When people have nothing, they may do anything to survive

As I was sitting there, tugging at my hair in frustration, a raspy voice sounded above me: "Young lady, why are you sitting here?"

I looked up to see an old woman with wrinkled skin, a hunched back, and squinting eyes. She stared at me in surprise. Startled, I jumped to my feet and looked around.

It was noon, so most of the villagers had gone out to the fields. In the distance, I could see groups of people heading this way. Spotting someone approaching, a thought quickly flashed through my mind, something I had always despised before.

Without hesitation, I grabbed the old woman's hand and pulled her along, running as far away as I could. Because of her age and frailty, she was dragged across the ground by my strength, crying out: "Help me, someone help me…"

Once we had gone a good distance away, behind a large ancient tree, I let go of her. I took some elastic cords from my pocket and tied her hands and feet. Then I grabbed a large tree branch, pointed it at her, and threatened: "Where is this place?"

The reason I acted so despicably was out of fear. In this strange world, most beings were evolved animals. I had a strong hunch that no one could be trusted. If their animal instincts suddenly kicked in, what could I do?

Lately, I'd developed a habit of comparing everyone I met to animals. Take this old woman, for example: her hunched back, wrinkled skin, and long nails reminded me of a turtle.

Frightened by my aggressive demeanor, she trembled and stammered, "Moon Village…"

I threatened further: "I'm asking, what dynasty is this?"

She blinked, confused, and replied: "Dynasty? What's that…? This is the Phoenix Deity Tribe."

Sensing I'd found something important, I pressed her harder: "Explain the Phoenix Deity Tribe in detail. And tell me why you animals have all turned into humans. If you're not honest, you'll be buried right here today. Speak!"

To be honest, my voice trembled slightly as I said this, but desperation either creates heroes or bandits.

The old woman, shaking, explained, "The Phoenix governs all creatures… has existed for thousands of years… since the dawn of creation… Phoenix lineage is the most beautiful of all… Ah yes, young lady, I think you're even more beautiful than the Phoenix herself."

Hearing her mumbling, I lost my patience and snapped: "Enough with the rambling! I ask a question, you answer it!"

After about two hours of interrogation, I finally got a basic understanding of this strange world.

There are three tribes here: the Phoenix Deity Tribe, the Dragon Deity Tribe, and the Otherworld Tribe. The place I'm in now belongs to the Phoenix Deity Tribe, the wealthiest and most powerful of the three.

The ruler of this tribe is Phoenix Diep. He has two younger sisters, Phoenix Lan and Phoenix Nguyet, and an elder brother named Phoenix Minh. Diep is also engaged to his cousin Phoenix Ngoc, who has half-phoenix blood because her mother is a nine-tailed fox.

In this world, animals must live up to a thousand years to evolve into humans. If two evolved beings get married and have children, the offspring will resemble either the mother or the father. Based on their animal instincts, newborns will run into the forest to cultivate, and after five hundred years, they will evolve into humans and return to their parents. Like the rabbit I saw evolving in the forest, but few creatures actually live past five hundred years.

The old woman also talked about the Dragon and Otherworld Tribes, but I didn't care. All I needed to know was where I was.

Noticing the old woman was growing tired from talking so much, I finally let my guard down, untied her, and said: "I'm sorry. I was just so scared that I acted this way."

She looked at me and smiled gently: "Such a beautiful young lady, how could I be angry… By the way, where are you from?"

I sat down beside her and poured out everything that had happened since the moment I woke up in this world.

She nodded and said: "You are exceptionally beautiful, and your body carries a fragrance that is irresistible. If a man finds you, he'll surely try to force you to… mate. Why don't you come back to my house and rest for now?"

Her words immediately put me on alert: "Granny… does anyone else live with you?"

She was silent for a moment, then replied: "Seven hundred years ago, after I evolved into a human, I never thought I'd take on such an old form. No one has ever wanted to marry me. I've lived alone ever since."

I considered her words. Wandering this place really wasn't safe, so I decided to take the risk. At least I'd have shelter from the wind and rain.

"I truly apologize for earlier. I've been so scared these past few days that I acted rashly. I don't know how to repay your kindness now."

The old woman smiled kindly. "It's alright. I've been lonely for so long, having someone to talk to is a blessing."

After that, the two of us avoided the villagers still working in the fields and took a path along the forest's edge toward her home.

Her house was a small clay hut with a thatched roof, a bamboo fence set up loosely in the front, and a well beside the house. Inside, there was a bed, a table with a teapot set, and a kitchen in the back.

Standing at the back of the house, I glanced around and then, gathering my courage, asked, "Forgive me for being impolite… but… granny… what were you, before you evolved?"

I originally wanted to ask, "What animal were you?" but that sounded too rude.

The old woman, standing in front, turned her head, squinting with a grin. A chill suddenly ran down my spine.

"My former self… was a python."