Amidst a dense forest, two beams of tunneling light streaked across the sky and descended to the ground. Suddenly, a startled cry emerged from within the light, causing the glowing beams to abruptly slow down and gently float down like feathers, eventually vanishing without a trace.
Mrs. Chen and Chen Jishi exchanged glances, both seeing the lingering fear in each other’s eyes.
Mrs. Chen patted her chest and glanced around, saying, "Husband, this remote wilderness likely harbors wild beasts. We should leave quickly."
She walked a few steps, but Chen Jishi grabbed her hand, prompting her to look at him in confusion.
Chen Jishi hesitated and said, "Wife, do you truly intend to give our child to Daoist Zhang as his apprentice?"
Mrs. Chen frowned and said, "Husband, why bring this up now? Our priority is to flee."
She shook off Chen Jishi’s hand and, clutching her abdomen, trudged forward, struggling toward the edge of the forest.
Chen Jishi stomped his foot and hurriedly chased after her, helping her up. She resisted briefly but soon acquiesced.
The forest was not extensive, but as Mrs. Chen neared its exit, she paused as if remembering something and said, "Wait. I believe I saw a beam of light pursuing us earlier, but fortunately, the Little Daoist blocked it. If we leave now and the Little Daoist fails to stop them, what if they continue chasing us?"
Chen Jishi hesitated and said, "The Little Daoist’s mana is formidable. Surely he..."
Mrs. Chen shook her head and said, "If the Little Daoist could block them entirely, why would he urge us to leave first? Alas, if only Zhang Daoist were here."
Chen Jishi remained silent.
Mrs. Chen looked up at the sky. The sun had already risen, prompting her to turn decisively. "Let’s hide back in the forest."
Chen Jishi was startled and said, "There are tigers, wolves, and leopards in the forest. Wife, why take such a risk?"
Mrs. Chen coldly replied, "Tigers, wolves, and leopards are nothing compared to the deceitfulness of human hearts. I am unafraid—why should you fear?"
Chen Jishi sighed and could only help his wife move forward.
They hadn’t gone far before Mrs. Chen’s complexion turned pale. Cold sweat drenched her forehead as she felt a sharp ache in her back and abdomen, accompanied by waves of intense pain. When she reached down to check, she found blood staining her legs. Her heart sank: "Could it be that my child is coming now?"
As this thought crossed her mind, the pain became unbearable, and she couldn’t stifle her moans.
Seeing his wife groaning in agony, Chen Jishi stood helpless and panicked, while Mrs. Chen, despite her suffering, remained remarkably composed and instructed, "Husband, quickly untie the pot strapped to your back. Gather some dry wood and fetch water from the river to boil."
Chen Jishi repeatedly uttered, "Yes, yes." He had previously complained about why his wife insisted on bringing a pot instead of books, but now he admired her foresight greatly.
Though not unskilled or unfamiliar with labor, Chen Jishi, accustomed to working in the fields, efficiently went to the river, filtering the water with his long robe before pouring it into the pot and carrying it back. Before long, he had a fire burning and water boiling.
At this moment, Mrs. Chen’s pain intensified further, leaving Chen Jishi pacing nervously around her, wishing he could bear the pain in her stead.
An hour passed as Mrs. Chen labored. However, the scent of blood had attracted several wild animals from within the forest.
Chen Jishi heard faint rustling sounds, occasionally glimpsing shadows amidst the trees. Terrified, he stoked the fire to burn brighter, hoping it would offer some semblance of protection.
After another half-an-hour of anxious waiting, the child finally entered the world.
As soon as the baby was born, its umbilical cord naturally detached. Remarkably, the newborn opened its eyes immediately, unlike ordinary infants who cry upon birth. Instead, this child let out hearty laughter, its voice clear and soaring, piercing through the skies and startling birds in the forest to flutter away. Even wild beasts in the distance, as if scared, tucked their tails and fled.
Chen Jishi was filled with unease, questioning inwardly, "Other babies cry upon entering this world. Why is my child laughing instead?"
Still immersed in the joy of becoming a father, this thought quickly passed. He picked up the baby, cleaned it of blood, wrapped it in his robe, and placed it gently aside. He then tore off a new cloth to wipe and care for Mrs. Chen. Although weak, she anxiously asked, "Husband, is it a boy or girl? Hurry, bring the child to me."
Chen Jishi nodded, tearing off a piece of his garment to wrap the baby securely. He handed it to his wife with a gentle tone, "Dearest, it’s a boy."