C5 The Strong Preyed on the Weak.

While the medicinal herbs were indeed valuable, Bai Mang refused to compromise her principles for mere herbs. If she couldn't control her impulses, she would be no better than a wild beast.

She snuffed out the fire to drive the two intruders away.

She could part with the herbs, but this was her home. Their intrusion into her hibernation was already met with great leniency on her part by sparing their lives, not to mention her returning their herbs. If they lingered, how could she possibly hibernate?

Winter had barely begun, and her movements during this season were laborious.

It was imperative, then, to send them away quickly so they wouldn't disrupt her rest.

Regrettably, she gained neither herbs nor merit points from this encounter.

But Bai Mang took it in stride. Perhaps it was this very disposition that allowed her a relatively carefree existence.

The elder watched as Bai Mang tossed the bundle back to him. He paused, momentarily taken aback, then bowed deeply in thanks.

"Many thanks, Lord Snake Immortal. We shall depart forthwith."

His heart swelled with joy. He gestured for Xuan'er to join him in another bow before speaking, "We hail from the Mountain Lord Daoist Temple atop Mount Muzhe in Huai County, Qingzhou Province. Now, only the two of us remain, and I am the last of my lineage. However, Lord Snake Immortal, should you ever require assistance, please visit our temple. We will spare no effort to aid you. Lastly, may you swiftly achieve your transformation into a dragon."

The elder realized the serpent likely had little interest in the cultivation blessing he'd mentioned.

His family had dwindled to just him. His blessing held some power, but it paled in comparison to that of a more populous family.

Or perhaps the serpent simply disdained such shortcuts.

Thus, he pledged future assistance to the serpent as a token of gratitude.

Bai Mang was uncertain when she might attain her transformation, but the promise was made.

Should Bai Mang wish to venture into the human realm, she would undoubtedly need help.

The herbs were the property of the elder and Xuan'er, yet Bai Mang could have easily slain them to claim the herbs.

It is exceedingly rare for a monster to curb its desires. The serpent had shown them extraordinary grace.

Moreover, by not taking their lives after they disturbed her hibernation, she had bestowed upon them a great kindness.

With a flick of her tail, Bai Mang sent a chilling gust their way, a clear signal for them to leave.

The elder bowed once more, and Xuan'er followed suit.

They then exited the cave and made their way out.

Outside, the snowfall had ceased. The absence of blizzard conditions made their trek through the Million Miles Mountain considerably less arduous.

Once they had put some distance between themselves and the cave, Xuan'er inquired, "Master, those herbs were originally ours. Why did we thank the giant snake?"

The elder chuckled at the question and replied, "Because we are weak."

Sensing Xuan'er might struggle with the concept, he elaborated, "Here in the Million Miles Mountain, it's survival of the fittest. Our weakness means the Snake Immortal could easily take our herbs and end our lives. Her choice to refrain from doing so is a mercy we're grateful for."

"Then I must become as strong as my father," Xuan'er declared, a shadow of melancholy crossing her features as she pondered something. Shaking off the gloom, she rallied with determination, "I need to be powerful enough to protect my master!"

"Yes, but let's not forget the aid we've received from the Snake Immortal," the elder reminded her. "Once we've repaid our debt of gratitude, our ties with the Snake Immortal will be severed. We must seek vengeance against those who harm us and show gratitude to those who help us. Still, these actions should always be tailored to the circumstances at hand."

Xuan'er nodded earnestly, committing the lesson to heart, her youthful face a picture of solemnity.

Seeing this, the old man chuckled and beckoned, "Come along, Xuan'er."

As Xuan'er walked behind the old man, she cast a lingering glance back at the cave that had disappeared from view, her fists clenched in resolve. She bore no resentment towards Bai Mang; it was her own lack of strength that frustrated her. She would not forget Bai Mang's assistance, nor the mercy shown to her in her vulnerability.

With the departure of the old man and Xuan'er, tranquility once again settled over the Million Miles Mountain.

Bai Mang succumbed to slumber once more, her belly still holding enough sustenance to last till the coming spring. She hoped not to be roused by hunger before then.

Time passed swiftly in the mountains, and Bai Mang remained oblivious to the world during her deep sleep.

As the weather turned and warmth seeped back into the air, Bai Mang awoke with heavy eyelids and an empty stomach, flicking her tongue in anticipation. Hunger gnawed at her; the familiar post-hibernation hunger. It was time to hunt.

Emerging from her cave, Bai Mang found a gentle rain nourishing the vast expanse of the Million Miles Mountain. The spring drizzle drenched the woods, painting the foliage a deeper shade of green.

Night had fallen, and the moon, partially veiled by clouds, hung in the sky like the face of a bashful maiden. A poet, had one been present, might have been inspired to compose a verse. But in this place, there were no poets—only a ravenous creature, a snake, indifferent to the beauty around her.

Bai Mang flicked her tongue, seeking out her next meal. Any animal was fair game; the only question was what she could find.

She soon spotted a deer, likely a doe, as it bore no antlers—a fortunate detail for Bai Mang, who preferred not to contend with the discomfort of antlers lodged in her throat.

Hunting had become effortless for Bai Mang. A mere hint of her imposing presence was enough to paralyze her prey with fear, a testament to her apex status. Some creatures even offered themselves up as tribute.

The animal kingdom operated on chilling social dynamics, but Bai Mang had no interest in such things. She was driven by a simpler imperative: to eat.

Despite devouring the deer, her hunger remained unsated, prompting her to seek out larger game.

Bai Mang feasted throughout the night, and only when her belly was substantially fuller did she find solace against a sturdy tree, content to rest and digest her considerable intake.

In that moment, she desired nothing more than to remain still, too lethargic to climb or move. After a meal, rest was essential.

She lay there for two days, and as the food settled, Bai Mang's vigor returned.

Before long, she resumed the life she had always known.

She hunted animals, foraged for Spiritual Grass and Spiritual Medicine, and then rested to digest her finds.

This routine continued for three years.

By that time, Bai Mang had become one of the most formidable hunters within the vast expanse of the Million Miles Mountain.

With each passing day, she ventured further afield.

One day, as Bai Mang roamed the Million Miles Mountain, she inadvertently wandered into a thick mist. After covering some ground, she was struck by the presence of a rich Spiritual Energy.

Following the scent, she stumbled upon a hidden trove of treasures.

"Look at all this Spiritual Medicine! I must be incredibly fortunate! It's true what they say—good people really do have good luck."

Bai Mang was elated, playfully flicking out her tongue in delight.

She dashed toward the bounty, but just as she was about to indulge, a tiger's low growl pierced the air.