Under the five disciples' wary gazes, a tall, slender figure slowly stepped out of the shadowed woods.
It was Yang Jing, who had quietly watched the battle from a tree for quite some time.
His steps were unhurried, his expression calm. His aura remained contained, revealing nothing, without the slightest hint of savage pressure. He spoke in a gentle, even tone. "There's no need to be nervous. I merely happened to pass by. I meant no offense."
"Happened to pass by?"
The black-robed young man's gaze turned cold, open mockery and disbelief on his face. His guard did not relax in the slightest as he challenged Yang Jing with a sneer. "You heard every secret we were discussing, clear as day. You call that happening to pass by?"
Their discussion concerned opportunities within the secret realm and deadly terrain-confidential matters. Now that a stranger had suddenly stumbled upon them, wariness filled every heart.
Seeing his companion's harsh tone and concealed killing intent, the blue-robed young man leading them feared that a disagreement might spark an immediate fight. He was steadier and more seasoned by nature.
He raised a hand to stop his impulsive black-robed companion, signaled the other four to retreat, and stepped half a pace forward himself. Shielding his junior brothers and sister behind him, he faced Yang Jing alone, cautious but neither servile nor overbearing.
He carefully studied Yang Jing from head to toe. The man before him was young, composed, and upright in bearing. Though seemingly unremarkable, he had managed to lurk nearby without a sound and listen to their entire conversation without any of the five noticing. That alone proved his movement technique and concealment methods far surpassed those of ordinary people.
Caution lingered in the blue-robed young man's eyes as he asked politely, "May I