"The sky is getting late, we need to find a place to set up tents," Shen Xiaoxiao said, "We're only halfway there 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 looks like it will take two or three days to explore this Niutou Mountain!"
"If we want to find good medicinal herbs, of course it will take time," Shen Xiaoxiao said seriously, "I used to go camping with friends often, so I'm quite used to this."
However, as they were talking, Lu Fan looked ahead and saw what appeared to be a few houses on the mountainside of Niutou Mountain. "Are there people living on Niutou Mountain?"
Following Lu Fan's gaze, the others also looked and indeed saw several houses. Although all were made of wood, in this desolate 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 can borrow lodging there, we won'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 experienced much hardship. Staying on the mountain for a night was indeed difficult for him.
"In that case, let's go there!" Lu Fan nodded.
As soon as they reached the entrance of the village, several burly men looked at Lu Fan and his companions with unfriendly eyes. Strangers had never come here before, so they were naturally extremely vigilant.
"Excuse me, can we borrow lodging here?" Shen Xiaoxiao stepped forward and asked, "We came to the mountain to gather 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 some banknotes, "This is all yours, we just need a place to rest!"
"We don't need this sort of thing on the mountain," the burly man said abruptly, "Let me tell you, if you don't leave, don't blame us for being impolite!"
Lu Fan frowned. He hadn't expected the people of Niutou Village to be so stubborn, as if they regarded them as natural enemies.
"Datou, what's happening?"
Just then, an old man with a cane approached, looking venerable and supported by several men.
"Village Chief, these people are from outside," Datou said, "They wanted to borrow lodging in the village for the 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 one night!"
"Old Village Chief, the rules of Niutou Village are that outsiders are not allowed in the village," Datou said directly, "If they come in, won't that violate the rules?"
"Rules are made by people, and it's already late. Even if they go down the mountain now, it's too late," the old village chief waved his hand, "Niutou Mountain is home to many wild beasts, especially those that come out at night. Letting them stay outside would be quite dangerous!"
Datou had no choice but to make way. 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."
"Grandpa is always right," Shen Xiaoxiao said quickly, "How could we be bad people?"
"Bad people don't have it written on their faces. Who knows these days," Datou sneered.
He held some status in Niutou Village, bringing back many good things after each hunt. If the village chief hadn't agreed, he wouldn't have let Lu Fan and the others in.
"Guests are guests, how can you be so rude?" the old village chief reprimanded, "Go and prepare some food for them to fill their stomachs!"
Datou was quite reluctant but had no choice. He arranged a room for Lu Fan and his companions and brought some things, "This is all from hunting on the mountain. You usually can't eat this even with money. You're quite lucky today!"
"Thank you!" Lu Fan smiled.
Outside the room, many people were already watching. Niutou Village was isolated, and there were no outsiders on ordinary days. The arrival of a few outsiders was quite a novelty.
"Everyone, please rest!" 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 happiness.
It was quite good to have a sheltered room on Niutou Mountain.
"Datou, it's bad news, your son is in trouble again."
A voice called out, and a woman ran over, "Hurry and go see!"
Datou was startled and rushed home.
The villagers of Niutou Mountain also followed. They knew that Datou's son, Xiaolong, had been mentally unstable since childhood and had caused a lot of trouble in the village. It was already a miracle that he was still alive.
Lu Fan and the others were curious and followed, wondering what had happened.
In Datou's room, Xiaolong was hitting the wooden boards, his head bleeding. The scene was somewhat gruesome.
"My child, why has your illness relapsed again!"
Datou cried, hugging Xiaolong tightly, his heart filled with helplessness.
Many villagers who saw this were also touched. Xiaolong 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 seen similar 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 so that he can recover."
What Lu Fan said unintentionally was heard by the old village chief, who looked at Lu Fan and said, "Young man, do you have a way? If you can cure Xiaolong, you will be a great benefactor to Niutou Village!"
The entire village's gaze turned towards Lu Fan, filled with anticipation. The villagers naturally hoped for Xiaolong's condition to improve.
"I'll try," Lu Fan shrugged, "Whether I can cure him, I'm not sure!"
"You really know medicine?" Datou frowned.
"What kind of question is that!" Shen Xiaoxiao glared, "If you don't believe him, Mr. Lu won't act!"
"Please don't misunderstand, Datou is just straightforward," the old village chief quickly said, "Consider it my plea! If you have a way to cure him, please help."
"The Old Village Chief letting us borrow lodging shows his kindness, and I wouldn't want to disappoint him," Lu Fan smiled and then went to Xiaolong's side.
Datou dared not say 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 said this, he must have some skills. He would not let go of even a sliver of hope.