"All done?" The moment Han Li stepped out of the house, Li Feiyu immediately began urging him on impatiently.
Han Li didn't spare Li Feiyu a pleasant look. He shot the man a glare, then walked over to a smaller room and spoke coldly through the closed door: "Qu Hun, come out. I'll need you tonight."
Before Han Li's words had even faded, there was a deafening crash—the wooden door shattered as if it were made of paper, and amidst a whirlwind of splinters, a massive figure slowly emerged from within.
Li Feiyu's eyes went somewhat blank. He stared at the giant before him, whose presence was as imposing as a demon's, yet whose face was hidden beneath a wide-brimmed hood, and he froze in place.
The giant silently walked over and took up a position behind Han Li.
"Let's go!" Han Li said with a smile. This time it was his turn to urge the dazed Li Feiyu along.
"Oh!" Li Feiyu finally snapped out of it.
He gave Han Li a peculiar look, then glanced at the giant, and clamped his mouth shut without another word. He took the lead and headed toward the valley exit.
Han Li watched Li Feiyu's retreating back and allowed himself a faint smile before quickening his pace to catch up. The giant Qu Hun followed close behind, never straying a step.
Han Li was quite pleased by Li Feiyu's discretion. It was precisely because the two of them respected each other's privacy that they had been able to form such a close friendship.
The group moved quickly, and in the blink of an eye they were near the mouth of the valley. Just as Li Feiyu was about to step into the forest, Han Li suddenly reached out with his right hand and clamped it down on his shoulder, stopping him cold.
"What is it?" Li Feiyu asked, confused and somewhat annoyed. After all, he was burning with impatience right now.
"Someone's coming. More than one person," Han Li said calmly.
Li Feiyu looked surprised and quickly strained his ears, but after a long moment, he heard nothing at all.
He shot Han Li a puzzled look, but the other remained composed and offered no explanation.
"You—" Li Feiyu had barely opened his mouth when Han Li suddenly raised a finger to his own lips, signaling him to stay quiet.
Li Feiyu furrowed his brow. Though somewhat reluctant, he habitually obeyed the signal and said nothing further.
It wasn't long before Li Feiyu's expression turned serious as well. He turned to Han Li with a look of astonishment, because he had finally heard it—the sound of numerous footsteps outside the valley, all at once. It really was a sizable group.
"Enforcer Sun! There's a large bell at the edge of this forest, and a small path beside it. This must be the Divine Hand Valley that the Deputy Commander mentioned," a gruff voice called from the other side of the trees.
"Mm. Based on the map and this bell, there's no mistake. You all listen carefully—the Commander gave strict orders to capture the divine physician alive. No one is to harm him. Otherwise, you'll be dealt with according to gang rules. Understood?" another voice ordered. It was sharp and shrill, like a rooster's crow.
"Yes!"