Travelling to the village took about a three-day journey, but for cultivators who've mastered the ten steps, or in Wooyun's case, the crimson steps, that time was cut nearly in half. They were able to arrive in a day and were shocked by the state of the village.
It wasn't just the air that felt heavier, but the mood as well. The villagers were quiet, their faces sullen. As they walked along the dirt road, many tried to avoid contact with them.
"Don't you think the atmosphere around here isn't quite right, Eun-woo hyung?"
The older man looked around them and was in agreement. It wasn't quite hostile, but wary. "You're right."
"Well, given the recent disappearances, it would be strange if it weren't like this," Ha-joon said.
"How are we supposed to ask them for help if they look like they'd rather die than talk to us?"
Ha-joon glanced at Wooyun and smiled. "Looks like the little master doesn't know how persistent I can be,"
