Lu Xiaotian and Xiang Yihang had only just concealed themselves when several figures came fluttering through the forest like butterflies. The four wore strange clothing, and their ragged-looking cloaks were covered in azure luan feathers. Their faces were somewhat bizarre and grotesque as well, with slightly pointed mouths that resembled bird beaks. Their gazes, however, were as sharp as eagles'.
The leader was slightly plump and looked like the one in charge. He swept his eyes around, while the others wore wary expressions as well.
"Big Brother, I think I can smell the trace of a living person. They seem to have left not long ago." Of the four, the only woman was somewhat petite, and her voice was exceptionally shrill.
"Sun Ying, this place is near the Xiao family's territory. It isn't strange for someone out patrolling the mountains to pass by now and then." Another tall, lean man, Sun Ying, said dismissively.
"I hope that's all it is. Still, being careful never hurts. The four of us have been in seclusion for many years, and now that we've come out in force, we have to gain something from it." The remaining short, stocky man, Sun Diao, narrowed his eyes until they were nearly slits, but a vicious glint gleamed from those slits.
"Fourth Brother is right. It's always better to be careful. The Xiao family is no less perilous than a dragon's pool or a tiger's den. It would be best if we could enter and leave without a sound. The River-Suppressing Stele is such a calamity-attracting object. Xiao Jinlei dared move it into his territory—unless he's insane, he must have absolute confidence. The Xiang Kingdom's Xiao family is one of its six great lineages, and its foundations cannot be underestimated. Even the four of us would have