Gu Zhan had a guess in his mind, but he didn't make any moves that might alert the enemy. Instead, he patiently waited in place.

After the city lord entered the cave, he didn't come out for almost half an hour. His body was swaying and unsteady, and it was unknown what he had gone through.

Seeing this, Gu Zhan carefully examined him.

They noticed that the city lord's complexion was very strange, having changed from a rosy color to a pale, listless one.

Even more strangely, Gu Zhan sensed a dangerous aura emanating from the city lord.

Seeing that the city lord was about to leave, Gu Zhan didn't delay any longer and turned back to the place where they were supposed to assemble.

Most people didn't catch anything, except for a few who managed to catch wild rabbits or something similar.

Gu Zhan didn't want to waste any more time here, so he immediately rested his troops and headed back.

Upon returning to his residence, Gu Zhan immediately found Xu Nian and explained everything that had just happened.

“There’s definitely a ghost in that cave,” he said firmly.

Upon hearing this, Xu Nian stroked her chin and began to think.

In fact, the moment Xu Nian entered the city lord's mansion, she sensed a faint aura that she disliked.

She was a seasoned Taoist nun who had experienced countless battles; the only things she could despise were evil spirits.

Thinking of this, Xu Nian couldn't help but recall the story Chen Mo had once told.

His father was a diligent and hardworking city lord, deeply loved by the people.

How could someone who has accumulated so much merit and good deeds suddenly fall seriously ill and die?

Moreover, almost immediately after Chen Mo's father died, the current city lord ascended to the position of city lord with lightning speed.

All of this seems to have a subtle connection with the intelligence brought by Gu Zhan.

After thinking for a moment, Xu Nian decided to hold back for the time being.

Firstly, they didn't have any leads yet, and secondly, alerting the enemy too early would not be advantageous for either Chen Mo or their side.

Thinking of this, Xu Nian smiled and said, "Thank you. I'll be more careful in the future."

She glanced at the soldiers behind her carrying a bunch of wild vegetables and couldn't help but chuckle, asking, "What are you all doing here?"

The soldiers, looking disheveled, gave an explanation, which made Xu Nian even happier.

She clapped her hands and pointed to the large pot next to her, "Let's go, let's have a hot pot together."

The soldiers had never heard of hot pot before, but they had eaten it before, and it was absolutely delicious!

So these people couldn't wait to rush over, some carrying water and some starting a fire, eager to try it.

Xu Nian didn't stop them, and raised an eyebrow to ask Gu Zhan beside her, "Why don't you come and eat too?"

Gu Zhan nodded and followed Xu Nian closely, watching her every move.

Actually, he already knew pretty much how to make hot pot, and he even tried it once, but he could never make it taste like Xu Nian's.

Seeing through Gu Zhan's thoughts, Xu Nian laughed triumphantly, "I added a secret sauce!"

[Are you referring to the hot pot base that costs five yuan a pack in the supermarket?]

[Is it instant noodle seasoning?]

Is it still Lao Gan Ma?

The comments section was merciless, with everyone sending messages to criticize and ridicule Xu Nian, leaving her with a black line on her forehead.

Why are this audience members so hard to please?!

Speechless, she took out the hot pot base and poured it angrily into the boiling pot.

Grandma Chen had finished her work and, seeing that Xu Nian had prepared such a big pot, guessed that she was going to treat everyone to a meal. Everyone's face was filled with joyful smiles.

Xu Nian is a kind person who always thinks of them and has helped them so much.

Many people are extremely grateful to her, especially Chen Mo's family.

As the family members of the previous city lord, they had endured inhuman suffering for the past few months, suffering endless humiliation.

However, with Xu Nian's help, Chen Mo not only gained control of the city's water supply, but also became a respected figure.

The residents who once couldn't afford to eat have all earned their first pot of gold through their own labor.

Chen Mo pondered the events of the past few days, feeling as if he were in a dream.

Everything started with that bucket of water.

Xu Nian's pure and bright smile truly touched Chen Mo's heart.

He chuckled to himself, completely unaware that Granny Chen was smiling knowingly beside him.

"Grandma, what are you laughing at?" Chen Mo asked, looking puzzled.

Grandma Chen remained silent, watching Xu Nian bustling around with a smile, before finally uttering a word.

"Everyone yearns for beautiful people or things; it's our instinct as human beings."

Upon hearing this, Chen Mo immediately felt that his little scheme had been discovered, and his face flushed red.

"It's not what you think..."

Seeing Chen Mo's eagerness to argue, Grandma Chen remained calm and continued speaking slowly.

"But people should learn to be content. That girl has helped us so much; that's enough, isn't it?"

Chen Mo froze on the spot, speechless for a long time.

Indeed, Xu Nian helped them simply because she was a kind girl, and it had nothing to do with who she was.

Moreover, she was surrounded by...

Chen Mo looked up and saw Gu Zhan and Xu Nian pressed tightly together, a bitter smile involuntarily appearing on his lips.

Although Gu Zhan didn't say it, he could always sense the hostile atmosphere.

"What are you thinking about? Come and eat!"

Just as Chen Mo was deep in thought, Xu Nian's clear voice suddenly rang out, pulling him back to reality.

Looking up, Xu Nian stood not far away, with the tall and imposing Gu Zhan beside her, asking her with a smile in his eyes.

Chen Mo suddenly felt relieved.

It's time to let go of that love for Xu Nian.

Thinking this, Chen Mo suddenly felt inexplicably light and cheerful, and stood up with a smile to respond.

"I am coming!"

As Xu Nian watched him skip and hop past, she suddenly felt that he seemed somewhat different from before.

However, she didn't think too much about it and continued to invite everyone over to eat hot pot.

Everyone sat together and enjoyed their meal in a harmonious atmosphere.

"What's this called? It's hot pot stuff, and I never get tired of it!"

"That's right! Miss Xu, you're amazing!"

The soldiers, who had already tasted hot pot, devoured it and didn't forget to praise it.

Xu Nian smiled unconsciously and touched the spice bag next to her.

It's all thanks to the seasonings!

Gu Zhan was also enjoying the food in a very leisurely manner, looking extremely content.

The residents praised Xu Nian's cooking skills and enjoyed the hot pot with great relish, their faces beaming with happiness.

Xu Nian couldn't help but lie down on the haystack, looking up at the star-studded night sky, with the sounds of Da Bao and Er Bao playing in her ears.

If only things could stay like this forever...