Mercenaries also have their work (2)

Vaelric stood motionless for a moment, his fiery gaze fixed on the disciple as his mind churned. The fact that a mere twenty individuals—divided into groups of four—could cause such chaos, even against the Crimson Serpent Sect's disciples, spoke volumes about their strength. 

The average strength of their disciples was at the peak of 1-star, with a few promising individuals reaching early 2-star Awakening. But these attackers… if they were capable of such precision and carnage, they couldn't be below 2-star, and some might even be stronger. 

"Twenty men," Vaelric murmured, his voice low and deadly. "And yet you dare to tell me this is the work of mere mercenaries?" 

The disciple flinched, lowering his head further. "Sect Master, their techniques… they don't match any local groups. They're skilled, and they fight as though they've trained for years."