I Can See Health Bars in Real Life-Chapter 451 - 49: Encountering an Immortal? (Part 3)

"..."

"..."

A moment of silence.

Just then, a commotion came from outside, and the middle-aged man froze for a moment, his face lighting up with joy: "The Immortal has arrived in the village..."

The group of young men and women across from him also froze for a moment, then the young man with glasses clapped his hands decisively: "Let’s go take a look... Didn’t they say that finding this so-called Immortal would let us leave? This time we shouldn’t get caught up in their pace. No matter what, we should just state our demands directly!"

They looked at each other, suddenly feeling enlightened.

They hurriedly followed in single file, yet they hadn’t considered that, according to their logic, they could simply leave the village now without needing to say anything to the other side... Thinking they had an epiphany, they were actually unconsciously caught up in the atmosphere.

It was precisely because of this that their subconscious wanted to escape this atmosphere, because they had gradually shifted from fear to unease, apprehension, and anxiety without realizing it.

A moment later.

They discovered that the so-called "Immortal" was just as they imagined—

A young man dressed in a cyan Daoist robe, appearing simple and steady. In a flattering way, he seemed to embody the return to simplicity; in an unflattering way, he had no aura of immortality, at least from their preconceived prejudices at the moment.

And the Witch standing beside him...

Though she was also a beautiful woman with an air about her, even invoking a strange familiarity, it felt out of place! Completely incongruous!

Initially, everything seemed particularly authentic. The village and its villagers were flawless, but since the staff were exposed, the situation turned downhill rapidly. Luckily, it was just a Witch appearing; at least the other side wasn’t foolish enough to bring out a Mage.

At this moment, the scales in everyone’s hearts tipped. Unwilling to give up their "common sense," they became even more convinced this was a prank show... Regardless, they just felt this explanation made the most sense.

"Are you sure you want to leave?"

The young man in the cyan Daoist robe asked calmly, surrounded by a few children tugging at his sleeves and crowding around him playfully.

"According to the island’s traditions, those fated to see Penglai, if not villainous, may set foot on the island and may also stay..."

"Enough, enough!" The bespectacled young man, Ah Wei, interrupted impatiently, "We’re not buying it. We want to leave right now, immediately, no more nonsense!"

"Alright, it’s wise to decide quickly."

The young man in the cyan Daoist robe glanced at their expressions, nodding slightly, then gently waved his sleeve, pointing towards the road they had come: "Head straight out from here, follow the road, and you can leave. From this moment, the island will no longer obstruct you for protection."

"..."

"..."

The young men and women were taken aback, just like that? They were told they could leave the way they came?

Ridiculous, did we need you to tell us something like this?!

But they suddenly realized they hadn’t lost their freedom. Just as they came, they could leave, the same principle applied; in fact, there was no need to say anything... It could only be said that the village’s atmosphere was too peculiar. From the beginning, they unknowingly fell under its influence.

"Let’s go, let’s leave here first..." Ah Wei gritted his teeth.

"Let’s head back first..."

"Right, right, let’s head back first..."

"Oh no, we didn’t check the time, we’ve been out for so long..."

Others nodded in agreement, as if waking from a dream, chattering all at once. And among them, someone suddenly realized, reminding them of the things forgotten. Upon seeing how much time had passed since their departure, they all quickly reacted.

Unknowingly, nearly three hours had passed, and those on the boat might be anxious. Without a signal on the island, they had to rush back.

Finally recalling how deeply they ventured, they couldn’t help but grumble inwardly. It took them so much time to get here, and now they had to hurry back the same way...

Watching the group turn and run in haste, the young man looked on calmly.

"Are you truly planning to let them stay?" The Witch beside him asked softly.

"It depends on their choice. I didn’t lie; this is the island’s rules and traditions. Those fated to encounter Penglai should have this choice. I shouldn’t make the decision for them..." Gu Mo shrugged, watching the group of college students’ retreating figures, though his tone carried a hint of regret.

"However, it would be nice if they could stay... But it seems, in terms of advertisement and promotion, my village has no competitive edge."

As his words faded, the bright and sunny village suddenly came to a standstill.

The rows of houses built along the lakeshore seemed to shed their disguise instantly, revealing their original dilapidated state. Some partially collapsed, some left with only foundations, wood emanating a decaying odor, walls, and windows covered in moss...

The once vibrant village reverted back to its original state; not a villager in sight, even the chickens and ducks vanished, like a fleeting phantom mist.