Volume One, Chapter 15: The Widowed Mother Abandoned by Her Sons in the Year of Famine [Expression]
Night fell, the sun's afterglow gradually fading, the moon hung high, and stars twinkled softly.
Today, everyone had been pestering Mo for a long time. With no other choice, she finally took over cooking duties and kindly provided the seasonings as well.
Hua and Cuihua, as usual, squeezed in to help and secretly learn a few tricks.
Fortunately, they had brought several large pots along; otherwise, preparing so many dishes in the evening would have been quite suffocating.
It took a full two hours to finish. Given the limited conditions, they only made four dishes: braised chicken with potatoes, chicken with fragrant mushrooms, clear chicken soup, and red-braised rabbit meat.
Taking the opportunity, she secretly added some delicious powder—something she had just remembered. The main reason was that there were so many items in her space.
This powder came from a quest in the Elven World, obtained in a magical forest called Anabi.
It was made from a completely pink fruit; after drying and grinding it into powder, just a tiny pinch added to any dish would increase the flavor by ten percent.
The rich aroma of meat instantly filled the cave.
“All right! Dinner’s served!”
Several familiar women hurried over to bring the dishes, the scent absolutely intoxicating.
Since they would be living here for a long time, the villagers had gradually brought many tables and stools up; the middle of the cave served as a simple communal dining hall.
“Wow, Aunt Mo really knows how to cook! How can it be so delicious?”
“That chicken with mushrooms is definitely the best! Trust me! Look at the color of that broth! (gulp)”
“Stop it, my mouth is watering!”
“I think the red-braised rabbit is the tastiest. There are so few pieces; we’ll have to fight over them later!”
Though everyone was drooling, they obediently waited, eyes fixed on the food.
As Mo finished tidying up and approached, the village chief gave the signal to start eating.
No sooner had he spoken than pairs of chopsticks shot out simultaneously.
“Mmm, I told you this rabbit meat is delicious!”
“The potatoes are amazing too! It’s the first time in my life I’ve tasted potatoes like this!”
“You glutton, why grab so many pieces at once? Save some for us!”
“This soup is so fresh! You all have to try it!”
Everyone devoured the food ravenously, heads down, as if they hadn’t eaten in days.
Acai and A-Ling, while eating, didn’t forget to serve their mother, and Dahua, copying their example, quickly put a large piece of chicken into Grandmother’s bowl.
“Good children, I’ll serve myself. You all eat quickly.”
Chen Qingxiang saw Mo not touching her chopsticks and thought she must be tired.
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“Zhuzi’s wife, you’ve worked hard again. These guys just can’t help themselves.”
“What are you saying, uncle? It’s nothing tiring. We’re all family, and I’m happy they like my cooking.”
“Bold and the others said they saw many wild chickens and rabbits in the nearby forest. Looks like life’s going to improve for everyone.”
“You just relax. It’s the mountain god’s blessing, guiding us to this heavenly place, giving us fish, chickens, and rabbits. Isn’t it a sign that good days are ahead?”
“Hahaha, you’re right, you’re right.”
The village chief finally felt at ease, contentedly sipping the chicken soup.
Seeing everyone so focused on eating, he loudly reminded them:
“Today, your Aunt Mo did all this hard work because she cares about you. Next time you catch any wild game, you’ll have to cook it yourselves, got it?”
“Got it, got it. We won’t trouble Aunt Mo every time!”
Everyone hurriedly replied.
One of the youngsters suddenly shouted, “Thank you, godmother!”
Before long, the whole group joined in.
Mo smiled at them. Seeing so many people enjoy the meal she cooked made her very happy.
Though she herself couldn’t eat much, having just finished a large pot of fish soup on the way back.
That night, the dishes were completely cleaned out, not a drop of chicken soup left. Full and satisfied, everyone conscientiously washed their own bowls and chopsticks.
After tidying up, they went to Mo to collect shoe insoles and divide some sugar and salt.
A gentle breeze stirred.
The villagers, rubbing their bellies, fell asleep happily.
After everyone was asleep, Mo quietly rose and went to the pool.
“Treasure, go to the host’s trading area and help me buy a spirit stone from the cultivation world.”
“Sis Mo, are you going to put it in this pool for them? Then a low-grade one will suffice; it’d be a waste once you all leave.”
“Fine. It’s only to strengthen their health.”
“Okay, hold on.”
After buying the spirit stone, she carefully placed it into the pool. A faint glow flashed, and tiny bubbles began to rise to the surface.
“This feels like poisoning or something.”
“No, the water’s changing quality. From now on, if they drink this water daily, in a year their bodies will be very healthy and they’ll live long lives.”
“Haha, then Mountainback Village is turning into a longevity village. They could even set up a ticket booth at the entrance and charge fifty copper coins per visit.”
“That’s a good idea. When we get back, Sis Mo, put one in each of the village’s two wells.”
“Got it! I’ll remember. Don’t forget to remind me.”
After a while, when the water calmed, Mo went back to sleep.
—— Three days later ——
About ten kilometers from Mountainback Village, on a mountain.
The hot night air remained thick; the heat of the day seemed not to dissipate with the setting sun.
Mo wore a temperature-regulating purple tracksuit from the Starfield World and a matching cap with a small electric fan, leisurely eating a popsicle as she made her way up the mountain.
“Tsk, what a pity—all good wood.”
It was undeniable that plants were the biggest victims of the drought.
Once lush forests, trees and flowers had gradually withered yellow as moisture evaporated, their leaves losing vitality.
As time passed, all that remained was scorched earth and endless silence.
“Sis Mo, about ten minutes further is the bandits’ den.”
“Hey? Scanning shows over ten women and children who fled here and were captured.”
Treasure operated the detector, which marked over fifty red points and a dozen green ones.
Tonight, while the villagers slept, they sneaked out to raid the den of the two mountain bandits.
Such a great threat could not be left unchecked—thieves can only be guarded against for so long.
Soon, they arrived outside the bandit lair atop the mountain.
Mo hid in the shadows, dropped her popsicle, and took out a silver mask from her space, putting it on.
A wave of energy passed, and she instantly transformed into a muscular woman dressed as a hunter.
With a wrist flick, a sharp, cloud-patterned blade appeared in her hand.
The spine of the blade had a blood groove. Satisfied, she nodded and instructed her system:
“Activate five-minute silent footsteps mode.”
“Activated. Sis Mo, watch the time.”
In the next moment, Mo shot forward like an arrow released from a bow.
Hmm? No guards at the gate?
Understandable—these days, who still bothers with guards?