The next morning, before heading to the military camp, Vixen made his way to the old villager's house. The cool breeze carried with it the scent of dew and earth, as though the village itself was quietly listening.
The old man, with tired eyes and a heavy heart, welcomed Vixen with a nod. Vixen sat down beside him, his voice low but firm.
"Uncle… the oppression of the cult has grown worse, hasn't it? Isn't there any way to stop this?"
The village uncle sighed deeply, the lines on his face creasing further with memory.
"For years and years, we've tried," he murmured. "I myself stood up against them when I was younger… but nothing changed."
Vixen looked thoughtful. "In all these years… has no one ever tried bringing in a spiritual practitioner? A tantric who could fight for the village?"
The old man glanced at him with a grim expression. "They've come. Many times. But none of them ever left alive."
Silence wrapped around them for a while, heavy and still.
"We've protested for generations," the uncle continued, "but the cult's darkness runs deep. Nothing has worked."
Vixen looked into his wise, weary eyes. "Uncle… you've lived here your whole life. Then maybe… do you know where the cult members mainly stay?"
A strange light passed through the old man's gaze.
"I do," he said quietly, "but I'll tell you when the time is right."
Just then, Vixen told him everything he had recently discovered about Shen Seizan. At that, the old man's expression shifted sharply—his eyes clouded with fear.
"You mean…" the uncle whispered, "Shen Seizan has already chosen the demon… to bring such devastation to this village?"
Vixen nodded slowly.
The old man's voice trembled as he continued, "Then the demon god will strike even sooner… because of Shen's help. But strangely, your presence has made it difficult for the demon god to properly attack the village."
At this, Vixen's heart grew heavy. A silent realization passed between them.
Before parting, the village uncle added with great seriousness, "Keep your eyes on Kin Ouren. His pheromones… they're rare. Extremely rare. Much like yours."
Vixen gave a quiet nod of understanding and agreed, "I will, Uncle. Please call Little Kenny now… he has class today."
The old man called out, and soon, Kenny came out with his books clutched in his arms. He smiled brightly upon seeing Vixen, who began walking with him toward the military camp.
As they walked under the soft morning sun, Vixen gently said, "Kin misses you, you know? He really wants to see you, Little Kenny."
Kenny's expression softened, his voice quiet. "I miss Brother Kin too… but with everything going on in the village, it's hard to go out freely."
Vixen gave him a warm smile. "Then today, I'll take you to meet Kin. And I'll personally make sure you reach home afterward. Deal?"
Kenny nodded eagerly.
Once Kenny's class ended, Vixen took him to see Kin. The moment Kin laid eyes on Kenny after so many days, his heart swelled with joy. A light returned to his face, and he rushed forward to hold Kenny close.
Kenny looked up with wide eyes. "Brother Kin… where is Brother Shen?"
Kin glanced briefly at Vixen. There was a flicker of tension in his eyes, but he quickly composed himself and smiled at Kenny.
"Brother Shen's a little unwell today," Kin said gently. "He's resting inside."
Kenny hesitated for a moment, then looked up at Kin. "Can I just see him once? I promise I won't disturb him."
Kin and Vixen exchanged a brief look… and then both nodded.
"Alright," Kin whispered, "but quietly… just for a moment."
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