Bizarre Survival: I Can Devour Thousands of Talents

Chapter 176, Section 175: Arrival at Aran Town, Mayor Gehrman

Along the way, Ling Xiao and Sartre had a very pleasant conversation.

Despite his formidable strength and humble demeanor, Ling Xiao, this unfamiliar outsider, quickly won the favor of everyone.

Angelina and the other young people were naturally active. They were excited to meet people from other towns, especially since they were so young, handsome and strong. They couldn't wait to ask Ling Xiao about the rumors in the north and the interesting things he had encountered.

I've managed to survive in this world for a while now, after all.

If Ling Xiao were to encounter these lost souls after transmigrating, he really wouldn't know how to make up a lie.

But now his abundant combat power gives him ample confidence, and his past experiences are not fabricated.

By reskinning "Light of Green Mountains" into "Green Mountain Town," a harmonious and united human community emerges in the minds of these lost souls.

"Mr. Xiao, thank you so much!"

Angelina wasn't just a little girl who could only cry. Growing up in Aran Town, everyone there had an understanding of life and death.

She was just too sad.

Those who were killed were familiar members of the hunting team, some of whom had even taught them.

It's hard for anyone to accept that a mentor and friend has died so tragically that only his head remains.

However, Angelina has recovered.

Although his expression remained somber, he did not remain immersed in the torment of negative emotions.

She and Sartre flanked Ling Xiao, and suddenly, as if struck by a sudden thought, she asked curiously, "That horde of dwarf apes was an absolute disaster for Alan Town! But you, Mr. Xiao, single-handedly defeated them. Even a powerful warrior like you couldn't survive in the north?"

On the other side, old Sartre did not stop Angelina's slightly offensive question, clearly also wanting to learn.

"Sigh...it's a long story..."

Ling Xiao then revealed a bitter smile, "First of all, I have to clarify that I am not weak, but I cannot be called strong."

"Our town mayor, Mr. Cleaver, is the real powerhouse!"

I'll bring out my buddy first to set the stage, and incidentally lower my own impression score a bit.

In terms of combat power alone, Ling Xiao is undoubtedly the number one among tens of thousands of people in the entire region.

When you're out and about, it's always best to leave yourself some room for maneuver.

"The environment in the north is really harsh, and there are all sorts of terrifying monsters. Our Qingshan Town really can't hold on any longer."

"The number of cases has already decreased significantly in recent years. If we don't think of ways to adapt, we might not even make it through this winter!"

These words immediately resonated with those who were also facing a survival crisis.

Some young people initially thought, "They're just monsters, why move them further south?"

But right now, the powerful Mr. Owl and his even more powerful companions are all migrating south.

These people instantly felt that the mayor's decision was truly brilliant!

The group seemed to be having a lively conversation, but Ling Xiao noticed that Sartre and the others did not immediately contact him.

Having lived in these deep mountains and forests for so many years, it's impossible for someone to be so innocent and unguarded.

But the more this happened, the more interesting Ling Xiao found it.

The person who has lost their soul is becoming more and more like a "human".

So far, he hasn't even found any suspicious clues from these people.

But Ling Xiao, who possessed the ability to see through secrets, saw through the origins of these lost souls from the very beginning.

The title of "Goddess of Light" is like drawing a target before shooting an arrow.

It's always more accurate to look for problems with the answers that indicate they are "problematic" than to search randomly.

Before long, the view opened up, and a man-made clearing appeared before Lingxiao's eyes.

We've arrived in Yalan Town.

He will most likely find the answer to his confusion here.

……

The area around Aran was very open, and the area near the town was filled with sharpened wooden spikes, except for the roads.

The two archers on duty in the watchtower were chatting idly when one of them saw a group of people walking out from the edge of the woods and immediately cried out in surprise.

The two instantly went on alert, and a warning arrow flew through the air in an arc before landing in front of them, warning the approaching group to stop.

Although they saw the beautiful Angelina and the familiar Master Sartre at the front of the group, they also saw Ling Xiao, a complete stranger.

So the older man gestured to the younger man next to him to try and get some information out of him, while he himself stood next to the alarm bell, making sure it could be rung at any time.

The young man with a bow and arrow called out, "Hey! Angelina! What's the password for the Ninth Squad today?"

"The cold winter is finally over, and the warm spring is on its way!"

"That's right! But I suddenly forgot the name of that guy who confessed to you when he was drunk last time, do you remember?"

"It's me!"

Galli stepped forward, his expression sullen, and cursed, "Leibing, you son of a bitch! When I get back, I'm going to kick your ass in the ass with my boots!"

"No problem! Come back!"

Leibing whistled at the sentry behind him, then called out in a relaxed tone, "Angelina! How's the harvest?"

"We don't have time to fool around with you, we have important business with the mayor!"

The group approached the watchtower. Laibin and his companion's expressions changed drastically upon seeing the human head in the basket. They exchanged a glance, realizing that this turn of events might truly change the fate of Aran Town!

Ding ding ding—

The alarm bells keep ringing!

The town of Alan has entered a state of war.

Many townspeople who were working immediately put down their work and rushed to their respective positions according to their usual training.

The men took up their weapons, while the women split into two groups: the stronger and more robust women also took up weapons, while the weaker women went to the church to await the instructions of Pastor Sansa.

Although no one knew the reason, no one thought the sentry's warning was a joke.

After instructing the sentry to ring the bell, old Sartre led his entourage directly to the council chamber, which was not far away.

That was the official meeting place of Alan Town, and also the "home" where the mayor had lived for many years.

The fact that Aran Town has been able to hold on for so many years is largely due to this resolute and decisive iron-fisted leader.

When Ling Xiao first saw the town mayor, he was exactly the image he had in mind.

His messy, dark brown, shoulder-length hair was casually loose, but it couldn't hide his sharp eyes. His fairly neat stubble around his mouth added a touch of authority to this mayor named Gehrman.

Gehrman, of course, also heard the alarm bells and was hurrying out the door while slinging his sword over his waist.

The two sides bumped into each other.

Startled by Ling Xiao's unfamiliar face, Gehrman instinctively gripped his sword hilt. Fortunately, his old friend, whose expression was grave, was beside him, allowing Gehrman to suppress his anxiety and ask, "Sartre!?"

"Did you order the alarm to be rung? What happened?!"

"Take a look first..."

Sartre waved to the team members carrying the severed heads and replied in a somber tone, "The hunting team has encountered an accident; some official members have been injured or killed."

As the basket was put down.

Gehrman's gaze froze, his brows furrowing, and he instantly understood the seriousness of the situation.

"Sartre, when you were peeping at Sansa bathing and got splashed with water, which eye was scalded?"

"You piece of shit! You're a piece of shit!"

Sartre blushed inappropriately, but quickly replied, "My eyes are fine! I dodged quickly, it's just that my nose is a little..."

"Oh my god! Who knows why the water temperature for a woman's bath is so hot!?"

"go!"

Gehrman, unconcerned about his old friend's humiliation, decisively ordered, "Release the magical signal! Alert the other squads! Tell them to return immediately!"

"What level of warning?"

"The best!"

Old Sartre left in a hurry, giving Angelina a look before he left, signaling her to help Mr. Owl make some communication.

During this time, Ling Xiao remained quiet and did not try to overshadow the host.

He took this opportunity to observe how society functions among the lost souls.

The conclusion is: Is this really not human?

She knows interrogation techniques, conversational traps, and keeps track of her friends' embarrassing moments for years...

The more he learned, the greater his doubts and wariness became.

After shifting his gaze from the basket, Gehrman kept his eyes fixed on Ling Xiao, but still prioritized issuing orders.

"Gali, tell everyone to stay alert! A major crisis has occurred in Aran Town, and they need to uphold their duties!"

The latest novel is first published here!

"Yes, sir!"

Then, the mayor learned a brief account of the recent upheaval from Angelina.

"The third...fourth...seventh squads have probably all met a tragic end..."

A complex expression of grief and indignation appeared on the face of the tough-guy mayor.

Even with the mental fortitude honed by years of rule, losing three hunting squads at once was an extremely difficult blow to accept.

But he regained his cold, hard expression after a few breaths.

"Then... Mr. Xiao,"

Gehrman looked intently at Ling Xiao, and as he made way for him, he extended his hand in invitation, "As the advance team from Qingshan Town, would you like to have a chat with me?"

"It is my honor, Mayor."

The members of the Ninth Squad dispersed to inform various places, while Angelina stayed in the council hall to serve the mayor and Owl steaming hot tea.

"Bitter barley tea doesn't taste very good, but it's very refreshing."

Gehrman quickly swept aside the pile of documents on the table and gestured for Ling Xiao to have a sip of hot tea to catch his breath.

"Alan Town has many specialties, but I didn't have time to prepare them, so I can only offer you what I usually drink."

Ling Xiao took a small sip and smiled, "It really is refreshing."

"Mayor, it's so nice to meet you all, really, so nice!"

The tea would naturally not be ingested.

In fact, Ling Xiao purified them all as soon as he closed his mouth; the swallowing in his throat was just a feint to deceive others.

His willingness to come alone does not mean he is foolish enough to drink heartily in an unfamiliar place.

Gehrman nodded to Angelina, who was carefully serving him, took the tea and drank it down in two gulps before getting straight to the point.

"Mr. Xiao, first of all, please accept my heartfelt thanks on behalf of the town of Alan! Without your help, Angelina and the others probably wouldn't have made it back..."

"And we know nothing about the danger; we'll definitely be ambushed by those bastards. The situation is really..."

He looked sincerely at Ling Xiao, "So, how can we express our gratitude to our distinguished guests from the North?"

"Or rather, is there anything you need us to do?"

This direct question really stumped Ling Xiao.

Because he genuinely didn't know what the mayor needed to do.

He couldn't very well tell Gehrman that he was there to spy on military affairs and incidentally inquire about the Goddess of Light, could he?

Although the goal is clear, we can't be too direct right now.

After quickly organizing his thoughts, Ling Xiao said sincerely, "Mayor, we have migrated from the north to the south, and we are very happy to see you all."

"But we'd like to know more information, anything, of course, personally... I'm more interested in history."

Whether it's the backstory of the "Homecoming" ship, or the earth-shattering battle and magnificent castle in the dream, it all resonates with the story.

Everything tells Ling Xiao that this world once had a "real" history.

Every change has a process.

People who have lost their hearts and souls were originally the native inhabitants of this world.

Freud, who could communicate among the mentally unstable, was eerie and terrifying.

The lost soul who looked exactly like a normal person became his breakthrough point in tracing history.

However, Ling Xiao also understood that there was an unimaginable horror hidden within.

In other words, the hidden historical truth, even just a speck of dust could crush him now.

Therefore, Ling Xiao only showed his interest, and his priority was to inquire about survival and exploration within the valley.

The fact that Yalan Town has lived in this area for many years and sent out a hunting team indicates that they have also made some explorations.

This accumulated experience is also quite important intelligence for the survivors who are about to enter the valley.

After listening to Ling Xiao's story, Gehrman listened intently, somewhat lost in thought.

He lit a rolled cigarette, and only after the smoke rose did he realize what was happening and waved his hand apologetically, "Oh, I'm sorry, please let me know if you mind."

"Of course, this is also a specialty of Alan Town. If Mr. Owl would like to try it, I'd be happy to offer you one!"

"I don't smoke, but could I have one to keep as a souvenir?"

"Oh, it is an honor for its birth."

Holding up the hand-rolled tobacco leaves to examine them, Ling Xiao thought for a moment and said, "Mayor, those dwarf apes are unlikely to amount to much."

"Are there any other noteworthy monsters in this valley?"

"have,"

Gehrman puffed out a cloud of smoke, pulled an old map covered in scribbles from the corner of the table, and pointed to it, saying, "We've explored quite a few places over the years. These, and... these, are all dangerous demon lairs."

"As for the valley..."

He helplessly spread his palms, "Due to limited supplies, we haven't been able to leave the south after so many years of exploration."

"However, we also found several more suitable campsite locations..."

"The mountain road to the north isn't far, but you're the only one who's come here in all these years."

"Looks like my luck isn't so bad after all..."

Ling Xiao held the cigarette but didn't smoke it. Just as he was about to ask something else, he heard an urgent shout from outside the door.

"Mayor! The other squads are back!"

Having put the conversation aside, the two quickly arrived at the entrance of the town, which was not far from the council hall.

The tense expressions on the faces of the many fully armed townspeople subsided considerably upon seeing Gehrman, but their emotions soon turned to Ling Xiao, this stranger.

The entrance to the camp was a flurry of activity.

A tall, plump priest in white robes is casting healing beams to help the injured heal.

Ling Xiao glanced outside and found that the returning squads were fairly well-organized, except for one squad where everyone was injured, making it a very tragic situation.

With his extremely keen senses, he noticed a man with a missing arm trying to say something to Gehrman.

"Mayor..."

"The dwarf apes have gone mad! They're even... even giving birth to higher-level monsters!"

(End of this chapter)