Chapter 12: The Python

After setting up the Sand Crab Trap, Pan Mengyan turned to Jiang Ruoxi and said, “Let’s go gather some sea snails from the reef, then head back to prepare lunch.”

Jiang Ruoxi responded excitedly, “Let’s hurry! I’ve been starving for a while now. Hehe!”

The two first went to the garbage pile to retrieve a worn-out plastic bucket, then headed to the seaside reef to search for sea snails. They bent down, carefully scouring between the rocks, leaving no corner unchecked. Time passed minute by minute, and after about half an hour, the plastic bucket was nearly a quarter full of sea snails.

Pan Mengyan said happily, “This area is so rich in resources. We’ve gathered so much in such a short time enough for two meals!”

Jiang Ruoxi nodded in agreement, “Yeah, probably no one has been here before, so there are plenty.”

Pan Mengyan straightened up, clapped her hands, and said, “Let’s go back to cooking. I’m hungry too.” After speaking, she flashed an awkward smile.

The two returned to the cave and went to the pond to check the fish trap. Opening it, they found several plump fish inside. They brought the fish back to the cave, cleaned them, and carried water to the Bonfire to start cooking. The fish were skewered on branches and roasted over the fire, while the sea snails were simply boiled in water.

Pan Mengyan remarked, “If only we had some soy sauce and mustard. These fresh sea snails would be even more delicious with dipping sauce.”

Jiang Ruoxi replied, “Yes, just thinking about it makes my mouth water.”

After the meal, Pan Mengyan suggested, “We don’t have to worry about food for now, but we still need to clear a plot of land to grow vegetables to ensure our long-term survival needs.” Jiang Ruoxi agreed and added that she was tired of eating only meat for several days in a row.

They decided to look for a suitable area to cultivate near the cave. Eventually, they found a relatively flat and fertile spot. So, they picked up the stone axe and Stone knife, and began clearing weeds, cutting down trees, and tilling the land. After a whole afternoon of hard work, they finally completed the task, turning over the soil.

Panting heavily, Pan Mengyan said, “Tomorrow, we’ll need to gather some rotten leaves to cover the soil. That will help increase its fertility.” Jiang Ruoxi nodded in agreement and sighed, saying she was exhausted and could barely stand. Then, supporting each other, they returned to the cave.

Once inside, the two lay directly on the ground, too tired to even speak. Pan Mengyan suggested resting for a while before preparing dinner. Jiang Ruoxi nodded in agreement; she was simply too fatigued to move.

After dinner, the two were washed up and fell into a deep sleep.

Early the next morning, while Jiang Ruoxi and Pan Mengyan were still deep in slumber, they were abruptly awakened by the sound of barking dogs. Rubbing their sleepy eyes, they groggily got up to see what was happening. When they reached the cave entrance, the sight before them jolted them awake a python as thick as an arm was coiled at the entrance, staring intently at them with a fierce glint in their eyes.

Jiang Ruoxi screamed in terror, “Ah! What should we do?” Her face turned pale, and her body trembled uncontrollably. Pan Mengyan, however, remained relatively calm. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her fear.
“Don’t panic, let’s first try to see if we can drive it away.” Pan Mengyan comforted Jiang Ruoxi while picking up a stone and throwing it toward the python. However, the python nimbly retracted its head, easily dodging the stone. Not only that, but it also seemed provoked, raising its head and adopting an attacking posture.

Seeing the python’s reaction, Pan Mengyan realized the situation had become even more dangerous. Gripping the stone axe tightly in her hand, she cautiously approached the python. Suddenly, she lunged forward, mustering all her strength, and swung the stone axe fiercely at the python’s head. With a dull thud, the python was struck dizzy, writhing in agony.

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