C29 But What Does This Have to Do with Me?

"Immortal Master!"

Upon laying eyes on Jiaang Lin, the elderly village chief behaved as if he had just encountered his own nurturing father, swiftly approaching and bowing deeply. Jiaang Lin deftly stepped aside, avoiding the gesture.

Jiaang Lin was well aware of the chief's intentions. He wanted him to venture into the mountains for a hunt.

The chief's motives were twofold: he sought Jiaang Lin's protection for the village's young men, aiming to minimize casualties.

Moreover, he was eager for Jiaang Lin to lend his skills, confident that with Jiaang Lin's expertise, the village's yield from the hunt would be significantly enhanced.

Jiaang Lin had a clear understanding of the old village chief's motives. He even suspected that the chief had convinced Qiu Xiya to coax him into this.

Nevertheless, since he had been rescued by him and had spoken to that woman, he decided to go along with it.

The old village chief, brimming with enthusiasm, inquired, "Immortal Master, did you come because you heard we're heading into the mountains to hunt?"

With fervor in his voice, the chief explained, "You may not be aware, but our village is in a remote location with infertile land. The scant resources we have are insufficient to sustain our people, which is why our young men are compelled to brave the perilous forests to hunt."

As he spoke, a profound sadness etched his face, the deep lines mirroring the cracked and parched earth.

"Even my own son perished in those woods, falling victim to the jaws of a grey wolf!"

The village chief managed to produce a few tears, and to the uninformed observer, it would seem his son's death was a sorrow of great magnitude.

"May you find peace in acceptance," Jiaang Lin said, feigning compassion, his expression seemingly swayed by the chief's display of emotion.

Jiaang Lin glanced discreetly at Qiu Xiya, noting her slight frown. Clearly, she was aware of the village chief's true character and was exasperated by his insincere display.

In that moment, Jiaang Lin realized that Qiu Xiya also disliked the village chief. So why not seek to win her favor now?

As Jiaang Lin finished his statement, the old village head gave a sorrowful nod, trying to appear strong. But then Jiaang Lin dropped a bombshell.

"But what does that have to do with me?"

At those words, the old village head was completely taken aback!

Qiu Xiya and the young men were caught off guard. They struggled to contain their laughter, barely managing to suppress it, though their mouths twitched uncontrollably.

It took a considerable time for the old village head to regain his composure, his eyes darting wildly.

He was at a loss for words.

"Today, I've joined them for a hunt in the mountains. You, village head, can wait here in the village!"

Jiaang Lin had his fun teasing the village head and even managed to delight the young woman. Pleased with himself, he spoke up candidly.

The old village head had been secretly figuring out how to persuade Jiaang Lin to join the young men on their mountain hunt, but to his surprise, Jiaang Lin volunteered!

Initially taken aback, the village head quickly began nodding in agreement. "With your prowess, you're sure to keep these lads safe!"

"I'm coming along this time too!"

Suddenly, Jiaang Lin and the rest were rooted to the spot in astonishment!