Chapter 10: Leaving the Village

Burning the wasteland is not about picking a random spot to light a fire.

They only want to clear away the wild obstructions and drive off the evil things, not burn down their own homes.

After the most experienced old farmers in the Village discussed it seriously and completed the preliminary preparatory work, they rigorously selected several ignition points.

The smoke from burning dead wood and wild grass also has a repellent effect on those evil things.

Qingyi Daozhang has said that evil things fear fire, just like wild beasts; a large amount of smoke will make them feel fear toward the flames and avoid them.

Therefore, the villagers burn the large expanse of wasteland ahead, which can both drive away the wild beasts and evil things hiding in the tall grass, and burn away the weeds and branches that obstruct the view and hinder travel.

Some villagers looked on with regret in their eyes.

In the past, dead grass and dead branches were useful; they would either be cut and brought back to be used as kindling in the stove, or woven into things.

"What good firewood!" more than one person thought.

The Village Chief turned his head to look: "You want it? Then go cut it?"

"No, no!"

The villagers who were sighing just a moment ago shook their heads vigorously.

If it's close to the Village, one can still pick up a bit, but who would dare to go far away?

If one accidentally becomes "possessed," they wouldn't even have the face to see their ancestors!

Not far away, Wen Gu stared blankly at the patches of flame igniting on the fields.

This time, Qingyi Daozhang did not have a sharp tongue to ask; if it happened to be another outrageous rumor this Gou Shusheng had heard during his Study Tour, he wouldn't know how to respond.

Wen Gu was not thinking of anything else, just recalling past events—it was the original body's memory.

The original body had gone out on a Study Tour with his cousin, and when the world turned chaotic, they immediately returned. But when they arrived at their hometown, Qin Cheng, the city was already destroyed and the people dead.

Through the traces left in the city, combined with the information described by survivors, "Wen Gu" pieced together the truth—

The County Magistrate inside the city had privately received news and simultaneously discovered that many people in the city were already "possessed."

The households closest to the water source had already been possessed by evil spirits. Hearing that fire could drive away evil, or perhaps feeling that since they were leaving they should do something for the city residents, or perhaps to prevent threats from behind while fleeing, in any case, before he fled overnight, he had people set fire to those households.

The people doing the task felt that to better execute the master's orders, they poured a lot of lamp oil to ensure that not a single one of those households could escape. They didn't think about the hidden dangers at all, or perhaps at that time there was no time to think, and they didn't take it to heart.

However, the weather was dry and the vegetation parched; the houses in the city were mostly brick and wood structures, and it just so happened that the wind was strong that night.

At that time, it was also a period of withered grass and trees and dry climate, with no rain for many days, and many shops adjacent to the ignition points caught fire directly.

The fire quickly covered the streets and alleys where those houses were located and spread with the help of the wind.

The Wen Family Residence was too close to the ignition points, and before long, it was surrounded by the fire.

Even if the fire hadn't reached them yet, the thick smoke had already surrounded them. Coupled with the fact that people in the city were "possessed" one after another that night, the fire and smoke further incited their mania, causing them to become extremely ferocious, running around wildly and attacking people crazily.

The people from the County Magistrate's office had long since fled, and no one was controlling the chaos in the city.

It was dark at night, fires were starting in many places, the city gates were closed, and evil things were hurting people.

Hiding at home meant being burned, running out meant being killed, the nighttime visibility was poor, and the city gates were closed. By the time they finally managed to open the city gates, the carriages, horses, and crowds were congested.

In the end, only a few of the city's residents were able to escape successfully.

The Wen family had actually sensed it in advance and had planned to pack up and leave, but in the end, they were one step too slow. Of the more than ten people in the Wen family who remained in the city, not one survived.

Previously, he only felt that the County Magistrate in the city was mediocre and incompetent, relying on family connections to have such an official position.

On ordinary days, this County Magistrate didn't manage affairs, and the wealthy families in the city had their own connections and relationships, so they truly didn't take him to heart.

However, no one expected that this idiot could deliver such a fatal blow.

If the imperial court were stable, perhaps the County Magistrate's family could have suppressed the matter, blaming the Epidemic Qi for infecting the city residents, and claiming it was a last resort.

Anyway, since it was far away, as long as it was done thoroughly enough, the cleanup was fast enough, and the operations were appropriate, those above wouldn't be too concerned.

However, the chaotic times had truly arrived.

Even that fleeing County Magistrate did not manage to escape as he wished. He had contracted the Epidemic Poison and become "possessed."

The Wen brothers had encountered him and killed him with their own hands.

It was just that with the city destroyed and the family broken, his heart and spirit were deeply wounded. After collecting the remains of his relatives, "Wen Gu" found the Secret Box left by his father, took the Token, and headed north with his cousin to seek refuge with relatives.

Organizing the information in his memory, Wen Gu adjusted his emotions.

At the same time, he had some thoughts.

In such a world, fleeing for survival is bound to be difficult, but when choosing companions, they must either be obedient or smart enough; one must never choose that kind of self-righteous idiot, as that can truly lead to total annihilation.

He lifted his eyes to look into the distance.

Liu Liehu led a dozen or so nimble villagers to ignite the designated ignition points in order.

As the flames spread and the smoke dispersed, the evil things hiding in the thick grass also began to move.

Accompanied by beast-like roars, a humanoid figure sprang up from a hollow. Tattered clothing hung on its body, and the large areas of exposed skin were covered in Purple-Brown Spots.

This was a "possessed" person, and it had been so for quite some time.

The longer one is "possessed," the deeper the body is alienated. Strength, speed, and other aspects will also be enhanced. One can distinguish this from the spots on their bodies, the degree of alienation of their skin and muscles, and so on.

Liu Liehu calmly nocked an Arrow and shot, piercing the target.

Wen Gu saw clearly that the evil thing was hit in the abdomen by the Arrow, but it only paused for a moment, as if its ferocity had been incited, and it turned to pounce toward Liu Liehu.

The second Arrow had already arrived, aimed to pierce through the target's throat.

Even so, the evil thing did not fall immediately, only staggering forward. However, the flames of the burning dead grass in the field had already rolled over to that spot.

The beast-like shrill roar sounded across the wilderness, and before long, it disappeared.

The crowd didn't take another look, busy continuing to ignite the ignition points ahead.

Wen Gu was very envious of Liu Liehu's archery.

However, archery is not something that can be mastered in a day or two. Besides eyesight and talent, one cannot use a bow without sufficient physical strength.

Further away, there were clawing and gnashing figures that felt the smoke of the flames and fled.

There was no way to manage those over there.

Near the Village, the flames left behind a stretch of scorched earth, yet such a scene could provide the villagers with a sense of security.

The Daoist Priest had said that those places in the fields where evil things had been active must all be burned for Exorcism.

Liu Liehu led people in front to light fires and scout the path. The people behind also quickly began to move.

Use breathable cloth to cover the mouth and nose, and cover the head well too, so as not to get contaminated with filth, which is inconvenient to clean.

If there is no hat, wrap it with a clean cloth.

Wen Gu learned to wrap his hair like them, thinking to himself that he must look carefully when entering the Town this time to see if there are any hats.

The carpenter in the Village had people push out the repaired Wooden Board Cart and also brought out various strange-looking weapons modified from farm tools.

The villagers have plenty of experience in hunting wild beasts and setting traps and snares.

There are also bows and Arrow, not asking for them to be very good, as long as they can be used.

Wen Gu also saw the Long Fork; in the past, villagers used it to spear fish and wild beasts, but now it is used more to resist evil things.

There are also larger Long Fork, with the middle prong removed, leaving only one on each side.

Wen Gu knew the usage as soon as he saw it; this was a bit like the Anti-Riot Fork from his original world.

It's just that these in the Village are mostly wooden and need to be replaced frequently. No wonder there has always been movement at the carpenter's house; he has to make more spares and is very busy.

At first, the villagers behind only moved around the Village.

They picked up usable things left in the fields to use, such as trees that had not been completely burned, dragging them back to store as firewood.

There is also a huge demand for firewood. They plan to go into the mountains to cut and store firewood in the winter. Now, they drag back as much as they can while it is convenient.

There are also stones.

For those who do not have bows and Arrow or are not skilled in archery, stones are also their weapons.

The villagers might not know other things, but they have accuracy when throwing stones; it is a game they played since childhood. In the past, when things were peaceful, if they encountered wild animals, they could sometimes hit a few and pick them up to take home to supplement their oil and fat.

Stones can also be used in the upcoming fortress construction project.

Along with the burning of the wasteland, the flames will also burn the stones in the fields; fire can perform Exorcism, and the villagers can feel at ease picking up the burned stones to take back.

Some villagers also packed some grass ash and soil that had been scorched by flames to take back and plant things in their own small courtyards.

Qingyi Daozhang said that evil spirits are cunning and need to be guarded against at all times.

Planting some vegetables in one's own small courtyard and transplanting one or two fruit trees, there is no need to worry about being attacked by evil things; if managed carefully and attention is paid to diet and daily life, it is also fine.

Generations have relied on the fields to survive; unable to go out of the Village to farm, one must plant something at home to feel at ease.

Wen Gu put on his gloves, held a Long Bamboo Clamp, and helped pick up things he could use.

This kind of Long Bamboo Clamp is a copy made in the Village.

Wealthy families have Fire Tongs, made of copper and iron, used to clamp firewood in the stove fire.

The conditions in the Village are limited, so they can only use bamboo and wood to imitate similar ones.

The surrounding view is open, and there are villagers all around, so there is no need to worry too much about safety.

His cousin had a Firewood Knife tucked at his waist and held a Long Spear in his hand, guarding Wen Gu's side.

Wen Gu searched the scorched fields while listening to the old and young in the Village talk.

"The fields outside the Village can no longer grow crops; how about planting some fragrant Medicinal Herb? Doumiao, do you think it will work?"

"It can. When the spring warms up and flowers bloom next year, and when there are more evil spirits, it can also serve as a repellent. But the effect may be limited."

"Hey, as long as it's effective."

They discussed that the Village also knows how to plant Mugwort and other medicinal plants, which can be planted first near the Village for emergencies.

"Go find some with sharp thorns and transplant them outside the Village. Precious Medicinal Herb should be planted inside the Village; expensive things must be kept at home... Hey Village Elder, does your planning map have space for a medicinal field?"

"Transplanting outside the Village, it won't do if it grows slowly; why not plant bamboo?"

"It grows fast, doesn't need to be managed, and by then it will grow into a wall to protect the Village."

As for whose land it is planted on, that can no longer be cared about; the priority now is for the whole Village to save their lives.

After staying near the Village for half a day, they waited for a Falcon in the sky to fly back, which also brought back news that the front was smooth.

Only then did the team behind officially set off.

The villagers pushed out the Wooden Board Cart to load and unload goods.

There are nearly twenty people who can go out, regardless of gender; as long as they can work, they are all arranged.

Those who are too weak or have difficulty moving cannot follow, because if something happens suddenly, they won't even be able to run away. Those with too reckless a temperament are also not wanted, as they would hold everyone back.

These people stay in the Village, and when things are transported back, people will be needed to organize them.

The Village Elder and several Village Elder remained in the rear.

The Daoist Priest has already performed the ritual, and since the wasteland was just burned, it is definitely safer than usual. Not much work needs to be done; if one or two monsters really approach, the people left behind can simply draw bows and shoot arrows, or use knives and spears, which is also no problem.

The half-grown children in the Village are not incapable of doing anything, and the old people have also been through things.

If they really can't solve it, they can delay it, and when the people carrying the goods return, they can also help solve it.

Wen Gu also had to follow the team into the Town.

Originally, the Village Elder wanted to persuade him, but considering that the two Wen brothers would also leave the Village soon, entering the Town this time would also allow them to adapt first.

Now Wen Gu has completely shed his illness and looks much more spirited, but being with everyone, he is still the most special one.

It is not to say that his figure is thin and weak, but that his temperament looks completely different, appearing even more scholarly and weak by comparison.

Qingyi Daozhang originally did not intend to enter the Town, but after glancing at Wen Gu, he decided to follow. In case this Gou Shusheng has an accident, he would have to look for someone else for his trip north.

To enter the Town, what Wen Gu held in his hand was not just a bamboo clamp; he also found a Firewood Knife to carry.

Qingyi Daozhang glanced at him and sneered in his heart: Putting on an act, can you even use it? Don't cut yourself.

Wen Gu walked in the middle of the team, looking at the scene around him.

On the burned fields, one could see the remaining skeletons, some of humans, and some of other animals.

There was a skeleton that looked like a cow, and the villagers felt heartbroken.

"That is an ox capable of plowing the fields!"

As for the evil things that were burned, some were left with only skeletons, while others had not existed for long and were pierced with arrows; they must have been hunted by the group ahead of Liu Liehu and the others.

There is no need to concern oneself with these; the myriad things of nature will soon smooth them away.

After the wild grass was burned away, the field of vision became much clearer.

Flying birds and wild beasts moved about, carrying the seeds of plants and trees everywhere. Without people, these plants invaded every inch of land.

Earthen graves that no one came to pay respects to went uncleaned; newly sprouted trees grew larger and larger, their root systems piercing deep through the grave mounds, their trunks thrusting toward the sky.

The closer they got to the Town, the more silent the group became. It was not because the surrounding scenery stirred any deep emotions, but rather out of nervousness and panic.

However, thinking of the Daoist Priest in their group, they calmed down a bit. After all, this was not their first day experiencing such things.

About to enter the Town, Xiao Liu Liehu, having been given a task by his own father, loudly reminded everyone:

"Watch out for the tree roots on the ground."

"Don't fall, and if you do fall, don't exhale immediately!"

Wen Gu dodged an arched tree root under his feet, only to hear his cousin beside him suddenly shout: "Grass!"

Wen Gu: You've grown up, Tietou! You can even curse now!

But he quickly reacted and looked up toward the front.

My goodness!

What huge grass!

Within the low courtyard walls of the houses on the outskirts of the Town, several enormous herbaceous plants grew from inside, rising far above the eaves.

Although the leaves had already turned yellow, one could imagine how lush they had been a month or two ago.

Without the influence of cities and humans, the already wild flora and fauna of this era had become even more rampant.

Wen Gu did not know what species the giant grass before his eyes was; he had never seen it in his own world.

The villagers' reactions were very indifferent; it must not be a rare sight here, and they were even discussing what good firewood it would make, saying that if it were in the past, they could have chopped it down to burn in their stoves.