"Thump!"
Aunt Chen knelt on the ground, raising Zhang Yanjin's face. "After this incident, I only hope Xiao Ya can live well. You are all experienced people, and Xiao Ya can learn a lot by following you."
Xiao Ya knelt down as well, a hint of seriousness on her cheeks. "I have no other strengths, only excellent cooking skills. If you noble ones don't mind, please let me stay by your side and serve you."
Looking at the two kneeling figures, Feng Ninghe furrowed her delicate brows and fell into thought.
She was used to being alone and had never kept idle people around her.
At least everyone by her side had the ability to protect themselves.
Feng Ninghe remained silent, and the others also said nothing.
Seeing no one speak, Aunt Chen hastily added, "If Xiao Ya does anything wrong, you can send her back at any time."
Xiao Ya bit her lip and repeatedly assured them, "My benefactors, I will never cause you trouble. Whatever you want to eat, I can make it for you."
Feng Ninghe pondered for a moment, her voice carrying a hint of hesitation. "It's just that we are used to traveling alone and don't lack servants."
Aunt Chen continued to persuade, "Xiao Ya is meticulous and diligent. I also hope she can be of help to you. It might be more convenient for you if she handles some matters."
Feng Ninghe's eyes narrowed slightly, and she fell into thought.
She had important matters to attend to in Lin Country and could not spare attention for Xiao Ya.
Bai Niannian gently rubbed her chin, lost in thought, a hint of depth in her eyes. "Xiao Ya's cooking skills are indeed excellent. Her dishes are no less than those of external chefs. However, with the journey ahead, even if she follows us, we cannot guarantee her safety."
"No matter."
Xiao Ya said without hesitation, "I want to follow you to repay your kindness. I only hope to be of more help to you. I will take care of myself, and you don't need to worry too much about me."
Feng Ninghe specifically added, "The people and events we encounter are not simple. Sometimes, even if you want to escape, you may not be able to."
Under absolute power, those with insufficient cultivation would find escape a luxury.
Xiao Ya shook her head vigorously, showing no fear, a trace of determination on her beautiful face. "I am not someone who fears death. I only wish to repay your kindness."
Seeing Xiao Ya's persistent demeanor, Feng Ninghe nodded in agreement. "Since that is the case, then you shall follow us."
Xiao Ya's eyes lit up instantly, and she nodded repeatedly with delight. "Thank you, benefactors! From now on, Xiao Ya will surely serve you well."
Bai Niannian also quickly chimed in at this moment, "Xiao Ya, since Master has agreed, you should get up quickly!"
Xiao Ya and Aunt Chen then rose one after another.
"Clang!"
The sound of gongs and drums echoed from outside the house.
Villagers kept shouting, "At the hour of the noon sun, the High Priest will be burned at the stake. Don't forget to come and witness it!"
"Everyone, prepare plenty of rotten eggs and leaves. We can't let him die so easily. He must suffer enough punishment!"
The discussions outside the house clearly reached their ears.
Bai Niannian gritted her teeth, rubbing her hands, looking eager. "We've finally waited for this scene. We must not miss it!"
Feng Ninghe's gaze fell on Xiao Ya. "After the hour of the noon sun, we will also depart. You should pack your things now."
Xiao Ya nodded obediently. "Okay, I'll go pack now!"
At the hour of the noon sun.
On the spacious altar.
The High Priest was securely bound with five flowers to a wooden pillar, with dry grass piled around him.
The High Priest's face was filled with terror as he shook his head, his eyes wide open, desperately begging for mercy. "I am not the culprit. You shouldn't treat me this way! If you have grudges, don't come looking for me."
Villagers had gathered all around, along with people from other villages that had been harmed.
A woman impatiently threw a rotten egg at the High Priest, cursing continuously. "You thousand-times damned wretch, you should have died long ago for harming so many innocent lives!"
"I'll smash you to death!"
"Everyone, don't be soft-hearted! It's already a miracle he's lived this long!"
The villagers could not hide the anger in their eyes, fiercely throwing rotten eggs and leaves towards the High Priest.
The High Priest was battered and disheveled, but he could not escape.
The village chief stood by with a torch, waiting for the opportune moment to burn the High Priest at the stake.
"Village Chief, it's almost time. You can proceed."
A burly man approached the village chief respectfully. "The villagers are all impatient. They are waiting to see the High Priest brought to justice."
The village chief nodded with slight approval, raised the torch, and walked towards the High Priest.
The women then stopped throwing rotten eggs.
The High Priest, choking on a rotten egg, coughed violently, feeling nauseous.
The village chief stopped, his expression solemn. "Everyone, you have all suffered greatly over the years. This baseless disaster was all brought upon us by this so-called High Priest, causing countless families to be destroyed.
Alas, the girls who died in our village will never return. Today, we will burn this wicked High Priest at the stake!"
The villagers' anger was ignited by the village chief's words.
They responded without hesitation, "Kill the High Priest! Avenge us!"
"He must be made to suffer, otherwise my daughter will not rest in peace!"
Surrounded by the villagers, the village chief threw down the torch.
The moment the torch touched the dry grass, the fire spread rapidly.
Blazing flames surged towards the High Priest.
"No! Don't kill me! As long as you let me live, I'll do anything!"
"I am useful alive. Perhaps there's a chance to lure out the real mastermind!"
The High Priest roared continuously.
Sensing the approach of death, he was consumed by fear.
Logically, such flames should not be able to trap an immortal cultivator, but his spiritual power was sealed, leaving him at their mercy.
The village chief stood by impassively, a hint of coldness in his eyes, watching everything unfold.
Thinking of his innocent daughter who had died, he couldn't help but wipe away the tears that slid down his cheeks. "Daughter... Father has avenged you!"
The villagers watched everything quietly, their hatred for evil evident.
Not far away.
Several figures stood in the background.
Bai Niannian sighed, her clear eyes tinged with a hint of anger. "The cycle of karma, this is retribution!"
The fire burned brighter and brighter, eventually engulfing the High Priest.
The High Priest's screams were gradually swallowed by the flames, becoming silent in the end.
The flames tightly wrapped around the High Priest's body, burning ever more fiercely!
Feng Ninghe also withdrew her gaze at this moment. "Chen Family Village will never suffer these things again. We can leave now."