Bab 372: Yunxi Village

Nestled deep within the Qinling Mountains, the village of Yunxi stood as a testament to the enduring harmony between humanity and nature. Mist-shrouded peaks loomed in the distance, their silhouettes barely visible through the morning haze. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of pine and wildflowers.

In the heart of the village, life unfolded with the peaceful rhythm it had maintained for centuries. Elderly men and women sat in small groups, sipping tea and playing mahjong under the shade of ancient ginkgo trees. Children chased each other through narrow alleys, their laughter echoing off whitewashed walls adorned with faded red paper lanterns.

Near the village center, farmers tended to their terraced rice paddies, their conical hats bobbing as they worked under the warm sun. The gentle clucking of chickens and the occasional bleat of a goat provided a soothing background to the day's activities.