The group split into two without looking back.
Some followed Wu Lian toward the south, their voices filled with hope and trust. Others followed me toward the east, quiet but firm in their decision.
And just like that, the village truly broke apart.
Meanwhile, in the south…
The journey was not easy, but the people held on.
They walked for hours, carrying their bundles, leading their children, and pushing through the forest with tired but determined steps. The sun rose higher in the sky, and the heat slowly replaced the cold of the morning.
After nearly three to four hours of walking, the sound of flowing water finally reached their ears.
"The river!"
Someone shouted with excitement.
Energy returned to their tired bodies as they hurried forward.
Soon, the river came into view.
Clear water flowed steadily, reflecting the sunlight, and the open land around it made the place look wide and welcoming.
Relief spread through the crowd.
"We made it…"
"There's really water here…"
"We can finally rest…"
Some people dropped their bundles immediately and sat down, breathing heavily. Others ran toward the river, kneeling down to scoop water into their hands and drink eagerly.
A few children even laughed as they splashed near the edge.
Wu Lian stood at the center, watching everything calmly.
Then she raised her voice.
"Don't rush. We need to organize first."
Her tone was firm, and the people quickly listened.
"You, gather wood for fire," she instructed, pointing at a group of men.
"You, start clearing space. We need somewhere to rest tonight."
She turned to another group.
"And a few of you, stay near the water and make sure it's safe before everyone drinks too much."
Her commands were clear.
Direct.
And the villagers responded quickly.
People began moving with purpose.
Some picked up tools, some gathered branches, and others started clearing the ground.
A man stepped forward and bowed slightly.
"Miss Wu, you are just like your father," he said with respect. "A natural leader."
Others quickly agreed.
"Yes, if not for you, we wouldn't have known what to do."
"You saved us…"
"You truly deserve to lead us…"
Their praise grew louder.
And then—
Someone scoffed.
"At least we didn't follow that fatty witch."
A few people laughed.
"What does she even know?"
"She probably got lost by now."
"Talking nonsense like she always does…"
The insults came easily.
Freely.
As if they had already forgotten everything.
Wu Lian did not stop them.
She simply stood there, her expression calm, accepting their trust without denying their words.
To them—
They had made the right choice.
And everything ahead looked bright.
….
At first, everything seemed fine.
People were busy with their tasks. Some gathered wood, some cleared the ground, and others moved closer to the river to drink and wash their faces.
Then suddenly—
A loud scream tore through the air.
"Crocodiles!"
Everyone froze.
"There are crocodiles in the river!"
Panic spread instantly.
People near the water jumped back in fear, stumbling over each other as they rushed away from the riverbank.
Before anyone could react—
Another scream followed.
"Bees! There are bee hives here!"
A loud buzzing sound filled the air as a swarm began to rise from the trees.
People shouted and covered their heads, running in all directions.
"It's attacking—run!"
More chaos followed.
"Snakes!"
"Watch out, snakes!"
A man fell back as a long, dark snake slithered past, its body coiled and ready to strike.
"It's venomous!"
The crowd completely lost control.
People ran without direction, pushing and shouting as fear took over. Some dropped their belongings, while others grabbed their children and fled blindly.
The place that had looked peaceful just moments ago had turned into danger.
Wu Lian stood in the middle, her face pale.
"Everyone calm down!" she shouted. "Don't run! Stay together!"
But no one listened.
Her voice was drowned out by screams.
Even Wu Huan, who had been standing beside her, looked shaken as he tried to pull people back.
"Stop running! You'll make it worse!"
But it was useless.
Fear had already taken over.
A woman cried out as she stumbled, nearly falling into the dirt.
Another man grabbed his arm, shouting, "We shouldn't have come here!"
"This place is dangerous!"
More voices followed.
"We should have listened to her!"
"That fatty witch was right!"
"We shouldn't have come here!"
Regret began to spread just as quickly as fear.
The same people who had mocked her…
Now spoke her words but it was already too late.
The river roared beside them and bees filled the air.
And the forest showed its true face.