Chapter 102: Divine Snake Emerges

The cycle renews, all things begin anew.

This is the third year since Ye Qin's rebirth.

After the lively New Year passed, the long, cold winter drew to its end, all things lay dormant in the earth, already showing signs of revival.

When the ice and snow melted, a hint of tender green sprouts could be seen outside the courtyard, verdant and lively, bringing delight; the weather grew warmer, and vigorous vitality followed.

But inside the courtyard it was lifeless and stagnant, forming a stark contrast.

After the New Year, the woman's vitality seemed to be swiftly drained; her body quickly weakened, to the point she could not even rise.

Regarding the matters at the Mountain God Temple, Hu Xiaocao had asked the village chief to help look after them, while she tended to the woman day and night.

Although spring had arrived, a brazier was still burning inside the house, the temperature not low, yet the woman's body was like ice, impossible to warm.

The medicine on the stove had been simmering in a clay pot continuously, day and night.

That foul medicinal smell once again permeated the whole house, detectable from afar; villagers passing the courtyard couldn't help but shake their heads and sigh.

"What a fine young lady from the Hu family—how could she just collapse like that?"

"The doctor said she only had a year left before; now it seems she may not make it again."

"Poor Xiaocao—after finally seeing her days improve, she's become unsettled again."

"Who would say otherwise? The world is fickle; good people don't live long."

Everyone sighed with regret.

Even though Wu Yuan exhausted all his efforts, the woman's condition showed no improvement, after all he was merely an ordinary folk doctor.

"Perhaps we should send her to the hospital; the Hu family lady's condition demands it, otherwise she may only have a few days left."

Wu Yuan sought out the village chief to discuss.

The village chief shook his head: "You think I haven't advised her? The Hu family lady says her illness is incurable; going to the hospital would just waste money."

Wu Yuan let out a sigh.

"Though that's what they say, what if there's still a chance? The hospital once said she was near death, yet Xiaocao went up the mountain once—clearly half a step into the Gate of Ghosts—and she revived instantly."

The village chief quickly grasped his meaning: "You mean to pray to the Mountain God?"

"At this point, that's the only option."

Just as the two were talking, a clear ding sounded from nearby; turning, they saw Hu Xiaocao standing by the wall corner, having accidentally kicked the earthen jar.

No one knew how long she had been standing there listening.

The two looked somewhat surprised: "Xiaocao, what are you doing here?"

The village chief probed, asking: "Did you hear what we just said?"

Hu Xiaocao lowered her head and silently nodded.

Since she had heard, they had nothing left to conceal.

"Xiaocao, why not go plead with the Mountain God? Perhaps your mother still has a sliver of hope. You know the Mountain God; maybe he will help you."

Hu Xiaocao was the first to encounter the Mountain God; from what followed, the Mountain God seemed to favor her somewhat, like a divine envoy.

In the villagers' eyes, they had never even seen the Mountain God's face, yet Hu Xiaocao had made contact several times, showing the difference.

The reason the Mountain God Temple was entrusted to the mother and daughter is precisely this; after all, they appear to be those chosen by the Mountain God.

The village chief also agreed with Wu Yuan's suggestion: "Yes, Xiaocao, whether it succeeds or not, we should at least try."

Who would have thought Hu Xiaocao would shake her head, her face showing sorrow but her eyes firm.

"The Mountain God Grandfather has already helped us once; for such a matter of life and death, Mother taught me from childhood that one must not be overly greedy, but learn contentment."

In people's eyes, the gods are omnipotent, but after the previous incident, Hu Xiaocao's view has changed.

Although she does not know why the Mountain God Grandfather revived afterward, she had previously blamed herself, thinking that saving her mother caused him to become that way.

If it happened again, Hu Xiaocao would not want to repeat the mistake.

Upon hearing this, the two froze in place, a flash of surprise crossing their eyes; none expected Hu Xiaocao to say such a thing.

Though young, her words provoked deep thought.

Seeing Hu Xiaocao's slightly reddened eyes and her struggle to hold back tears, no one wished more for the woman to survive than she did.

She could clearly go plead with the Mountain God for luck, even if success was uncertain; yet she did not, understanding that loss brings gain.

"Village Chief Grandfather, Wu Grandfather, thank you no matter what."

Hu Xiaocao solemnly bowed to the two: "Mother's medicine is almost ready; I'll go check on it first."

Watching Hu Xiaocao's retreating back, the two gazed wistfully, only returning to themselves after a long while.

"We've lived most of our lives, yet we don't understand as clearly as a child."

Wu Yuan also nodded in agreement: "Who would say otherwise? I finally understand why the Mountain God favors this girl Xiaocao."

They have lived most of their lives and seen everything; though both are good-hearted, a heart steeped in worldly affairs has long been stained with a mottled tinge.

Human nature is complex; the villagers, though simple, inevitably have some shortcomings.

If we put ourselves in their shoes, facing this situation, we would likely have bothered the Mountain God repeatedly, pleading for aid.

But Hu Xiaocao differs from them; what is most precious is her sincere heart, which never changes, unaffected by external circumstances.

As she said, the Mountain God helping once is already a heavenly gift—how could one keep demanding more?

Even if the Mountain God shows extra favor, one cannot act recklessly with it; even the dearest person will eventually wear out.

The Mountain God appears boundless in power, his divine abilities vast, yet who knows if, when he truly intervenes to save a life and reverse death, he himself would suffer any harm?

Moreover, having already intervened once, if he were to act again, and thereafter every villager sought his aid for every birth, aging, illness, and death, how should the Mountain God conduct himself?

People are greedy, and one cannot gamble.

After grasping this principle, both fell into a long silence: "It's still Xiaocao who understands things clearly."

Meanwhile, Hu Xiaocao also carried the medicine into the room.

The woman's face was pallid, as if a breeze could scatter her into the air; even the simple act of turning over now was extremely difficult for her.

Hu Xiaocao hurriedly helped her up, and thoughtfully placed a pillow behind her so she could rest more comfortably.

"Mom, take the medicine."

The woman gulped down the medicine in the bowl; it was so bitter and astringent that her sense of taste grew somewhat dull.

These past few days she hadn't eaten anything; Hu Xiaocao saw it in her eyes, took it to heart, but there was nothing she could do.

"I heard everything you said outside just now."

Hu Xiaocao's heart gave a jolt; she didn't dare lift her head to meet the woman's gaze, afraid she'd see blame.

The woman, with effort, stretched out her hand and touched Hu Xiaocao's head.

"My little grass has indeed grown up, become more sensible."

Feeling the warmth on her head, Hu Xiaocao suddenly lifted her head, locking eyes with the woman's gentle gaze, and spoke hesitantly.

"Mom, aren't you angry with me?"

The woman smiled. "Silly child, why would I blame you? You did great."

Hu Xiaocao lifted her head in disbelief, thinking she was hallucinating.

The woman affirmed again: "What you just said was very good; Mom is also proud of you."

Although she never studied much in her life, she understands principles and knows gratitude; through her words and deeds, Hu Xiaocao also possesses these good qualities.

She clearly knows her own condition; logically, she should have died a year ago.

She can still recall that feeling akin to the soul leaving the body; those who have passed through the gates of death view life and death more openly.

This year was essentially a gift from the Mountain God to her and her daughter, so she cherishes the remaining time immensely.

Now the feeling that her time is up wells up again; sometimes she even has the illusion that she no longer belongs to this world.

"Look, Xiaocao, people all go to temples to burn incense and pray to the Buddha, making wishes, but there are so many people, wishes as numerous as the stars in the sky—how can the immortals choose?"

"So we must learn gratitude; even if the Mountain God looks after us, we shouldn't act recklessly. If everyone went to beg the Mountain God at birth, old age, sickness, and death, what difference would that be from burning incense and praying to the Buddha? Would it still be pure faith?"

The woman's eyes held some relief and release: "Actually I've always wanted to find a chance to tell you this, but I feared you, this child, might not understand right away and go beg the Mountain God to save my life."

"We've already troubled the Mountain God once; we can't trouble him again."

"People's lifespans are predetermined; Mom, it's time for you to go now..."

The woman's thoughts and Hu Xiaocao's thoughts are the same; perhaps this is what is meant by mother-daughter heart-to-heart.

Hu Xiaocao is still a child; she can't stay composed like the woman, her eye sockets instantly reddened and she couldn't hold back her tears.

"But Mom, I really can't bear to part with you."

Hu Xiaocao choked with sobs, lunging into the woman's embrace: "Actually I really wish you could stay with me, but I know going to beg the Mountain God again would be wrong."

Guilt and self-reproach kept tearing at Hu Xiaocao, as if trying to split her in two.

The woman patted Hu Xiaocao's back, just like when she was little, soothing her softly: "Mom understands your feelings, but life and death are fated; we can't trouble others again."

By the end, even the woman's voice grew a little choked.

Although mother and daughter are both reasonable, when the moment of parting in life and death truly arrives, who can truly bear to leave their loved ones?

The woman wiped Hu Xiaocao's tears.

"Promise me that if Mom can't be by your side in the future, you must live well on your own, don't forget the Mountain God, and the village's kindness to us; when you have the chance, you must repay them."

"Our Xiaocao is the strongest; Mom will watch over you from heaven and bless you; in the next life, we will surely meet again."

Hu Xiaocao firmly nodded; to avoid worrying the woman, she even forced a smile, though it looked worse than bitter.

"Don't worry, Mom, I'll keep your words in my heart."

After speaking for so long, the woman's whole demeanor grew weary, as if she had expended all her strength; her voice became as faint as a thread.

"Xiaocao, Mom is a bit tired; I may need to rest a while."

Hu Xiaocao seemed to sense something; her expression turned frightened and flustered: "Mom, please don't sleep, okay? I still want to talk with you a bit longer."

The woman's eyelids kept sinking, as if weighed down by a thousand jin; she tried to open her eyes but couldn't, and her mind began to grow cloudy.

Yet the most important bond of her life made her unable to resist lifting her hand and gently placing it on Xiaocao's head.

Hu Xiaocao was clearly right beside her, yet her voice sounded as if it came from far away.

"Xiaocao, Mom has left."

The woman reached out as if to touch Hu Xiaocao's face, but her hand ultimately fell limp.

Accompanied by a sob from Hu Xiaocao.

The village chief and Wu Yuan heard the commotion, silently thought "oh no," and rushed in.

The woman's breath was extremely weak; even Wu Yuan was helpless, the village chief made a quick decision: "Hurry and send her to the hospital; I'll front the costs."

He also called a few strong villagers, and together they lifted her and sent her to the town hospital.

Hu Xiaocao waited anxiously outside; after much difficulty, when the operating room lights went out, everyone rushed over to ask.

"Doctor, how is the patient's condition now?"

The doctor's expression was somewhat complex: "The patient's condition is somewhat special; her life is temporarily preserved——"

Everyone involuntarily breathed a sigh of relief, but the next second the doctor's words made their hearts plummet again.

"But the patient's condition is very poor; her organs clearly show signs of failure, requiring equipment to sustain basic bodily functions, and she cannot regain consciousness."

The doctor spouted a string of professional jargon, leaving everyone bewildered; although they didn't fully understand, from the doctor's expression it was clear this wasn't a good sign.

The village chief couldn't help but ask: "Hasn't she already out of danger?"

"She is temporarily out of danger; let me put it this way: the patient's condition is somewhat like a vegetative state; being alive is already a fortune, but the chance of waking is slim; perhaps she'll remain like this for life, or maybe she'll live a few years before her functions deteriorate and she dies."

The doctor pondered a moment then spoke; the others were greatly shocked.

"To be honest, the doctor has never seen such a case; a vegetative state is merely a metaphor, but this is clearly not what a vegetative state should be."

"A vegetative state couldn't possibly be this miraculous!"

"Clearly her organs have failed; logically she should already be dead, yet a breath clings to her, leaving her in this neither-alive-nor-dead state."

Put it in a more mysterious way, it's like feigned death.

It seemed as if some mysterious force within her body was sustaining her; the doctors couldn't figure out the cause and could only continue observation.

After so many years in practice, this is still the first time I've seen such a situation.

Everyone was unaware that the woman's own lifespan had ended, but thanks to Ye Qin's mouthful of innate Qi, her life had been extended by a year; now that the year is up, her soul ought to have returned to the underworld.

But the innate Qi is truly miraculous, which is why the woman is in her current state.

After hearing the doctor's explanation, everyone also suddenly understood, and their expressions instantly became somewhat complex.

To say the woman is dead, she still has a breath; to say she is alive, but she may never awaken in this lifetime.

This situation is indeed somewhat troublesome, after all caring for a vegetative person entails great expense, but it's also impossible to let the woman fend for herself.

Hu Xiaocao bit her lip tightly; the gears of fate pressed down on her again, making one's heart ache involuntarily.

The village chief frowned tightly, 'Let's pool together the initial expenses, then think of a solution.'

After understanding their situation, the doctor also showed a sympathetic expression, 'I will also report your situation to the hospital superiors, see how to handle it, and try to get you the maximum discount.'

Thank you, doctor.

Hu Xiaocao's eye sockets were red; she struggled not to let herself cry out.

The village chief patted her shoulder, 'If you're feeling upset, just cry it out; don't hold it in your heart, or you'll make yourself ill.'

Hu Xiaocao looked at her mother in the ward, tubes all over her body, and tears finally burst forth at this moment.

'Village chief grandfather, what should I do? Will I be the only one left from now on?'

At such a young age to endure so much, seeing Hu Xiaocao wail loudly, everyone present was moved.

'Heaven does not cut off people's paths; there will always be a solution. Moreover, as long as your mother is alive, there is a chance she will wake up.'

The sun shone brightly, spreading across the mountains and fields; the spring wind carried countless vitality, dispelling the severe winter's chill and descending once more upon the mountains and fields.

Quietly blooming flowers gave off a faint fragrance; all things thrived, full of vigorous vitality.

In the past, Hu Xiaocao's favorite was spring, but this year is different.

Flowers may bloom again, but people do not necessarily have a chance to awaken.

Hu Xiaocao picked a big bunch of spring blossoms and went with the village chief to the hospital to visit the woman; the woman's condition remained much the same as before, and the doctor said the chance of her waking up was slim.

On the way back, seeing the bright spring sunshine outside, the usually optimistic and positive Hu Xiaocao felt a gloom clouding her heart.

Those eyes, like twinkling stars, now had the stars dim and lightless, veiled by a thin layer of gloom.

The village chief sighed and said, 'Xiaocao, what do you plan to do next? How about sending you to school?'

Hu Xiaocao remained silent for a moment before speaking, 'No! I don't want to study; I want to keep guarding the Mountain God shrine and wait for my mother to wake up!'

She is very young, but her tone is very firm.

The village chief sighed, not knowing how to comfort her.

But unexpectedly, Hu Xiaocao muttered, 'Village chief grandfather, you say if I could also cultivate, like the Mountain God Grandfather with his vast divine abilities, could that let my mother stay alive?'

The village chief was astonished, never expecting Hu Xiaocao to have such a thought.

He slightly furrowed his brows, did not directly deny it, but changed his approach to advise, 'If you cultivate, you actually need to study even more; if you don't even recognize characters, how can you talk about cultivation?'

The village chief hated to shatter Hu Xiaocao's fantasy; cultivation such as this is somewhat like Arabian Nights, something only a child would think of.

Now Hu Xiaocao is young, her personality not yet fully formed; her mother became a vegetative person, suffering such a great blow, having such a thought is not strange; we must guide her well.

'Moreover, your mother also hopes you study well, so that when you grow up you will have prospects.'

Hu Xiaocao did not answer immediately, but pondered the village chief's words; after a moment she replied, 'Village chief grandfather, you are right; I will go to school.'

Seeing Hu Xiaocao persuaded, the village chief breathed a sigh of relief.

'Don't worry about your mother's side; the hospital has reduced some fees, there is also government subsidy, and we have also applied for a poverty relief fund for you; go to elementary school in the county, where conditions are good, study hard, and later you can test into the city, grow up to become a doctor, and surely be able to save your mother.'

Hu Xiaocao nodded firmly, but then shook her head: 'I don't want to be a doctor; I want to study and recognize characters, to cultivate! Only by being like the Mountain God Grandfather can I save my mother!'

The village chief was speechless, but knowing that children speak without restraint, he didn't say much more.

Hu Xiaocao seemed to think of something, 'What about the shrine?'

The village chief patted her head, 'The shrine will be entrusted to others to manage; for now you just need to focus on your studies.'

Hu Xiaocao still worried a bit, and cautioned, 'You must definitely protect the shrine well, take good care of the deity's statue, otherwise the Mountain God Grandfather will be displeased.'

Since the decision was made, Hu Xiaocao needed to pack her things, after all, school would start soon.

Hu Xiaocao didn't have much to pack, basically just some changes of clothes and toiletries.

She ran into the room, solemnly opened a box, and inside lay a snake's shed skin.

Hu Xiaocao held the snake shed carefully, as if treating a treasure, and also as if she had made some resolution; she hurriedly grabbed the box and ran out of the house.

The village chief thought Hu Xiaocao had finished packing, but saw her holding something in her arms with a hurried expression, not knowing what she was going to do.

'Xiaocao, have you finished packing?'

Hu Xiaocao didn't turn her head, saying, 'Village chief grandfather, I just remembered I have something urgent; I'll be back later.'

She ran straight up the mountain in one breath, following the path from memory, and Hu Xiaocao arrived at the place where she had first encountered the Mountain God.

Although Hu Xiaocao had seen the Mountain God before, the first time was merely a distant gaze, then she accidentally slipped down the slope and fainted; at that time she also hadn't seen him clearly.

The second time was when the Mountain God's lifespan was nearing its end; the Mountain God's state was poor, already on the brink of death, and at that time Hu Xiaocao was crying with tear-filled, blurred eyes.

Both encounters left a deep impression, giving Hu Xiaocao a lasting memory.

Now a year has passed, and the image of the Mountain God in her memory has also become blurred; in short, Hu Xiaocao has still never been able to see the Mountain God's appearance clearly.

Hu Xiaocao is also very sensible; she would not proactively disturb him, nor insist on seeing the Mountain God.

Being able to guard the Mountain God shrine, burning incense and sweeping daily to express her gratitude, she was already content; but this time Hu Xiaocao felt an inexplicable urge to see the Mountain God Grandfather again and bid him farewell.

'My mother is now hospitalized; the doctor said she ought to have died, but she became a vegetative person, and I know this is surely due to you, Mountain God Grandfather.'

Having said this, Hu Xiaocao respectfully kowtowed several times.

If it weren't for the Mountain God, the woman would probably have become a corpse by now; at least she can still lie in the hospital ward, unable to speak, but I can occasionally see her, which already satisfies Hu Xiaocao.

「But Mom said we can't bother Mountain God Grandfather anymore, so I didn't bring Mom to see you, so you definitely shouldn't blame Xiaocao okay」

「Village Head Grandfather said the expenses don't need me to worry, the hospital and the state will help me, Mom's condition is special, the hospital side is also puzzled, they will treat her wholeheartedly」

Hu Xiaocao, as she spoke further, her eye sockets already turned slightly red

「And Mountain God Grandfather, this time I've come to say goodbye. I'm about to leave here, I'll go to the county to study, the journey is far, I can't come back every day, from now on I can only return home once every half month or even month」

「Village Head Grandfather said, studying is for better cultivation, I also want to cultivate, so from now on I will study hard」

Hu Xiaocao chattered on, saying many things, and by the end her voice already sounded a little choked

「Mom is asleep now, maybe she won't wake up in this lifetime, I've already said goodbye to her, besides Mom, the closest person in the world to me is you, Mountain God Grandfather」

Hu Xiaocao wanted to properly bid farewell to the Mountain God before leaving

However, after she said all that, there was no movement whatsoever around

Hu Xiaocao looked around; the mountain forest was tranquil, the surrounding lush, dripping-with-green plants swayed for thousands of miles, continuous and unbroken, forming a green ocean

Occasionally a mountain wind blew past, the leaves rustled, and under the azure sky they freely stretched their forms

Hu Xiaocao felt a bit disappointed, her face full of dejection

「Maybe Mountain God Grandfather is busy, or perhaps he's not here at all」

She muttered dejectedly, maybe this time she is still destined not to see the Mountain God

「Well then I'll go, next time I'll come again to see Mountain God Grandfather」

Just as Hu Xiaocao was reluctantly preparing to leave, a soft rustling sound came from behind her

At this moment she seemed to sense something, as if even the snake-shed box she held in her hands was heating up

She hurriedly looked over curiously and saw in the distance dark-green scales coming into view; they lacked the terror of ordinary serpents, instead full of mystery, like rippling water, akin to top-quality water jade

A large snake coiled not far away, and just then sunlight filtered down from the treetops, gilding its scales with a faint golden glow

The whole snake was filled with the miraculous; its beastly eyes were neither cold nor bloodthirsty, but instead, in a humanlike way, it nodded at Hu Xiaocao, looking very peaceful

At this moment, it seemed as if starlight fell into Hu Xiaocao's eyes; the light that had once been extinguished shone again, tearing through all the darkness of these past days!

She opened her mouth wide, seeming unable to believe the sight before her, feeling some surprise and astonishment, even her voice trembling a little

「Mountain God Grandfather?! 」

(End of chapter)