"I will kill the demon."
Zhou Zhang said, loud enough for everyone to hear. Everyone in the gathering were starring at the young man, who now stood before the village head and the shaman woman.
"Zhang, I know you are very brave and strong but this isn't like hunting wild hogs that destroyed our plantation. Didn't you heard a word that the Shaman said? She says a demon caused this! So how can a mortal defeat and kill a demon? Don't be foolish! You need to continue your family line, if you die who shall pray for your ancestors and lineage? They'll be cursed in the afterlife! Don't go!" some of the elder protested.
Zhang simply nodded then turned to the Shaman.
"Can it be done?"
"Ohh, hard to say, who knows? Killing a demon isn't an easy thing to do... but I read something different about you from these bones."
"Does it says that I'll succeed?"
"No, but -"
"Does it says that I'll die?"
"No...well, not really."
"Old woman, you're not being helpful all. You are the Oracle!"
"Bone reading isn't an exact science, young man - but it does says you are blessed."
"Then that shall be enough. Everyone, I will rode out and find and kill that foul beast." he said to the gathering, sounding calm, not betraying any hint of emotion.
The mob leader who wanted to make human sacrifice spoke.
"If you lose, you'll be dead, and the demon will only be angered... it might come for everyone here!"
"Well, in that case I will be dead...and it will be your problem." Zhang smiled, glancing at Xi Ci. Their gazes locked with one another for a moment.
"Which in that case, do what ever you want, you can kill her after that." Her eyes went wide in disbelief hearing him.
"Zhang! You - "
"I won't let anything happen to you." He says.
"Well, then, I shall need to borrow good armor and steel. Would anyone willing to loan me their weapons?"
"My son served in the Imperial Army, his old armor is still with us... perhaps you'll do us the honor." the village head says.
"I shall take it, uncle."
"You can borrow my family spears. It's very old. But it's made from good steel."
"Thank you."
"You can have my bows and arrow."
"Thank you, friend. If I don't come back in three days, know that I am defeated and gone. You all should run away to somewhere safe."
Zhang gathered the equipment, and rode out a mare.
Next, he will face the demon. What fate awaits for him?