Clearly, they were in a sorry state amid the storm.
The man was called Huo Xuan, and he and Xiao Ze had met a few times before.
So when he saw Xiao Ze, Huo Xuan first froze, then was overcome with joy. He hurriedly ran toward the two of them.
"Brother Xiao Ze! This is wonderful—I can't believe we ran into you here! This storm is so dangerous. We almost got swept up in it just now. We need to find somewhere to hide..."
Before he could finish, he saw the storm suddenly stop ten zhang in front of Xiao Ze, as if it had crashed into an invisible wall. It instantly crumbled into a sea of energy, without so much as stirring the hem of Xiao Ze's robe.
Huo Xuan's eyes widened. Only then did he remember that Xiao Ze was a Dou Sheng. He quickly composed himself and said with a wry smile, "I'd forgotten how strong you are, Brother Xiao Ze. To you, this storm probably doesn't even count as a breeze."
The woman in red also stepped forward and gave Xiao Ze a slight nod, admiration in her eyes. "Chi Yan of the Flame Clan thanks you for saving us, Brother Xiao Ze."
"We were just heading for the entrance to the third layer, but the storm came much sooner than we expected. And for some reason, the barrier at the third layer has solidified. The four of us couldn't break through it together, so we'll have to rely on you, Brother Xiao Ze."
Xiao Ze nodded. He didn't linger on her, instead turning his gaze toward the barrier in the distance. "As it happens, we're heading to the third layer too. Let's go together."
Huo Xuan and the woman in red nodded and followed him.