"The sky is already very late, we need to find a place to pitch tents," Shen Xiaoxiao said. "We've only covered half the journey and it's already dark. Fortunately, we came prepared, otherwise we'd have to sleep in the trees."
"You're always so thoughtful!" Lu Fan chuckled. "It seems we'll need two or three days on Mount Niutou!"
"If we want to find good medicinal herbs, that's naturally necessary," Shen Xiaoxiao said seriously. "I used to go camping with friends often, so I'm quite used to this."
Just as they were talking, Lu Fan looked ahead. On the mountainside of Mount Niutou, he seemed to see a few houses. "Are there people living on Mount Niutou?"
Following Lu Fan's gaze, the others also looked and indeed saw several houses. Although they were all built of wood, in this wilderness, they were the best shelters.
"There are many mosquitoes and insects on the mountain, and that looks like a village," Han Yunhai said. "If we could borrow lodging there, we wouldn't be in such a predicament."
"I agree!" Gu Wen quickly nodded.
Although he was a martial arts master, he was still from a prominent family and had not endured much hardship. Spending a night on the mountain was indeed uncomfortable for him.
"In that case, let's go there!" Lu Fan nodded.
As they approached the entrance of the village, several burly men looked at Lu Fan and his companions with unfriendly eyes. Strangers had never come to this place before, so they were naturally very vigilant.
"Excuse me, can we borrow lodging here?" Shen Xiaoxiao stepped forward and asked. "We came to the mountain to collect herbs, and it's getting late. We'd like to borrow lodging in the village!"
"Niutou Village does not accept outsiders!" the burly man said. "Go back where you came from!"
"We're really not bad people!" Gu Wen stepped forward. "Please be accommodating!"
After speaking, Gu Wen took out banknotes. "This is all yours, we just need a place to rest our feet!"
"We don't need such things on the mountain," the burly man said abruptly. "Let me tell you, if you don't leave now, don't blame us for being impolite!"
Lu Fan frowned. He hadn't expected the people of Niutou Village to be so unreasonable, treating them as natural enemies.
"Da Tou, what's going on?"
Just then, an old man walked over, leaning on a cane. He looked venerable and was supported by several men.
"Village Chief, these people are from outside," Da Tou said. "They want to borrow lodging in the village for a night, but I refused them!" Su Dan Novel Network
The old village chief glanced at Lu Fan and his companions before waving his hand and saying, "They don't look like bad people. Let them stay in the village for a night!"
"Old Village Chief, according to Niutou Village's rules, outsiders are not allowed to enter the village," Da Tou said frankly. "If they come in, wouldn't that violate the rules?"
"Rules are made by people. It's already late, and even if they descend the mountain now, there won't be enough time," the old village chief waved his hand. "Mount Niutou is full of wild beasts, especially active at night. Letting them stay outside would be quite dangerous!"
Da Tou had no choice but to let them pass. Lu Fan cupped his fists and smiled, "Thank you, Old Village Chief!"
"No need for thanks," the old village chief said with a kind smile. "You all have kind faces and are certainly not bad people."
"It's the old grandpa who sees clearly," Shen Xiaoxiao quickly said. "How could we be bad people?"
"Bad people don't have it written on their faces. Who knows these days," Da Tou retorted with a glare.
He had some status in Niutou Village, bringing back many good things every time he went hunting. If the village chief hadn't agreed, he wouldn't have let Lu Fan and the others in.
"Guests should be treated with respect, how can you be so rude?" the old village chief admonished. "Go prepare some food for them to fill their stomachs!"
Da Tou was quite reluctant but had no choice. He arranged a room for Lu Fan and his companions and then brought some items. "These are all hunted on the mountain. Usually, you can't eat them even with money. You're quite lucky today!"
"Thank you!" Lu Fan smiled.
Outside the room, quite a few people were already gathered. Niutou Village was isolated from the world, and there were no outsiders on ordinary days. The arrival of a few outsiders was quite a novelty.
"Everyone, please rest first!" the old village chief smiled. "If you need anything, you can tell me!"
"Thank you, Old Village Chief!" Shen Xiaoxiao quickly nodded, feeling a surge of joy inside.
On Mount Niutou, having a sheltered room was quite a good thing.
"Da Tou, something's wrong, your son has had another incident."
A voice called out, and a woman ran over. "Hurry and go see!"
Da Tou was startled and rushed towards his home.
The villagers of Mount Niutou also followed. They knew that Da Tou's son, Xiao Long, had been mentally unstable since childhood and had caused a lot of trouble in the village. It was a miracle he was still alive.
Lu Fan and the others were curious and followed, wondering what had happened.
In Da Tou's room, Xiao Long was repeatedly banging against the wooden boards, his head already bleeding. The scene was somewhat gruesome.
"You child, why have you fallen ill again!"
Da Tou cried, hugging Xiao Long tightly, his heart filled with helplessness.
Many villagers who witnessed this were also moved. Xiao Long had been mentally unstable since childhood, and as he grew older, his actions became increasingly frightening.
"Master, is this a neurological problem?" Gu Wen asked. "I've read about such conditions in medical books before, but my medical skills are not yet proficient enough to help him."
"This is indeed a neurological problem," Lu Fan nodded. "It requires acupuncture to unblock the nerves in his brain for him to recover."
Lu Fan spoke casually, but the old village chief heard it with intent. He looked at Lu Fan and said, "Young man, do you have a way? If you can cure Xiao Long, you will be a great benefactor to Niutou Village!"
The entire village's gaze also turned towards Lu Fan, filled with anticipation. The villagers naturally hoped for Xiao Long's condition to improve.
"I'll give it a try," Lu Fan shrugged. "As for whether I can cure him, I'm not sure!"
"Do you really know medicine?" Da Tou frowned.
"What kind of question is that!" Shen Xiaoxiao glared. "If you don't believe him, Mr. Lu won't treat him!"
"Please don't misunderstand, Da Tou is just straightforward," the old village chief quickly said. "Consider it my plea! If you have a way to cure him, please do so."
"The Old Village Chief allowing us to stay shows his kindness, and I wouldn't want to disappoint him," Lu Fan smiled, and then moved to Xiao Long's side.
Da Tou dared not say anything more and retreated to the side. He knew very well the difficulty of asking for help.
Regardless of whether Lu Fan had the ability, since Lu Fan had spoken, he must have some skill. If there was even a sliver of hope, he would not let it go easily.