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Chapter 8: The Monster's Lair
The two figures wearing Flame Masks appeared like ghosts, startling Xia Zhou at first. After a moment, when Xia Zhou realized they were just wearing masks, he regained his composure. Ji Zichen, having heard Ango describe the people from Purgatory Palace, showed a look of disdain and said, "Seeking death? Are you talking about yourselves or us?"
Xia Zhou laughed heartily in response, "Right, right! Are you referring to yourselves or us?"
One of the masked individuals, angered by Ji Zichen's dismissive attitude, shouted furiously, "You have a sharp tongue! I'll cut it out!"
Just then, a voice called out, "Stop! If you dare to cause trouble in our village, I'll tell Sister Nine!"
A masked person wielding a Mace was about to strike Ji Zichen when he noticed it was just a child. He couldn't help but laugh at the situation, thinking it amusing that a mere child had dared to intervene. "What’s this? Just a little brat!"
Pointing his Machete at the masked individual, another person angrily retorted, "I may be young, but I'm not a brat!"
The masked man snorted coldly and replied, "True, you're not a brat. But now I’ll make you a ghost."
Without any mercy, the masked man swung his Mace down towards the boy's head. A sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl gasped in horror at the sight and screamed desperately.
Ji Zichen would not allow such a tragedy to unfold before him. Without even drawing his Demon-Slaying Sword, he flicked his fingers at the man's wrist. The Mace clattered to the ground as Ji Zichen swiftly kicked him away. The man flew several feet before hitting the ground with a grunt but quickly got back up. His companion was taken aback by Ji Zichen's unexpected skill.
With a fierce glare, the man drew his sword and lunged at Ji Zichen. Xia Zhou chuckled and said, "Still daring to make a move?"
Xia Zhou threw out two Eight Desolation Needles that struck both men in the chest. They collapsed to the ground instantly.
Seeing Xia Zhou kill the Purgatory Palace members shocked the girl at first, but she quickly composed herself and approached him with concern. "Are you hurt?"
Pouting slightly, he replied, "Hurt? How could I be hurt? I have to protect the village and protect you; I won't get hurt!"
Xia Zhou couldn't help but smile and said, "You really aren't afraid of death!"
With wide eyes, Xia Zhou looked up and asked, "Who are you, and what are you doing at Tide Mountain?"
Before Xia Zhou could respond, the girl hurriedly said, "Wait! Heroes, please move the bodies outside the village. They cannot die here."
Ji Zichen and Xia Zhou exchanged glances. Seeing the girl's anxious expression, they decided not to press for answers and instead focused on relocating the bodies.
After properly placing the bodies, they followed the girl home. Her name was Dong Qin, and Ji Zichen learned from her that there were still thirteen households in the village.
The interior was simply furnished. Dong Qin gestured, "Please sit down; I'll make you some tea."
Sitting down casually in a chair, Ji Zichen said cheerfully, "Big brother, you both have impressive skills. Killing two people from Purgatory Palace is quite satisfying."
Xia Zhou smiled at her carefree demeanor and asked, "Is this your home?"
Shaking her head, she replied, "This isn't my home; it's Sister Dong's house. What brings you to Tide Mountain?"
Dong Qin placed a large teapot on the table. Even someone who wasn't a tea connoisseur could tell that such a large pot contained the lowest quality tea leaves, suitable for gatherings of villagers.
It was then that Dong Qin thanked Ji Zichen and Xia Zhou. As she poured tea for them, she said, "Thank you for saving us."
After finishing her sentence, she looked at Ji Zichen with a hint of reproach and said, "You’re too reckless. How could you dare to provoke people from Purgatory Palace?"
Grinding her teeth, she replied, "I didn't provoke them! Sister Nine took our money and set the rules—if we pay, they won't bother us. But they captured my father and were going to kill these two big brothers!"
Dong Qin sighed helplessly. "We can't afford to mess with those people; confronting them could cost us our lives."
At that moment, Ji Zichen asked, "Did your father get taken by Purgatory Palace?"
Her eyes reddened with anger as she said, "Yes! But Sister Nine said he would be released after three days. My father was taken because he couldn't pay last month's dues."
Xia Zhou gritted his teeth and said, "Those people from Purgatory Palace are truly despicable. I see that your village is already half abandoned, yet they still demand money from you."
Dong Qin replied through clenched teeth, "Our village wasn't like this before. Those people from Purgatory Palace are monsters. They force us to pay, and if we can't give them the money by the end of the month, they start killing people."
Xia Zhou was shocked. "They are monsters?"
Dong Qin trembled internally. "Yes, the people from Purgatory Palace are monsters. They wear different masks that can hide their monstrous appearances."
Xia Zhou asked, "What kind of monsters are they? I should have taken off their masks to see."
Dong Qin felt a chill run down his spine. "Why would you want to see that? They are different kinds of monsters. There have been people who have killed them before. I've seen some that were bull demons; they gather from different places. Purgatory Palace is like a base for monsters."
"A base for monsters!" Ji Zichen's expression darkened; nothing was more shocking than this.
Dong Qin quickly added, "However, Sister Nine is very trustworthy. As long as we can pay on time, we will be safe."
Ji Zichen said, "Monsters disguising themselves as humans isn't uncommon. Why do they still wear masks?"
Xia Zhou thought for a moment and replied, "Could it be that those monsters wear masks because their cultivation isn't sufficient to maintain their human forms?"
Ji Zichen nodded. "That makes sense."
At that moment, Dong Qin stared wide-eyed and asked, "Wait a minute! What do you mean? When did Sister Nine say she would let your father go?"
Ignoring Dong Qin's gaze, Xia Zhou chuckled shyly. "I visited Sister Nine not long ago; she said it to my face."
Dong Qin was furious and gritted her teeth. "You went to Purgatory Palace? What if they killed you! How am I supposed to explain it to your father when he comes back?"
Xia Zhou reassured her, "It's fine, Sister Dong. I'm back now."
Dong Qin turned away in anger and said, "Forget it. You won't listen to me anyway. Do whatever you want; it's your business. Just go back, I can't control you."
Xia Zhou added, "Miss Dong, don't be too quick to get angry. You're just worried about your father."
Dong Qin shot Xia Zhou a fierce glance and retorted, "Worried? Is that enough to ensure one's safety? If he wants to throw his life away, let him." Her voice suddenly choked with emotion as she continued, "My father was taken by the people of Purgatory Palace years ago. My brother, who was three years older than me at the time, secretly went to Purgatory Palace and later his body was found outside the village."
At this point, tears shimmered in Dong Qin's eyes as she spoke harshly, "That's why I hate people like my brother—those who only know how to save others or want to protect the village."
Her gaze turned sharp as she pointed at Xia Zhou and shouted, "Leave! From now on, I won't live in fear for someone who could die at any moment!"
Xia Zhou's eyes reddened, and with a sob, she said, "Sister Dong, please don't send me away. I'm just worried about my father... If you send me away too, there will be no one in the village to talk to. Please don't be angry."
Dong Qin's heart softened as she replied, "As long as you promise me not to provoke the people from Purgatory Palace anymore, I won't be angry."
Xia Zhou broke into a smile and said, "Okay! As long as Sister Dong isn't angry, I won't bother them."
Ji Zichen chimed in, "Sister Dong is right. Don't provoke those people anymore. You need to live well; when you grow up, you'll have the strength to protect the village."
At this moment, Dong Qin felt her ears flush. Being called "Sister Dong" because of her age made her feel embarrassed when Ji Zichen addressed her that way.
To avoid the awkwardness, Dong Qin took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears and softly said, "As long as you don’t run around recklessly, why would I be angry?"
After hearing them mention "Sister Nine" several times, Xia Zhou asked curiously, "By the way, who is Sister Nine? Is she the leader of Purgatory Palace?"
Dong Qin sighed and replied, "No, I'm not sure what Sister Nine's position is in Purgatory Palace. But she used to be from our village; we were good friends back then."
Ji Zichen suddenly exclaimed in surprise, "She’s from the village? How did she end up in Purgatory Palace?"
Dong Qin rubbed her temples and shook her head silently, seemingly unwilling to bring up the past.
Black Eyes brought the carriage to a stop at the base of the tower stairs of Purgatory Palace. He stepped down and said, "Get out."
Lin Chuyu sat frozen in the carriage, biting her lip fiercely. "Who are you? Why did you bring me here?"
Black Eyes seemed to dislike being defied. Coldly, he replied, "You'd better appreciate my courtesy while it lasts. If you don't get down, I'll strip you and tie you up in the square for everyone to admire."
Embarrassed and angry, Lin Chuyu felt compelled to comply with Black Eyes' threat. As soon as she stepped out of the carriage, she noticed Sister Nine standing nearby. A quick glance revealed that everyone around was wearing masks. Lin Chuyu frowned and asked, "Who are you people? Why are you all wearing masks?"
Black Eyes maintained his emotionless tone. "Lin Chuyu, I think it's best if you don't know the answer to that question. It might frighten you. For now, just know that we mean no harm—provided you don't cause us any trouble."
Sister Nine spoke up as well, her tone surprisingly gentle. To ease the tension, she said, "We are merely seeking profit. As long as you behave yourself, we will treat you as an honored guest. But if you choose to make things difficult for yourself, that's on you."
Wearing a Flower Cat Mask, Sister Nine's face was hidden from Lin Chuyu's view, but Lin Chuyu could see her clear and pure eyes.
Noticing Lin Chuyu's intense gaze on her eyes, Sister Nine squinted slightly behind her mask and smiled gently. "I understand this is sudden, and there are many things you're confused about. We have plenty of time now; why don't you go inside the tower and rest? I will come find you."
Though reluctant, Lin Chuyu realized there was no other choice at this point. She took a deep breath and followed Black Eyes into the tower.
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