The wizard’s true face, never before revealed, was exposed to the air, and that half of his face, covered in snake scales, was hideous and terrifying.
The wealthy households, seeing the wizard’s appearance, were so frightened that they fell to the ground, almost fainting again.
They had never seen someone with snake scales on their face, but they had heard of it.
Anyone who betrayed Witch Ancestor Mountain would be cursed with snake scales growing on their face.
One must stay away from such people, otherwise, they would be seen by Witch Ancestor Mountain as harboring traitors.
The crowds never imagined that the wizard who came to save people was actually a traitor from Witch Ancestor Mountain.
Those who had been speaking up for him, intending to help the wizard, instantly sprang away.
For a while, no one dared to come forward.
The County Magistrate, who had been hiding at the back of the crowd ever since he regained consciousness, was silent, wishing the whole world would forget him.
Seeing everyone’s reactions, Li Wenli lazily stretched and stood up, saying, "Time is limited, so I’ll make it short.
I won’t go into the details of this man’s background, as you all are clearly more aware than I am.
Your illness is his doing, and it’s obvious you’re not sick but cursed. Its symptoms are similar to a strong wind, so you have all been deceived.
He pretends he can heal, but instead he’s been amassing wealth, probably planning to hit big here before moving on to another place to commit fraud. Unfortunately for him, he ran into us, so his plan fell through.
We don’t need any of you to slaughter chickens or ducks for us; just quickly stamp the documents so we can make it to Three-Branch Junction on time."
Li Wenli felt this matter could not be simpler; the people just needed to do as told.
But those people suddenly shook their heads at this point, saying, "Nonsense, how could we possibly be cursed!"
"Even if he’s a traitor, a wizard has his reasons for cursing. Random curses would backfire on him. We haven’t offended him, why would he do this to us?"
"You... you are clearly spokespersons sent by the Hu family!"
"We won’t fall for your tricks."
"..." Li Wenli and Bai Junjun were both a bit stunned by the reaction of these people.
How could these people be so ignorant?
After everything had been explained clearly, how could they still come to other conclusions?
Bai Junjun shook her head, "They say that harsh lands breed stubborn people; now I believe it."
Li Wenli was speechless as well.
He too jumped down from the high platform and pointed at the wizard’s face, asking, "Then what is this? You should be clearer than I am about why he has snake scales. Only those who betray Witch Ancestor Mountain grow snake scales. Since he has already betrayed Witch Ancestor Mountain, why would he follow its rules? If he wants to curse someone, he will; why bother about a just cause for retribution?"
The people were speechless, unable to rebut him.
"Believe it or not, it’s up to you, but since we’ve captured him, it’s your business to decide how to handle him. I only have one request, have the County Magistrate stamp the documents quickly while he’s still lucid."
The County Magistrate, hiding at the back of the crowd, shook his head frantically.
"Who... who knows who you two are... What if you have a malignant agenda against the County Magistrate."
Both sighed deeply and looked helplessly at the County Magistrate amid the crowd, thinking that the villagers resemble their leader.
Compared to the County Magistrate of this place, Dai County’s plump leader seemed rather agreeable no matter how they looked at him; no wonder his land was so prosperous and peaceful.
Just as Li Wenli and Bai Junjun were considering whether to continue trying to convince the crowd or to resort to force, another group of people approached.
These individuals wore ring pendants that tinkled, and the tranquil, pleasant sound of their bells could be heard from afar.