The forest trembled with distant roars.
As Li Hao moved toward the exit, he sensed something wrong.
A familiar aura.
Wang Lei.
He rushed forward.
Wang Lei stood surrounded by three beasts, his breathing ragged, daggers trembling.
His Shadow Panther was injured.
"Not good…" he muttered.
Before the beasts could strike—
A freezing wave swept across the ground.
The Frost Fang Wolf lunged, tearing into one of the attackers.
Li Hao followed, blade flashing.
Within moments—the tide turned.
The beasts retreated.
Wang Lei collapsed to one knee, breathing heavily.
"You… really showed up," he said with a grin.
Li Hao sheathed his sword.
"You were too slow."
Wang Lei laughed.
"Then next time… keep up with me."
A pause.
Then he extended his hand.
"Friends?"
Li Hao looked at it briefly.
Then nodded.
"Friends."