Chapter 38 The Ancient Town Wanderer - Fatal Attraction

Bai Xiao gave the two of them a deep look and shook her head, saying, "There's no time to go back and forth. It's fine as long as you're okay. Just follow us for now, we'll talk tomorrow."

With that, they carried the sedan chair toward the designated alley. The further they went, the more the water collected and the deeper it became, nearly submerging their ankles. Everyone's shoes were more or less filled with water, but at this moment, no one had the heart to care about such things.

Passing through an alley entrance that looked like a cave dwelling, they hadn't walked far before they saw what looked like scattered dots of lamplight on both sides ahead.

The group quickened their pace. As they drew closer, they discovered that the Townsfolk, who had disappeared at some point, were now split into two groups, standing on high platforms on either side of the alley.

The alley was about three to four meters wide. The high platforms on both sides were about two meters tall, extending outward in an inverted 'V' shape. Over a dozen Townsfolk stood on either side, their gazes moving along with the group's steps.

Bai Xiao felt this was a bit like a Roman Colosseum. The Townsfolk were like spectators sitting high up in the stands, while they were the beasts to be fought, about to step into the arena of trapped animals.

A thick sense of foreboding welled up from the bottom of her heart.

Huang Xinxin was at the very front. When she saw so many people standing there waiting for them with ill intent, she had already unconsciously slowed her pace, hesitating to move forward.

Bai Xiao leaned in behind her and whispered, "Hold onto the flag in your hand in a moment and run through quickly."

Huang Xinxin gave an almost imperceptible nod, then braced herself to continue forward.

As soon as they stepped into the range illuminated by the alley lights, the Townsfolk, who had been hiding motionless under the lamps, saw them enter and immediately became as excited as monkeys, slapping their mouths with their hands and letting out 'whooping' cries.

This seemed to be a signal, as another group of Townsfolk swinging rope lassos emerged from behind the houses on both sides of the alley.

"Oh no, run!"

Without needing Bai Xiao's reminder, everyone realized something was wrong. They started running the moment the strange cries rang out.

Bai Xiao had previously taken an enhancement potion, so even carrying the sedan chair and the divine statue didn't feel like much of a burden. She sprinted at full speed, practically dragging the sedan chair and Ma Huilin along as she ran.

Remembering Bai Xiao's tip from just now, Huang Xinxin also ran forward with all her might. Although she wasn't as fast as Bai Xiao, she didn't fall behind by more than a few steps.

The two men in the back weren't focused to begin with and didn't react immediately. By the time they snapped out of it and started running, they had already fallen behind.

Han Yadong was younger than Chen Sheng; he was more agile and ran faster, leaving Chen Sheng behind after only a few steps.

Because the high platforms slanted to both sides, the Townsfolk were about seven or eight meters away from them. For some reason, these Townsfolk didn't descend into the alley to give chase; they only swung their rope lassos over one by one.

The distance was a bit far, and with the wind and rain, their aim was poor. Bai Xiao's group managed to dodge several times.

Only Chen Sheng ran too slowly and fell behind, and he was quickly snared by the swarming Townsfolk.

He grabbed the rope around his neck, muffledly crying out for help. Unfortunately, everyone could barely save themselves, let alone him. In the end, he was dragged away by the combined strength of the Townsfolk.

Those running in front got further and further away, and the water grew deeper until it reached their calves. It wasn't until they noticed the voices of the Townsfolk behind them slowly fading that they slowed their pace.

Bai Xiao looked back; the sounds of people in the alley had completely vanished.

Carrying the divine statue, they continued wading through the water. Ahead seemed to be another arched tunnel entrance. The water grew shallower as they walked, and when they finally emerged from the dark tunnel, they found they had circled back to the main street leading to the plaza.

Tonight, the main street had returned to its daytime bustle. The small shops were open, and there were people coming and going on the clean street. Standing among them, Bai Xiao and the others felt as if a lifetime had passed.

The flight just now and the terrifying Townsfolk felt like a dream. The town before them was lively and peaceful, and the Shop Owners were greeting customers with smiles on their faces.

"It's too disjointed. How did we get back?" Ma Huilin lamented.

Bai Xiao looked back at the path they came from. Behind them was just an ordinary alley on the main street. At the end of the alley was the wall they had seen during the day; it was clearly a dead end.

There were too many things in the game that transcended the logic of the real world. She was already used to it and simply discussed with the others, "Let's return the divine statue first."

Everyone agreed. Along the way, people seemed to be intentionally avoiding them, their faces occasionally showing expressions of disgust.

Only then did the group calm down. They had the mind to check themselves; they were completely soaked through. The path they had escaped through was low-lying, and the rainwater washing down from higher ground had already turned muddy there. After running all that way, they were covered in mud spots, looking filthy and wretched.

The people here were exceptionally fond of cleanliness; no wonder they made such expressions.

The aroma of food wafted from the street, and Han Yadong was already tempted beyond endurance. Passing by a braised meat shop, he unconsciously stopped his steps and, without realizing it, left the team to approach the shop entrance.

The Shop Owner had recognized him long ago and waved to him from afar: "Hungry, aren't you? On a rainy day, nothing is more refreshing than a bowl of Braised meat soup and rice."

"Boss, give me two bowls." Han Yadong trotted over, eager to go inside, sit down, and eat.

As soon as he approached, the owner saw he was as filthy as a beggar. Covering his nose in disgust, he said, "Wait, don't come in yet. You're so dirty, how can other customers eat if you come into my shop? Besides, do you have the money for two bowls?"

Denied entry, Han Yadong said urgently, "Of course I do! I still have five hundred, more than enough for two bowls."

Hearing this, the owner sneered, "Braised meat soup and rice is six hundred a bowl. Pay first, eat later."

"What?! It was only a hundred a bowl this morning. It's only been half a day and it's gone up six times? Does no one manage the prices in your town? You just raise them whenever you want," Han Yadong said in shock.

The Shop Owner flicked his spatula: "Eat it or don't, if not, then leave."

Han Yadong didn't know what was wrong with him. Smelling the meat fragrance, his stomach twisted with craving. He felt as if he would die immediately if he didn't get a bite.

The people from the Parade God Team saw him suddenly leave the group and quickly followed.

After hearing his conversation with the Shop Owner, they hurriedly advised, "Don't eat for now. Have you forgotten what we said at noon?"

Seeing Han Yadong staring blankly at the braised meat vat without moving, Ma Huilin and Huang Xinxin couldn't help but tug at his sleeve.

As if he couldn't hear people speaking, he frantically shook off their hands. He propped himself up on the braised meat shop's counter, his eyes glowing with heat, and said word for word, "Serve me a bowl first. I'll owe you the hundred yuan and definitely give it to you tomorrow."

"This shop does not give credit." Seeing his fanatical look, the Shop Owner actually became happy: "However, if you really want to eat, work for me starting now. Shop employees get two meals provided, no need to pay. How about it?"

When Han Yadong heard he could eat for free, he was so happy he almost clapped. He agreed without hesitation and tried to enter the building as he spoke.

"Hey, hey, hey, don't enter from here. Go through the back door and wash yourself clean first!" The Shop Owner pointed to the small alley beside the shop.

"Han Yadong, don't go!" Seeing him run toward the back door without looking back, Bai Xiao hurried to block him, trying to wake him up.

Ma Huilin and Huang Xinxin also surrounded him upon seeing this: "Don't go, it's too dangerous for one person. Get a grip."

"Just hold on for one more day. Don't you want to go home?" Bai Xiao urged.

"Go home?" Han Yadong muttered to himself. He seemed to think of something, but the increasingly fragrant meat attracted him like a hook.

The Shop Owner also surrounded them with two workers. He said, "Unwilling to join us? Come, you can eat whatever you want, isn't that good?"

The two workers approached step by step, and the people passing by on the street also stopped to watch them. Seeing this, Bai Xiao and the other two couldn't help but back away.

"I'm willing, I'm willing!" Only Han Yadong couldn't sense anything abnormal at all. He excitedly followed the two workers toward the back door.