“Five Poison Mountain? The name does sound rather ominous.”
“But it doesn’t matter. Eileen and I will go there tomorrow,” Quentin said calmly.
To him, the mere presence of poisonous creatures posed no threat at all. Harry was well aware of the capabilities of both Quentin and Eileen.
“Quentin, you mustn’t go. Those poisonous creatures are extremely lethal.”
“If you get bitten by one of those venomous snakes or insects and don’t receive timely treatment, you’ll die from the poison in the mountains,” Henry advised.
“Moreover, there are countless types of poisonous creatures in the mountains, making it difficult to find an antidote quickly.”
“Quentin, you shouldn’t go. If you need it, take these few plants from home,” Cerys said, handing Quentin all the remaining White Dragon Beard from the pharmacy.
“Dad, Sis, you don’t need to worry about Quentin and Eileen. They’re incredibly skilled,” Harry said, recounting in detail how they had dealt with the blood bats in the cave and encountered the golden River God while crossing the river.
After hearing his story, Cerys’s family was shocked and found it hard to believe. Even Harry felt a deep admiration for Quentin and Eileen as he spoke.
“Oh my goodness, you actually made it through that cave, where countless ancestors’ spirits are buried!”
“And you even encountered the golden River God. May the River God bless you!”
Cerys’s family exclaimed in awe, clasping their hands together in prayer.
“With Quentin’s skills, if he participates in the Flower Mountain Festival the day after tomorrow, he will surely shine,” Cerys said admiringly, looking at Quentin.
“Flower Mountain Festival?” Quentin and Eileen asked in confusion.
“The Flower Mountain Festival is a traditional event in our Miao Territory. It happens every year around this time. It’s a grand celebration where we pray for a bountiful harvest and prosperity. It’s also…” Cerys blushed and hesitated to continue.
Aimee laughed and added, “It’s also a matchmaking event for our Miao men and women!”
“At that time, young men from other Miao Villages will be vying to propose to our Cerys!”
Cerys stomped her foot shyly, her face turning red. “Mom! You’re teasing me again…”
Everyone laughed heartily.
“Quentin, I’ll take you to Five Poison Mountain tomorrow to look for White Dragon Beard,” Harry said.
“I want to go too!” Cerys said.
“Cerys, Five Poison Mountain is dangerous. You shouldn’t come along to avoid getting bitten by poisonous creatures,” Quentin advised.
“No way. You two are unfamiliar with the area, and Harry is usually careless. I don’t feel at ease. I’ll guide you,” Cerys insisted.
“Besides, I often go up the mountain to gather herbs. I should be able to help you find where White Dragon Beard grows quickly.”
Cerys looked determined.
“Sis, I’m not as careless as you say…” Harry protested.
“I say you are! Anyway, it’s settled. I’ll go with you to Five Poison Mountain tomorrow.”
“And with Quentin and Eileen being so skilled, everything will be fine,” Cerys smiled.
“Then you two siblings better stick close to Eileen and me. Don’t get separated,” Quentin reminded them.
“Got it, Quentin,” Cerys said happily. “You can stay at my house for a few days. I’ll prepare your rooms shortly.”
“Sis, do you like Quentin? You’re so gentle with him but so harsh with me,” Harry teased Cerys.
“I do not! Just eat your food and stop talking so much!” Cerys retorted angrily, her face turning bright red with embarrassment.
Everyone was amused by the sibling’s banter.
“Cerys, thank you so much. I will repay this kindness,” Quentin said gratefully.
“Quentin, there’s no need to be so formal with us. We’re family now,” Cerys smiled.
“Yes, Quentin. It’s rare for outsiders to visit us. We must show our hospitality.”
“You can stay as long as you like,” Aimee said warmly.
“Then Eileen and I thank you all for your hospitality. Let’s toast to that,” Quentin said.
Quentin and Eileen stood up slowly, raised their bowls of wine, and toasted Cerys’s family. Everyone drank happily in one go.
After a satisfying meal, the villagers had turned off their lights and gone to rest. White Miao Village was quiet and peaceful, with only occasional monkey calls echoing through the mountains.
Cerys tidied up two simple rooms in the attic for Eileen and Quentin. The rooms were filled with a faint fragrance from sachets.
Cerys’s family had long fallen asleep, and Eileen had also begun her rest. Only Quentin found it hard to sleep.
He stood on the attic balcony, lit a cigarette, and gazed into the distance.
In the mountain hollow, the lake water was clear and wide. Moonlight shimmered on its surface like jade, creating sparkling waves.
The faint reflection of the moon wavered in the water like a silver boat drifting along. The Miao Villages scattered across the four mountains floated on the water’s surface with the moon’s reflection, resembling a trembling landscape painting.
It had been a long time since he had contacted Charlotte and the children. He wondered how they were doing now and if they missed him as much as he missed them.
Lost in thought, Quentin suddenly found his vision obscured by darkness-a pair of delicate white hands covered his eyes from behind.
He could feel a slight chill from those small hands on his face, accompanied by a faint fragrance.
A gentle and soft voice whispered in his ear, “Guess who I am?”