Chapter 15: Human Worldly Fires

In the scavenger camp, apart from survival necessities, meat was the most abundant commodity. Because the Exclusion Zone was nearby and scavengers ventured there daily, edible meat was readily available at many stalls within the camp.

So, when Captain Lei heard Xu Qing express a desire for snake meat, a broad smile spread across his wrinkled face. He understood that the boy's request for snake meat was a clear sign that a remark he had made earlier had been firmly etched in the child's memory. He then stopped Xu Qing from going out to buy the meat himself.

"Those folks in the camp are cunning," Captain Lei said, standing up. "You don't know much about the exotic beasts from the Exclusion Zone, so you're easily cheated or forced into bad deals. Let me go."

Upon hearing the words "forced buying and selling," Xu Qing instinctively touched his iron skewer. After a moment of thought, he said earnestly, "They wouldn't dare."

Captain Lei glanced at the iron skewer, stifled a laugh, and without another word, walked straight out of the yard.

Watching Captain Lei's retreating figure, Xu Qing thought for a moment, then went to the side room. He meticulously cleaned the pots and bowls, arranged and wiped the table, and finally set out three sets of chopsticks and bowls. Staring at the extra set, Xu Qing suddenly understood something.

"That's someone who will never come." Captain Lei's words echoed in his mind. In silence, he placed the third set of utensils next to Captain Lei's. The same went for the chairs.

Once finished, Xu Qing turned to look at the yard outside the door. It was already dusk, and the wind carried a chill, hinting at faint snowflakes. For the eastern part of the Southern Phoenix Continent, late March meant the earth was warming and nature was reviving. Yet, winter seemed reluctant to depart, occasionally scattering snowflakes as if to remind all living things of its continued presence.

At that moment, snowflakes drifted under the gloomy sky, carried by the wind. They seemed to fall from the heavens to the human world, blanketing the ground only to be swiftly melted by the earth's warmth. All that remained visible was widespread mud. Regardless of their noble origin or inherent purity, here in this mortal realm, they were destined to mix with the mire, becoming one with it, indistinguishable.

It was unclear whether the wind carried the snow, making it icier, or if the snow infused the wind, making it colder. As it swept across the land, through the camp, and past the bamboo house, Xu Qing felt a distinct chill. Although he was a cultivator, the fear of cold, accumulated over many years in the depths of his memory, still caused him discomfort in the icy air.

It wasn't until he saw a stumbling figure in the cold wind, trudging through the snow from afar, pushing open the yard gate, that a voice, laced with laughter, cut through the wind and snow, reaching him. "Kid, you're in for a treat today! Look what I bought—a red-flowered snake! Its meat is absolutely superb. I'll really show you what I can do with it in a bit."

Captain Lei, carrying the snake carcass, strode into the side room. Noticing the tidiness of the side room, the arrangement of the table and chairs, and especially the two sets of utensils placed side by side, a smile appeared on Captain Lei's wrinkled face, and he gave Xu Qing a deep look.

"Want to learn how to cook snake?" Captain Lei asked.

"Yes," Xu Qing replied, his eyes lighting up. He eagerly sought all knowledge he didn't possess, especially since Captain Lei's cooked snake was exceptionally delicious.

Captain Lei smiled and beckoned Xu Qing closer, explaining each step as he began to prepare the meal. "Now, with snake," Captain Lei began, "common practice says to cut off both the head and tail. But what many don't realize is that the tail, because of the excretory opening, absolutely must be removed. The head, however, if properly detoxified, can actually enhance the overall flavor of the snake meat."

Captain Lei spoke about cooking with great enthusiasm. Xu Qing listened intently, watching as Captain Lei thoroughly cleaned the snake, peeled off its skin, removed its internal organs and other unwanted parts, then chopped it into sections and set them aside.

"Remember, kid," Captain Lei instructed, "whether the meat leaves a lingering taste in your mouth depends entirely on the broth." As he spoke, Captain Lei began simmering a broth in a clay pot, adding many medicinal herbs. The carefully prepared snake head was also placed inside.

Once these steps were complete, a delicate fragrance filled the air, and Xu Qing swallowed hard. Captain Lei chuckled at his reaction, then took out a clean wok and began stir-frying the snake meat. Instantly, as sizzling sounds echoed, rich aromas carrying waves of heat assailed them, filling the entire side room and wafting outwards. The warmth seemed to dispel all the cold, causing Xu Qing's stomach to rumble uncontrollably. His eyes were glued to the bubbling snake meat.

Soon, as Captain Lei finished cooking, he transferred the stir-fried snake meat into the clay pot. With the lid securely placed, he looked at Xu Qing. "Did you learn it?"

Xu Qing's eyes were fixed on the clay pot, and he nodded vigorously. He had observed the entire process and didn't think it seemed too difficult.

Captain Lei smiled faintly. When he returned from leaving the side room, he was holding two wine gourds. He tossed one to Xu Qing, kept the other, and took a sip, letting out a sound of appreciation. "Meat isn't scarce in the camp, but this wine, now that's a rare commodity."

Xu Qing picked up the gourd, observing the murky liquid inside. He had never tasted alcohol before. As Captain Lei had mentioned, it was a rarity, unavailable in the slums and only enjoyed by important figures in the city. But seeing Captain Lei's contented expression after drinking, Xu Qing hesitantly raised the gourd to his lips. After a sip, his brow furrowed; it felt spicy in his mouth, but he swallowed it anyway.

A wave of heat immediately emerged from his throat, flowed down his esophagus into his stomach, then intensely burst open, spreading throughout his body. It turned into a surge of air that rushed into his mouth, making him open his mouth and exhale a breath heavy with alcohol. "It doesn't taste good," Xu Qing said, looking at Captain Lei.

Hearing this, Captain Lei burst into laughter, pointed at Xu Qing, and said, smiling, "You're still too young to appreciate the taste of wine. You'll definitely come to like it when you're older."

As Captain Lei spoke, he reached out to take the gourd from Xu Qing, but Xu Qing deftly dodged his hand. "I'll try again," Xu Qing said earnestly, taking another sip. Though his brow still furrowed, he began to adapt to the peculiar taste.

Before long, amid Captain Lei's good-natured teasing about Xu Qing's attempts at drinking, the snake meat was ready. The moment he brought the clay pot to the table and lifted the lid, the aroma instantly filled the air. Xu Qing's Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily. He put down his wine gourd, waited for Captain Lei to pick up the first piece, then immediately speared a piece with his chopsticks, put it in his mouth, and devoured it. He still hadn't broken his habit of devouring food.

And so, while the blizzard raged outside, the old man and the young boy inside the house ate meat and drank wine, and a sense of warmth spread through the room.

Watching Xu Qing awkwardly grip his chopsticks with effort, Captain Lei's eyes softened, and he murmured to himself, "He's still just a child, yet... he lives in this cruel world."

The wind and snow outside penetrated the gaps in the dwelling's structure, landing on Xu Qing. Although he was sweating from eating, he still resisted the cold wind, subtly hunching his shoulders. This subtle movement caught Captain Lei's eye. He looked thoughtful but said nothing.

A while later, Xu Qing mimicked Captain Lei, taking another large gulp of wine and exhaling. He looked at the old man who had brought him out of the ruined city and settled him here, then suddenly spoke. "Your injury..."

"It's nothing. I've survived for so many years; I won't die that easily. I'm fine."

Xu Qing fell silent. He had intended to ask Captain Lei about his crippled foundation, but remembering the scene in the Exclusion Zone, he ultimately refrained from speaking.

The meal lasted a long time. When Captain Lei had emptied his wine gourd, he stood up, his eyes slightly hazy, and returned to his dwelling. As he watched Captain Lei's retreating figure, Xu Qing distinctly felt that a certain aura, which had once belonged to Captain Lei, seemed to have dissipated with his return from the Exclusion Zone this time.

Xu Qing remained silent. After a long moment, he stood up, cleared the table, and meticulously washed and put away the pots and bowls. Only then did he return to his own dwelling.

Sitting on his bed, he looked up at the wind and snow outside his window, hunched his shoulders slightly, and took out the leather pouch he had found in the Exclusion Zone, which belonged to the Blood Shadow Captain. Although there were no elixirs inside, it contained a substantial amount of spirit coins and various miscellaneous items. Xu Qing inspected them. He eventually pulled out a black glove that didn't feel like leather but had a somewhat metallic texture. Upon trying it on, Xu Qing discovered it was very resilient and offered significant protection. He put it on, threw a few punches, and finding it satisfactory, took it off. He then closed his eyes, sat in meditation, and began his breathing exercises.

The night passed without incident.

At dawn, the wind and snow were still falling, but at a much slower pace. The intense cold of the night meant that the snowflakes, once they landed, could finally linger for a while. So, when Xu Qing stepped out of his dwelling, he noticed traces of snow on the ground.

Xu Qing tightened his clothes, his gaze sweeping over Captain Lei's residence as he left the yard. He felt he should do something, perhaps buy some White Pills for Captain Lei. As he walked, Xu Qing's steps crunched on the snow, and he headed towards the general store.

As he passed Master Bai's caravan tent, Xu Qing heard the faint sound of boys and girls reading from within. This sound made him pause, and he cast an envious glance. After a moment, he withdrew his gaze, silently turned, and continued towards the general store.

As he drew closer, Xu Qing spotted a little girl vigorously clearing snow from outside the general store. Her clothes seemed thin, her small hands were red from the cold, and puffs of misty breath escaped her lips. After several days apart, the little girl seemed to have somewhat adapted to life in the camp. Though clearly tired, she was sweeping with great diligence. Even as the snow continued to fall, she kept sweeping. Only the disfiguring scar on her face was particularly prominent in the morning sunlight.

As Xu Qing approached, the little girl noticed him, looked up, and upon seeing Xu Qing, her eyes lit up, and a joyful smile appeared on her face.

"Good morning!"

"Morning..." Xu Qing was a bit unaccustomed to such greetings. He nodded, then looked inside the general store. Perhaps because it was just dawn, or maybe due to the weather, there was no one inside, and the shopkeeper was absent.

"What do you want to buy? I can get it for you," the little girl said, smiling.

"White Pills," Xu Qing replied, looking at the little girl.

Hearing this, the little girl leaned her broom against the nearby wall. Leading Xu Qing into the shop, she hurried behind the counter and began searching. Soon, she pulled out a few leather pouches, opened them to check, and then put them back. After a moment, she took out another one and handed it to Xu Qing.

"The owner's rule is only five per day, so I can't sell you more than that," the little girl said apologetically, looking at Xu Qing.

Xu Qing understood. He took the leather pouch, opened it, and as he scanned its contents, his eyes narrowed slightly. He noticed that the White Pills in this pouch were of a much higher quality than those he had previously bought. Three of them, in particular, showed no trace of green at all, and a faint medicinal fragrance wafted from them. Recalling the little girl's earlier actions, Xu Qing looked up at her.

"Oh, it's nothing, just something within my authority," the little girl said, blinking and smiling.

Xu Qing gave the little girl a deep look. "Thank you."

"You don't need to thank me for such a small thing! I should be thanking you. If it weren't for you, I probably wouldn't be alive today."

The little girl's smile was radiant, her eyes seeming to gleam. As she finished speaking, she appeared to remember something, and as she walked Xu Qing out, she spoke in a low voice, "I overheard the owner saying yesterday that a lot of young people from the camp have gone missing in the Exclusion Zone recently. And from his expression, it seemed he didn't think it was due to the zone's inherent dangers, but rather something human-caused... You should be careful."

There was concern in the little girl's eyes, a look that made Xu Qing slightly uncomfortable. He took a few steps back, nodded his thanks, and departed.

After walking a short distance, Xu Qing looked back. He watched the little girl continuing to sweep snow, and he saw the scar on her face illuminated by the sunlight. He suddenly remembered Captain Lei mentioning that among the temple ruins in the Exclusion Zone, there was a type of stone capable of removing scars.

"If the opportunity arises, I'll find one for her," Xu Qing murmured to himself before turning and leaving.

The young boy walked away, leaving a trail in the snow. Behind him, the wind and snow... intensified.