"Monster?"
Shen Yuan cast an unobtrusive glance at the big cat lying in the cabin and the kitten sprawled at the bow, trying to catch fish. His expression turned somewhat strange.
The boatman naturally failed to notice this detail. His tone grew grave:
"That's right, monsters!"
"It is said that ever since Clouddream Village drove away the wealthy businessman who wanted to develop it into a scenic resort, people have often seen eerie figures that did not resemble humans appearing outside their doors in the middle of the night."
"The poultry kept by villagers often vanished without explanation. Where they disappeared, there would even be damp water stains and scales half the size of a palm."
Shen Yuan had initially thought it was merely a rumor that had grown more distorted with every retelling. But after hearing the boatman solemnly insist that there were monsters, the smile on Shen Yuan's face faded somewhat.
"Has anyone in Clouddream Village been hurt because of this?"
The boatman pondered for a while before answering:
"No one has been injured. But the old village chief of Clouddream Village was frightened by a monster one night and fell down. His mind has been somewhat abnormal ever since."
"The information about the monsters also came from that old village chief."
Based on the boatman's few words alone, Shen Yuan found it difficult to make any judgment. Many such rural tales began as nothing more than a minor incident, only to become increasingly sinister in the telling until they turned into horror legends.
A little problem like this certainly could not stop Shen Yuan from seeking an opportunity to earn hidden achievements.
"I am quite interested in this Clouddream Village. Please take me there, boatman."
The boatman wanted to dissuade him, but seeing Shen Yuan's resolute attitude,