"There once was a wise man who passed through our village and pointed out that if the task is successfully completed, one can repledge a vow before the Buddha. All you need to do is ask the Buddha to forgive us, the Du Family Village. Of course, this is not only about saving us but also helping yourselves," Du Huai persuaded with a combination of kindness and authority. "Once the curse on the village is lifted, you will be the great benefactors of the Du Family Village, free to stay or leave as you wish, and we will certainly present you with a generous gift."
"How... how generous?" Cheng Cha played along, feigning fear and greed, unable to help himself from asking.
"One hundred taels of gold," Patriarch Du promised generously.
"Good, it's a deal!"
Yang Xiao and the others knew this was an empty promise, a pacification strategy from the Du Family Village. Regardless of the success of the task, they had no way out alive.