I know you mean well and truly want to help us, the old woman said, her expression heavy with concern. But the situation in our town is far too complicated. With your current strength, Im afraid theres nothing you can do for us. You should leave while you still can!

Many Taoist cultivators have come before you, she continued, her voice trembling slightly. But in the end, all of them died at the hands of those YaoGuais.

Zhang Nu and the others could see the genuine worry in the old womans eyes. She wouldnt have shared so much with them if she didnt care. Now it was up to them to prove whose words held the truth.

Granny, weve already learned quite a bit about the situation in your village, Zhang Nu said gently. We really do want to help you. If youre willing to share everything with us, we can get to the bottom of this together.

Weve already identified the true culprit behind everything, he added. All thats left is to take him down.

The old woman stared at Zhang Nu in disbelief. All the cultivators who came before boasted of their power, but none had ever gotten close to discovering who the real culprit wasmany didnt even notice the odd behavior of the villagers.

But this young man he actually knew the truth. Perhaps he was different.

You mean it? Youve discovered whos behind all this? she asked hesitantly. Then do you also know about our

Zhang Nu nodded slowly. We know about the abnormalities in your village. We noticed something was off the very night we arrived and have been investigating ever since. Now that weve identified the true threat, we wont rest until weve defeated it.

The old womans heart filled with worry again. Those YaoGuais were beyond vicious. Could Zhang Nu and the others really defeat them? She doubted it.

Many outsiders had died trying to do the same. The village had closed itself off entirely, and yet, somehow, these young people were still here.

No, she said firmly. Even if youve learned all this, youre still in danger. Those creatures their cultivation is far beyond yours. Please, listen to me. Leave this place while you still can. We dont want to see more outsiders die for our sake. .

Zhang Nu was touched by her words. Despite their own suffering, the villagers still put the safety of strangers first. He could feel just how peace-loving the townspeople truly were.

Dont worry, Granny, he said with a warm smile. Well deal with the YaoGuai. You dont have to worry about us. We know what were doing.

The old womans anxiety only grew. If they really knew what they were doing, they would have left already. Still, she knew there was no convincing them now. With a sigh, she gave up trying to persuade them and returned to her own business.

Seeing her walk away, Zhang Nu and the others exchanged a quiet, contented smile.

Now you understand, dont you? Zhang Nu said to the YaoGuais behind him. Most of the townsfolk are peaceful. They know its not your fault. The reason the blame was pushed onto you was because someone didnt want the truth about the real monster getting out.

The YaoGuais nodded. They had seen enough to believe Zhang Nus sincerity, and now they knew he truly had their best interests at heart.

Zhang Nu, one of the YaoGuais said, We know you truly care about us.

Now that we know whats really going on, we need to stand up and clear our names. That YaoGuai was bold enough to use our identities to commit atrocitieshe must be stopped!

Zhang Nu smiled at their determination. These YaoGuais were kinder and braver than hed imagined, and he was glad they had found clarity.

Alright, well head for the bamboo forest, he said. We four will take on the YaoGuai first. If we cant handle it, then the rest of you can step in.

But rememberdont act unless absolutely necessary. If you do, you may not come back alive.