"Sir, could we take shelter from the rain in your room? It's our first time here, so we have no idea what's going on."
The bearded man nodded and gently opened the door. Shen Ye and the others exchanged glances, then rushed inside and shook the remaining rainwater from their hair.
"How did you youngsters suddenly end up here? This is an extremely inconspicuous little village in the entire ninja world. Even people passing by wouldn't stop here."
"To be honest, we accepted a commission and came here to carry out a mission. And judging by you, sir, you don't seem to be from this village either."
The bearded man burst into laughter, but the expression on his face suddenly turned cold as he stared unblinkingly at Shen Ye.
"How could you tell that I'm not a local?"
"Your bearing. No matter how someone tries to hide it, they can't conceal the temperament they were born with. That's why I concluded that you aren't from here."
The bearded man patted Shen Ye on the shoulder. It was impossible to tell whether it was praise or disgust, but in the end, he chose not to make a move against the children before him.
On one hand, children capable of accepting commissions were no ordinary people. Even if he attacked, he might not get a favorable outcome.
On the other hand, the bearded man had lived in seclusion here for many years and did not wish to expose himself over this. After all, Shen Ye and the others were not here for him.
The rain roared outside the room. Shen Ye looked out through the hazy window and realized that this small village was not as simple as he had imagined.
"Since you've already discovered it, I'll tell you my story."
Shen