"Hmph!" The Shinobi snorted, his gaze cutting across their faces like a blade. "It doesn't matter who says it. If you dare disobey orders, I can take your heads off right now. If you don't believe me, go ahead and try."
The lead Shinobi sneered, his face full of disdain.
"Big talk," the villager mocked.
"It's not big talk. It's the truth." The lead Shinobi stared at them. "I've already entered the Martial Venerable Realm. You're no match for me. Stay still if you know what's good for you. The gap in strength is right there. If we really fight, plenty of people will die."
He looked utterly confident, as though everything were under his control.
Xuan Zhe stood to the side, his mind already made up-he had to slip away during this opening. Otherwise, once the Shinobi from Hidden Mystery Village reacted, escaping would be difficult.
If he didn't leave now, he wouldn't even have a chance to escape later.
"You're strong. We can't do anything to you." The villager made no attempt to hide his contempt. "But don't get this wrong. This island doesn't belong to your Hidden Mystery Village. It's our village chief's territory. There are plenty of Shinobi here. Do you really think you can get away?"
"Is that so?" The lead Shinobi's lips curled. "Then I'd like to see how you fools plan to make me regret this."
The moment he finished speaking, he charged forward.
The villager and his men didn't back down either, charging straight at him.
"Get out of my way! Or don't blame me for getting rough!" the villager roared, making no attempt to hide the ferocity on his face.
He knew full well how strong that leader was. If they fought head-on, he would certainly lose. But this fellow had