"We lived like that for ten whole years. Ridiculous as it sounds, we did think of asking the outside world for help. But strangely enough, after that, not a single outsider ever managed to get in.
"Eventually, everyone gave up hope. We thought the people outside the village were just like us-one side couldn't get in, and the other couldn't get out.
"So your appearance today came as a complete surprise. We even thought..." At this point, an apologetic look surfaced on the man's face.
Su Jiu had more or less understood their predicament.
In her view, these villagers had some sense, at least. They had realized that the demonic beast was keeping the villagers as a reserve supply of food.
"You're still here after ten years. Does that mean it doesn't hunt very often?"
The man nodded. "Apart from the first year, when quite a few people died, it's only killed a few people on the fifteenth of every month since then. In short, living here is like drawing lots. It all comes down to luck."
"Everyone's been on edge these past two days because tomorrow is the fifteenth..."
The male cultivator paused, then asked, "Will you help us get rid of that monster, Daoist?"
Su Jiu nodded. She had sensed the barrier's presence when she arrived. Although it was not particularly easy to break, it was hardly difficult for her.
Yet she kept feeling that simply breaking the barrier would not resolve this matter. It might even enrage the demonic beast, causing it to kill everyone here in a fit of fury.
Still, although she called it a demonic beast, something had vaguely struck Su Jiu as wrong when she saw the statue earlier.
Seeing Su Jiu nod, the husband and wife could not help breathing a sigh