After returning to the house, Zhang Nu went to find Lin Xiao and Ling Xi. This matter was extremely importantif overheard by any of the villagers, they might never be allowed to leave this place.

So? Did you find out anything useful? Lin Xiao asked.

Zhang Nu nodded. Yes. In fact, it might be very useful. You both need to listen carefully.

Hearing this, Lin Xiao and Ling Xi nodded solemnly.

I spoke with that boy earlier, he said his name is Zhao Yang. He told me not everyone in this village was always like this. When they were younger, they all had dreams. They wanted to travel the world, to explore and seek out new horizons. .

But now? Somehow, all of his friends have turned into the same kind of people as the rest of the villagers. Hes the only one left who still clings to those dreams.

Lin Xiao and Ling Xi both fell into thought. It was certainly a sobering realization. If what Zhang Nu said was true, then there had to be more going on with Zhao Yang than met the eye.

There must be something special about Zhao Yang, Lin Xiao murmured. How can he be the only one in the whole village whos still conscious of it all?

Zhang Nu nodded in agreement. Whatever the reason, they had to focus on rescuing Liu Hai first.

For now, our priority is to wake Liu Hai up. Everything else can wait. The key thing is that Zhao Yang said that if we agreed to take him with us when we leave, hed help us bring Liu Hai back.

Upon hearing that, Ling Xi and Lin Xiao exchanged glances. They had no better option. Zhao Yang understood the village better than anyone. Without his help, they might never reach Liu Hai.

Fine, Lin Xiao said. Well take Zhao Yang with us, but only if he succeeds in getting Liu Hai to snap back. If he fails, we leave him behind.

Zhang Nu nodded. Dont worry. Ive already told him that. Zhao Yang agreedif we promise to take him, hell help us without hesitation.

That finally put Lin Xiao at ease. As long as Zhang Nu was certain of Zhao Yangs sincerity, they could proceed.

Then, when do we start? Its about time Liu Hai saw this place for what it really is, Zhang Nu shook his head. I need to go speak with Zhao Yang again first. But before that, where is Liu Hai? Hes not here.

Hes outside training, Ling Xi said, pointing to the open yard.

Zhang Nu stared at her in disbelief. Liu Hai? Training? Are you serious?

That didnt make sense. By now, Liu Hai shouldve fallen completely under the villages spell. Sluggish, lazycertainly not training.

What happened? Is he really getting better already?

Ling Xi shook her head. Its because Lin Xiao beat him in a sparring match. He couldnt take the loss. Once he realized Lin Xiao had only been training for a month and still beat him, it hit him hard.

Lin Xiao is honestly kind of a rare genius, she added. After losing to him, Liu Hai couldnt bring himself to slack off anymore.

Zhang Nu turned to look at Lin Xiao, clearly stunned. You really beat him? Youve become that strong?

Lin Xiao nodded slowly. Zhang Nu didnt want to believe it, but the truth was right in front of him, and denial wouldnt change that.

If you dont believe me Lin Xiao started.

No, no, I believe you! Zhang Nu interrupted, letting out a laugh. Youre amazing, Lin Xiao. When am I going to get as strong as you? To think you improved this much in such a short time

Lin Xiao scratched his head in embarrassment. He clearly hadnt expected such praise from Zhang Nu.

Its nothing, he muttered. You guys helped me out. You gave me all the leftover monsters to train with, after all.