They traveled through the Mist Forest for more than ten days, eating in the wind and sleeping beneath the open sky.
Everywhere they passed was steep and treacherous, making the journey exceedingly difficult.
After another day's travel, they suddenly heard the burble of flowing water.
Rounding a bend, they finally found a clear stream. Its waters were so transparent they could see the bottom, lifting everyone's spirits.
Most exciting of all, not far from the stream stood a village.
In an instant, it was as though the smoke and clouds had dispersed. Even the sky seemed blue and the mist thinner, leaving them refreshed and carefree.
The caravan sang one mountain song after another in excitement, their voices thick with nasal tones.
Li Ping'an could not understand them, but that did not stop him from humming along.
Old Ox whistled in accompaniment.
The people of the Mist Forest were hospitable, and especially fond of visiting merchants from elsewhere.
After all, throughout the year, they rarely had the chance to see outsiders.
There was a bonfire celebration that evening.
The villagers built frames from wooden poles, stacking them into piles one after another.
They invited their guests from afar to light the bonfires with torches, and girls in brightly colored clothes sang and danced around the flames.
Groups of people danced around the bonfires, while others sat applauding and cheering.
Some sat in corners in groups of three or five, holding cups of wine and chatting quietly.
Others wandered through the crowd, squeezing toward wherever the pretty girls were.
The atmosphere was lively and warm.
Li Ping'an sat in a corner, sampling the village's wine.
Every region's wine had its own flavor.
Some were mellow, some rich, and some had a sharp bite-a colorful variety.
"Heh heh."
The old man chuckled