"": 200,
"": "",
"": ""The people outside aren't from any nearby village. There aren't any villages near Cabinet Mountain Village. They aren't human. They're evil spirits."
"Think carefully. Didn't a father and son stay behind opposite the Mountain God Temple to watch you?"
"If people from another village really came to rescue you, wouldn't that father and son react?"
"A few days ago, another group of outsiders like you came here. The evil spirits tore out their hearts and lungs and ate them. Those things outside the door are evil spirits. I can prove it to you."
"But right now, you have to trust me, okay? I want to leave this place too."
Zhang Yunling spoke with extraordinary gentleness, laying out her reasoning clearly.
She untied Peng Zhan's ropes. The moment he was free, he jolted and tried to stand, but she firmly cupped his face in both hands. Her teeth clenched, her brow slightly furrowed, her eyes were earnest, with a touch of vulnerable pleading.
Peng Zhan froze.
His mind was a mess, and his heart was just as tangled.
"How... can you prove it?" Peng Zhan swallowed and asked cautiously.
"Come." Zhang Yunling released his face, took his hand, and led him toward the door.
"You can open the door now. Open it, and we'll come in to rescue you!"
"That's right, pull the door open! As long as you open it, you'll be saved!"
The clamoring voices outside were full of temptation.
"The door isn't bolted, and there's no lock outside. Look through this crack, but don't touch the door," Zhang Yunling instructed softly. "Then get down and look underneath. There aren't any wedges, are there? That means nothing is jamming the door, right?"
Peng Zhan inspected it carefully.
Then beads of cold sweat began pouring