"How could I dare refuse!"
Chu Jingtang cupped his hands with an air of defiance, then turned and soared over everyone's heads. The Jade Tide Sect disciples immediately followed.
Mulan Qingqing sprang into the air from her high vantage point and went after them.
Wan Daoxuan and the others exchanged speechless glances, then flashed away after them as well.
A clamor rose on all sides. Whether they were going to watch a spectacle or not, most of the crowd took to the air and followed.
The throng swept out of the valley in a long procession and headed into the distance.
As Chu Jingtang had said, it truly was not far, only a few dozen li away, in a mountain hollow reached by a winding route.
They landed on a slope one after another. Chu Jingtang pointed at a man-made cave in the hollow. "They were here before. I don't know whether they've left."
Those arriving afterward landed on the hills to either side of the hollow.
Seemingly startled by the commotion outside, Wu Jinliang poked his head out of the cave for a look, then ducked back in at the sight of them like a frightened rabbit.
Mulan Qingqing's gaze sharpened. She immediately flew down and landed at the cave entrance, where she stood motionless, staring coldly inside.
Wan Daoxuan and the others exchanged glances, then flew down to land beside Mulan and peer into the cave.
The cave was shallow, clearly just a temporary shelter, so they could see everything inside. There were only two men.
More and more people jumped down into the hollow.
Apparently realizing there was no hiding, Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang sauntered out of the cave, neither showing a trace of guilt. One cupped his hands in greeting, while the other carried a