man had said it was the most important thing.
"More important than the knife?"
"More important than your life."
The old man's expression had been very serious. Little Fly had never seen him look so serious before.
He had always kept it close to his body, over his chest, beside the black stone pendant.
"Today, this has to end."
Little Fly gripped the knife, a trace of resolve flashing through his eyes.
Either the wolf died, or he did.
He could not wait any longer.
He had finished the last piece of dried rations three evenings ago.
The water source was about to run dry as well. If the old man truly could not return... with food and water gone, he would have to leave the wasteland and head into the world beyond.
To Sunset City.
The old man had said that if he could not return, Little Fly should go to Sunset City, or return to Azure Dragon Town to find Du Yulin and Wang Xian.
But first,