After hearing Zhang Nus words, Liu Hai also understoodthere was no avoiding it now. Zhao Yang would be joining them when they leave the village. Since that was the case, there was nothing left to argue. This decision had already been nailed into place.

Well then, wed better leave quickly, Liu Hai said. If we wait any longer, Im afraid we really wont be able to get out. This place is terrifying… it made us idle so much without even realizing it.

Zhang Nu nodded. He hadnt expected this village to be so dangerous either. At first, they had thought it was the most peaceful place they had ever stayed in, but in the end, it had proven to be the one that almost pulled them in the deepest.

The villages theyd visited before only tempted them with physical rest. This one had tempted them into spiritual complacency. .

And to cultivators like them, it was far more dangerous.

As they spoke, the group walked over to Zhao Yang. The boy glanced at Liu Hainow fully recoveredwith a sly grin, then shot a smug look at Zhang Nu.

Well? I didnt lie to you, did I? Zhao Yang said. Told you your friend would snap out of it after eating that grass. You guys just didnt believe me.

Zhang Nu gave an embarrassed smile. Anyone in our position wouldve had doubts. We had to be sure. Liu Hais life was on the line.

Right, he continued sincerely, Now that Liu Hais awake, thank you, Zhao Yang. I owe you an apology for my earlier doubts. Are you ready to leave with us? We plan to depart soon.

Zhao Yang nodded and jumped down from the wall hed been lounging on. I already told you Im coming with you. If youre all leaving, why would I stay behind?

He replied in his usual carefree tonea style Liu Hai disliked immediately. In Liu Hais eyes, people should be either upright and dependable like himself, or stoic and serious like Lin Xiao. This kind of loose, lazy attitude was the exact opposite of what he respected.

Zhang Nu, are we really bringing him with us? Liu Hai frowned. He doesnt exactly scream reliable. And dont forget. Hes a villager here. Would his family even allow it?

I remember him saying he tried to leave before and was stopped by his parents.

Zhao Yangs expression darkened. He glared at Liu Hai, clearly angered. To him, Liu Hais attitude was nothing short of biting the hand that fed him. If not for Zhao Yangs help, Liu Hai might still be trapped in that mind-numbing peace.

Youve got a hell of a way with words, Zhao Yang snapped. No sense of gratitude. If it werent for me, youd still be in a daze. So this is how you treat the one who saved your life? Really?

Liu Hais eyes grew sharp. See? Hes proving my point. One little comment and he explodes. If we bring him along, hes just going to be a liability. Weve already got four people, and thats enough. No need to drag him into it.

Zhao Yangs anger boiled over. He stared at the two of them with narrowed, reptilian eyeshis pupils slitting like a serpent about to strike.

Sensing the shift in tension, Lin Xiao quickly stepped forward.

Enough, Liu Hai, he said. Dont provoke him. The fact that he grew up in this village and still managed to keep his sense of selfthats not easy.

If he wants to come with us and experience the outside world, then let him. If he changes his mind later, he can always turn back.

Only after hearing Lin Xiaos words did the dangerous glint in Zhao Yangs eyes begin to fade.

Yes, hed let his temper get the better of him. He didnt even know if these people were truly trustworthy, yet hed already exposed his temperament. If they were bad people, he wouldve been finished, and so would the entire village.

Fine, Liu Hai said at last. If Lin Xiaos okay with it, then lets bring him along. Its not a big deal. Weve already taken in this many people.

But Im warning you, he added, casting Zhao Yang a sidelong glance. Our group isnt that strong. Everyone has to rely on themselves. If you cant pull your weight, dont expect us to babysit you.

Zhao Yang nodded lightly, though he didnt look Liu Hai in the eye. He still remembered what Liu Hai had said about not letting him come. Zhao Yang was the type to hold a grudge. N