Only then did the leader turn around.
His gaze fell on Ren Kai and the others, and it lingered.
Up close, it was even clearer.
Even injured, even covered in dust and blood, the pressure they gave off was sharp. And dangerous.
The kind of presence you only see from people who have fought real battles.
His eyes paused on Ren Kai first.
Then shifted to Cai Wen.
To Shen Lu.
To Hao Jin.
And finally to Lian Yue, still unconscious but breathing steadily.
A faint frown formed on his face.
"…You five," he said slowly. "You're inner students from Clear Water Sect, right?"
Ren Kai gave a short nod.
"Yes."
The leader let out a quiet breath, almost like he was trying to steady his thoughts.
"I figured."
Ren Kai studied him for a moment longer, then spoke.
"You're from the Lost Bears Mercenary Group, right?"
The man's brow lifted slightly.
"Oh?" A faint grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. "You know about us."
Hao Jin, still catching his breath, let out a short laugh.
