Chapter 306: Chapter 306 Going Up the Mountain Chapter 306: Chapter 306 Going Up the Mountain Ever since that incident occurred, the hunters from all around the neighborhood have had the most difficult time. They dare not easily enter the deep mountains. Losing Silver can be slowly made up, but losing one’s life means everything is gone. It’s most important to save one’s life.
“Yes! Xuexue, Big Bull, both of you must never enter the deep mountains.” The thought of this made Madam Xie tense up immediately.
“Alright! We won’t enter the deep mountains, Mother. Don’t be nervous,” Xuexue replied with a smile.
“Xuexue, this is a matter of life and death. You must not take it lightly and should take your mother’s words to heart.” Seeing Xuexue’s careless demeanor, Madam Xie became even more nervous, fearing her daughter’s heedlessness might lead to misfortune.
Xuexue immediately wiped off her smile and said seriously, “Mother, don’t worry. We won’t go into the deep mountains. I have Big Bull with me.”
“Madam, rest assured, I will protect Xuexue,” Big Bull also patted his chest and promised earnestly.
“Yes! Mother, Big Bull is so strong. Even if we encounter a tiger, he wouldn’t be afraid. Maybe he’ll even bring back a tiger,” Xuexue said.
“You mischievous girl, still joking when your mother is almost scared to death,” Madam Xie playfully swatted Xuexue.
After having breakfast, Xuexue and Big Bull, carrying enough food and pork for the day, went to the homestead. They gave the food to a few women responsible for cooking, instructed them, then shouldered their baskets, took out their sickles, and set off for the mountains with Big Bull.
The mountain was to the west; they passed through the village, followed the winding paths, and headed straight for the mountain.
At this time of the year in spring, when the rain is plentiful and everything grows rapidly, the villagers, having finished the spring plowing at home, typically went in groups to the mountains. They would look for wild vegetables and mushrooms to sell at the market, earning some Copper Coin to help with household expenses.
“Big Bull, the outer parts of the mountain have been thoroughly searched by people, not even a single wild vegetable left, let alone something as good as a wild chicken.” Xuexue searched through the woods and was frustrated to find nothing at all.
“My dear, what should we do then?”
“Let’s go into the deep mountain,” Xuexue thought for a moment. It wasn’t easy to come to the mountain, and she wasn’t willing to return empty-handed.
“Didn’t you promise Madam that we wouldn’t go?” Hanging out with Xuexue, Big Bull found her behavior and mannerisms not at all like a typical village girl, and her cunning suited his taste perfectly–she was quite a match for him.
“If you don’t tell, how would she know we went into the deep mountains?”
“My dear, you’re not being honest–this isn’t very good behavior for a child,” Big Bull teased her deliberately, acting a bit foolish.
“Stop nagging. Are you scared to go? Fine then! You wait outside for me, and I’ll go into the mountain alone,” Xuexue said, pretending to be serious.
“That won’t do. I promised Madam to ensure your safety.” Although he knew Xuexue was bluffing, Big Bull had no choice but to pretend to be concerned immediately; he couldn’t do otherwise in her eyes, as he was currently playing the fool.
A slight, silent smile crept on Xuexue’s lips, though her voice remained calm as she said, “Fine then, hurry up and follow me. But don’t get lost; I won’t come looking for you.”
“Uh! Understood, my dear.”
To think that he, the mighty Ghost King of Moli Country, could get lost on a mountain trail was laughable, but now he was ‘the fool.’ With a fleeting glint in his eye, Big Bull had to comply with an utterly foolish tone.
As they went deeper into the mountain, the underbrush grew denser, and the moist air became more intense. Seeing a dead tree covered in mushrooms, Xuexue stopped, took off her basket, and crouched down to pick mushrooms…
“Big Bull, come help me pick these mushrooms,” Xuexue shouted to Big Bull, who was still looking around curiously.