Verdant Green Maiden and the fisherman had been guests in Peach Blossom Spring for several days. It was time for them to leave.
Before they departed, the villagers said to them, "Honored guests, you may come again whenever you wish, but... please don't tell outsiders about this place! There's too much turmoil out there; it's more than we can bear. Remember this, remember it well!"
"Don't worry, don't worry. I'll keep it firmly in mind."
The fisherman nodded in reply.
Verdant Green Maiden only glanced at him and said nothing.
As the two followed the path they had taken to leave, Verdant Green Maiden lightly moved her fingers. Snowflakes drifted from her fingertips and scattered across the ground. At once, the path behind them grew hazy and indistinct.
The fisherman walked ahead. Just as he wanted to turn around and take another look, Verdant Green Maiden said, "Don't look back. Keep walking."
Her voice was cool and clear. The fisherman couldn't help shivering when he heard it.
Once they emerged from the cave, the Peach Grove was still there, but Old Yellow Ox was nowhere to be seen.
The fisherman hurriedly said, "Young Lady, your ox is gone!"
Verdant Green Maiden: "..."
The fisherman felt a sudden chill burst from Verdant Green Maiden. He quickly moved several steps away. Before he could say anything else, he saw Old Yellow Ox galloping toward them in the distance.
At the sight, the fisherman's eyes widened even further!
He had never imagined that he'd live to see an ox run as fast as a horse!
"Moo—!!"
Old Yellow Ox thundered over and came to a sudden stop in front of Verdant Green Maiden.
Verdant Green Maiden swung onto the ox and said to the fisherman, "Let's go! Fisherman, you still owe me three