“In the past, when the village held festivals, they would find boys and girls with auspicious birth dates and times. However, that was just a formality; it was a way of praying for blessings, a good thing. Every family would rush to send their children, saying they wanted to share in the good fortune and be proud of it…”
But this time, it was a human sacrifice.
The child to be sacrificed is offered to the ancient demon by sinking it into a well.
After learning about this, Wang Lin had already run away several times, but she was always found and brought back. The last time was when she was visiting relatives during the Chinese New Year. After she was found and brought back, she was locked up.
This is the eighth time I've run away.
Xiuxiu's gaze was complicated. "I hope she can escape this time."
The village is known for its simple and honest people, who help each other, return lost items, leave doors unlocked at night, and offer assistance to every family in need.
However, on this matter, everyone unanimously agreed not to object.
Su Deng asked, "Where are her family members?"
After asking the question, she felt that it was like she was asking a pointless question.
The question has been changed.
"The little boy he was talking about, the one used in the sacrifice..."
“A few days ago, Aunt Li Mei found him at the village entrance. No one knows where he came from. He wouldn’t say anything when asked, only calling out that he wanted to find his mother. Although we didn’t know anything about him and couldn’t get his birth date, the fortune teller said that he was covered in purple aura, which was a good sign. So the village chose him as a sacrificial offering…”
Xiuxiu dug her nails into her palms. "I told her that what they were doing was no different from human trafficking, but nobody listened to me..."
She was powerless. "I want to save them, but I have no power at all. Our village..."
"Have you seen the child you mentioned? What does he look like?" Su Deng suddenly interrupted her, her eyes swirling with emotion.
“I’ve seen him twice,” Xiuxiu said. “That child looked so noble, and he was exceptionally beautiful, like a porcelain doll, unlike children from ordinary families…”
Initially, some villagers advised that the child might belong to a wealthy family, but after waiting for two or three days, no children were reported missing in Zhoucun, and there were no news reports online.
The villagers said that this child was a gift from heaven to Yaocun.
Su Deng's pupils narrowed slightly. "Then do you know where he is now?"
“At the village committee.” Xiuxiu thought she was asking this because she wanted to rescue the other person, so she pursed her lips and shook her head. “There are people watching over there. You don’t need to waste your energy. You heard what Li Qin said. Maybe you won’t be able to escape either.”
She wanted to help, to struggle, to rebel, but from the moment she was born in this village, she had no choice in her fate.
"Is dinner ready, Xiuxiu?"
Before the person even arrived, their voice came from outside the gate.
"My mom's back. Just pretend you didn't hear anything." Xiuxiu's expression changed slightly. She quickly said a few words to Su Deng and replied with a smile, "Mom, she'll be back soon. Are you done with your work over there?"
"I have to go after dinner. That dress is too difficult to tie. It has to be tied before eight o'clock so that it can be used tomorrow."
A slightly plump middle-aged woman wearing a floral jacket walked in. When she saw Su Deng, her expression changed, but she quickly put on a smile and said, "Little Su, right? Please treat this house as your own home. Don't be shy."
Su Deng smiled politely.
"People from big cities are just different. Look at Xiao Su's whole demeanor..." Flattery poured out of Li's mother's mouth as if it were free. Finally, she asked, "Xiao Su is so pretty, does she have a boyfriend?"
Su Deng said, "No."
A slight glint appeared in Li's mother's eyes. "Do you have anyone else at home while you're outside?"
Su Deng's expression remained unchanged. "No more."
Li's mother's eyes lit up, and she said with a smile, "There are many handsome young men in our village. Auntie will introduce one to you later. We're all family."
Su Deng remained calm and said, "Thank you, Auntie."
Xiuxiu wanted to say something, but she couldn't say anything.
The meal was exceptionally lively. Li's mother was incredibly enthusiastic, constantly serving Su Deng food and praising her endlessly.
Su Deng smiled politely the whole time, repeating a few words to herself.
"Thank you, Auntie."
"OK."
"No."
After finishing her meal, Li's mother put down her bowl and chopsticks, then packed another meal in a lunchbox. "Xiuxiu, don't go out. Stay home and keep Xiaosu company. Your father and I will be back soon."
After giving Xiuxiu her instructions, she left and locked the door behind her.
Xiuxiu sighed deeply, “I’ve always disagreed with the village’s rituals. I said we should use scientific methods to solve this, but no one listens to me. My mother knows me well, and I guess she’s afraid I’ll let you go.”
Su Deng smiled faintly and said, "I came here to investigate this matter, and I certainly won't leave until I've investigated it thoroughly."
"But you..."
"Don't worry, I know my limits."
Seeing Su Deng's calm expression, Xiu Xiu didn't say anything more. She had already said what she should and shouldn't have said.
"By the way, there's a village curfew for the two days leading up to the Yao Village Festival. Don't go out after 9 PM, and no matter what noise you hear, don't go out to check. Even if someone knocks on your door, don't answer! Just pretend you didn't hear anything!"
While clearing away the dishes, Xiuxiu gave Sudeng a stern warning.
Before Su Deng could ask why, she had already left.
All that Xiuxiu told me was about the current state of the village. The reason for the existence of this ritual and the curse she mentioned were all unclear.
They couldn't even piece together a complete clue.
Su Deng sat and pondered for a while, then decided to go back to sleep and recharge before going out to check things out in the evening.
It's still winter, and it gets dark early. By eight o'clock in the evening, it's already pitch black outside.
Around 8 o'clock, Su Deng woke up, and it was quiet outside.
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