Upon sensing Ling Xis arrival, Lin Xiao offered a rare, breathtaking smile. One that seemed so otherworldly, as if he were a spirit tempting fate itself.

For a brief moment, even the black mist wavered.

Lin Xiao had been waiting for this opening. The instant the black mist faltered, he unleashed his control technique once more, momentarily immobilizing it. Seizing the opportunity, Ling Xi swiftly revealed herself and whisked Zhang Nu, Liu Hai, and Lin Xiao away.

Once the black mist broke free from Lin Xiaos grasp, it could only see a snow-white fox carrying them far into the distance.

A deep, simmering hatred flickered within the black mists core. That fox again. It had interfered one too many times. The black mist narrowed its focus. This creature could no longer be allowed to exist. But first, it had more pressing mattersit needed a new plan.

When Zhang Nu and the others finally escaped, their bodies were weak, their breaths ragged. They owed their lives to Ling Xi, and they knew it.

Once she finally stopped running, giving them a chance to recover, Zhang Nu turned to her, eyes filled with gratitude.

Ling Xi, we owe you our lives, he said sincerely. If not for you, we wouldve died in that monsters hands.

Ling Xi, however, merely smirked, as if she didnt care.

I dont go around saving people for free, she said. Now that Ive helped you, you owe me something in return.

Zhang Nu arched his brow. And what might that be?

You must help clear our names, Ling Xi declared. None of the monsters in our mountain have ever harmed the villagers. But those people down there keep blaming us for everything!

Zhang Nu nodded, his expression solemn.

Weve already figured out the truth, he admitted. The black mist is controlling the villagers. Every night, the so-called monsters that attack them… are the villagers themselves.

Ling Xis eyes widened in shock.

I always knew that thing was evil, she murmured. But to turn the villagers into its pawns and force them to kill each other Thats beyond cruel.

Zhang Nus fists clenched at her words. Ling Xi wasnt wrong. It was beyond cruel.

Do you have a way to stop it? she asked.

Zhang Nu and the others exchanged glances and then shook their heads.

If we did, Zhang Nu said bitterly. We wouldnt have needed you to save us.

Ling Xi sighed, I figured as much.

Were just not strong enough yet, Zhang Nu admitted. If we want to stand a chance, we need to grow stronger first.

Ling Xi crossed her arms and thought for a moment.

I know a place where you can train, she finally said. But you must not harm the spirits and creatures in this forest.

She turned toward the distant peaks.

Beyond this mountain, on the other side, theres another den of monstersreal ones. Ones who actually kill. Those you can hunt. Youll find no shortage of bloodthirsty creatures there.

Zhang Nu, Liu Hai, and Lin Xiao all nodded in understanding.

Thank you for the guidance, Zhang Nu said. Well head there right away.

But Ling Xi shook her head.

You shouldnt rush, she said, glancing at Lin Xiao. One of you looks like hes about to collapse.

Only then did Zhang Nu realizeLin Xiao was pale, his breathing unsteady. He had pushed himself too far.

This is my fault, Zhang Nu admitted. I didnt even notice how exhausted you were.

Lin Xiao tried to shake it off. I can still move, he said stubbornly. We should go.

No, Zhang Nu said firmly. We rest first.

Were all exhausted, he added, glancing at Liu Hai. And besides we still need to properly thank Ling Xi for saving us.

Ling Xi raised a brow, amused by his words. She glanced at Lin Xiao, a teasing glint in her eyes.

Lin Xiao, however, merely scoffed, I know I owe you my life and Ill repay that debt someday.

But dont look at me like Im supposed to grovel in gratitude.