Early spring had only just arrived, and the upper reaches of the Wu Chao River had not yet reached their season of abundant waters. Liu Xiaolou did not lash together a bamboo raft to head down the mountain, but obediently took the mountain path instead.
After descending Qianzhu Ridge, he did not head toward the village either. Since people from the Qingyu Sect had been seen in the village, it was no longer suitable for him to show his face there.
So he turned northwest, toward a little path known to few outsiders and one the mountain folk were unwilling to reveal. Hidden beside deep ravines and winding beneath dense forest, it was the escape route used by Wulong Mountain rogue cultivators in times of emergency.
The moment Liu Xiaolou entered the passage, he saw seven people ahead carrying shoulder poles and bamboo baskets as they hurried along. They were the renowned Seven Heroes of Guzhang Mountain from Wulong Mountain.
Liu Xiaolou was not particularly familiar with them, but he had once followed his teacher to Guzhang Mountain and paid his respects there. He therefore called out from behind, "Seven seniors!"
The Seven Heroes of Guzhang Mountain turned around, nodded to Liu Xiaolou, and continued onward. Oldest Seventh, walking at the rear, was the warmest of them all. "Xiaolou, you're leaving too?"
Liu Xiaolou hurried after them and pointed in surprise at the table slung from Oldest Seventh's shoulder pole. "Senior, are you even moving your table away? What kind of treasure is that?"
Oldest Seventh burst into laughter and patted the table. "Good stuff! Made from Yellow Sandalwood struck by lightning wood. Later, we can ask an artifact refiner to make a few flying swords from it. We can't leave such a treasure for the Qingyu Sect. If they