Morning came slowly, and the cold air of the forest still clung to everyone as people began to wake up one after another. Some stretched their tired bodies, while others quickly checked their belongings, afraid of losing what little they had left.
Before long, a clear and steady voice rose above the quiet.
"We will head south."
Everyone turned at once.
Wu Lian stood at the front, her posture straight and her face calm, as if she had already made her decision and did not expect anyone to question it.
"The south side of the San Forest has a river," she continued. "We can stay there and start building a place to live."
Her words were simple, but they sounded reasonable.
"We need water, and the land there is open. It is the best place for us right now."
The crowd reacted almost immediately.
"That sounds right…"
"Yes, we need water to survive…"
"At least we can settle down there…"
People began to agree one after another, and some even started picking up their bundles, ready to move without asking more questions.
I remained where I was and watched them quietly.
Then I let out a small breath and rolled my eyes.
They really don't think at all.
I lowered my voice and muttered to myself.
"Let them do whatever foolish thing they want."
If they wanted to walk into danger, that was their choice.
It had nothing to do with me.
Just as I was about to ignore everything, the system's voice suddenly echoed in my mind.
[ Warning: Mission path deviation detected. ]
I paused.
Of course.
It would not let me go that easily.
[ Host must guide villagers to the east of San Forest. ]
I closed my eyes briefly, then opened them again.
Troublesome.
Very troublesome.
I stood up.
"Stop."
My voice was not loud, but it was firm enough to cut through the noise.
Some people turned to look at me, while others frowned.
I did not wait.
"The south river bank is full of dangerous insects and wild animals," I said clearly. "If you go there without thinking, you will not last long."
The crowd began to whisper again.
"What is she saying now?"
"That fatty witch is starting again…"
"She just wants attention…"
I ignored them and continued.
"If you want to risk your lives, then go ahead," I said calmly. "But if you want to live, then you should think carefully before following blindly."
The whispers grew louder.
"Who does she think she is?"
"She doesn't know anything…"
"Wu Lian knows better…"
The same reactions.
The same doubt.
I was not surprised.
Then suddenly, a voice cut through the crowd.
"Enough."
Everyone fell silent.
A young man stepped forward, his expression cold and his gaze sharp.
A blue screen appeared beside him.
[ Name: Wu Huan ]
[ Identity: Son of the Village Chief | Twin Brother of Wu Lian ]
He looked straight at me.
"You talk too much," he said without hesitation.
His tone was firm and carried authority.
"You caused enough trouble in the village, and now you want to confuse people again."
Some people nodded behind him.
Clearly, they agreed.
He took a step closer.
"You say the south is dangerous," he continued. "Then tell us, what proof do you have?"
His eyes did not leave mine.
"Or are you just saying things again to get attention?"
The crowd leaned toward him.
The doubt in their eyes became stronger.
Wu Lian stood quietly behind him, watching everything without speaking.
Waiting.
I looked at Wu Huan calmly as the noise around us slowly settled.
"You want proof?" I asked.
My voice was steady.
"Fine. Listen carefully."
I pointed toward the south.
"The river you want to go to is not safe," I said. "The ground there stays wet, and places like that attract insects. Not small ones… the kind that bite and spread sickness."
Some people frowned, but I continued without stopping.
"And it's not just insects," I added. "Animals gather around water. Wild boars, snakes, and other predators. If you settle there, you will be living right in their path."
The crowd grew quiet for a moment.
Some people started thinking.
But then—
A man suddenly scoffed.
"What does she even know?"
Another person spoke up, louder this time.
"She's illiterate. How can she know all this?"
That was all it took.
The doubt returned again.
"She's just saying random things…"
"She likes to act smart…"
"You really want us to believe her?"
The crowd shifted once more, their trust falling apart just as quickly as it had formed.
Zhang Lei's face darkened immediately.
"If any of you speak nonsense about Master one more time," he said coldly, stepping forward, "I will cut out your tongues."
His voice was filled with anger.
The crowd reacted at once.
"See?" someone shouted. "They are threatening us!"
"They're not good people!"
"Don't listen to her!"
The situation began to turn chaotic again.
I raised my hand slightly.
"Zhang Lei."
He stopped immediately.
"Stay quiet," I said.
Though he was still angry, he stepped back.
I turned my gaze back to Wu Huan and Wu Lian.
My expression remained calm.
"Do whatever you want," I said. "I don't have time to argue with any of you."
My voice was clear.
There was no hesitation.
Then I turned away from them completely.
"Muyan. Ruyan," I called.
They both looked at me at once.
"Get ready. We're leaving."
Uncle Han and his family also straightened.
Uncle Han nodded quickly.
"Right… right," he said, adjusting the bundle on his shoulder as if making up his mind on the spot. "We'll go with you."
His voice was not loud, but it was firm enough.
Aunt Han, however, hesitated for a moment before looking at me.
"What about your husband?" she asked carefully. "Are you really going to leave him behind like this?"
Her words made a few people pause.
Han Li folded her arms and spoke as well, though her tone was no longer as sharp as before.
"If what you said about the south is true… then it could be dangerous," she said. "If he goes there, he might get seriously hurt."
For a brief moment, the air felt still.
I did not answer immediately.
Instead, I turned my head slightly.
My eyes landed on him.
Yan Mo stood not far away, beside Wu Lian.
He was speaking to her so calmly.
There was even a faint smile on his face.
As if nothing had happened.
As if everything was fine.
I watched him for a second.
Then I turned back.
My expression did not change.
"He can do whatever he wants," I said flatly.
My voice carried no emotion.
Behind me, Zhang Lei scoffed loudly.
"That guy?" he said with clear disdain. "Let him go wherever he likes."
Chen Guo shook his head. "He doesn't know what he's losing."
Wang Bao snorted. "To leave Master and follow others… he must be blind."
Li Shan simply said, "Not our problem."
Zhang Lei clenched his fists slightly, his anger still not gone.
"He's lucky Master isn't the type to care," he muttered. "If it were anyone else, he would already be dragged back."
I ignored them.
There was nothing more to say.
I looked at Liu Muyan and Liu Ruyan.
"Are you ready?"
Liu Muyan nodded immediately, though worry still lingered in her eyes.
"We're ready."
Liu Ruyan adjusted her bundle and gave a short nod. "Let's move before they change their minds."
Uncle Han and his family also prepared themselves quickly.
I took the first step forward.
"Let's go."
And just like that—
We walked away.