Shortly after I collapsed, the door sprang open. However, no one entered the cottage; I knew they were checking on us. If we got up now, they would know we weren’t unconscious and would close the door immediately.

Since we didn’t move, people started to flood in. They talked to one another in low voices.

“Mr. Secretary, is this really all right?”

“Of course it is.” It was Old Zhao’s voice. “Otherwise, do you want to be the one to die? If we sacrifice the two of them, we can save the entire village. Which option do you think is better?”

“What if they are really capable? Perhaps they can deal with those damn crystals and no one will be killed.”

“You fool, these two are nothing but kids. Do you really think they are some experts? Perhaps they will drag down our entire village with them. I would rather make them die now.”

Then, they...