"Remember Master's warnings before we embarked? Can't say you're ignorant of Master's temperament."
Heads hung in solemn agreement as the leader continued, shedding light on the mysterious wolf deaths.
"The wolves were drugged by us, but they outsmarted us. Planted medicine outside their camp, and the wolves succumbed."
Relief washed over the group as they nodded, finding clarity in the explanation.
"As for those two, they were likely captured and had their wills crushed, left behind to sow panic. Your reactions played right into their hands."
A collective sense of shame settled among them.
The leader's cold smile cut through. "Don't buy into their schemes. Prepare yourselves. Tonight, we infiltrate and eliminate Shao!"
"Yes!"
That night, over 30 people stealthily approached Qiao Xuan, Shao Yunduan, and the others. However, Qiao Xuan detected them five miles away.