Su Ning wandered deeper into the forest where the fog was more abundant. The deeper she walked, the thicker the fog. She could no longer rely on her sight so she put on night googles and continued walking.
After walking for long, she stopped. It felt like she was trapped in maze and spinning in circles. She was sure she had walked this path before. The fog was more powerful than she thought as it was now affecting her. She immediately pinched her Nei Guan and Ren Zhong point to stay awake. After doing that, she felt the her mental fog clear and her sense became sharp.
She immediately turned left and located the glowing object amidst the thick fog. She was sure it was the fungi. She took out her gloves and digging tools and carefully leaned to dig it out. Just as she focused, she felt a murderous intent from behind. With no time to dodge, she flashed into her space with her heart beating fast. She put on her protective dressing and grabbed a long machete.
Making sure she was fully armed, she stepped out. Immediately she felt it lunge at her again and dodged it. From her night googles, she saw what it was and her pupils dilated in shock. What was attacking her was a 15ft python and estimated size of 4.58m. She had seen of these in books recorded which was why she instantly recognized it. As she was estimating the creature, it was also aggressively attacking her.
Su Ning couldn't find a way to attack it's vital part and the machete was proving useless. She entered her space again and searched for a better weapon. She choose a buckshot shotgun with enough magazine and a machete. She came out immediately and began running in a bizarre way with the python on the chase. She saw a big tree and ducked behind it, immediately flashed into the space. She estimated the time and loaded the gun immediately reappearing.
Aiming straight at it's head and eyes she delivered six consecutive shots and disappeared. The snake which was taken unaware thrashed violently before dropping dead. Ten minutes later she flashed out. Walking carefully to the snake lying limply on the floor, she made sure it was dead before walking closer. It was larger than she expected. It was a non venomous type and could be eaten after being handled properly.
"What a luck"
She threw the snake into her space and retraced her steps to the place she found the plant. It was still glowing brightly as she left it. Without nothing hindering her, she carefully dug out the fungi and put it in a sample bag for further testing. Looking at the time, it was getting late. Mu Wei would be very worried by now.
She flashed into her space and carefully dissected the snake. The edible parts were put in a bag, the gall was kept for making medicine and other parts cleanly taken care of. Feeling sticky, she took a quick shower and had some Peking duck and bubble Tea. The meat remaining after removing the innards, fat, bones and skin was three bags. It was enough to feed them all for four days.
She took out one bag of the meat and stuffed dry grasses to avoid attracting more wild animals. Then she took two pheasant, a rabbit and seven eggs and placed them on the basket before covering it with a cloth. The fog was already dissipating as the source was no longer there. The moon was now visible as she jogged back fully alert. Checking the time, it had already elapsed. No doubt Mu Wei and the kids would be searching for her now.
She didn't realize how her lips unconsciously curled up at that thought or how she was in hurry to go see them. Just as she was nearing the cave, she saw flashes indicating someone was coming. Without getting close, she could already tell whom that figure was. As she stepped into view, she saw the way his expression relaxed and he breathed a sigh of relief.
He was already striding towards her in fast pace. Before she could form a word, she was engulfed in a bone crushing hug. She carefully hugged him back and patted his back to calm him down. He only murmured those words on her neck,
"You're safe"
"You came back"
She understood his fears and let him hold her. When he gained his composure, he helped her carry the basket and checked if she was injured. Only after assuring him she was unharmed did he let it go. They walked to the cave and she updated him about the successful retrieval of the fungi omitting the python fight. He would know soon but at least not now. She didn't have the strength to argue.
As the stepped in and closed the cave entrance with the stone. Everybody gathered around them. Some genuinely worried and others for keeping up appearance. She calmly cleared her throat and addressed them to ease the tension,
"I'm unharmed. Before morning, the fog should dissipate and we can move if it doesn't rain again. As for the source, I got rid of it so we're all safe. In a thirty minutes, everyone should send a member of their family to come take their share of the meat I got today"
She made her way to their room eager to see her children. The occasional cries of thanks and gratefulness reaching her from the crowd. She explained briefly to Chief Lu and went back inside. The kids were still deeply asleep on the bed. She carefully climbed on the bed and kissed their chubby cheeks before closing her eyes. Sensing her appearance, the snuggled closer to her and continued sleeping.
Remembering the meat, she called sister Bai and instructed her on what to do. The eggs, rabbit and pheasant were to be left in their kitchen while the snake meat was to be shared equally to all family members. Mu Wei wasn't back, probably still talking with the Chief. Feeling contented and tired, she dozed off. It was almost an hour for the conversation with the Chief to end. Mu Wei carefully made his way to their room and climbed the bed pulling her close to him.
It was only when she was in his arms could he feel at ease. After seeing the python meat, he could already tell what happened but she didn't tell him the specifics to avoid him worrying. It was at times like this that he felt extremely useless for not being able to help her. Those two hours were the most torturous time he had to endure. Thankfully she was safe and here in his arms where she belonged. His feelings for her were overflowing like a gushing fountain as bad he found it increasingly difficult to control his possessiveness and obsession with her. Sighing in defeat, he held her tightly and slept off too. It was a peaceful night for everyone on exile for awhile.
( School hasn't been easy. I updated immediately I had little time. Thanks for understanding 😊 😊)