Relief slowly settled into Han Yu's chest.
He had known the risk when he destroyed the outpost and set the place ablaze. The fire had been massive, fueled by the lamp oil and whatever supplies were in there that Han Yu hadn't taken. He'd hoped the resulting chaos would confuse the Mist Eye Sect. That it would leave no clear evidence behind.
And from the sound of it, it worked.
"Flame beasts are getting bolder," one of the disciples said, his tone bitter. "And the Caldera's acting up again. More smoke, more tremors. The elders want this outpost fortified before something big happens."
"Like what?" the merchant asked.
"They're not saying. But there's been talk. Rumors from the sect. Something about old paths awakening… and pressure building in the Caldera's heart."
The words sent a ripple of unease through the gathered guards.
But to Han Yu, it meant something else entirely.
