The earthquake went on without end...
The sky was filled with chaotic columns of smoke, while rumbling thundered near and far!
Big Ox seemed to see the lintel of some house in town flying into the sky. The earth beneath his feet shuddered and swayed as if drunk; oxen, donkeys, pigs, and dogs howled and ran wild, while flocks of birds shrieked and scattered. Had the heavens flown into a rage?
The villagers had never seen such a terrifying scene. Their composure was far inferior to Big Ox's, who had taken part in the demon-slaying war.
He grabbed the boy again and ran toward the village.
"Kid! Hurry and lead the donkey, take your mother, and head for Divine Mountain!"
He was running too fast, and the wind filled the boy's mouth, leaving him unable to speak.
In a dozen or so strides, he burst back into the village, tossed the boy home, and helped calm the donkey. He brutally wrapped his arms around its neck until its eyes rolled white, settling the beast in just a few moves. As he ran toward his own home, he saw the dim-eyed village head, leaning on a cane, babbling nonsense.
"Don't panic, everyone... the immortals will naturally subdue the fiends~ Hurry and bring your silver to the township to seek refuge~"
The old man was over seventy, blessed with a long life. His beard was white, and his eyes had begun to cloud over as well.
No one knew how many years he had worn that long robe. It had been washed pale and was wrinkled beyond measure, yet it was the only presentable garment in the village.
Village heads held considerable authority among the common folk of the mountains and wilderness.
Many villagers obediently gathered their silver, assuming they would only