I am the Holy Poisoner, the Empress advised me to calm down

"Who knows..." The first villager shook his head. "I hope they can find a truly safe place."

As their conversation faded into the wind, Lin Chen and the others continued their gallop through the night. New challenges and an unknown fate awaited them. Under the cover of darkness, they raced, their hearts racing and their breathing quickening. They knew full well that the golden-armored man and his men, relentlessly pursuing them, would never give up.

"It's no use running like this. We have to find a place to hide." Lin Chen said to Lu Yan beside him while running.

"There's a forest ahead," Lu Yan pointed ahead, "We should be able to take shelter there for a while."

The group quickly changed direction and plunged into the dense forest. The trees were densely packed, and the moonlight filtered through the treetops, casting dappled shadows, making the place seem particularly quiet and mysterious.

"Everyone, be careful and don't make too much noise." Lin Chen warned in a low voice.

They moved through the dense forest, their footsteps lightly stepping over fallen leaves and grass, glancing back from time to time to make sure no enemies were following them. Finally, they stopped behind a large rock, and Lin Chen gestured for everyone to rest for a while.

"Oh, my old bones are about to fall apart from running." Mr. Zhao said, gasping.

"Uncle Zhao, please take a rest first. We are here to guard you." Xiaomei said with concern.

Just then, there was a rustling sound not far away, followed by a whisper.

"Do you think they can really get away?" a voice asked.

"Those guys are so powerful, maybe they really do have a way." Another voice replied.

Lin Chen and the others held their breath and quietly approached the source of the sound. They saw two villagers hiding near a tree hole, talking in low voices while looking around cautiously.

"Who are they? Why are so many people chasing them?" a young villager asked puzzledly.

"I heard from the villagers that they are a group of righteous men who specialize in fighting against evil forces." An older villager explained in a low voice, "That man in golden armor is a wicked villain with a long history of evil. I don't know how many innocent people he has killed."

"So that's how it is..." The young villager nodded thoughtfully.

Lin Chen and the others listened silently, feeling a surge of warmth in their hearts. They had never expected that their actions would be recognized and supported by ordinary villagers.

"We have to leave here quickly," Lin Chen said softly, "We can't let them discover our whereabouts."

"Yes, let's go." Xiaomei nodded in agreement.

Just as they were about to leave, suddenly, a figure jumped down from the tree and landed in front of them.

"Hello, I'm a hunter from the village. I just heard your conversation with those two villagers," the hunter said with a smile. "I know you're on the run, and I'm willing to help you."

"Who are you? Why are you willing to help us?" Lu Yan asked vigilantly.

"My name is Li Qiang, and I'm a hunter in this forest," the hunter introduced himself. "I hate those evil forces and am willing to help those who are righteous."

"Thank you so much!" Lin Chen said gratefully.

"Come with me, I know a secret place where you can hide for a while." Li Qiang said.

The group followed Li Qiang through the dense forest and came to a small rocky hill. On the hill was a hidden cave entrance, almost covered by weeds.

"This is a place where hunters often take refuge. It's very safe," Li Qiang explained.

Everyone entered the cave. Li Qiang lit a torch, illuminating the interior. The cave wasn't spacious, but it was large enough to accommodate a dozen people. In the corner were some dry food and water bags, evidently prepared by the hunters for emergencies.

"You guys rest here first, I'll find you some food and water." Li Qiang said and turned to leave.

"That's great! We finally have a temporary hiding place." Amin breathed a long sigh of relief.

"Everyone is tired. Let's take a break and recover our strength." Lin Chen said.

Everyone found a corner to sit down, leaning against the wall and closing their eyes to rest. Lin Chen stood at the entrance of the cave, watching the movements outside vigilantly.

About half an hour later, Li Qiang came back with some food and water.

"Take your time to eat. I'll go see if there are any enemies nearby." Li Qiang said as he handed over the food.

"You have to be careful too." Lin Chen warned.

Li Qiang nodded, turned and left the cave.

"I hope he can come back safely." Xiaomei said softly.

Everyone ate a few mouthfuls of dry food in silence, and then began to discuss the next plan.

"We can't hide here forever," Lu Yan said, "We have to find a long-term solution."

"Yes, we must contact our allies outside as soon as possible to fight against the man in golden armor together." Lin Chen said firmly.

"But now we don't even know how to contact each other." Amin said with some concern.

"There's always a way," Xiaomei encouraged. "As long as we unite, we'll definitely find a way out."

Just then, footsteps were heard outside the cave and Li Qiang hurried in.

"Oh no! The enemy has discovered some of our traces and has started searching this area." Li Qiang said anxiously.

"We have to leave here quickly." Lin Chen made the decision immediately.

"But where are we going now?" Amin asked.

"I know a secret passage that leads directly to the other side of the mountain." Li Qiang said, "But this passage is very dangerous, so be careful."

"No matter what, we have to give it a try." Lin Chen said firmly.

Li Qiang nodded and led everyone into the cave again to find a way to freedom.

"We must succeed this time!" Xiaomei clenched her fists, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

"No problem, follow me, we will find a way out." Li Qiang said firmly.

Everyone followed Li Qiang into the dark tunnel, facing the unknown and challenges, and continued to move forward. In the woods behind them, the enemy search team was getting closer and closer, and a new battle was about to break out...

"Can they really find a way out?" asked the villager hiding beside the tree hole softly.

"I believe they can do it." Another villager answered firmly.

The conversation between the two men faded into the night, but hope burned brightly in their hearts. They followed Li Qiang closely, passing through a long, narrow, winding tunnel. It was nearly pitch dark, illuminated only by the faint light of Li Qiang's torch. The occasional sound of dripping water and the fluttering of bats' wings in the distance added to the eerie atmosphere.

"How long is this tunnel?" Lu Yan asked. He followed Li Qiang closely, fearing that he would get separated from everyone if he was not careful.