Lin Xiao let out a mocking laugh after hearing Zhang Nu’s words.
“No one’s ever told me I had the potential for cultivation,” he said, his tone laced with sarcasm.
“And now you’re saying this out of nowhere? I can’t help but wonder what your real motive is?”
He stared at Zhang Nu, a flicker of suspicion in his eyes. Lin Xiao was convinced that Zhang Nu wasn’t being entirely honest, perhaps attempting to dissuade him from his plans to harm the village. Otherwise, why would he bring this up?
“You’re really going to such lengths to stop me,” Lin Xiao continued. “You seem to think you know what I’m planning to do.”
Zhang Nu met Lin Xiao’s gaze steadily and shook his head. Yet he could tell from Lin Xiao’s demeanor that the young man harbored no affection for the village or its people. In fact, he seemed to disdain them entirely. Zhang Nu suspected that Lin Xiao’s plan was tied to the village, and possibly its destruction.
“I don’t know exactly what you’re planning,” Zhang Nu admitted. “But I urge you not to harm this village. It carries the memories of your entire childhood and has served as a safe haven for many people.”
“If you destroy it, I assure you, you’ll regret it one day.”
Lin Xiao’s expression shifted, a glimmer of surprise flickering across his face before it disappeared. Zhang Nu had seen through him—though only partially. He realized Zhang Nu was aware of his intent to harm the village, even if the specifics were still unclear.
“You think you’ve figured me out, huh?” Lin Xiao sneered. “Well, let me tell you something. What I choose to do is none of your business, and you have no say in it.”
“But if you insist on me helping you, know this: you’ll pay a heavy price for it later.”
His eyes darkened, his voice becoming sharp and unwavering. The words struck Zhang Nu like a thunderclap, forcing him to take two steps back. For the first time, Zhang Nu felt genuinely intimidated by Lin Xiao’s presence. Yet, with no other leads to follow, Lin Xiao was his only option.
“Fine,” Zhang Nu said at last. “I’ll agree to your terms. Now, will you tell me what happened?”
Lin Xiao nodded but before he could respond, a sudden tremor shook the ground beneath their feet. Zhang Nu immediately grabbed Lin Xiao and rushed out of the house.
Moments later, they reunited with Liu Hai, who looked just as puzzled and alarmed.
“What’s going on?” Liu Hai asked, his voice trembling with unease. “Why is the ground shaking like this? Is this an earthquake?”
Zhang Nu shook his head. “I have no idea what’s happening. But we need to figure it out fast. Let’s head toward the village and see what’s going on.”
Lin Xiao, however, seemed unbothered. A faint glint appeared in his eyes, as if he had already guessed what was happening.
“There’s no need to be so panicked,” Lin Xiao said with a faint smirk. “Everything that was meant to happen has already occurred. You can’t change the outcome now.”
Both Zhang Nu and Liu Hai turned their attention to Lin Xiao, their expressions a mix of shock and suspicion.
“What do you mean by that?” Liu Hai asked. “Did you know this would happen all along? What’s really going on?”
Lin Xiao chuckled darkly, his smile dripping with mockery.
“I did know,” Lin Xiao admitted, his tone casual. “But so what? Everything’s already happened. There’s no way to undo it now.”
“Tsk, what a pity. I was hoping to have you help me with a few things, but it seems that’s no longer necessary.”
Zhang Nu was furious. How could Lin Xiao speak so nonchalantly about such a serious matter? Did he truly have no attachment to this village? And why had the earthquake occurred so suddenly? Zhang Nu couldn’t shake the feeling that something sinister was at play.