Ever since joining forces to deal with those three bandits, Li Tui and Su Lueying had grown increasingly in sync. They spoke less and less, yet a glance or a gesture was enough for each to understand the other.
The bags at their waists had grown fuller as well. During this time, Li Tui had not only opened his eleventh primary meridian, but had also vaguely sensed that he was just one kick from the threshold of opening the final one and stepping into Qi Refinement.
That day, just as the two of them stopped to rest behind the shadow of a rock wall, movement came from a bend in the mine tunnel ahead.
Unlike every enemy they had hunted before, the sounds this time were not only orderly, but carried an intentionally suppressed air of grim killing intent.
Li Tui immediately tensed, while Su Lueying swiftly placed a hand on the pouch of needles at her waist.
A small squad was coming—eight people, all dressed in matching dark-brown fitted outfits with shortsabers at their waists. Two men in the middle pushed a mine cart, tightly covered with oilcloth. The leader was a scar-faced man, an old scar running from his brow bone to his jaw. As his gaze swept through the darkness, it was as sharp as a hawk's.
Li Tui held his breath.
When the squad passed directly below them, the firelight flickered, and Li Tui caught sight of markings on several dark wooden crates beneath the cover. He seemed to have seen them on that Zhou Family steward earlier.
Black Sand Society elites, transporting goods bearing the Zhou Family's mark?
Before he could think further, Su Lueying beside him suddenly drew in a sharp breath, her breathing instantly thrown into disarray.
Li Tui glanced sideways at her.