When Madam Fu saw Zhang Nu in that state, she shyly averted her gaze, as if shed caught sight of something inappropriate. Zhang Nu, however, remained unaware.

He continued practicing his martial arts in the courtyard, but his sharp instincts told him someone was quietly approaching. He immediately stopped, turned aroundand saw Madam Fu, her cheeks flushed red.

Realizing his current attire might not be appropriate, Zhang Nu quickly said, My apologies, Madam Fu. I didnt know you would come by so early. Allow me to change clothes first.

He made to leave, but Madam Fu called out to stop him.

Theres no need for that, Master Zhang, she said. I only came to speak with you briefly. Once Ive said my piece, Ill be on my way.

Zhang Nu frowned slightly, unsure what she wanted to talk about. Could she have found out? Had their plan to hunt the YaoGuai been exposed?

I wonder what urgent matter prompted you to seek me out so early this morning, Madam Fu.

She leaned in mysteriously. Master Zhang are you currently investigating a YaoGuai?

His eyes widened in shock. Aside from Lord Fu, no one else had been informedhow did she know? Even if she had overheard their conversation yesterday, why confront him about it today?

How exactly did you come by this information? he asked, his tone guarded. As far as I know, I never told anyone else.

Madam Fu, hearing the suspicion in his voice, knew he wasnt ready to trust her outright. But she had her reasons for coming forward.

To tell you the truth, Master, Ive lived through this myself. Thats why I dared to come find you, she said. I wanted to speak to you earlier, when you first arrived but I wasnt sure if you and your people were trustworthy.

It was only after overhearing your conversation with my husband yesterday that I felt certain.

Zhang Nus expression grew serious.

Madam Fu, are you certain the things youre telling me are true? he asked. Youre an ordinary personhow would you know about a YaoGuai? What did you experience?

She sighed, expecting this reaction. If Zhang Nu had believed her too easily, she wouldve doubted him in return.

To be honest, my father was killed by a YaoGuai, she said. His body was unrecognizable. All of his internal organs were gone. Thats how I know for certain that something monstrous is haunting this town.

As she spoke, sorrow clouded her eyes, and her voice trembled with fear. Zhang Nu wasnt sure whether to believe her. She seemed sincere, but

I cant say for sure if youre telling the truth, he said slowly. But Im willing to believe you.

Im very sorry about your father. We came here only because we heard rumors of a YaoGuais presence. But, we dont know whether its a benevolent one or a malicious one. Thats why weve hesitated to act.

Madam Fus eyes reddened. She couldnt understand why he was still hesitating. .

Master Zhang, what is there to hesitate about? Theres no such thing as a good YaoGuai! My father died because of one. I know better than anyone!

Zhang Nu could see the grief had taken a heavy toll on her. Still, he couldnt let her personal tragedy become the sole basis for judgment.

I understand your pain, Madam Fu. I know what youre afraid of, he said gently. But the YaoGuai that harmed your father may not be the same one haunting this place.

That said, I promise youI will do everything I can to avenge him.

She could only nod in response, her gaze drifting into the distance, as though something terrible lay waiting just beyond the horizon.

Then dont go back on your word, she whispered. My father never did anything evil. He lived in poverty, but he taught me how to survive with dignity, and how to stand tall with pride.

He didnt deserve to die such a terrible death at the hands of a monster.