Zhang Nu and his companions closely observed the so-called YaoGuai that had pursued them.

At first, the creatures form had seemed terrifying in the shadows, but now that they had a clearer view, it appeared… weak. Confusion flickered across Zhang Nus face. Why would a YaoGuai be this frail? However, everything clicked into place once they saw its true form.

This wasnt a YaoGuai at allit was a villager. A perfectly ordinary villager from the town. But why would an ordinary person disguise themselves as a YaoGuai? And more importantly, how did they possess such sharp hearing and eerie movements?

Zhang Nus thoughts raced, It looks like theyre just regular villagers… but why do they look like this? And their hearing its too sensitive, far beyond human capability.

Though Zhang Nu spoke cautiously, they were still too close. The YaoGuai suddenly stopped, its head tilting as if it had heard something. A moment later, it lunged toward them. The three of them barely dodged the sudden attack.

When they got a clearer look at their assailant, shock washed over them. It was the same villager who had refused them lodging on their first night.

Zhang Nu, Liu Hai, and Lin Xiao exchanged glances. Since they knew these YaoGuais were the townspeople, they hesitated. They couldnt just attack them.

But then… what should they do? .

Zhang Nu, what do we do? Liu Hai asked, voice tight. Are we really supposed to fight ordinary people?

Lin Xiaos expression darkened.

Liu Hai, wake up, he said coldly, Theyre not ordinary people anymore. They might have been human by day, but at night, they are YaoGuais.

Why? He didnt know. But what he did know was that if they hesitated, they could all die here.

We dont know why they transform at night, Lin Xiao continued. But our priority is survival.

Zhang Nu and Liu Hai fell silent. Lin Xiao was rightthe longer they delayed, the greater the danger.

If we dont fight, we will die, Zhang Nu muttered, But if we do fight, how do we make sure were not killing innocent people?

Lin Xiao took a deep breath.

We dont need to kill them, he said, We just need to restrain them.

Zhang Nu frowned, Restrain them? How? Our magic is all offensive-based.

Liu Hai sighed, Yeah, neither of us has any binding techniques…

Lin Xiaos gaze hardened, Then Ill do it.

Without hesitation, he stepped forward and raised his hand. A moment later, thick tree roots burst from the ground, twisting around the villagers-turned-YaoGuais and binding them in place.

Zhang Nu and Liu Hai watched in awe. They had always known Lin Xiao had sharp instinctsbut they had never seen him use this kind of power before.

You could do that this whole time? Liu Hai blurted out, Why didnt you say something earlier? We wouldnt have needed to run so much!

Before Zhang Nu could respond, his attention snapped to Lin Xiao. Something was wrong. Lin Xiao swayed slightly, his face was unusually pale.

Zhang Nu immediately stepped forward, catching him before he could stumble, Lin Xiao, are you alright?

Liu Hais smugness vanished instantly. He hadnt noticed before, but now that Zhang Nu pointed it out, he could see it clearly. Lin Xiao looked exhausted. No wonder he rarely used his abilities.

Lin Xiao, you havent mastered your powers yet, have you? Zhang Nu asked, concern evident in his voice.

If you push yourself too hard, youre going to collapse, Liu Hai added.

We dont want to see you like this. Zhang Nus words were gentle, but firm.

They werent just worried about his well-beingthey needed him at his best. And pushing himself like this wasnt worth it.