Chapter 966 The Returnee's Notes 40
The air in the mountains is always fresher than elsewhere, especially in the early morning when a light chill gently envelops the mountains, rivers, and vegetation, bringing a sense of tranquility to those who are there.
However, the frequent spring rains, which seep into the soil in a fine and dense manner, often make the paths muddy and difficult to navigate.
Therefore, Xie Ning and the old lady were both wearing high-top rubber boots; otherwise, even the best shoes would be ruined after walking such a distance.
They took a tricycle from the town to a small village at the foot of the mountain, and then drove uphill for more than an hour. Fortunately, both of them were in good physical condition, and Xie Ning was carrying a hiking backpack.
She had bought it well in advance because she knew she would need to go out soon, but she used it today first.
The old lady carried only a bamboo basket on her back, which contained some of her necessities and... black eggs.
This cat is quite clever. If the road is difficult to walk on, it won't go. It just lazily curls up in the basket and occasionally peeks out.
As the morning glow faded and the morning mist evaporated in the sunlight, Xie Ning gradually felt warm and began to see the faint colors of the flowers. This area was planted with peach trees, which, because no one cared for them, were blooming freely.
Further ahead is a bridge made of two trees. It's not exactly a log bridge, but even the most timid people would be frightened because it's situated on a very high ground with rushing water below.
The old lady pointed to the mud on Xie Ning's feet, "Wash them in the puddle first, otherwise they'll slip."
They'll be there soon, just over this mountain.
Crossing the mountain, we entered through a small path. Wild grasses on both sides had not yet sprouted, leaving only slender green leaves swaying in the spring breeze, making a rustling sound. Peach blossoms fell in disarray in the valley, like a red rain.
Unlike the sparse peach trees along the mountain path, this place is filled with peach blossoms, with a stream flowing through the peach blossom paradise and a small house nestled among them, like a secluded retreat.
"Grandma, you actually built a small house in these mountains."
The old woman used a machete to cut away the wild grass growing on the road, saying without turning her head, "The air in the mountains is fresh and clean, perfect for raising things."
So she set up an array here and cultivated peach trees.
The peach wood swords that Wang Laodao and the others used were all made by her, but the curse was cast by Wang Laodao herself.
Xie Ning nodded in agreement. This cleanliness refers not only to the environment, but also to ghosts. There may be spirits in the mountains, but no souls, unless it is a special mountain.
The old lady's little wooden house was very simple, with only two rooms, one of which was a small hall. She had built a clay stove outside, which was enough to cook meals.
As for accommodation, the old lady stayed in the inner room, while Xie Ning slept on the tatami mat in the outer hall.
However, the place had been uninhabited for a long time and was covered in dust and cobwebs. It took the two of them quite a while to clean it.
While Xie Ning was fiddling with the earthen stove, the old lady picked out a piece of peach wood that had already been dried in the shade and began to make a sword for Xie Ning.
It takes about two years for the wood to air dry naturally. After the old lady finished making the sword blank, she sawed a few more pieces of peach wood to air dry. When she came back, Xie Ning was already cooking.
Along the way up the mountain, they picked some wild vegetables, which Xie Ning also cooked together.
They were only staying on the mountain for two days, so Xie Ning didn't bring much. Just as she was making soup, Heidan brought over a thin little snake.
Xie Ning stared at the black cat circling around her feet for a moment in silence. Could this little thing be asking her to stew the snake for it to eat?
"Snake doesn't taste good, so it's better not to eat it."
After saying that, Xie Ning took out a can of cat food from her backpack, which she had bought after receiving her scholarship.
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