Trapped in the Wolf Pack

In a mountain valley, the air was so scorching it seemed ready to ignite. A thick stench of blood mingled with the pungent beastly odor of the Blazing Prairie Fire Wolves, making the air especially foul. The valley floor was pitted with holes, claw marks, and scorched traces. Scattered Fire Wolf corpses showed that a brutal battle had only just ended here.

In a relatively open patch of rubble at the center of the valley stood a lone figure. It was Xiao Yan's elder brother, Xiao Ding.

He was in terrible condition. His blue-gray robe had long since been torn to shreds, soaked through in many places with dark red blood. His face was pale as paper, and the weakness caused by excessive depletion of Dou Qi made him breathe faintly. Fine cold sweat covered his forehead, mixed with bloodstains.

Only Xiao Ding's eyes remained calm even in such dire straits, constantly sweeping over his surroundings.

Around him, dozens of enormous Blazing Prairie Fire Wolves crouched low, letting out threatening growls. Their vicious gazes were locked firmly onto Xiao Ding in the center. They had clearly already marked him as their prey!

They prowled cautiously, adjusting their encirclement. Earlier, a companion at the peak of the fourth tier that had tried to pounce first had been forcibly killed by this seemingly ordinary human. That ruthless method had instinctively made the beast pack even more wary. They needed to wait for the best moment to attack. The alpha wolf leading them would give the command.

On a cliff at the edge of the valley, where the terrain was slightly higher, stood or sat five figures. They assumed various poses—some stood with folded arms and watched coldly, while others lazily leaned against the rocks. All wore teasing expressions, like cats playing with