Chapter Twenty-Three: Startled Heart

"I'll say it one more time, listen carefully!"
"Our boss has said that, out of respect for Master Yuan, he's willing to let you live. As long as you come out obediently and hand over your valuables, you'll be able to leave the mountain safely and reunite with your families. If you refuse our kindness and force us to take action, don't blame us for being ruthless!"
"I'm going to count to ten. If you still don't come out, you'll end up just like this man!"
"One!"
As soon as the bandit finished speaking, he fired a shot into the air. The sound, amplified by the bell tower, reverberated throughout the entire temple, casting an invisible veil of terror over everyone present. Each person felt as if the barrel of the gun was pointed at them.
"Two!"
Another shot rang out. The temple fell silent, not even the sound of insects could be heard.
The skinny ghost, running ahead of the fat one, glanced back at the shout. Though he was afraid, they were comrades after all. Seeing only one vicious dog, he ran back a few steps, gathered his strength, and kicked the dog squarely in the neck.
"Hehe, Rongbao, so you want to go home, do you? Come, Mommy will take you home right now," Yun Zimo said with a bright smile as she left, leaving Wen Ruyan utterly speechless.
Qi Xiaoting also followed local tradition, accepting three pieces of cloth from her mother-in-law and began sewing with unwavering confidence.
"No, this... how can this be!" With that grasp, the half-deer creature let out an