At a thought from Xu Changqing, Xu Qiansui appeared before him.
"Master."
"Follow Liu Mu in secret. Be sure not to expose yourself."
"Yes, Master."
Xu Qiansui moved, transforming into a streak of azure light and vanishing from where he stood.
After leaving the Spirit Melody Sect, Liu Mu headed away from Clearbrook Valley.
Xu Qiansui followed close behind, always keeping several miles between himself and Liu Mu.
Using the vegetation along the way to conceal himself, he left Liu Mu completely unaware.
The two traveled westward all the way, gradually leaving the boundaries of Clearbrook Valley.
Before long, they entered a desolate mountain forest.
The spiritual energy in the forest was sparse, and occasional shrieks could be heard, making the place seem especially eerie.
After moving through the forest for roughly two hours, Liu Mu finally stopped before a concealed valley.
The valley entrance was narrow and hidden behind dense thickets. Without a careful look, it would have been impossible to discover.
He swept the area with his Spiritual Sense. After confirming that no one was following him, he raised a hand and cast a spell.
The thickets slowly parted, revealing a narrow path leading into the valley.
Liu Mu hurried inside, and the thickets immediately returned to normal, concealing the entrance once more.
Such a petty trick naturally could not stop Xu Qiansui, especially since he himself was a spirit plant.
Without stirring even the grass or trees, he slipped inside with ease.
Once inside, he saw that the place was not spacious. A crude courtyard stood in its center.
Low earthen walls surrounded the courtyard. Strange runes were carved into them, emitting faint black qi. It appeared to be an array specifically designed to conceal auras and defend against outside enemies.
More than twenty people lived in