Chapter 53: A Dangerous Revelation

The trio continued their journey through the dense forest, the air heavy with silence. The encounter with the masked attackers left a lingering tension among them, though Lei Xian tried to lighten the mood by humming an old folk tune.

Tang Xiu, however, was deep in thought. The mention of the Black Wolf Mercenaries was troubling. They weren't just common thugs; they were infamous for their ruthlessness and efficiency. Whoever had sent them wasn't an ordinary person.

"Tang Xiu," Lei Xian said, breaking the silence. "What do you think this token actually does? I mean, it's got to be more than just a fancy trinket if people are willing to kill for it."

Tang Xiu glanced at him. "I don't know yet. But from what I've gathered, it's tied to an ancient legacy—one that could reshape the balance of power in this world."

Xu Liang, who had been quietly trailing behind, looked up with wide eyes. "Reshape the balance of power? Are we carrying something that dangerous?"

"Dangerous, yes," Tang Xiu admitted. "But also valuable. If we can unlock its secrets, it could give us the edge we need to deal with anyone who comes after us."

Lei Xian let out a low whistle. "Well, no pressure then. Just holding the fate of the world in our hands."

Tang Xiu smirked slightly. "If you're scared, you can leave. No one's forcing you to stay."

Lei Xian laughed. "Scared? I live for this kind of excitement. Besides, someone's got to keep you in check."

As they walked, the forest began to thin, and the distant outline of a village appeared on the horizon. Tang Xiu stopped abruptly, his sharp senses picking up something unusual.

"What's wrong?" Xu Liang asked, his voice tinged with nervousness.

Tang Xiu raised a hand for silence, his eyes narrowing. "Something's not right. There's too much movement in the village ahead."

Lei Xian squinted, trying to see what Tang Xiu was talking about. "Looks normal to me. Just some villagers going about their business."

Tang Xiu shook his head. "No. The movements are too scattered, too rushed. It's like they're trying to hide something."

Before Lei Xian could respond, a faint cry reached their ears—a woman's scream, quickly muffled.

"That's definitely not normal," Lei Xian said, drawing his blade.

Tang Xiu nodded, his expression grim. "Stay alert. We're walking into something dangerous."

As they approached the village, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense. The streets were eerily quiet, and the few villagers they saw quickly avoided eye contact, hurrying inside and shutting their doors.

"This place feels cursed," Xu Liang whispered, clutching his weapon tightly.

Lei Xian snorted. "Cursed or not, we're here now. Let's figure out what's going on."

They reached the center of the village, where an old well stood surrounded by scattered carts and broken tools. Tang Xiu's eyes scanned the area, his sharp senses on high alert.

"Who are you, and what are you doing here?"

The voice came from behind them, and they turned to see a group of armed men stepping out of the shadows. Their leader, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek, eyed them suspiciously.

"We're just passing through," Tang Xiu said calmly. "We mean no harm."

The scarred man didn't look convinced. "No one passes through here without a reason. And outsiders aren't welcome."

Lei Xian stepped forward, his blade glinting in the sunlight. "Listen, friend. We don't want trouble, but if you're looking for a fight, I'm more than happy to oblige."

The scarred man sneered. "You think you can take us on? You've got guts, I'll give you that."

Tang Xiu raised a hand to stop Lei Xian from escalating the situation. "We're not here to fight. But we heard a scream earlier. What's going on in this village?"

The scarred man's expression darkened, and he glanced at his men. "That's none of your business. Leave now, and you won't get hurt."

Tang Xiu's eyes sharpened. "I'm afraid I can't do that. If someone's in danger, I won't stand by and do nothing."

The scarred man laughed harshly. "Suit yourself. But don't say I didn't warn you."

With a signal from the leader, the armed men attacked.

Tang Xiu moved like a shadow, dodging the first strike and countering with a precise blow that disarmed his opponent. He didn't want to kill these men—they were likely just following orders—but he wouldn't hesitate to incapacitate them if necessary.

Lei Xian, meanwhile, was having the time of his life, laughing as he parried and struck with ease. "Is this the best you've got? Come on, give me a challenge!"

Xu Liang, though less skilled, held his own, using his agility to evade attacks and land quick strikes when opportunities arose.

Within minutes, the fight was over, and the armed men lay groaning on the ground.

The scarred man, clutching his injured arm, glared at Tang Xiu. "You don't know what you're getting into. Leave now, while you still can."

Tang Xiu stepped closer, his voice cold. "Who's behind this? Why is this village so tense?"

Before the man could answer, another voice cut through the air—a woman's voice, strong and commanding.

"Enough, Gai Ren. Stand down."

They turned to see a tall woman with piercing eyes stepping out from the shadows. She wore a simple but elegant robe, and her presence radiated authority.

"Who are you?" Tang Xiu asked, his instincts telling him this woman was not to be underestimated.

The woman smiled faintly. "My name is Yan Rou, and I'm the leader of this village. If you truly wish to help, follow me. But I warn you—what you're about to see may change your view of this world forever."

Tang Xiu's gaze locked with hers, and he nodded. "Lead the way."

As they followed Yan Rou, Tang Xiu couldn't shake the feeling that he was about to uncover something significant—something that would bring him one step closer to the truth behind the token and the forces moving against him.