Upon hearing the Illusion Guai’s command, the other YaoGuais immediately transformed into streaks of light, appearing near the villagers. Their goal was clear—to capture the villagers and prevent them from escaping. There were plenty of YaoGuais, more than enough to hold the villagers hostage, even if each of them took one.
Zhang Nu’s heart sank at the sight. He knew he couldn’t stay on the sidelines any longer. If this continued, the villagers would surely die here.
Without hesitation, he prepared to rush forward to rescue them and confront the YaoGuais. But just as he was about to move, Lin Xiao grabbed his arm, stopping him.
“I’ve already told you what to do,” Lin Xiao said, his voice steady but firm.
“Why are you still rushing out? If the villagers can’t get here, that’s on them. This isn’t your responsibility.”
Zhang Nu shook his head, his eyes resolute. He could see the desperation etched on the villagers’ faces, the unyielding will to survive.
“They’re fighting to live,” Zhang Nu said, his voice unwavering. “If I don’t help them now, they’ll die.”
Lin Xiao, however, remained unmoved. To him, the villagers didn’t matter. What mattered was ensuring Zhang Nu’s survival. Lin Xiao had plans for the future, and he needed Zhang Nu alive to ensure his own safety.
“But what good will it do?” Lin Xiao countered. “Don’t forget, the Illusion YaoGuai is about to self-destruct.”
Zhang Nu didn’t waver. In one swift motion, he broke free from Lin Xiao’s grip and immobilized him.
“I know you mean well,” Zhang Nu said, “but I won’t abandon them. I refuse to stand by and let them die.”
Lin Xiao’s gaze flickered with uncertainty. He couldn’t comprehend why Zhang Nu was so determined to save these people. Did their lives truly matter that much to him?
Helpless, Lin Xiao could only watch as Zhang Nu charged into the fray.
Zhang Nu fought valiantly, cutting down YaoGuai one after another and rescuing the villagers. But his body was nearing its limit. Liu Hai, who was also fighting alongside him, was equally exhausted. Yet the Illusion YaoGuai’s self-destruction loomed, her power reaching its peak as she prepared for the final explosion.
Zhang Nu and Liu Hai exchanged glances, both silently acknowledging the other’s foolishness. Yet, they were the same kind of fool, willing to risk everything for others. If there were next lifes, they vowed silently, they would meet earlier. They would face life’s trials together and spare each other such pain.
Lin Xiao, observing their determination, felt a rare pang of emotion. He couldn’t bring himself to watch them die. Murmuring an incantation under his breath, he summoned energy from the Tree of Life and broke free. A glowing, pulsing force gathered in his hands as he approached Zhang Nu and Liu Hai.
Using the Tree’s energy, Lin Xiao formed a protective shield around them.
The Illusion YaoGuai, seeing this, sneered. “Another fool rushing to die? Fine by me. The more that perish, the greater my gain.”
Zhang Nu and Liu Hai, however, shook their heads frantically.
“Lin Xiao, what are you doing? Get out of here!” Zhang Nu shouted.
“We’re not worth your sacrifice! You need to protect yourself!”
Lin Xiao shot Zhang Nu a brief glance, then turned his attention back to the Illusion YaoGuai.
“Do you really think your power is enough to drag these people into eternal torment?” Lin Xiao said coldly.
“I won’t let you succeed.”
The Illusion YaoGuai’s confidence wavered as an ominous feeling crept over her, but it was too late to stop the explosion.
In a blinding flash, she self-destructed.
Lin Xiao, using the full power of the Tree of Life, shielded Zhang Nu, Liu Hai, and the nearby villagers from the devastating blast.
When the dust settled, many villagers were still alive, though most of the YaoGuai had perished. Only a few cowardly ones had managed to flee. Zhang Nu and Liu Hai turned to Lin Xiao, their eyes filled with gratitude. Without him, they would have died in the explosion.
“Lin Xiao, thank you for saving us,” Zhang Nu said sincerely.
Lin Xiao glanced at him briefly, his expression unreadable. Then, with slow, unsteady steps, he turned and walked away, his exhaustion evident.