The younger man quickly looked at his companion.

“You should not entertain such thoughts.” The older man’s grip on his spear tightened noticeably.

“I do not mean to enter the town,” Lem’s simulated self said quickly.

“It does not matter.”

“I only wish to find a disciple to trade with. I will not even step foot within its limits. If it is desired of me, I will not even approach the gate.”

“You should give up on the pursuit.” The older man shook his head. “If you continue to hold such thoughts, I’m afraid you will have to leave immediately.”

The younger man had a sympathetic look in his eyes.

The older man gave Lem’s simulated self a hard stare, and an awkward silence broke out between them.

[You learn that they are from Lang Town, but the guard will not reveal where the town is located.]

Lem’s simulated self finally nodded to signal his understanding.

“Tell me, please, what is your secret for slowing down the rate of the evil infection?” The older man stared expectantly.

“By chance, I found a spiritual fruit on a tree, and I ate it immediately. It gave me a warm feeling throughout my body, and I noticed that I felt much better. Since then, I have searched everywhere, but I have not found another one.” Lem’s simulated self gave a sad expression.

The younger man shook his head. “You found a spiritual herb, and lived to speak of it. I wish I had been born with such luck.”

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“Are they really so rare?” Lem’s simulated self asked quickly.

“It is not a matter of rare or common. Ordinary townsfolk and even disciples rarely try to harvest spiritual plants because it can attract beasts.”

“Even disciples fear the beasts?” Lem’s simulated self was incredulous.

The younger man laughed. “Villagers often have an exaggerated view of cultivation. The strongest beings out there may well be immortals, but I can confidently say that an immortal has never visited Lang Town.

“In the forest, there are beasts that could wipe out a town with a single breath. Some of them are tyrant sloths, others are dust cats. Likely every other common species has at least one ancient matriarch or patriarch supporting them.

“The reason that they don’t exterminate us all is because it is beneath them. Under such circumstances, nobody would want to provoke such a creature, nor do they want to take chances.

“Is it strange that the martial schools will keep away from spiritual locations and try not to enter any conflicts? Who would want to accidentally murder the great grandson of one of those ancient beasts.”

The older guard interrupted. “Fine then, we heard your story, and you heard ours. Now, I’d ask for you to leave before you disturb the harvesters.”

“Are there any known remedies for the evil infection?” Lem’s simulated self quickly asked.

“Any remedies?” The older guard shook his head. “It is better to lie down and try to die peacefully, rather than get your hopes up. You should leave now and look for more fruits.”

He waved his spear threateningly.

[The guard shakes his head, commenting about your luck. He tells you to leave.]

Lem’s simulated self reluctantly turned and slowly walked away.

After he had taken several paces, he stopped and turned back, looking into the eyes of the guards.

He was still walking in a southwest direction.

If Lang Town was in the direction, wouldn’t the faces of the guard’s betray them?

There was no difference in their expressions.

The older man made a shooing gesture with his spear.

Were they trying to hide their unease?

Neither Lem nor his simulated self knew what to make of their reactions.

[Reluctantly, you walk away from the guards.

You continue walking in a southwest direction while trying to gauge information from the expressions on their faces, but you cannot glean anything…]