After hearing Lin Xiao’s words, Zhang Nu recalled how they had handed all the monsters over to him. But even so, Lin Xiao truly had talent—he’d only reached this level through hard work and ability. Otherwise, no matter how many monsters they gave him, it wouldn’t have made a difference.
“Lin Xiao, keep working hard. You’ll definitely get stronger and stronger,” Zhang Nu encouraged.
Lin Xiao nodded, but now wasn’t the time for praise. What they needed to do was check on Liu Hai. Lin Xiao wasn’t convinced Liu Hai hadn’t already fallen back into his lazy habits.
“We should go check on Liu Hai. I’m worried he got fired up for a moment and then lost motivation again.”
Zhang Nu agreed that Lin Xiao made a good point. If Liu Hai had already relapsed, that means he was still deeply under the village’s spell. Since they were companions, they couldn’t just let him fall apart.
The three of them quickly made their way to the village entrance and found Liu Hai still training, definitely not slacking off. Seeing this, all three were relieved. Liu Hai wasn’t lost yet.
“In that case, let him continue training here,” Zhang Nu said. “Let’s go find Zhao Yang. If we’re going to help Liu Hai, we need a proper plan.”
Lin Xiao and Ling Xi followed Zhang Nu’s lead. Soon, they arrived at the agreed-upon meeting spot with Zhao Yang.
Sure enough, Zhao Yang was still lounging there without a care, chewing on a blade of grass, looking completely at ease. There was something effortlessly cool and carefree about him.
The group couldn’t help but think that Zhao Yang was rather handsome like this, especially Ling Xi, who had rarely seen many boys before. Apart from Zhang Nu and the others, the only "boys" she’d met were YaoGuais, and those were more mischievous than charming.
Zhang Nu was the first to notice the way Ling Xi was staring. Amused, he teased, “Alright, Ling Xi, stop staring. Your eyes are going glassy.”
Ling Xi pouted and looked away, but her gaze still sparkled with little stars. Lin Xiao glanced over at her with a look of disbelief—this wasn’t the Ling Xi he was used to.
“What are you doing? You look ridiculous. Can’t you act normal?”
Ling Xi glared at him, feeling insulted. What part of her behavior wasn’t normal? Wasn’t it totally natural for a girl to admire a handsome guy?
“What do you mean I’m not acting normal? Don’t think just because your cultivation level’s higher than mine, I can’t deal with you. So what if you’re stronger? I know Brother Zhang Nu will take my side!”
Zhang Nu sighed as he watched the two of them bicker. It was always like this; every argument somehow dragged him into the middle. And every time, the arguments made no sense.
“Alright, both of you, that’s enough. We’re here to talk about Liu Hai, remember?” he said with a hint of exasperation.
With a grumble, Lin Xiao and Ling Xi each looked away in silence.
Zhang Nu stepped forward with them and approached Zhao Yang.
“You’re here earlier than I thought,” Zhao Yang said lazily. “So, have you made up your mind?”
Zhang Nu nodded. Honestly, there wasn’t much to think about. If Zhao Yang wanted to leave with them, that would be fine as long as he could help save Liu Hai.
“Of course. We’ve decided. You can come with us, but only if you help bring Liu Hai back to his senses.”
Zhao Yang nodded, unsurprised. He knew full well that the reason the village had turned out like this was because of the people and the environment. But it wasn’t hopeless—there was still a way to fix it.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out two grass seeds. “Here. This is the method. Add two of these to his food each day. In three days, he’ll snap out of it.”
Zhang Nu stared at the seeds in his hand, dumbfounded. He looked at Zhao Yang in disbelief.
“You’re telling me… this grass will save Liu Hai?”
Zhao Yang nodded confidently, “Of course. Why else would I give it to you?”
Lin Xiao and Ling Xi bickering.
Ed: I ship them.