Even though Liu Hai didnt really understand what was going on, or how it would endhe still trusted Zhang Nu and Lin Xiao without hesitation.

So what do we do next? You dont even have a suspect yet, Liu Hai asked. Are we just going to keep staying here forever? How long do you think well be stuck?

Hearing Liu Hais complaints, Zhang Nu and Lin Xiao both shook their heads. They didnt know how long theyd have to stay either. At the very least, they wouldnt leave until they found out who, or wherethe hidden YaoGuai was, or whether it was even an evil one to begin with.

We might have to stay a while longer, Zhang Nu said. If the YaoGuai turns out to be harmless, then well leave right away. But if its dangerous Well probably be tied up here a bit longer.

Liu Hai nodded in agreement, but he was still restless. Then we need to find it as soon as possible. If we drag this out any longer, something else might go wrong.

His concern wasnt unreasonable, but without any clues, being worried wouldnt help.

In that case, Zhang Nu said. Why dont we just tell Patron Fu directly? Tell him theres a YaoGuai in town and see how he reacts.

But Zhao Yang quickly frowned. We cant do that. What if the YaoGuai really is here in the Fu household? If we say it outright, it might escape. And if Patron Fu finds out, hell be scared half to death. Fear makes it even easier for YaoGuais to possess people. If that happens, well have an even bigger mess.

Lin Xiao listened to Zhao Yangs point and agreed he made sense, but didnt think it was enough to stop them.

I think Zhang Nus right. We should tell Patron Fu directly. And we dont need to worry about him getting possessed. Well just give him a protective talisman to keep him safe.

Zhao Yang thought it over. Lin Xiaos idea did sound reasonable. If they could protect Patron Fu, then telling him was fine.

Alright, lets go with Lin Xiaos plan then, Zhao Yang said. He wouldnt steer us wrong.

Once theyd settled on this idea, everyone nodded. But right then, Lin Xiao hit them with another pointed question.

Do any of you have a protective talisman to give him?

Everyone turned to stare at Lin Xiao in complete silence, like theyd all been struck dumb at the same time.

Whats that supposed to mean? Liu Hai asked. Dont tell me you dont have one? .

Lin Xiao nodded calmly. Where would I get something like that? Ive spent my whole life in a tiny village. Where would I find a protective charm? Im just here to give you ideasyoure on your own for the rest.

Zhang Nu pressed a hand to his forehead. Hed actually been nave enough to assume Lin Xiao had it covered. The idea was solid, but if they couldnt back it up, then it was just a wish.

In that case, everyone should check their bags, Zhang Nu sighed. If Lin Xiao doesnt have one, maybe we can scrape something together ourselves. Worst case, we can see if anyone knows how to draw a simple protection talisman for Patron Fu.

Faced with that, the whole group could only nod helplessly. None of them had any better options. After all, theyd barely left home before this. Most of them had never even stepped outside their villagewhere would they have picked up something as rare as a protective charm? АО