Chapter Five: An Encounter with a Wild Boar

Banxia was so frightened her legs nearly gave out beneath her. She stiffly turned her head to see a wild boar standing right behind her. Its sharp tusks and sturdy limbs made her heart sink in terror, and she immediately realized that this was not the time to let her legs go weak. Gritting her teeth, she forced herself to stay calm. Glancing around, she spotted a tall tree to her right. She didn’t know where the strength came from, but in three quick strides, she scrambled up the tree.

The wild boar, seeing her move, charged straight at the tree and rammed it hard with its thick back. Banxia felt as though her entire body might be flung off, but she knew she couldn’t let go. Clinging desperately to the trunk, she watched as the wild vegetables she’d picked were scattered to the ground. Thankfully, the wild eggs were nestled safely in the center of her basket; if those had fallen, she would have been heartbroken.

The tree was large, and even after two forceful hits, the boar hadn’t managed to shake her down. It finally gave up trying to knock her loose and instead began pacing around the base of the tree.

“Brother Boar, please spare me! We have no grievance, neither past nor present. True, I’ve eaten wild boar meat before, but that was in my past life. I promise, in this life, I’ll never eat wild boar again. There are pheasants in this forest, you know—tender and delicious, with plump legs, and just one bite—oh, the taste is enough to make your teeth ache with longing. I’m so hungry, suddenly craving meat. Steamed lamb, steamed bear paw, steamed deer tail, roast duck, roast duckling, roast goose…”

The wild boar circled her again and again, listening to her recite a litany of delicacies without offering it a share. Drooling all over the ground, it bared its tusks, then turned and disappeared into the woods.

“Brother Boar, you’re leaving? Why don’t we chat a little longer?”

But the wild boar was already gone.

Only then did Banxia feel her limbs go utterly weak with relief. She dared not climb down yet; she might fall and break her neck. Carefully, she shifted sideways to sit securely on a branch. Her undershirt was soaked through with sweat, the fabric clinging to her back, and when the mountain wind blew, she shivered from the chill. So cold…

In the distance, she saw someone approaching. Focusing her gaze, she recognized Gansui. He wore an indigo cotton long robe and leaned on a wooden staff, but his back was straight as he strode toward her.

Banxia suddenly recalled a phrase: “One day, my destined one will come for me, riding on a cloud of rainbow light.”

Gansui had no rainbow cloud, but seeing him, Banxia’s heart instantly settled.

“Gansui, I’m up here,” Banxia called, waving at him.

Seeing that she was safe, Gansui let out a sigh of relief. He quickly approached and noticed the marks where the wild boar had rammed the tree, his expression darkening. She must have been terrified.

“Didn’t you say you couldn’t climb trees?”

“Necessity makes a hero. Besides, with my talents, what can’t I do?”

“Come down now.”

“All right.” Banxia shifted, finding her strength had mostly returned. In her haste to escape, she hadn’t feared the height, but now, looking down, she realized just how tall the tree was. She swallowed nervously.

“Don’t be afraid. Listen to my directions. Now, place your right foot southwest, about forty-five degrees down—step firmly.”

“Which way is southwest?”

“Hopeless! Down and to your right.”

Banxia followed his instructions and found the next branch.

“Now move your hand up and to the right, grab the second branch, stand up…”

With Gansui’s guidance, Banxia climbed down safely. She looked at the wild vegetables trampled beyond recognition by the boar, then raised her head, her voice full of aggrieved complaint: “Gansui, look—my vegetables are all ruined.”

The body she inhabited was gentle and graceful in appearance, especially those almond-shaped eyes. As Banxia’s lips trembled and her eyes grew misty with unshed tears, Gansui quickly reached out to pat her head. “I’ve planted some water spinach and bok choy by the yard. They’ll be ready to eat soon.”

Only then did Banxia feel a little better. She gathered up what little edible sprouts remained and prepared to stow them in her basket. Suddenly, she caught Gansui’s hand, her tone mysterious and delighted. “Look—wild pheasant eggs! I found more than ten of them.”

“Hm, not bad.”

“Those time-travel stories are all lies. In them, the heroine has amazing luck, easily catching pheasants, ducks, or rabbits. I chased with all my might and only managed to intercept a pile of their fresh droppings. That’s exactly where you just touched. Smell it if you don’t believe me.”

Gansui thought: Why do I even bother looking for her? I might as well let her fend for herself.