Chapter One, Snake Mountain in the Upper Nine

Village Chief Wang, upon seeing Nie Mo, greeted him with a broad smile and said, "Where have you been, Nie Mo? Your grandfather and I were just looking for you."

Everyone was looking at the village head, and no one spoke, yet the atmosphere was extremely oppressive. Village Head Wang glanced at the villagers, furrowed his brow, and said to the crowd: "Where is Elder Nie?"

The old man displayed a look of great contentment, gazing at him with a serene expression, and said: "I know you are very filial. I have lived in this mountain for nearly eighty years; how could I bear to leave this place? You, on the other hand, are different. You can leave this mountain and explore the world. You are just in your early twenties and still very young"

A tall man in the crowd, with a loud voice, expressed some concern and said: "Can the village chief manage this?"

Nie Mo thought for a moment and said, "I won't leave. It's just Jiu She Mountain, I'll go." He recalled the words of Village Chief Wang; his grandfather truly could not withstand the turmoil, and moreover, his grandfather was unwilling to leave this place with him. He knew he had no choice.

Village Chief Wang stepped forward, patted his shoulder, and smiled, "Old Master Nie, where is your grandson Nie Mo?" The old man trembled slightly, unsure of how to respond, while the villagers began to chatter, as they all understood the Chief's meaning

Hearing his grandfather's words reminded him of the time shortly after he was brought back from the grave by his grandfather, when a plague broke out in the village. Some people died, and many livestock perished as well. The villagers immediately associated this event with him, and from then on, they regarded him as a harbinger of the plague. Later, when officials from the city came to investigate, they explained the causes from a scientific perspective, but in the hearts of the villagers, he had already been deemed a disaster bringer.

Old Master Nie was at a loss and said: "Village Chief Wang, he should be at home sleeping. There has been a lot of work at home these past few days, and he is too tired."

Village Chief Wang, seeing that he did not respond, worried that he would not go, hurriedly said: "Nie Mo, we have already promised your grandfather that as long as you go, we will not drive you out of the village again"

Nie Mo, I indeed have some matters to discuss at your home. How about we do it like this: let your grandfather speak.

Village Chief Wang was not angry; he smiled and was about to speak when Elder Nie had already walked over, saying, "Ah Mo, where have you been"

Old Master Nie hesitated somewhat; he knew that if he allowed his grandson to go up the mountain, it would likely lead to disaster. However, if he did not agree, they would bring up the matter of forcing him to leave the village. Just as he was in doubt, the villagers began to speak up, each taking turns to express their thoughts. The general sentiment was that if he did not agree, his grandson Nie Mo would have no hope of staying, and neither would he.

Nie Mo sheathed the knife and followed his grandfather outside, watching the old man's busy figure, with tears welling up in his eyes. Indeed, a man may shed tears, but he does not do so lightly; it is simply that he has not yet reached the point of sorrow. Later, the old man kept reminding Nie Mo that if he sensed any danger, he should not venture further into the mountains

Nie Mo suddenly understood. Although he did not know why he was being sent to Nine Snake Mountain now, he was certain that Village Chief Wang's gourd contained no good medicine.

It is unwise; isn't it highly dangerous to ascend Nine Serpent Mountain

A few days ago, a Taoist priest arrived in the village. He informed the village chief that it was essential to find a person with a strong balance of yin and yang to ascend the mountain once, in order to resolve the grievances of the spirits on the mountain, thus ensuring peace thereafter. After discussing with the village chiefs of several nearby villages, Wang Baifu decided to give it a try, and he thought the best candidate would be Nie Mo.

However, in recent years, for reasons unknown, the shouts and cries of battle coming from the mountain have diminished significantly, yet they still persist. For decades, this village has relied on the surrounding mountains for its livelihood, and the area of Jiushe Mountain nearly encompasses half the size of all the nearby mountains. The lack of protection and utilization of the other mountains over the years has led the villagers to turn their attention to Jiushe Mountain, which represents a great wealth for several nearby villages, yet they all dare not venture into the mountain.

Is that so? Hehe, the village chief chuckled. His voice became gentler, "Don't be afraid, Elder Nie, we won't drive him out of the village; we just want to ask him for a bit of help." As he spoke, he looked at the crowd and said, "I, Wang Dafu, now clearly tell everyone that if Elder Nie's grandson, Nie Mo, goes up the mountain this time to help us clarify the matter, I guarantee that from now on, no one will be allowed to say anything about driving him out of the village."

"Do not say anything more, Grandpa. I know you have endured a lot for my sake. Let us leave this village together; I can take care of you."

Upon seeing his grandfather, Nie Mo smiled and hurried over to help him sit down. "I haven't done much, just went out for a walk"

The Nine Serpent Mountain has not been truly entered by anyone for many years. My grandfather went there once when he was young, and that was out of necessity, as it was to escape the large-scale sweep conducted by the Japanese invaders against the village. Many people entered the mountain that time, but very few came back down, and no one knows what happened. After the liberation, some people went up there as well, but none returned. Since then, no one has dared to venture into the Nine Serpent Mountain; the villagers mostly just chop firewood or graze cattle at the foot of the mountain.

The old man handed the knife to Nie Mo and said earnestly, "This was given to me by someone many years ago. It is very sharp. I used it once a long time ago and have not used it since. Now you can take it for self-defense."

Many years later, at night, the sounds of shouting and killing could always be heard from the Nine Serpent Mountain. The villagers believed that it was the work of ghosts and deities, and thus dared not approach it. Later, some individuals came, reportedly to conduct research. However, they had not been in the mountain for long before they too were too frightened to proceed and had to retreat. They merely stated that all of this was likely a natural phenomenon. Yet, the villagers did not believe them and insisted that it was the vengeful spirits of those who had ascended the mountain in the past that were causing the disturbances.

Old Master Nie's eyes had already become moist, yet he remained silent and walked back into the room to sit down. Seeing this, Nie Mo understood that he had upset his grandfather and did not dare to speak further, even though he had a lot of pent-up anger inside, which had been building for many years

I know that Mount Jiushe is very dangerous, Grandpa. Didn't you also go up this mountain not long ago?

The sound of the bell echoed, and the villagers, young and old, had gathered in an open space outside the village committee. They were whispering to each other, beginning to discuss. Wang Baifu, the village head, a thin man in his fifties, stood among the crowd wearing a coat, pacing back and forth, appearing somewhat agitated. Suddenly, he shouted, "Stop the noise, what are you making a fuss about? It is already past twelve o'clock, the time has come"

Old Master Nie sighed and said, "Ah Mo, the village chief and the villagers need you to go to Nine Snake Mountain before dawn"

An elderly man stepped out from the crowd. Although Mr. Nie was nearly eighty, he still appeared quite robust. He began to feel concerned, as he was well aware of Village Chief Wang's intentions. "What is it, Village Chief?" he asked cautiously.

Old Master Nie, feeling quite helpless, slowly said: "Alright, I agree to everyone." Given the current situation, Old Master Nie could only agree for the time being.

The old man turned and wiped the corner of his eye, then said: "I will go get you some steamed buns and water, to eat on the mountain."

"Ah Mo, let go of the village chief, what are you doing?" Old Master Nie hurriedly pulled at Nie Mo, seeing that he had no intention of releasing his grip, his voice grew somewhat angry, "How can you not even listen to your grandfather's words?"

Old Master Nie stood up and pretended to scold Nie Mo for a few moments, then walked up to Village Head Wang and said: "Village Head Wang, please do not be angry. You go back first, and I will talk to him."

With a loud bang, Nie Mo threw Village Chief Wang out the door, who landed heavily on the ground. Village Chief Wang groaned, got up while cursing, and ran away.

Village Chief Wang glanced at him, let out a cold snort, and said, "Fine, if he doesn't go, you know the consequences." As soon as he finished speaking

Grandfather! After all these years, who among him and the people in this village is not thinking every day about how to drive us out of the village

Standing at the door was a young man with a cold expression; he was Nie Mo. The frail figure of Village Chief Wang appeared childlike in front of him. A look of displeasure crossed Nie Mo's stern face as he coldly asked, "What are you here for? Where is my grandfather?"

"Damn it, still daring to curse at others," Nie Mo said as he intended to chase after them. Just then, he heard his grandfather's stern voice: "Don't chase after them. Do you really want everyone to come to our house tomorrow?"

Village Chief Wang's expression changed slightly upon hearing his words. He initially intended to scold him, but after a moment's thought, he refrained from getting angry. He smiled and said, "Alright, alright, you make a valid point. However, if you go, the villagers will not hesitate to try to drive you out of the village every few days. Even your grandfather won't have to worry about you anymore; just look at his age, he can't handle the stress."

Village Chief Wang trembled in fear and said in a quavering voice: "Uncle Nie, look, look."

Old Master Nie looked at him with some sadness. Nie Mo naturally noticed the unusual expression in his grandfather's eyes, and he understood that the village chief had come to their home with no good news. He turned to Village Chief Wang and asked, "What brings you to my home, Village Chief"

Mount Jiushe, while not the highest mountain in the village, is the largest in terms of area. From a distance, it resembles a massive screen, slanting towards the village, imparting a strong sense of oppression. Not to mention climbing it, even gazing at it for an extended period can leave one feeling breathless.

Nie Mo Yi, in a fit of anger, took a couple of steps forward and coldly said: "Get the hell out of here, and you still think you have a point? Is there no law in this land?" Upon seeing his demeanor, Village Chief Wang felt a twinge of fear. He stood up and retreated a few steps towards the door, saying as he walked: "Old Master Nie, look at this, he still wants to hit someone. Fine, if you won't leave, then starting tomorrow, the entire village will gather at your doorstep to see how tough you really are. If I don't drive you out of this village, then I won't be the village chief anymore." Fine, if you won't leave, then starting tomorrow, the entire village will gather at your doorstep to see how tough you really are. If I don't drive you out of this village, then I won't be the village chief anymore.

Nie Mo stepped forward, grabbing the collar of Village Chief Wang and lifting him up, saying fiercely: "Are you threatening my grandfather?"

Nie Mo looked at Village Chief Wang, his eyes filled with mockery, and said: "If it weren't for my grandfather, I wouldn't want to stay in this godforsaken place."

When Nie Mo ascended the mountain, it was nearly dawn. He turned back to see the villagers, about one hundred meters away, watching him as if they were afraid he might run away. He felt a deep disdain in his heart. His grandfather was not among the crowd, perhaps not wanting to see him go up the mountain. Thinking of his grandfather, he made a firm resolution to return alive.

"Alas," his grandfather sighed and said, "I know they want you to go to Nine Serpent Mountain; in fact, they just don't want you to come back. You have had no friends from childhood to adulthood, and the villagers all consider you an ill omen. After all, you were brought back from the grave by me."

"You know I will never leave you," looking at Grandpa's stooped body, Nie Mo felt a pang in his heart and added, "I will definitely take good care of you."

The old man looked at him, unsure of what to say. He knew that it would be useless to express his thoughts if he wanted to do what he intended. He then stood up and walked into the inner room. Nie Mo did not know what his grandfather was going to do, so he followed him inside. The old man rummaged through the room and took out a short knife, its blade concealed in a leather sheath made of cowhide. The knife, when drawn, was about one foot long and two inches wide. It appeared very sharp, with no other remarkable features, yet it emanated a chilling aura, glowing with a faint blue light. The old man rummaged through the room and took out a short knife, its blade concealed in a leather sheath made of cowhide. The knife, when drawn, was about one foot long and two inches wide. It appeared very sharp, with no other remarkable features, yet it emanated a chilling aura, glowing with a faint blue light.

Ah, at that time the situation was special. Saying this, Old Master Nie did not wish to continue speaking, as he was very reluctant to recall that past.

Village Chief Wang and Elder Nie arrived at his home together. Upon entering the house, Elder Nie invited Village Chief Wang to sit for a moment while he went inside to call his grandson. When he entered Nie Mo's room, he was already in tears, wiping the tears from his face and calling out a couple of times. However, there was no response. He turned on the light and saw that Nie Mo was not in bed. Seeing that he was absent brought a sense of relief to Elder Nie. Just as he was contemplating how to inform Village Chief Wang, he heard Nie Mo's voice from outside, and the old man let out a helpless sigh.

I know that Ahmad will definitely bring people to look for you tomorrow, you should leave, depart from this village. As long as you are well, your grandfather will be at ease

Nie Mo held the knife, feeling an indescribable excitement, and said: "I know, Grandpa, you can rest assured, I will definitely return safely"