As the seasons shifted, the mountains surrounding Anning Village burst into life.New shoots pushed through the soil, wild herbs perfumed the air, and the trees shimmered with tender green leaves.
This was the season when the villagers said people could "eat the spring" — when even flowers and young leaves could be turned into meals that brought health and happiness.
Achu loved this time of year.
"Hmm… today I need to find— ehhh? Isn't this Cocklebur fruit?"
She crouched beside a cluster of spiky green pods, picking one up between her fingers.
"Well, I don't really need it, but it's useful. Let's see… commonly used to treat sinus congestion, nasal obstruction, and respiratory allergies." She grinned to herself. "Anyway~ I'll just take it with me."
She slipped a few fruits into her pouch and continued her journey deeper into the mountain forest, humming softly.
"Ah, ginseng~!" Achu's eyes lit up when she spotted the pale roots half-buried in the soil. "Highly valued, but too much can be fatal. It's got stimulants— can cause high or low blood pressure. Hahaha, I sound like a physician!"
Her laughter echoed through the trees. Moments like these reminded her why she loved living close to nature — it was quiet, honest, and simple.
But soon, her focus shifted.
"Alright, enough herbs for today. Time to hunt."
The forest grew thicker as she advanced. A cool mist clung to the air, carrying a faint trace of spiritual energy.
"The boars around here are different," Achu murmured, scanning the ground for tracks. "They're full of spiritual essence. The yin and yang flow in this valley is perfectly balanced — that's why they taste better than ordinary ones."
After a short chase, a shadow moved through the brush. Achu leapt lightly onto a rock, her movement as fluid as wind. With a swift motion, a golden talisman flared in her hand — and moments later, a great wild boar lay still at her feet.
"Perfect."
She brushed off her hands and tapped her spatial ring. The boar, herbs, and other finds vanished in an instant.
"Having this thing is so convenient." She chuckled, stretching her arms. "There's still time… maybe I'll walk a bit before heading home."
By afternoon, she had circled the ridge twice. Satisfied, she sighed."Nothing else worth bringing back."
Channeling her qinggong, Achu's body rose gracefully from the ground, and with a soft whoosh, she glided through the air — the mountain shrinking beneath her feet.
"Welcome back, Mom."
The familiar sound of Chen's voice greeted her as soon as she stepped into the house. He was spoon-feeding little Fei, who was making more mess than progress.
"Did anything happen today? Any visitors?" Achu asked, setting her pouch and gear down on the wide kitchen table.
"There was," Ran replied from the sink, washing a bunch of wild asparagus Achu had gathered earlier. "A new family arrived. I told them to finish the paperwork tomorrow because they seemed… hmm, how do I say this…" She paused, frowning thoughtfully. "They preferred to talk to you rather than us."
Achu smiled faintly. "Oh… I see. That's fine."
She pulled the enormous boar from her ring, its size nearly filling the kitchen floor. With practiced efficiency, she began cleaning and cutting it — removing the innards, separating the meat, and setting aside portions for curing.
Before long, the smoky scent of roasting meat filled the air. Half of the boar would be preserved using her smoking technique, the rest prepared for dinner.
As twilight fell over Anning Village, Achu's small home glowed warmly. Chen and Ran chattered while Fei giggled in her high chair, her tiny hands smudged with flour.
For a moment, Achu paused by the fire, looking at them with quiet satisfaction.
A princess once destined for silk and ceremony — now cooking boar meat and laughing with her children under a humble wooden roof.
And somehow, it felt exactly right.