When the parents saw their children’s bones returned to them, they were overwhelmed. Just yesterday, these children had been running around, full of life, and today, they were nothing but a pile of white bones. It was an unbearable reality for anyone. They felt as if their world had crumbled, but life had to go on. They knew they couldn’t lose all hope in living, even in this despair.
“Take care of yourselves,” the old woman said with a sigh. “I’ve done all I can for now. But know that such incidents may happen again. I need to discuss how we’re going to deal with this going forward.”
Hearing the elder’s words, the parents nodded, determined that no other children should ever suffer such a fate. They would make sure to protect their children better in the future.
Liu Hai walked alongside the elder as they left the group. “Granny, have you thought of a way to solve this?” he asked. “These days, there are many fraudulent exorcists. Finding someone truly capable of dealing with these malicious spirits will be difficult.”
The old woman knew exactly what Liu Hai meant, she had considered these things well in advance, but had yet to find a suitable candidate.
“I’m well aware,” she replied, “but the most important thing is figuring out a course of action. We have to find an exorcist. Even the slimmest chance of success is worth it if it means preventing more children from falling victim to such horrors.”
After hearing the old woman’s words, Liu Hai felt that this was the right moment to bring up Zhang Nu, and perhaps she would agree to it now.
“Granny, I really think Zhang Nu would be willing to help us,” Liu Hai said. “He has some expertise in handling these matters. If we could invite him back, I’m certain he could help us get rid of these evil spirits.”
The old woman shook her head. “We just chased Zhang Nu away,” she replied. “How can we ask him to come back now? He may not be willing to help us after how he was treated. It’s better that we find another way instead of placing all our hope on Zhang Nu.”
But Liu Hai looked at her with urgency. How could they not put their hope in Zhang Nu? If Zhang Nu wasn’t involved, he’d never have a reason to return to the village. Liu Hai needed Zhang Nu back if there was any hope of a resolution.
“Please trust me, Granny. Zhang Nu isn’t that petty. If he knew what was happening here, he’d want to help. Let me speak with him. I know he’ll agree to help us.”
The old woman looked at Liu Hai with a loving, sympathetic gaze. She could tell he was speaking sincerely. With Liu Hai going to Zhang Nu, there was a chance he would agree to return. However, she couldn’t help but feel regretful. After all, they had just driven Zhang Nu away, and now they were asking him to come back to help. It seemed unfair to Zhang Nu.
“You’re right. Go ahead and try to reach out to Zhang Nu for us,” the elder said. “If he’s willing to return, we’re prepared to offer a substantial reward and ensure he has a place in the village.”
Liu Hai nodded immediately, and without wasting any time, he set out from the village to find Zhang Nu. The elder didn’t stop him; in fact, she was hopeful Liu Hai could find Zhang Nu quickly. The sooner he was found, the sooner he could deal with the troubles plaguing them.
……
Zhang Nu, having kept an eye on the village, was aware of the events unfolding. He knew the villagers had gone up to Nine Fox Ridge, but he hadn’t followed them, worried he might be discovered. Instead, he kept a low profile, waiting nearby in anticipation that Liu Hai might come looking for him.
Sure enough, it wasn’t long before Liu Hai arrived. Zhang Nu saw him and quickly gestured for him to come over.
“Liu Hai, what exactly happened in the village?” Zhang Nu asked urgently. “Why did Granny lead you all up Nine Fox Ridge?”
Liu Hai shook his head, signaling that he would explain it all later. Right now, the most important thing was that Zhang Nu finally had a chance to return to the village.
“I’ll tell you everything later,” Liu Hai reassured him. “Right now, you can come back to the village. Granny and the others won’t object this time.”
Zhang Nu looked at Liu Hai in surprise. “Are you serious? I can actually go back to the village now? I thought outsiders were still forbidden to enter?”