Three riders broke from the treeline the moment Wei Liang, Liu Che, and Shen Yue crossed into Silvermist Hollow, and Wei Liang had his stance set before he registered they weren't attacking.
"Hold," Liu Che said sharply, blade half-drawn. "They're not hostile. Watch their hands."
The riders slowed, then stopped entirely, empty palms raised in clear surrender. Xu's voice cut through Wei Liang's wariness. "Careful. Could be a screening test before the real contact reveals themselves."
The lead rider called out, voice steady despite the tension. "You came with exactly three, as requested. That's more trust than I expected."
"We're listening," Wei Liang said, staying alert.
"Not here," the rider said. "Follow, if you're willing. My principal won't risk an open meeting this close to Founda
