Behind the large rock at the edge of the woods, a small shadow flashed out of sight.
In the Great Wilderness, even the slightest surprise could spell disaster.
Without a word, the men spread into a semicircle, their spearheads angled forward. They barely dared to breathe.
The burly man with the full beard slowly took the great bow off his back and nocked a bone arrow.
"What's out there?" he demanded in a booming voice. "Come out!"
There was no movement behind the rock.
The old scar at the corner of Shi Feijiao's eye twitched, and he signaled with a glance.
Two men crouched low with spears in hand and approached the rock from either side.
Their footsteps rustled through the rotting leaves.
Wang Xuan crouched behind the rock, his presence already completely concealed. He could have stayed hidden.
But he had not come to hide. He had come to find somewhere to stay, and sooner or later, he would have to show himself.
Just as the men were about to circle behind the rock, the shadow finally stood up of his own accord.
"Don't attack."
A slightly hoarse but perfectly clear voice rang out. "I'm human."
The men froze.
The small figure stepped out from behind the rock and straightened.
Morning light fell across his tangled hair, dirt, and beast hide. He certainly looked like a little wild child, but his face, his build, and those eyes gazing openly at them plainly belonged to a child of the Human Race, not some hairy exotic beast.
The tense atmosphere eased.
Several angled spearheads slowly lowered.
Shi Linhu lowered his bow, his thick brows drawing together.
"Where did you come from, little one?" he called. "Whose child are you? Why are you alone in these woods?"
Wang Xuan did not answer