Chapter 246: The Mystery of the Witch

Has Yelai been captured again?

Sha Yi instinctively glanced back at Saina, who happened to be looking at her as well. In that brief exchange of glances, she confirmed she hadn’t misheard.

Ultimately, the “difficulty” Kasan had shown toward them had indeed achieved an unintended effect.

Because of this, even though Yeli remained somewhat distrustful, he had still fallen into the trap.

However, Saina and Tuge’s poisonous berries had also played a crucial role. Otherwise, if their group had mobilized, they would have surely brought Yelai along. Sha Yi had personally witnessed Yelai’s capabilities—he was a significant threat to them.

At this moment, thanks to Kapa’s words, she felt somewhat relieved. Although the situation with Xiyi remained uncertain, as long as the unbroken prophecy held, they could still use Yelai as leverage.

Just as she was thinking this, footsteps echoed from outside the house. The three of them reflexively turned to look and saw the elderly Kasan standing there.

Kapa immediately called out, but Kasan ignored him, instead fixing her gaze on Sha Yi and Saina. Her slightly clouded eyes carried a strange, almost eerie glint.

Sha Yi was about to speak, but the old woman beat her to it, reaching out to push Kapa away. “Go to Jialuo’s side. I’m not entirely at ease with how he’s handling things, and he doesn’t know about our situation here.”

The dismissal was obvious, but Kapa seemed completely oblivious. He obediently agreed and left.

Now, only Sha Yi, Saina, and the old woman Kasan remained, staring at one another in silence.

After scrutinizing them for a long while, Kasan finally spoke. “I have something to say to you.”

Understanding her intent, the two of them didn’t press further, simply gesturing for her to continue.

Kasan didn’t hesitate. “When I saw Jialuo’s people waiting for us by the trench, I realized your plan. However, the prophecy I used to deceive Yeli—you won’t get a second chance to use it on Yelai. Times have changed.”

“Why can’t we use it again? Yeli doesn’t know that ‘shared life and death’ is a lie,” Saina frowned. “Under that premise, Yelai’s life is his own. He’ll have no choice but to compromise!”

“You don’t understand his temperament,” Kasan shook her head. “Right now, he’s lost everything. Even if you return Yelai to him, he’ll see it as meaningless. His side is already weakened—with or without leverage, he’s at a disadvantage.”

“Are you saying he’d ignore Yelai’s life and act recklessly instead?” Sha Yi couldn’t help but ask. “But he must realize this is mutual restraint!”

“What use is mutual restraint? Would you abandon Tuge? I just heard from Jialuo—Tuge has been captured on your side.” Kasan sighed. “Truthfully, we’ve known about Tuge for a while. Jialuo relies heavily on him. Manlun mentioned it when he arrived, and Yeli is well aware of it. Threatening him with Yelai alone won’t work—they can just use Tuge as an exchange.”

“That does make sense,” Sha Yi nodded, though somewhat troubled. “Yeli must be certain we wouldn’t dare harm Yelai.”

“So Tuge is safe for now,” Saina agreed. “But we can’t let him stay in Yeli’s hands for too long. Otherwise, things could take a turn.”

“Exactly,” Kasan said. “If pushed too far or left waiting too long, Yeli might resort to desperate measures.”

“After hearing this, I’m convinced that even if we offer Yelai in exchange, we might not get Tuge back. Yeli would likely demand more—judging from past negotiations, he’d aim for a complete reversal.” Sha Yi pondered. “But I doubt anyone would agree to that. He probably knows it’s impossible too.”

“Just as you say,” Kasan’s eyes flickered slightly. “I’m certain he wouldn’t be willing to trade Tuge for Yelai.”

The implication was clear—aside from what she’d already mentioned, the only other possibility was no exchange at all. Because once the trade happened, they’d lose their last lifeline.

Manlun was well aware of Jialuo’s vengeful nature, especially since Tuge—now suffering—was Jialuo’s greatest taboo.

“Still, there might be another way,” Kasan added when neither of them spoke.

At this, Sha Yi raised a brow, and Saina instinctively turned to look. “What way?”

“You planned to ambush Yeli where we used to gather, but that won’t trap him.” Kasan shifted the topic. “Instead, why not have someone else replace Tuge for now?”

“What kind of solution is that?” Saina frowned slightly. “Wouldn’t that just give Yeli another hostage?”

“Someone else can buy us time. Tuge is already old—he can’t endure much longer.” Kasan remained unruffled. “Back where we used to live, Yeli hid many animal hides and food. I’ve already told Jialuo—he’s been there before, so it shouldn’t be hard to find.”

“Are you suggesting we take all their stored supplies? So when Yeli tries to stall, he’ll have nothing to rely on?” Sha Yi hesitated. “Is that what you mean?”

“Without food, they’ll have to hunt. Winter isn’t like summer—hunger brings cold too.” Kasan tacitly agreed. “On top of that, they’ll have to stay vigilant against us. Without ready supplies, they’ll be stretched thin.”

“Now I understand,” Saina finally grasped the full picture. “Tuge’s frailty is one thing, but his condition will pressure Yeli into acting rashly. Swapping him out could placate them while giving us time to maneuver. Once they’re spread thin, we strike?”

Hearing this, Kasan lowered her gaze slightly. “You only have one night to arrange everything. Plan carefully.”

With that, the old woman slowly walked out of the brick house. Just as the two thought she was leaving, she suddenly turned back. “Sha Yi, you’re not from here, are you?”

Even though Kapa had mentioned something similar before, the abruptness of the statement still startled her.

Her silence didn’t deter Kasan, who continued, “You and us—we don’t seem to be from the same world.”

This left even Saina stunned. When he turned to look at her, confusion was written all over his face.

Sha Yi had no idea how to respond, so she simply stared wide-eyed at the elderly woman.

Kasan, however, remained calm. “I mean no harm. I’m just stating the truth.”

“You…” Sha Yi gritted her teeth before forcing out, “Why would you say that?”

“‘Shamans’ aren’t omnipotent, but we do see strange things sometimes.” Kasan smiled faintly. “There are always signs I can recognize.”

This only deepened the shock.

Sha Yi had been puzzled when Kapa first brought it up, but she’d brushed it aside. Now, hearing it from Kasan left her unsettled.

Logically, this was still the ancient era. Even if supernatural claims existed, most were likely fabrications.

Sure, the idea of time travel was wild, but compared to prophecies, she’d sooner believe the former.

For Kasan to possess divination skills, certain conditions would have to be met—yet none seemed plausible here.

Even science couldn’t explain this!

Unless… Kasan was…

A chill ran down Sha Yi’s spine as she stole another glance at the old woman, her unease growing.

Noticing her discomfort, Kasan turned to Saina. “Go help Jialuo. You’re stronger than him—the bigger picture still depends on you.”

Recognizing the dismissal, Saina took the hint. Though baffled by her words, he’d also been curious about the people and things she’d mentioned before. Either way, it wasn’t his concern now.

Without another word, he slowly exited the brick house.

Once Saina was out of earshot, Kasan turned back to Sha Yi. “I know you doubt all this. You’re shocked, and you don’t believe it.”

“I am shocked,” Sha Yi admitted bluntly. “Ever since Kapa first told me something like this by the hot springs, I’ve found it unbelievable. But I didn’t dwell on it. You know—between then and now, our conflict with Yeli hasn’t been resolved.”

“To be clear, this isn’t a prophecy.” Kasan chuckled. “The reason I say you’re not from this world is that when I was very young, I met someone like you.”

“She looked different from us, just like you—but very beautiful.” Kasan spoke slowly, reminiscing. “She took care of me when I was little and told me she wasn’t from our world. She had all sorts of strange ideas, much like the things you’ve told Kapa. She taught me many things. The concept of ‘shamans’ actually originated in our group. Back then, few believed it, but she made it happen. She was the first ‘shaman.'”

Pausing, Kasan continued, “She could look at the night sky and tell us when it would rain or if the weather would be good. She also had many peculiar objects none of us had ever seen—even the crops we grow now were taught by her. Without her, we’d still be scrambling for food every day. Her methods gave us more free time.”

“But then, one day, she vanished. Just… disappeared.” Kasan’s voice grew somber. “The night before, we were talking normally. She was right there with us. But by morning, she was gone…”