After the mysterious figure left, all that remained at the scene were the ruins of the Xiao Clan and some of the surviving Xiao Clan Members.
The Xiao Clan Grand Elder and the Third Elder also remained there. Both had suffered minor injuries in the battle, but nothing serious. The Second Elder had covered the other Xiao Clan members as they withdrew through the rear, so he was not present.
The First Elder walked over to Han Jue and cupped his hands. "Thank you for lending us your aid!" Since Xiao Zhan had vanished earlier, Han Jue had also assumed that he had abandoned him and fled. Although the Young Master had tasked him with protecting Xiao Zhan, such behavior filled Han Jue with contempt. He answered sarcastically, "There's no need to say more. Since the Xiao Clan Leader managed to retreat safely, I imagine the Xiao Clan would have been just fine without us."
The First Elder thought Han Jue was referring to Xiao Zhan's escape. After a moment's hesitation, he said, "Sir, I know you don't believe me, but I must still say this: our clan leader is not someone who would abandon his own clansmen and leave alone. There must be circumstances here that we know nothing about."
Hearing the First Elder's words, Han Jue suddenly recalled the Young Master's instructions. "The people who abduct Xiao Zhan are not from the Misty Cloud Sect..." His pupils abruptly contracted as realization struck him. If Xiao Zhan had wanted to flee, he would never have turned back when they first met. Clearly, there was more to this than met the eye.
At that thought, Han Jue's expression softened somewhat. Under the First Elder's arrangements, the Iron Cavalry Mercenary Group stayed with the Xiao Clan. Han Jue also ordered the