Chapter 60: A Maiden's Heartbeat

The historical origins of the Guandong Mountains lineage can be traced back thousands of years to the Khitans of the Northern Liao dynasty. Although various dynasties rose and fell in succession, certain traditional cultures endured, and Shamanism was one of them.

Unlike the contention between Taoism and Buddhism in the Central Plains, Shamanism stood uniquely supreme in the Guandong Mountains, a region characterized by a bold populace and soaring heroism.

This clan-based cultural activity, which originated from sacrificial rituals, aimed to bridge the gap between heaven and earth, guide departed souls to their final rest, and grant peace to the living.

Animals that best represented the vital essence of nature were revered by shamans as immortals.

Animals are simple-minded by nature, possessing blank souls and living purely by instinct. Yet once they attain spiritual awareness, their pure and singular disposition often allows them to rapidly enter a profound state. Shamans firmly believed they could use their spiritual power to communicate harmoniously with these creatures.

In the Guandong Mountains, this process was known as "Dispatching the Immortal."

According to traditional beliefs, animals wishing to transcend mortality and attain immortality had to weather heavenly tribulations. Yet the path to ascension was fraught with peril; amidst rolling thunder and lightning, the slightest misstep would reduce them to ashes.

Many animals began to change their approach around that time, seeking refuge behind humans. Those sustained by human incense and devotion found it much easier to deceive the heavens. This intimate bond became known as the "Household Immortal."

Opinions varied regarding the Household Immortals, but the five most widely circulated were the "Fox, Weasel, Hedgehog, Snake, and Rat."

Zhang Tiejun had previously held little belief in such rumors tinged with feudal superstition, but today, his conviction wavered.

Little Mound lay obediently in Zhao Ningning's arms, completely motionless as she stroked the white fur on its back.

It was only upon seeing Zhang Tiejun arrive that Little Mound appeared somewhat excited, leaping lightly out of her arms and scurrying down to Zhang Tiejun's feet.

Not long ago, Little Mound would not even allow Zhang Tiejun to touch it, yet after just a few short days, the man and the beast had grown remarkably familiar.

"They say foxes are smart, but this little fox is almost as clever as a child," Zhang Tiejun said, stroking the top of Little Mound's head.

"Of course! Our Little Mound is terribly smart. My grandfather told me that Little Mound is our household immortal." Zhao Ningning squatted down, looking at the blissfully content Little Mound with a smile. "Look at that, it's showing its gratitude to you."

"Don't mention it." Zhang Tiejun's hardened heart melted just a fraction, and even his voice softened slightly.

Little Mound, lying on the ground, slowly sat up, gently shook its completely white fur, and dashed like a wisp of smoke into its little nest.

Perhaps because the distance between them had closed too much, Zhang Tiejun caught a wave of fragrant scent rushing toward him, and only then did he realize that the distance between himself and Zhao Ningning was now less than a meter.

Both of them belatedly came to their senses and felt somewhat awkward. Zhao Ningning lowered her head, her twin braids gradually drooping down her neck.

"Um..."

They spoke at the same time.

"You go first."

Their words coincided once more.

After a tactical cough, Zhang Tiejun slowly spoke: "Since Little Mound has been found, I won't linger here too much longer. If you need anything, you can come find me again."

"Mm, I really troubled you today. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have known what to do." Zhao Ningning paused. "My grandfather is just like that; ever since he got older, he has no filter on his mouth. What he said doesn't count, so you don't need to take it to heart."

"Actually, I think what your grandfather said makes a lot of sense." Zhang Tiejun dropped this remark out of nowhere.

This single sentence struck the very core of Zhao Ningning's heart. She shuddered in shock, her earlobes instantly turning crimson. After confirming she hadn't heard wrong, a wave of deep red rushed across her face, spreading from her ears to her entire cheeks.

"You're so annoying! I'm not talking to you anymore."

Covering her mouth with her hands, Zhao Ningning lowered her head and ran toward the house, her two thick braids swinging back and forth in the air. Even as she said those words, the blush on her face had yet to fade, carrying an inexpressible coyness.

"Huh?" Watching Zhao Ningning's retreating figure, Zhang Tiejun muttered in confusion, "What's annoying about learning how to tan furs..."

One was talking about matters of the heart, while the other was talking about manual labor, yet somehow they managed to remain on the same wavelength.

Crouched in its nest, Little Mound let out a couple of grunts, yawned helplessly, and curled back down inside.

"Ningning, Zhang Tiejun has left. What shall the two of us have for dinner?" Zhao Youde asked from behind. However, because Zhao Ningning had run off too quickly, Zhao Youde only caught a glimpse of her back.

Upon returning to her room, Zhao Ningning slammed the door shut with a snap, then leaned against the back of the door, panting heavily. Her mind replayed that truncated conversation over and over like a movie reel.

"Makes sense—what on earth made sense? You big block of wood, I don't like you at all!" Zhao Ningning suppressed her rapidly rising chest, speaking against her true feelings.

The biting winter had not yet departed, but spring had already blossomed within her heart.

Zhao Ningning looked up at herself in the mirror. Her eyes brimmed with the tenderness of spring, overflowing with a stunning brilliance. Her lips were slightly swollen from biting, revealing an intensely alluring reddish hue. Warm sunlight poured in through the window, casting mottled shadows upon her, turning her black braids seemingly to gold.

Prompted by a sudden thought, she looked up toward the outside, only to find nothing—Zhang Tiejun had already quietly departed.

Was this a confession? Or a private pledge of lifelong commitment? Or an official proposal? Or perhaps an arrangement by parents and matchmakers?

Her inner abacus clicked away at a dizzying speed. Having even imagined what to name their children, Zhao Ningning lowered her head to look at her chest, suddenly worrying what she would do if she couldn't produce enough milk to feed the baby.

After letting her imagination run wild for a long time, she gave a great bounce onto her bed, grabbed a nearby pillow to bury her face, and rolled around the small wooden bed several times before suddenly sitting upright.

Because Zhao Youde had injured his leg this year, the family's stored firewood was scarce, so they had to be very frugal.

For this reason, the warmth in the small wooden cabin was not particularly high, yet today, Zhao Ningning felt that even her breath was burning hot.

She had never had such close contact with a member of the opposite sex before. Her thoughts were entirely occupied by that man, and she found herself smiling foolishly. This state lasted for nearly half an hour.

It wasn't until she splashed her face with cold water twice that she could finally hear her own heartbeat, and she remained flustered for the entire rest of the day.