Vol. 2 - Ch. 405 - A Dark Shadow Within

Lin Xiao would definitely step in to save Zhang Nu and would never allow anyone to harm him.

“You’re right; this is something you should handle,” Lin Xiao said. “But I have no interest in getting involved, and I see no reason to intervene.”

Zhang Nu found Lin Xiao’s attitude puzzling. Why was Lin Xiao so unwilling to reveal the truth? Just moments ago, he seemed approachable.

“Lin Xiao, why won’t you tell me the truth about what happened?” Zhang Nu pressed. “I understand how you feel, but all I need is for you to tell me who’s responsible, or at least point me in the right direction. I’ll handle the rest on my own.”

Lin Xiao met Zhang Nu’s plea with an indifferent expression. He understood Zhang Nu’s intentions, but he saw no obligation to offer any help.

“It’s you who wants to help these people, not me,” Lin Xiao said flatly. “If you want to help them, then investigate it yourself. I have nothing to say.”

Zhang Nu felt a surge of frustration. He hadn’t expected Lin Xiao to respond this way. He had hoped Lin Xiao would share what he knew without resistance.

“Lin Xiao, I’m asking you as a favor. Please, tell me what happened,” Zhang Nu said earnestly.

“If you ever need my help in the future, I swear I’ll do everything I can for you.”

This time, Lin Xiao finally looked directly at Zhang Nu. For someone like Lin Xiao, born without a sense of emotional attachment, promises meant little.

“I don’t need your promises,” Lin Xiao replied coldly. “I’ve handled everything on my own before, and I can continue to do so. If you think you can use a favor to sway me, you’re underestimating me.”

Zhang Nu realized Lin Xiao wouldn’t be easily persuaded. Yet it was precisely this defiance that made Zhang Nu even more determined to uncover the truth.

“Please, Lin Xiao, just this once,” Zhang Nu implored. “If you help me with this, I’ll owe you a favor. Whatever you ask of me in the future, I’ll do it—no matter what.”

Lin Xiao tilted his head, studying Zhang Nu with a mixture of curiosity and disbelief.

“Do you even understand what you’re saying?” Lin Xiao asked. “If you’re serious, then fine—I’ll help you. But remember what you promised. Whatever I ask, you’ll do.”

Zhang Nu hesitated. There was a strange, unsettling tone in Lin Xiao’s voice. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Lin Xiao’s request might involve something terrible.

“What exactly do you want?” Zhang Nu asked cautiously. “Why would you say something like that? Do you have some other plan in mind?”

Lin Xiao nodded slightly. He did have a plan—one that involved the destruction of the village. This village had existed for long enough. The people here had relied on the village chief for far too long, and Lin Xiao saw no reason for it to continue. He didn’t need to destroy the entire village. All he needed to do was eliminate the village chief.

“I do have something important I want to do,” Lin Xiao admitted. “And trust me, it’s not something you’d expect. But since you’ve made a promise, don’t forget your words.”

Zhang Nu instinctively stepped back, his unease growing. He could sense a deep, dark shadow in Lin Xiao’s heart—a darkness that threatened to engulf everything around it.

“Lin Xiao, please don’t do anything foolish,” Zhang Nu said, his voice firm. “You’re incredibly talented. If you put your mind to it, you could achieve great things—far more than you realize.”

“I can tell you have potential. If you choose the path of cultivation, you could accomplish incredible feats. Don’t let that potential go to waste.”

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