The town head's house.
As dusk first fell, a weary face peered through the crack in the farmhouse's crude doorway, wariness and confusion plain in his eyes as he watched Zhong Kui Jingyi and her companions.
Zhong Kui Jingyi softened her tone. "We are from the Liulan Dynasty, passing through this area. We have something we'd like to ask the town head of Baicao Town."
The man furtively glanced around, then whispered, "Come in, quickly!"
Zhong Kui Jingyi's group didn't hesitate. They followed him into the courtyard. The moment the two women crossed the threshold, the man slammed the courtyard gate shut as if afraid something might follow them inside, then bolted it.
He lowered his voice again. "My father's in the house. Don't make a sound. We can talk once we're inside."
"This town isn't safe!"
At that, Zhong Kui Jingyi and Qiao Ciguang exchanged glances, their expressions turning serious.
Just as they'd thought!
Something had happened in Baicao Town!
Looking at the many Demon Race members left outside, Zhong Kui Jingyi immediately sent them a voice transmission. "Come in as well. Don't reveal yourselves or frighten the mortals."
The demons had been uneasy at being separated from the two women. At her words, they promptly used their demonic arts to pass through the walls, then silently followed Zhong Kui Jingyi and Qiao Ciguang.
Led by the town head's son, they entered the main room.
Inside, an old man with a deeply wrinkled face and a bitter expression sat in the dim room, smoking a water pipe.
No lamp had been lit. Smoke curled through the room, and the harsh stench of cheap tobacco choked the air. A tiny ember flickered fitfully.
Fortunately, the darkness posed no obstacle to cultivators.
They quickly scanned their surroundings.
The main room was