Nian Lin did not waste any time.
Although he had spent very little time among humans, he still understood one simple truth—communication was nothing more than an exchange of words.
Whether Zhao Chen chose to honor his promise afterward...
That would be Zhao Chen's fate.
With a single step, Nian Lin shot forward.
His target was not the ordinary wolves.
It was the leader.
The crimson wolf was startled.
It had never expected the seemingly harmless youth to attack first.
Before it could even react, Nian Lin had already appeared before it.
The dagger in his hand flashed.
The wolf instinctively tried to dodge, but it was already too late.
Puchi!
The dagger pierced directly into its left eye.
At the same time, Nian Lin's other hand seized the wolf's head.
His arm swelled with spiritual energy.
With a violent twist—
Crack!
The wolf's neck snapped.
Before the corpse had even fallen, Nian Lin had already disappeared again.
Another flash.
A third.
A fourth.
In the span of a single breath...
Three more wolves collapsed into pools of blood.
The remaining wolves instantly lost all courage.
Without hesitation, they turned and fled into the forest with frightened whimpers.
Silence returned.
Zhao Chen stood rooted to the ground.
His mouth remained half-open.
Cold sweat streamed down his back.
His entire body trembled uncontrollably.
The youth standing before him...
Who looked no older than twelve or thirteen...
Had slaughtered four wolves almost effortlessly.
A bitter smile appeared on Zhao Chen's face.
"So... I was the fool."
He had actually intended to use the youth as bait.
Who could have imagined that someone so young possessed such terrifying strength?
Suppressing the fear in his heart, Zhao Chen took a deep breath before bowing respectfully.
"I will keep my end of the agreement."
Nian Lin merely looked at him.
"Lead the way."
Zhao Chen nodded repeatedly before beginning to walk.
Nian Lin quietly followed behind him.
From the map Senior Mo had given him, together with the conversations he had overheard from the sect disciples, he already possessed a rough understanding of Bailou Village.
It was a mortal settlement under the protection of Bamboo Shadow Pavilion.
For over two hundred years, the village had paid taxes to the pavilion in exchange for safety.
Most of its people survived through farming, hunting, and gathering medicinal herbs. This chapter was taken from g.com without permission.
Its strongest cultivator was the village chief, Han Deyi, a fourth-level Qi Condensation cultivator.
Any child discovered to possess exceptional talent would eventually be taken away by Bamboo Shadow Pavilion.
As for outsiders...
Anyone wishing to settle within the village had to register, state their purpose, and pay a residence fee in Spirit Coins.
Merchant caravans and mercenary companies also paid entrance taxes whenever they came to trade.
That was precisely why Nian Lin had chosen Bailou Village.
Before learning more about this world, wandering around aimlessly would only invite death.
A quiet village protected by a sect was the perfect place for him to remain unnoticed.
Of course...
That did not mean he trusted Zhao Chen.
Although he had saved the man's life, human nature was often more dangerous than beasts.
He would never lower his guard.
The display of strength just now had also been intentional.
Some people only respected power.
As long as Zhao Chen understood that...
There would be far fewer unnecessary troubles.
The two continued walking in silence.
Before long, they climbed a small hill.
As they reached the summit, Zhao Chen suddenly stopped.
Nian Lin raised his head.
Below them, nestled among endless rice fields and surrounded by forests, stood a peaceful village.
The setting sun cast its final golden rays across the rooftops, making thin streams of cooking smoke glow softly beneath the evening sky.
"Bailou Village..."
For the first time in many years...
Nian Lin looked upon a true human settlement.
___________
Soon, they arrived at the entrance of Bailou Village.
By then, the sun had almost completely set. The two guards standing at the village gate did not question the blood covering their bodies. After all, this was a hunting village. Hunters returning soaked in blood was nothing unusual.
One of the guards immediately walked over to Zhao Chen when he noticed the large Red Wolf he was dragging behind him.
"Hahaha! Zhao Chen, you came back with a big one today!"
Even with his injuries, Zhao Chen had refused to abandon the wolf leader's corpse, dragging it all the way back to the village.
Shi Hu laughed loudly.
"These wolves have been rampaging around these past few days as though they have no fear at all. Very soon, we'll organize another wolf hunt. That'll be thrilling! I didn't perform very well the last time, but this time..."
Even though he was exhausted, Zhao Chen forced himself to smile.
"Shi Hu, these wolves have become true tyrants. I almost lost my life to them today. If it weren't for this little brother, I wouldn't have made it back alive."
As he spoke, Zhao Chen took the opportunity to introduce Nian Lin.
What a cunning man.
Nian Lin thought to himself.
Only then did Shi Hu finally turn his attention toward the youth standing behind Zhao Chen.
"You almost died... and he saved you?"
His gaze swept across Nian Lin's petite figure, disbelief evident on his face.
"Yes," Zhao Chen replied seriously. "I was attacked by an entire pack of wolves. It was only by luck that I managed to come back alive... and even then, I only managed to bring back this one."
"You're truly becoming a strong man, just like your father."
The other guard, who had been quietly listening until now, finally spoke.
"You praise me too much, Uncle Jian."
Zhao Chen scratched his head awkwardly.
"I'm just fortunate to have made it back alive. I don't think I'll be entering the forest again for at least a month."
Uncle Jian nodded before turning to look Nian Lin up and down.
Perhaps...
He was wondering how someone so young had managed to save Zhao Chen.
Maybe the boy had simply used himself as bait.
That was the only explanation he could think of.
Noticing the strange atmosphere, Zhao Chen coughed lightly, drawing everyone's attention back to himself.
Uncle Jian smiled.
"Go home and get some rest. Your family must be worried."
"When your father finishes his work, tell him I'll come over and compete with him in drinking."
He laughed heartily.
"Alright, Uncle Jian."
Zhao Chen nodded before hesitating.
"But... what about this boy?"
Uncle Jian waved his hand dismissively.
"It's already getting dark."
"I can't very well send your helper back into the forest."
He chuckled.
"Do you want those wolves to come back and take revenge on him?"
Everyone laughed.
Uncle Jian then looked toward Nian Lin.
"I'll consider your entrance fee paid."
"Since you saved one of our villagers, Zhao Chen no longer owes you any debt."
"If you wish to continue staying in Bailou Village after today..."
"You'll have to rely on yourself."
He stepped aside from the gate.
"Go inside."