The crowd bound the mountain god to Guiyue Cave, awaiting the judgment of the Fifth Generation Elders.
The mountain god, dazed, looked at everything before him and the few old狸猫 (lī māo - raccoon dogs). His heart suddenly cleared. He let out a cold snort and said with utter disdain, "Daijiang, you're still alive?" Daijiang was the leader of the Fifth Generation Elders.
Daijiang asked him, "Heifeng, do you remember our agreement? One hundred and fifty years ago, we agreed with you that you would manage the Southern Mountain for one hundred and fifty years. Now the term has expired, and it's time for you to leave."
Heifeng's face was full of disdain. He was not someone who would obediently abide by agreements.
Seeing that his power was gone and he posed no threat, Daijiang looked at the net binding him and chanted, "A single wicked thought stirs the demon, a season's turn brings forth good karma, release!"
As the incantation was spoken, the net flew up on its own, shrinking smaller and smaller until it became a palm-sized fishing net, landing in Daijiang's hand.
Although freed from restraint, Heifeng still arrogantly declared, "You are correct. We did make such an agreement. However, in terms of merit, I, Heifeng, should be your savior. Without my protection, how could you all live so peacefully as you do now?"
Daijiang had anticipated this response and was not swayed. He stated firmly, "Regardless of how things were before, your actions have no bearing on the survival of us 狸猫 from now on."
He sneered, his gaze filled with disdainful mockery, "Old fellows, you want to discard me after using me? Is there such a good thing in this world?"
Seeing his lack of remorse and his continued ambition to rule the Southern Mountain, everyone was furious. They clenched their fists, suppressing the urge to rush forward and beat him.
Heifeng sensed the hostile gazes and the impending rage from all around. He instinctively looked around. He saw that the usually timid and obedient 狸猫 were now staring intently at him. In their eyes, filled with anger, he could already see the fists about to be thrown.
Heifeng's heart trembled. He silently swallowed, realizing he was alone in enemy territory and outnumbered. Moreover, he had been injured fighting Jin Peng. If he were to fight the 狸猫 now, he might even perish. It seemed he had no choice but to leave.
He hardened his heart, thinking that there would be other days. Once his injuries healed, he would return to settle the score with these old fellows. Thus, he readily said, "Fine. Since that's the case, I have nothing more to say. I'm leaving!" He then transformed into a black whirlwind, spiraling towards the cave entrance and finally disappearing into the mist.
The Sixth Generation Elder, knowing Heifeng to be ruthless and cunning, worried that he might return to cause trouble again. He couldn't help but ask the Fifth Generation Elder, "Will the Fifth Generation Elder truly keep his promise?"
Daijiang was very certain, "He has no reason not to keep his promise."
"Then what should we do next?"
The Fifth Generation Elder took out a crystal ball from his long sleeve. The crystal ball was filled with swirling mist. He handed this crystal ball to the Sixth Generation Elder and instructed him carefully, "This orb is called the Water Mist Bead. Simply place it by the village and bury it. The mist within the bead will naturally be released, thus protecting the village's perimeter. This will temporarily safeguard the 狸猫. The rest is up to you."
The Sixth Generation Elder took the Water Mist Bead and then handed it to the village chief, saying, "Village Chief, I believe only you can undertake this task. I will entrust the Water Mist Bead to you."
The village chief took the Water Mist Bead and nodded in agreement, "I will certainly handle this matter well."
Seeing that the situation had reached a satisfactory conclusion, the Fifth Generation Elder said to everyone, "Alright, since the problem is resolved, everyone can return. We still need to continue our secluded meditation and contemplation."
Everyone bowed to the Fifth Generation Elder and then left Guiyue Cave, returning to the village.
Upon returning to the village, the village chief immediately proceeded to do as the elder instructed, burying the Water Mist Bead in the woods outside the village. A light, ethereal white mist, like clouds drifting in the sky, emerged from the ground and slowly swirled to encircle the village.
After that, the small village of the 狸猫 tribe vanished within the thick fog.
With this matter resolved, I couldn't think of a way home for the time being, so I could only stay in the 狸猫 village.
Within a few days, the entire village seemed to change its colors. The surroundings turned golden yellow. When a gentle breeze blew, one could often see golden leaves rising with the wind. It was unexpected that there was autumn in this world, making it feel like home.
I sat alone in front of the village chief's house, gazing at the slightly yellowing leaves. Ali slowly walked over and sat beside me. He also looked at the slightly yellowing leaves and asked me, "What are you thinking about?"
I stared blankly at the sky and slowly said, "I didn't expect there to be autumn here too."
Ali laughed heartily upon hearing this. I looked at him in confusion. He said, "Not only is there autumn here, but also spring, summer, and winter."
I was very surprised and excited, saying, "Really? Then it's just like our home. We also have spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season is like a brand new experience."
"It's the same here. Every winter, we have to go up the mountain to gather fruits for the winter. This year is no exception. Do you want to go with us?"
I had never done something like gathering wild fruits for winter with small animals before. Thinking of the soft 狸猫 all over the mountain, I became excited and agreed, "Okay, I'll go with you."
"Mm."
So, the next morning, old and young 狸猫 alike, carrying baskets on their backs, went up the mountain to gather wild fruits and herbs in preparation for winter. I didn't know why they went so early. Logically, winter was still far away, but perhaps this was a sense of preemptive action.
In order to spend the winter with everyone, Ali and I also carried our baskets and went up the mountain.
The morning sun was like a radiant gemstone, refracting dazzling light through the clouds. I looked up; the clear, cloudless sky seemed to portend a good day.
Ali looked at me bouncing along with my small basket and couldn't help but smile foolishly, "You look like a little village girl."
I thought it sounded nice too. A village girl could be beautiful. So, I twirled around in front of him, happily saying, "Really? A village girl isn't bad either. I could be the village flower."
Ali's smile was bright. He took my hand and led me up the mountain, saying as we walked, "Alright, whatever you want to be."
I asked him, "You're so thin, can you carry a full basket of fruit?"
Seeing my doubt about his strength, he showed off his arm strength and said, "I'm a real man, of course I can carry it."
"That's good, just don't fall."
"You're the one who should be careful not to fall."
"No, you are."
"You are,"
We walked into the mountains, laughing and playing, weaving through the trees and undergrowth, only to find a few wild fruits.
I sat on a rock, fanning myself with my hand, feeling a bit dry in my mouth. I took out my basket and looked inside. There were only a few greenish wild fruits. I took one out, took a bite, and the sour, unripe taste almost sent me away. I sighed and looked at Ali pitifully.
Ali looked at my helpless little eyes helplessly. He took out his basket and showed me; it also contained unripe fruits.
My mouth was dry and parched. I looked at him aggrievedly. He sighed helplessly and said, "Jingxin Lake isn't far from here. I'll take you."
"Okay." I suddenly remembered that night by Jingxin Lake, glimpsing his disheveled beauty through the moonlight. Recalling it felt like it was just last night, and my heart couldn't help but stir.
Ali led the way, and I followed behind him. Looking at his slender back, I thought about making him something delicious when we got back. As I was slightly distracted by my thoughts, I suddenly heard suspicious movements from the woods.
Ali and I turned our heads curiously, but saw no one. Just then, a sack suddenly dropped from behind. I heard a burst of happy, foolish laughter, "Hehehe," followed by a smell like old pickled vegetables fermented for eighty-two years, which made my eyes water, my head spin, and I fainted into unconsciousness.
With a "thump!", Ali felt his head swim and swayed before falling down.
At this moment, two figures emerged from behind Ali. They were the kidnappers seen before, the notorious Jiangyang Duo Thieves, named Fei Xiong and Dao Lang.
Fei Xiong, as the name suggested, was a bear that walked like a human when clothed. Dao Lang was a wolf-man, half a head shorter than Fei Xiong. It was estimated that they had not fully evolved into human form and still retained their most primitive shapes.
Despite this, they declared: "I don't care, I'm very casual."
"Second brother, is this okay?" Fei Xiong placed his smelly foot near the sack, shaking it back and forth, looking quite comfortable.
"Thump!" Dao Lang hit him on the head. Dao Lang, covering his nose, looked at him displeasedly and said, "Can you put your smelly feet away? Be careful not to stink away the prey we've caught. Remember to wash your feet properly when we get back."
"Oh, you should have said so earlier." Fei Xiong only then belatedly withdrew his foot and put on his boots. He seemed to think of something and looked at Ali, who had been knocked to the ground, asking, "Second brother, what about that kid?"
Dao Lang walked up, lifted Ali's chin, and looked him over. Then he said, "He has a good appearance. Let's take him along. He might fetch a good price."
Fei Xiong chuckled and flattered, "Second brother, you always have a good eye."
Dao Lang reprimanded, "Stop talking nonsense and get to work."
Fei Xiong said, "Oh," and nimbly stuffed Ali into a sack. He picked up a sack in each hand, carrying one on each side, and followed Dao Lang down the mountain.
By the roadside in the wilderness, a carriage was parked. Fei Xiong tossed me and Ali into the carriage and then got into the back to watch us. Dao Lang went to the front to become the driver.
He raised his hand, slapped the horse's hindquarters, and then politely said, "Brother Horse, thank you for the trip. When we reach Bei Shen Du, you'll have plenty of good food."
The horse seemed to understand what he said, let out a grunt, and started trotting.
Perhaps because the journey was too long, Fei Xiong stared out of the carriage, lost in thought, and unconsciously started to doze off. Drowsily, he leaned against the wooden board and fell asleep.
Because it was a mountain road, the ride was very bumpy. The two sacks shook back and forth in the carriage. Suddenly, with a sharp turn, Ali was jolted out from beside Fei Xiong's feet, falling out of the carriage and onto the road.
Dao Lang seemed to hear something, turned his head, but saw nothing. He then returned to his senses and continued driving.
After rolling down from the main road, Ali rolled to the side of the road and down a slope into a small stream in a gully. After swallowing a few mouthfuls of clear water, he slowly woke up. He struggled to tear open the sack and poked his head out.
He looked around, touched his dizzy head, and wondered, "Where am I?"
Although very confused, he quickly remembered someone, "Right, Mu Ye, where did Mu Ye go?"
He suddenly remembered the two kidnappers he had encountered before. He thought that they must have knocked him out and that they must have kidnapped Mu Ye. Thinking of this, his heart couldn't help but worry. He hurriedly climbed up the slope and reached the main road. Indeed, he saw two sets of carriage tracks, heading in the direction of Nan Hai City.
Without thinking further, he gave chase. However, Bei Shen Du was thousands of miles away, and they were traveling by carriage. How could he catch up? Even if he caught up, he wasn't sure he could defeat them.
After running for a while, he was out of breath. Just as he was about to use his magic, a carriage suddenly drove towards them from ahead. Ali quickly blocked the middle of the road.
The driver of the carriage impatiently pulled the horse to a stop, got out with his hands on his hips, and dragged him to the side, scolding, "Where did this wild child come from, daring to block the carriage? Get out of the way."
Ali broke free from his hand and said, "I want to ask if you've seen a carriage pass this way. Are the drivers two people who look like wolves or bears?"
"What wolves and bears? Haven't seen them. Don't cause trouble." Saying this, the coachman was about to return to the carriage.
At this moment, a clear and somewhat charming voice came from the carriage, "A'er, what's wrong?"
Coachman A'er quickly replied, "Miss, it's a wild child blocking the road."
"Oh, bring him here for me to see."
"Yes."
So, A'er grabbed Ali and dragged him to the side of the carriage. At this moment, a pair of slender hands lifted the curtain, revealing a beautiful face. She carefully examined Ali and found him to be good-looking, so she asked, "Young master, what is the reason for blocking the road?"
Ali truthfully said, "My friend was kidnapped by two people who look like a bear and a wolf. They left not long ago."
The beauty heard his words and guessed who they were, "You must be talking about Dao Lang and Fei Xiong. They are the famous Jiangyang Duo Thieves. Whoever can get them out must be a big shot. We did see a carriage pass by when we came, and it looked like a carriage from Bei Shen Du."
"Thank you, Miss, for the information. Could you possibly give me a ride to Nan Hai City?"
A'er, the coachman, heard this unreasonable request and was indignant, "Who do you think you are? Why should we give you a ride?"
Miss Qing Lu smiled charmingly, having another idea. She raised her hand and said, "Come up, I'll take you."
"Thank you, Miss." Ali, worried, didn't think much of it and got into the carriage.
Qing Lu instructed the coachman, "A'er, turn around and head to Nan Hai City."
"Yes." A'er reluctantly turned the horse and drove towards Nan Hai City.
The beautiful Qing Lu looked at Ali slightly. Seeing that he was cute, she couldn't help but look at him more. Ali saw her luxurious attire and her charming demeanor in every gesture, and shyly turned his head away, not daring to look too much.
The beauty said to him, "My name is Qing Lu. What's yours?"
"I, I'm Ali," Ali said somewhat shyly.
"Ali, a good name. You really are delicate and lovely. I wonder if you have a girl you fancy." As she spoke, she got up and sat beside Ali. Ali shyly got up in a hurry and sat on the other side.
Qing Lu was very proactive and moved closer to him again. Ali hurriedly got up and sat on the other side. Qing Lu chuckled and pulled him over to sit beside her.
Ali was startled and quickly pushed her away, standing shyly to the side. A'er, the coachman outside the carriage curtain, heard the commotion inside and was very jealous. He thought that such a handsome young man like himself couldn't even catch the beauty's eye, yet this unexpected傻小子 (shǎ xiǎozi - foolish kid) had stolen his beloved first. He was so angry that he gritted his teeth, constantly questioning in his heart, "Where is he better than me? He's so skinny and not as strong as me. How could the lady fancy him? What's good about him, what's good about him!"
His face, full of resentment, gradually became distorted. In a daze, he heard laughter from inside the carriage, "Hahaha."
He became even more indignant, gripping the reins tightly with both hands. However, the cheerful laughter still blew into his ears like the wind. To escape this happiness, he angrily stuffed cotton into his ears, wanting to hear nothing.