Assuming the worst possible scenario, Chi Cheng frantically scoured the area, riding around on An Xing to search for any of the Ice Sect's patrol units.
However, there wasn't a single trace of them, nor any indications of their horses' tracks. He unmounted An Xing again, his two wolves catching up shortly.
He approached another clearing, hand clutching firmly onto the hilt of the sword Zhu Zhiying gifted him. He discovered quivers of arrows scattered along with a few bows, yet there were no signs of any patrol disciples nor their horses.
"This isn't good…" Chi Cheng muttered to himself, only hearing the withered grey branches of trees creaking from the evening breeze.
Nightfall was not too far off and the untamed beasts of Xue Ling Ridge would soon crowd every inch of the Frost Forest in protest of the Grandmaster of Ice achieving dominion over the Ridge.
