What do you mean by "the game editor has also traveled through time"?

The newcomer was short in stature, with a rough and dark complexion, especially under the light of the torch he was holding, but he exuded a fierce aura and had a loud voice.

With his eyes wide open and a knife in his other hand, he looked like a fierce and ruthless man.

This is Zhang Xiaowu, a hunter in the village. His name is rather casual; he's been called that since he was a child, but he prefers to call himself Lao Wu (Old Five).

This is also Zhang Wan's father.

Not far away, Zhang Wan crouched down and cautiously followed.

"Why did you follow me here? Go back!" Zhang Xiaowu shouted angrily without giving a chance to explain.

"But Father..."

Both of them turned their gazes toward the corpse on the ground.

Xu Shimo bent down and pried out the blood-red bead, then slowly walked over, his body looking rather frail in the wind and snow.

"Young Master Xu, you..."

Zhang Wan felt nothing but respect and gratitude.

Zhang Xiaowu's expression was not much different. He stared blankly at the man in front of him, unable to reconcile him with the thin man who had learned to hunt with him before.

He had already heard about the incident of the bandit being cleaved in two, which was shocking enough, but now this monster... He couldn't help but glance again at the withered and ugly corpse.

Is this the same red bead that Master Chen gave us the day before yesterday? And what's lying on the ground...?

Zhang Xiaowu thought of the dilapidated temple, the caravan members' description of the horror of that night, and the people who later met a tragic end in the temple.

How troublesome must such a monster be! What would happen if my own daughter were killed?

Zhang Xiaowu dared not think about it, and looking up at the person in front of him, his feelings were even more complicated.

How could there be such a big change in just two days?

Could it be that the Dao Ancestor has manifested his power?

"Young Master Xu..."

Even Zhang Xiaowu himself didn't realize that his tone had acquired a newfound respect.

That's how the world is: power is force!

Xu Shimo remained calm and composed: "It's alright, Fifth Uncle. Everyone, go back now. Also, remind everyone to prepare the torches."

There probably aren't many Zigui who have gained wisdom like this.

The village should be safe for now.

But this thing actually managed to track us all the way to Zhangjia Village...

Xu Shimo had no idea how much the Buddha-faced monster had improved its strength, and suddenly having a formidable enemy made him feel increasingly threatened.

"..."

*

*

*

Silent all night.

Snow stopped.

Fortunately, it was Christmas Eve yesterday, and no one in the village was hurt.

The events of last night only spread within a small circle, but people were still filled with unease, and a thick gloom hung over the village.

Master Huang even went so far as to hire someone to perform a ritual.

However, Xu Shimo saw that the young servant from the Huang family who had come to invite him yesterday had gone to the back mountain, and he wondered what he was doing.

After packing up briefly, he and Song Wen prepared to head to Chishui County. Song Wen carried a small bundle, which probably contained some simply prepared medicinal herbs.

Their caravan traveled a direct route from Chihe County to Yunjian City, but they didn't actually reach Yunjian City. The furthest they went was to a town relatively close to Yunjian City, where they sold some small trinkets from the city.

But the more important thing is acquiring medicinal herbs.

Song Wen not only can identify some medicinal herbs, but also has a simple method for processing them. People in the pharmacy are more willing to buy from him and offer slightly higher prices. Correspondingly, the prices Song Wen offers are also tempting enough for farmers who collect herbs to sell to him.

However, none of these are really secrets.

Most importantly, there's the security of this line.

Song Wen was just an ordinary person, but he was able to calmly lead people over, which showed that he was a capable person. Xu Shimo couldn't help but admire him in his heart.

What he didn't know was that he, a refugee who had fled from the Northwest, was also considered a capable person by others, not to mention his martial prowess.

"Leader, why don't I come along too?" Zhang Fengshui said, holding a knife in his hand, at the entrance of the village.

Song Wen: "It's only twenty or thirty li from here to Chihe County. What danger could there be? Besides, are you as powerful as Sanlang?"

Xu Shimo paused for a moment before realizing that Sanlang was referring to him, and then nodded in agreement.

Zhang Fengshui had no choice but to give up.

Zhang Xiaoyu, on the other hand, was half-lying behind a tree not far away, with only his head peeking out. His eyes were somewhat evasive, just like the others in the village.

It's unclear whether he realized something on his own or if Zhang Fengshui said something to him.

Xu Shimo called out to him, "Practice hard, I'll come back and check to see if your skills have improved."

Finally, he added:

"You haven't paid your tuition in full yet—yesterday doesn't count."

If you say you'll be the boss for a day, then it's for a day. Not a single hour, minute, or second less is acceptable. You only shouted it a few times yesterday.

At this point, Bean's eyes finally lit up.

"No, you're cheating! Yesterday is over!" he shouted instinctively, but perhaps feeling guilty for making a promise that was folded in half, after some internal struggle, he gritted his teeth and said, "Fine, it doesn't count."

"..."

After the little incident, Liangren set off again, but before he could take two steps, someone else caught up with him.

It's Zhang Wan.

Her clothes today were brighter than yesterday's, a dark red, a color that was hard to find in the village. Her hair looked like it had been carefully combed, her eyes were gentle, and her complexion was warm, like a delicate winter plum blossom.

"Young Master Xu, this...this is for you," Zhang Wan said, handing over the item in her hand, and then added, "Take care, Young Master Xu, I'll be waiting for you to come back."

Then he lowered his head and ran away.

Xu Shimo lowered his head, the belt in his hand still carrying a trace of warmth, the tightness of the needle and thread conveyed to his fingertips, as if it had just been sewn last night.

It suited me fairly well, and I even tied the knife to it.

There was also a hat made of animal leather, with a layer of cloth on the outside and some fox fur sewn inside, which was very warm.

Xu Shimo tried it on, and the size was just right.

He put on his hat and glanced at Song Wen, who immediately turned his head away, pretending not to see him, and went to look at the birds in the tree.

Not far away was Zhang Xiaowu, who, seeing Xu Shimo's gaze fall upon him, also quickly turned his head to look at the snow on the eaves.

Why do I look like a blond guy...?

It was only twenty or thirty li, not far, but the snowy road was difficult to travel, and it took some time.

As dawn broke and the warm sun bathed the snow-covered ground and the city walls ahead in golden light, we finally arrived.

We've arrived; this is Chihe County.

The county name also signifies its connection to water transport. The county town was built along the river terraces, arranged in a staggered and orderly manner. The rammed earth and bluestone city walls curve in a shallow arc along the river.

Behind the city, a river flowing east to west meanders by, its surface shimmering with the golden rays of the sun, yet not freezing, with white steam rising from it, and a few small boats faintly visible floating in the distance.

Nestled against mountains and beside water, snow covers the fields.

As a geologist, Xu Shimo is completely captivated by such breathtaking scenery. He initially played "Conquer the World" specifically for its exquisite landscapes.

Later, because I was stuck on my combat power and couldn't see more or better scenery, I tried out the modifier a little.

Seeing Xu Shimo's stunned expression, Song Wen assumed that he had seen the complete city and was reminded of his hometown, which had been ravaged by demons.

So Song Wen patted Xu Shimo on the shoulder:

"Let's go."