Chapter 172

Chapter 172: The Evil Dragon

“Thank you, young master, for your assistance.”

After the villagers of Stone Family Village had left, Third Lady Luo poured Master Xu a glass of water and bowed respectfully.

Third Lady Luo could not have imagined that the person she merely offered lodging to would end up saving her.

“Thank you, young master.”

An eight-year-old little girl also mimicked her mother’s actions in expressing gratitude.

“It’s no trouble, I just couldn’t stand by and watch.” Xu Ming shook his head.

“Young master is truly a good person,” Third Lady Luo said with a smile as she looked at Xu Ming.

Xu Ming smiled faintly, “I’m not what you’d call a good person. Didn’t you see their looks? Because I protected you, they had to go elsewhere, and their gazes were filled with hatred. Though I saved your daughter, I also put others in danger.”

Third Lady Luo shook her head, “Others may not know, but for Third Lady Luo and Little Girl YaYa, Master Xu is indeed a good person.”

Xu Ming was slightly taken aback, then chuckled, “Alright, since Third Lady says so, I’ll勉强accept it.”

“But Young Master, you should leave,” Third Lady Luo said, “My affairs I can handle myself. You allowed me to stay here, and you’ve already given me silver, which makes us even. If you really want to meddle in this matter, it will surely bring more harm than good.”

“No worries. In fact, I also need to slay a dragon and take some things from it to draw talismans,” Xu Ming took a sip of tea while looking at the courtyard gate, “In your opinion, Third Lady, what decision will your village make?”

An hour ago, after the village chief left with the strong men of the village, Xu Ming waited here for their reply.

“I don’t know,” Third Lady Luo shook her head, “However, there are actually many people in the village who hate the Yellow Sand River Dragon King. So many children have been sacrificed; if it weren’t for our lack of ability, many would have already fought against the Yellow Sand River Dragon King.”

“We’ll see,” Xu Ming held the teacup, “If the villagers still dare not confront them, I’ll send Third Lady and Little Girl YaYa to Wudu. With the letter I write, someone will certainly arrange for your safety.”

“Thank you, young master,” Third Lady Luo knelt down and bowed deeply.

Little Girl YaYa, seeing her mother kneel, quickly followed suit.

“Third Lady doesn’t need to perform such a grand gesture.”

Xu Ming hurriedly helped both mother and daughter up.

“Tap tap tap”

Just when Third Lady and Little Girl YaYa stood up, the courtyard door was knocked on again.

“Come in,” Xu Ming said, knowing that they had reached a decision.

Following Xu Ming’s words, several burly men entered, bowing slightly, “The village chief invites the young master to discuss matters at his home.”

Xu Ming walked forward with his hands behind his back, “Then let’s go.”

Shen (Female), who was playing with mud nearby, upon seeing Xu Ming leave, quickly got up, wiped her dirty hands on her dress, and hurried after Xu Ming with her tiny legs.

Not long after, Xu Ming and Shen arrived at the residence of the village chief of Stone Family Village.

This residence of the village chief was not much different from other villagers’, except the courtyard was slightly larger.

“Immortal master.”

Compared to their previous attitude towards Xu Ming, upon seeing him now, the village chief of Stone Family Village quickly approached and paid his respects humbly.

“It’s hot outside, Immortal master, please come inside for a cup of tea,” the village chief invited.

Xu Ming glanced at the village chief, entered the courtyard, and sat on a stone bench.

The village chief closed the courtyard gate, respectfully poured Xu Ming a cup of tea, and then sat beside him.

Xu Ming asked, “Has the village chief made a decision?”

“The matter regarding the Yellow Sand River Dragon King has been considered carefully, and we entrust it to you, Immortal master,” the village chief slowly replied, giving an answer.

“And do the rest of the villagers agree?” Xu Ming questioned.

The village chief laughed helplessly, “According to past years, which family’s child would be sacrificed was already decided, but this year…”

The village chief looked at Xu Ming but didn’t finish his sentence.

Even without finishing, Xu Ming understood what the village chief meant—”It was all set, but unexpectedly, you came along and interfered.”

Village Chief: “We discussed it for quite a while, but no one wanted to replace Third Lady Luo’s daughter. Moreover, indeed, there are quite a few men who are dissatisfied with the Yellow Sand River Dragon King, so…”

The village chief stood up and bowed deeply again to Xu Ming, “Stone Family Village thanks you, Immortal master.”

Xu Ming looked at the elder before him, did not avoid it, and accepted the deep bow: “Does the village chief have any more information about the Yellow Sand River Dragon King?”

The village chief straightened up and nodded, “Old man will tell everything he knows.”

Xu Ming: “Previously, I heard from that boy’s father that the Yellow Sand River Dragon King is at the Golden Core Realm?”

The village chief confirmed, “Yes, though old man does not know what the Golden Core Realm is, but not long ago, the Yellow Sand River Dragon King broke through his cultivation level, inviting his demon friends to a banquet named the Golden Core Banquet, and asked our villagers to help prepare some items.”

“That’s good.” Since the opponent had just reached the Golden Core Realm, Xu Ming felt more confident.

“But why does the opponent insist on a pair of young boys and girls each year? Does the village chief have any clues?” Xu Ming was most suspicious about this point.

A great demon at the Golden Core Realm could easily eat young boys and girls, as many as he wants, but demanding only one pair per year seemed rather suspicious.

The village chief: “This is unclear…”

Xu Ming: “When were you planning to offer sacrifices?”

The village chief: “We planned to sacrifice the next day after tomorrow.”

Xu Ming: “How did you usually offer sacrifices in the past?”

The village chief: “We would place a small boat, then load various offerings like chickens, ducks, cows, sheep, and the young boys and girls onto the boat. The small boat would slowly drift to the center of the Yellow Sand River, then a huge whirlpool would appear, and the young boys and girls on the boat would fall into it.”

Xu Ming frowned, “Would that evil dragon never show itself?”

The village chief shook his head, “Rarely in recent years.”

Xu Ming stroked his chin and spoke solemnly, “I’m not good at water-based combat, let alone entering its lair underwater. My chances of victory would be slim if I went underwater. Is there a way, village chief, to lure that evil dragon to the surface?”

“Hmm…” The village chief looked troubled but clenched his fists, “Old man will try.”

“Also, I need some time to set up some magic arrays to increase my chances of success.”

Xu Ming continued, “If the sacrifice is scheduled for the day after tomorrow, it won’t be enough time. So, village chief, you need to think of a way to delay the sacrifice.”

“How much time does the immortal master need?” the village chief asked anxiously.

“Four days!” Xu Ming seriously looked at the village chief, “Four days later, if the evil dragon isn’t dead, I won’t leave.”