The full moon hung in the middle of the sky, its glow scattered over the streets of West Huangshu Village.

At this moment, the villagers had re-entered their dreams, and the village officials had also dispersed to their homes to rest.

However, no one noticed, no one noticed that a man was running quickly on the main street, stopping briefly at each intersection before heading to the next one, covering all the main street junctions in just a few minutes.

West Huangshu Village isn't very big, but running through the entire village in such a short time is still a challenge, yet after the man ran through the last junction, he headed to the hut everyone in the village feared and avoided discussing.

The man was naturally Xiao Feng.

And just as he took his first step, the whole village suddenly erupted into chaos.

"Woof woof woof..."

"Cock-a-doodle-doo..."

"Moo... Moo..."

"Baa... Baa..."

In an instant, the chickens, ducks, geese, and dogs all started barking like crazy, as if sensing something was about to happen.

It was indeed the case, like when ants move en masse before a heavy rain; animals often demonstrate foresight or have a keener sense for danger than humans.

"Damn it, what the hell is going on now?"

"This is really spooky, what's happening tonight, can we not sleep in peace?"

"Damn! Could it be that apprentice of the quack doctor causing trouble again?"

Voices cursing and swearing arose from all directions, each person as confused as the next, not knowing what was happening.

However, as soon as they opened the door, a stench assaulted their nostrils, almost making them vomit their previous night's meal.

And this stench was everywhere, as if it had enveloped the entire village.

The village chief, who hadn't even had time to undress and climb onto the bed, ran outside with his coat, his complexion suddenly turning a livid color, thinking, "What the hell is going on?"

The village chief was very familiar with the smell, but he couldn't believe it could spread so far. If calculated based on his home's distance, wouldn't it mean most of the village would be affected?

"Pack your things, we need to leave for a while," the village chief said, turning to his wife and children in the house, before running out, heading straight for the village committee.

...

On the other side, just as Xiao Feng reached the courtyard gate, he heard the broadcast echoing throughout the village.

"Attention all villagers, attention all villagers, there is currently an unknown odor present in our village. For safety reasons, please leave the village as soon as possible. The village committee will report this situation as quickly as possible. I repeat..."

"How's it going?" Xiao Feng asked.

Lin Zhiyan glanced into the courtyard: "Sun Shijie said the trouble was caused by his apprentice, so he has to stay and resolve it. We can leave on our own."

Xiao Feng entered the courtyard, only to see the entire roof occupied by a layer of bats, like a new exterior decoration. Countless bats were continuously crawling out through broken windows, creating a terrifying scene.

"You guys can leave," Sun Shijie said without turning his head.

Beside him, Shao Wenxing sat in his wheelchair, with an expression neither excited nor grateful, only indifferent, as if nothing mattered to him, whether living or dying.

Of course, to Xiao Feng, this demeanor was purely annoying. However, with Sun Shijie's intervention, Shao Wenxing was no longer his focus.

"You should know why we're here," Xiao Feng said in a deep voice.

Sun Shijie nodded, glanced at the bats on the roof, and then began searching the courtyard, as if looking for materials to deal with the bats.

"We'll help you overcome this hurdle, and you help us save lives," Xiao Feng offered the condition.

Sun Shijie's actions paused, and after a moment of hesitation, he replied, "I can save a life, but only one. Agree, and stay; disagree, and leave early."

Xiao Feng abruptly turned around, knowing that among his group, only Su Yuzhuo was in a wheelchair. Yet, Sun Shijie said he would only save one, indicating he was aware of Lin Jiaxuan's issues too.

Does this mean someone had already informed Sun Shijie about the situation?

However, when he looked back, he caught the surprised expressions of his companions. Clearly, no one had told Sun Shijie about how many needed treatment on their side.

Nobody knew how Sun Shijie figured it out, but that wasn't the priority now — the important thing was whether to agree or not.

"Fine, save one then," Xiao Feng promptly agreed, and then asked, "What can we do to help you?"

"You, come here," Sun Shijie turned around and said.

"Me?" The little girl asked in disbelief.

Sun Shijie shook his head, "The one behind you."

The little girl turned around to see Zhao Guo'an hiding behind her, and she said angrily, "Are you not a man? Hiding in the back when there's danger, hiding behind a girl, I really don't know what to say about you."

With everyone looking at him disdainfully, Zhao Guo'an could only brace himself and step forward, bowing slightly, "Greetings, senior!"

Typically, the term "senior" is used within the same industry, like in theater or performing arts, to respectfully address older or more renowned figures.

By calling him "senior," Zhao Guo'an was indicating that he too was a practitioner of traditional medicine.

Since Sun Shijie sought out Zhao Guo'an specifically and not anyone else, it was clear he recognized Zhao Guo'an's identity.

Sun Shijie nodded with a neutral expression, "Can you prepare Corrupt Antidote?"

"I learned it when I was young, but I've only done it a few times and can't guarantee I can still do it now," Zhao Guo'an replied humbly.

"In this pile of stuff, there are snake bones, Muscle Relaxer, and Antitoxic Grass; gather whatever you can and make what you can, the only requirement is speed, get out as much as possible," Sun Shijie pointed to a pile of miscellaneous items on the ground.

"Okay!"

Zhao Guo'an agreed and started working alongside Sun Shijie, both like scavengers rummaging through garbage, just shy of slinging a burlap sack over their shoulders.

"Let's not sit idle either. Get some cloth strips and oil to make a few torches," Xiao Feng suggested, not expecting the torches to deal with so many bats but believing it's better to have something than nothing.

While everyone was busy with their respective tasks, a strange sound came from above.

"Coo coo... Coo coo..."

The sound was peculiar and extremely discomforting; the timid Zhao Guo'an even got a cold shiver, breaking out in a cold sweat.

Everyone simultaneously looked up, and upon realizing what was flying mid-air, Sun Shijie's face darkened instantly. He urged Zhao Guo'an, "Hurry, or we won't make it!"

As for Xiao Feng and his companions, Sun Shijie automatically disregarded them, clearly not believing the torches could be of any help.

Contrary to Sun Shijie's tension, Shao Wenxing wore a smile, the apprentices and mentors' attitudes at this moment showing a stark contrast.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.