Later, more people voluntarily jumped down, making a trade with the mountain god with their lives.
The white snake thrashed more violently in the water, and the flood slowly began to recede. Everyone jumped down with more fervor.
After twenty people had jumped, the white snake circled in the water, and the flood retreated even further. Finally, with a flick of its black tail, the white snake vanished completely.
This was the first time the mountain god had manifested, sacrificing twenty living souls to leave a path to survival for the others.
Once the flood had completely receded, they helped each other down the mountain.
The first thing to do to revitalize the town was to rebuild the mountain god temple at the foot of the mountain.
The previous statue of the mountain god was human-shaped. Because the mountain god had manifested, they now used a snake-shaped statue.
After the mountain god temple was repaired, floods never appeared again. Even with heavy rain, the small stream remained just a small stream, and the small bridge above it was never submerged again.
Because it was so miraculous and the townspeople believed even more fervently in the mountain god, they all began to call this town Bai Xian Town, or "Town of Worshipping Immortals."
This was the origin of the mountain god temple and the reason for the town's name.
Uncle Meng was very familiar with this story, clearly having told it before.
"Uncle Meng, if the mountain god is so effective, why keep it a secret?"
Ning Wei meant that since the mountain god was so powerful, why did they publicize the story? Wouldn't that mean everyone could come to seek the mountain god's favor?
Everyone is selfish and wishes the best for themselves; there's no need to elaborate on human selfishness.
Uncle Meng chuckled, "The mountain god protects us, and as its followers, we should naturally attract more believers for it. That way, the mountain god can enjoy the incense offerings for a long, long time."
Hearing Uncle Meng's words, Ning Wei felt she had judged him with a narrow mind.
"You tell this story as if you've memorized it, just like a tour guide introducing a scenic spot. Did you specifically learn it by heart?" Ning Wei asked again.
Uncle Meng's throat was dry. After taking a sip of water, he answered Ning Wei's question, "Although this town isn't particularly remarkable, the mountain god's reputation has spread outside, attracting many curious people to visit. I occasionally introduce the story to them."
In simple terms, Uncle Meng was the mountain god's spokesperson, a loyal and unwavering promoter.
"It seems this mountain god is truly effective. I wonder if it would be convenient for me to also make a request." Ning Wei asked softly.
Uncle Meng scratched his head, looking somewhat hesitant.
Ning Wei remained silent, her large eyes fixed on him.
Uncle Meng thought for a moment and then very tactfully reminded her, "I don't know what your master told you, but Master Ci Yun in our town never visits the mountain god temple. Someone once asked him, and he said he exists independently between heaven and earth, free from desires and restraints."
"So, do all ghost-hunting masters have to stay away from the mountain god temple?" Ning Wei, relying on her youth, pretended not to understand Uncle Meng's implied meaning.
In essence, the mountain god protected the townspeople, and people like Ning Wei would also step in to help in times of crisis. Both had the same ultimate goal.
Uncle Meng awkwardly took another sip of water, "It's not that they *cannot* go, but because of Master Ci Yun, everyone assumes that ghost-hunting masters don't go."
"I see. However, my master is different. Whenever he encounters a temple when he travels, he goes in to worship. Everyone is human, and seeking peace of mind is normal."
Ning Wei could lie without blushing. Her master was from a Taoist temple; how could he possibly visit Buddhist temples without reason?
Besides, the people here didn't know her master, so she could say anything she pleased.
"The mountain god temple is open, and it is naturally very willing to receive incense offerings from all directions. If you truly have something you wish for, I can have Aunt Meng prepare offerings and candles for you." Uncle Meng finally relented.
Ning Wei didn't actually want to go; she just wanted to test Uncle Meng.
She wondered if Uncle Meng knew that the townspeople went to the mountain god temple at night.
"If I wanted to go, when would be convenient?" Ning Wei was determined to use Uncle Meng's words to expose the truth about the mountain god temple.
Uncle Meng's answer was unexpectedly casual, "Anytime is fine, as long as it's convenient for you. The items are easy to prepare."
Uncle Meng was an old hand and didn't directly answer Ning Wei's question.
Perhaps the matter of going to the mountain god temple at night to pray was known only to the townspeople.
After all, if it were truly so effective, who would be willing to tell others?
"Then I'll think about it carefully. If I decide, I'll ask Aunt Meng to help me prepare." Ning Wei responded accommodatingly.
At that moment, Aunt Meng came out carrying soup. She had only heard Ning Wei mention her and immediately asked with a smile, "Calling me?"
Ning Wei quickly interjected before Uncle Meng could answer, "It's nothing."
Aunt Meng wasn't one to pry too deeply. She knew she could ask her husband later when it was time for bed.
The kitchen was bustling with activity, and dish after dish was brought out.
Soon, everyone enjoyed the sunset and had a lively dinner.
After dinner, some washed the dishes, and some boiled water.
Uncle Meng had already gone to close the shop at the front. No more customers would be coming at this hour.
This town became very quiet at night. The residents had no other forms of entertainment besides talking with their families; most people went to bed early.
At Uncle Meng's house, it was actually more inconvenient for Ning Wei and the others to talk.
Because the house had been converted to include a front and back courtyard and a small grocery store, the space in each area was limited.
Even if Ning Wei and the others wanted to talk, they could only do so in their own rooms, and separately by gender.
Mei Nan and the others had privately reached an agreement not to provoke the mountain god again. They would simply eat and drink here until the bus came to pick them up.
Therefore, they were unaware of Ning Wei's inquiries about the mountain god. Uncle Meng wouldn't bother to tell others, and while Li Ye didn't approve of Ning Wei's actions, he wouldn't tell the others either.
For now, Ning Wei was just gathering information. If she were to cause any trouble later, he would adapt accordingly.
Each with their own thoughts, they washed up and returned to their rooms.
Ning Wei lay quietly on the bed. Having slept in the afternoon, she couldn't sleep now.
Tang Tang and the others, however, slept soundly, like little pigs after a full meal.
Ning Wei left a crack in the window and looked out. Above was the cold moonlight, and before her was the cool night breeze.
Unable to sleep, Ning Wei got up and went outside.
The tables and chairs were still under the grapevines. Even in the moonlight, it was enough for Ning Wei to observe her surroundings.