Ambush

Qin Ming retraced his steps through the snow, the heavy sack of provisions slung over his shoulder. Though the journey back was treacherous—hidden crevices and jagged rocks lurked beneath the snow—his spirits remained high. With enough food to last weeks, he could finally focus on his rigorous training regimen. His thoughts drifted to the coming spring, when the barren landscape would erupt with life as the Fire Springs surged and earth-glow painted the skies.

As he neared the forest's edge, he froze. A pair of crimson eyes glowed in the darkness, closing in. The stench of rot hit him—a large, predatory creature. Qin Ming dropped the sack, nocked an arrow, and drew his bow taut. The first iron-tipped projectile whistled through the air, striking true. The beast roared, retreating into the shadows.

A tense standoff ensued. The creature—massive, bipedal, and unnervingly intelligent—lurked just beyond sight. Qin Ming fired volley after volley, driving it back with calculated precision. When it finally vanished, he bolted for open ground, wary of ambush.

Doubletree Village's Peril

Three figures huddled in the cold: Hu Yong, Ma Yang, and Wang Youping. Lazy and opportunistic, they plotted to steal Qin Ming's haul. "He's weak from illness," Ma Yang sneered. "We'll take the sack and leave him in the snow."

But Qin Ming, sharp-eyed and battle-hardened, spotted their trap. He collapsed their snow hideout in a flurry of kicks and strikes. The trio crumpled, bloodied and pleading. "Spare us!" Wang Youping whimpered, urine soaking his pants. Qin Ming left them battered but alive—a lesson in humility.

A Mysterious Traveler

Deep in the woods, the thwarted predator trembled as an unlikely duo passed: a donkey bearing a snow-white weasel. The creature rode backwards, its gaze piercing and human-like. The predator cowered, burying itself in snow as the pair vanished toward the mountains.

Homecoming

Villagers gathered as Qin Ming returned, his hunting fork adorned with a glowing red squirrel—a mutated trophy. Lu Ze sighed in relief. "We thought you'd gone bear-hunting!"

Qin Ming shared his tale: the Ghoul-faced Vulture, the lurking beast, and the would-be thieves. Outrage erupted. When the bruised trio limped into view, the crowd descended, fists flying.

Children cheered as Qin Ming distributed nuts and dates. For frail Granny Zhou, he left a generous portion. At home, young Wen Rui marveled at the spoils, while toddler Wen Hui smeared date paste on Qin Ming's cheek with a giggle.

The captive squirrel glared, its hoard now a village feast. "Thirty pounds from one nest," remarked Liang Wanqing. "Efficiency worthy of admiration."

As laughter filled the room, Lu Ze's voice cut through. "It's time," he said gravely. "Prepare for your 'Rebirth.'"