Fang Yuan's expression froze.
"Ah… I see. Forgive my intrusion then," he said carefully, lowering his head.
The tortoise gave a long, gravelly snort.
Pebbles tumbled from its shell as it tilted its massive head, voice deep and rough with mock irritation.
"Human… this is the second time you've made a mess in my territory. Do you truly expect me to ignore it again?"
Fang Yuan froze and his back stiffened.
His hand subtly slipped toward his sword hilt, body tensing as his qi stirred beneath the surface. "Uh… I didn't mean to cause trouble," he said quickly.
"Those who messed with my family just happened to come from your territory."
The tortoise's massive head tilted slightly.
A deep, grinding chuckle rolled through its chest, echoing like thunder caught between mountains.
Then its jagged beak twisted into a grin, a slow, unsettling expression that made Fang Yuan's scalp prickle.
