Vast clouds shrouded the mountains; painted like crimson and azure, they sighed over emerald waters.
The Southern Wastes—an endless expanse of the Hundred Thousand Mountains—had suffered neither drought nor cold-wave invasion. Its green mountains and clear waters brimmed with life. Though the Central Plains called it a land of poor mountains and wicked waters, the Southern Wastes were quieter than the Central Plains.
Egrets skimmed across the lake and soared into the sky, parting ways with the row of white egrets reflected on the tranquil water.
Splash~
The green waters churned, revealing a huge, ferocious snake head. After glancing around at the surroundings, it swiftly transformed into human form.
Ripples broke the lake's stillness, spreading across reflections of blue mountains and azure sky. Bai Yujun pulled out a strip of cloth and skillfully tied her waist-length loose hair into a ponytail behind her head.
Every transformation meant having to fuss with her hair again. It was a small burden, though casually tying it tight behind her head was enough.
At the water's edge, a family of otters stood upright, curiously staring at the unwelcome visitor.
Birdsong rang clear and the forest smelled sweet. After spending many years in the Central Plains, a certain snake felt waves of comfort wash over her, the sort of clarity that came from being simple-minded and straightforward.
"I'm going to get rich."
Her storage pouch was stuffed with so, so many chunks of salt...
She changed into a set of Jiuli Attire and put on the Jiuli headdress she had bought long ago. Cradling a watermelon-sized block of salt and licking it with a sandy rasp, she slowly ambled toward Cloud Remote Ancient Village.
After all, she was the sacred beast of that village. She ought to see how the mountain folk under her care