The next day came without peace.
A thin layer of mist still clung to the ground as Ren Kai's group moved through another ruined town, their footsteps light but steady, their formation tighter than before, every sense sharpened after what they had already seen.
The silence here felt different.
Heavier.
As if something had already happened.
And was waiting to happen again.
Hao Jin frowned as he looked around, his hand resting on the hilt of his weapon, a heavy, curved blade with faint engravings along its edge that caught the light with every step.
"…This place feels worse."
Cai Wen nodded slowly, his fingers brushing against the steel rings wrapped around his forearms, his weapon of choice, each movement producing a faint metallic sound.
"Yeah. Like something just finished eating."
Shen Lu let out a quiet breath, his twin daggers already in his hands, spinning once before settling into a reverse grip.
"Stay sharp."
Lian Yue didn't speak.
