Chapter 169

Back inside, he carefully closed the door and lit the oil lamp.

He then unbuttoned his shirt, revealing the bright red handprint on his shoulder.

The Chief Elder's seemingly casual press earlier had actually contained Inner Energy, rendering his entire arm immobile.

It was a clear reminder of who truly led the village.

The Sixth Elder slammed the table in frustration, the sharp sound echoing through the room. He let out a cold snort, unable to quell the anger burning inside him.

Meanwhile, Dorothy followed The Chief Elder up the narrow path leading to the back mountain.

The journey was silent; Dorothy dared not act out in The Chief Elder's presence.

No one but The Chief Elder could freely enter this sacred ground.

Inside the house, The Chief Elder's voice carried an undeniable command. "Put him on the bed and leave."

Dorothy complied, though her movements were slow, clearly reluctant to go.

The Chief Elder glanced at her. "Got something to say?"

"He's my friend," Dorothy pleaded.

"I didn't expose you earlier; that was me giving you a break."

"The Sixth Elder is very invested in your wedding to Brent Thomas. Even I can't interfere lightly," The Chief Elder said, his tone tinged with helplessness.

Dorothy's suspicions were confirmed; nothing escaped The Chief Elder's notice.

"But I don't want to marry a man I don't love," Dorothy protested weakly, biting her lip, her voice choked with emotion.

Tears welled up in her eyes.

"Love? What is love? Our tribe is dwindling. As a member, you need to contribute."

The Chief Elder's voice carried the weight of years.

"Some things, as a member of the tribe, you must prioritize the greater good," he continued, his tone stern.

"I know you're unhappy, but life is short. Close one eye and it will pass quickly," The Chief Elder's words were both a comfort and a resignation to reality.

It was the first time The Chief Elder had spoken so much. His words struck Dorothy like a hammer, and she trembled with sobs, her vision blurred by tears.

"Go back!" The Chief Elder's tone turned sharp, his voice brooking no argument.

Dorothy knew that no matter how much she resisted, some things couldn't be changed.

She stood up slowly, wiped her tears, and took one last look at me lying on the bed before turning to leave.

Her steps were heavy, each one feeling like a weight on her heart.

The Chief Elder watched her go, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes.

He knew that as an elder, he had to make decisions for the good of the tribe, even if it meant sacrificing personal desires and happiness.

He sighed.

Meanwhile, Kurt had made it back to camp.

Luckily, his quick thinking had saved him.

He had forgotten that the vines weren't long enough.

Seeing the vines dangling above, Kurt felt a moment of despair.

But he managed to climb up and quickly ran back to camp.

When he arrived, Mary and the others were huddled around the fire.

They occasionally called out towards the house.

"What are you doing?" Kurt asked, puzzled.

The women jumped at the sudden voice.

They turned and saw Kurt.

"Kurt!"

The girls gathered around him excitedly.

Seeing he was alone, Helen asked, "Where's Kevin?"

"He's still in the village. We don't know where Laura is yet. Things are tricky," Kurt replied.

Kurt took a deep breath and recounted everything that had happened.

Mary and the others listened, their worry growing.

"Hope he's safe," Helen said softly, her gaze drifting to the door, her brow furrowed in silent prayer.

After Kurt finished, Emily fell into deep thought, her brow furrowed as she pondered.

"Why were you calling our names earlier?" Kurt asked curiously.

"Did Hubert and his group come by?" Kurt suddenly asked.

"How did you know?" Mary asked, surprised.

Kurt shared his guess.

"Kevin was right. They came shortly after you left," Mary confirmed.

"What happened then?" Kurt asked urgently.

Mary glanced at Helen. "Thanks to Emily's quick thinking, we handled it easily."

Kurt looked at Helen, puzzled.

Mary recounted the events vividly.

"Emily is amazing," Kurt said, surprised.

"Of course," Mary said, putting an arm around Helen.

"Need me to deal with them?" Kurt asked.

"No need. They'll be back," Emily said, her voice tinged with worry.

Kurt noticed Emily's unease but chose to remain silent.

He could guess she was concerned about Kevin.

Meanwhile, in a simple house on the back mountain.

After Dorothy left, The Chief Elder also stepped out.

Once I was sure no one was around, I opened my eyes and sat up.

Rubbing my shoulder, I was surprised at how hard Dorothy had hit.

"You're awake?"

A steady, elderly voice startled me.

I turned to see an old man standing behind me.

I jumped, ready to run, but the old man grabbed my collar.

I realized this must be The Chief Elder.

But I had heard him leave. How was he suddenly here?

"Who are you?" I pretended not to know.

"Don't think I didn't know you were awake the whole time," The Chief Elder said with a cold smile.

I was shocked. The Chief Elder knew everything.

I turned my head, awkwardly smiling and greeting, "Hello, Chief Elder!"

The Chief Elder suddenly let go.

I fell to the ground, my injuries flaring up, making me wince. This was getting serious.

The Chief Elder said nothing, just watched me, his eyes deep with meaning.

I stared back, not moving.

"Give me the Dragon Eye Dagger!" The Chief Elder suddenly demanded.

"What's the Dragon Eye Dagger?" I asked, confused.

The Chief Elder's gaze was sharp. "Your injuries are from the Dragon Eye Dagger. I'm old, but not blind."

I realized what he meant—the dagger I had.

Even the simplest person could tell the dagger was significant to him.

But The Chief Elder didn't know Dorothy had it now.

I was amazed he could identify the dagger from my wounds.

"You don't need to be so guarded. If I'm right, you're from the Johnson family," The Chief Elder said slowly.

I nodded slightly, wearing the Johnson family attire.

"Chief Elder, what do you want to know?" I asked cautiously.

The Chief Elder was powerful. I had checked the room; there was only one exit. Escaping meant getting past him.

But my instincts told me not to make him an enemy.

The Chief Elder sighed, looking at the room's only window, his voice filled with regret. "The Dragon Eye Dagger is our family's treasure, lost in an incident, stolen by villains."

I scoffed internally. The Chief Elder claimed the dagger was theirs, but I knew it belonged to Emily's family, the Johnson family.

I trusted Emily more.

"That doesn't seem right," I said.

"What's not right?" The Chief Elder put down his cup, his gaze piercing.

"The dagger belongs to the Johnson family. Why do you say it's yours?" I smiled.

The room seemed to grow colder.

I shivered as a chill swept over me, making my body stiffen.