Chapter Eighty Snow Five

  In the distant ancient times, the gods multiplied and gave birth to all living things. The Snow God was a descendant of the Water God and the Heaven and Earth Spirit. The Snow God was in charge of the snow of the four seasons between heaven and earth. Every time winter arrived, the Snow God would spread snow all over the world. For millions and millions of years, the Snow God kept repeating this same task, no matter who it was, they would feel that life had become dull and boring.

  "For thousands and thousands of years, the days in the lower realm have become lively, with countless lanterns lit by humans! The Snow God's lonely heart was drawn to the increasingly prosperous and bustling scene in the lower realm, slowly fixing more and more of his gaze on it. Every time the human world celebrated the New Year with great fanfare, the Snow God's gaze would linger for a long time on the lower realm."

  "The hustle and bustle of human life is but a morning and evening, why must you envy it?" The Rain God lightly glanced at the mortal world, saying with disdain.

  "It's more lively down here than up there." The Snow Goddess argued reluctantly.

  "Though unchanged through eternity, it is forever preserved in heaven and earth; the more fleeting its existence, the more it struggles for a moment's glory."

  "I understand the reasoning, but after watching for a long time, I've also developed some curious thoughts." The Snow God sighed softly, occasionally secretly harboring a longing for the worldly splendor.

  The Rain God gazed at the Snow Goddess's focused eyes, knowing she had conceived an improper thought. The more he advised her, the more curious she became. It would be better to follow her to the mortal realm for a tour, and when she understood the hardships of survival there, she naturally wouldn't think about it again. Thinking this way, the Rain God advised, "You like the prosperity of this world, why not go take a look? Besides, the mortal realm is in winter now, so by reason, no one will blame you."

  "Really?" The Snow Goddess stared at the Rain Goddess with excitement, wanting her to confirm again. If it was really possible, she could go to the lower realm with a clear conscience.

  "I reported to the Water God and obtained permission. It's only natural, as I said earlier. During your time, the Water God will not stop you."

  "I'll go ask the Water God to let me descend to the mortal realm." The Snow Goddess jumped up and down like a three-year-old child, her usually calm and indifferent face radiating joyful light.

  However, even the gods in heaven did not expect that the Snow God's descent into the mortal world would stir up a great calamity, causing unrest in both the divine and mortal realms.

  On the fifteenth day of the first month, the Lantern Festival is in full swing. The Snow God and Rain God arrive in the mortal world just in time to catch this extraordinary spectacle. Every household is lit up with lanterns, music and dance fill the air. Everyone is filled with joy and laughter.

  The Snow God pointed at the big golden dragon hanging on the lantern stall, chuckling. "Rain sister, look, what is this? A dragon?"

  "Yes." The Rain God's face always had a faint smile on it. As if he was used to the scene in front of him.

  "How ugly! If the Dragon God knew he was molded into such a short and stout shape, he would be furious to death." As if she had already seen the Dragon God's angry face, the Snow Goddess laughed even more happily.

  "After all, he has gotten used to it over the years."

  "Huh? Sister, look at those lanterns! They're made to be just like the real thing." With a turn of her head, the Snow Goddess spotted another set of lanterns that left her in awe. Without hesitation, she pulled the Rain God and ran to another stall. The lantern stall was filled with legendary creatures such as dragons, phoenixes, qilins, and white tigers... each one vividly lifelike, as if they were about to soar into the heavens at any moment.

  "It's indeed as I thought." The Rain God carefully examined each lantern. He secretly admired the craftsmanship, which didn't seem to be of human origin. Each lantern contained an aura similar to that of a true beast, and if placed at home, it would have the effect of warding off evil spirits. The Rain God turned his gaze to the young man selling the lanterns, who was around twenty years old, dressed like a scholar, with a dignified air about him. With a hint of a smile, the Rain God asked, "Young man, did you make these lanterns?"

  The little brother selling lanterns bowed and said, "Miss, these lanterns were all made by me."

  "Is that so?" The Rain God carefully examined the lantern seller for a moment, nodded and said, "Indeed, good craftsmanship." The Rain God couldn't help but wonder in his heart, this lantern seller was indeed human, but these lanterns were really strange, could it be that this little brother had some kind of extraordinary encounter?

  "You look like a scholar, how can you still make a living by selling lanterns?" The Snow God asked seriously without noticing anything unusual.

  The young man's face was slightly red, and he said frankly, "To be honest with you, my family is poor, and my father taught me this skill to make a living. I come out to do some odd jobs in my spare time to support my family."

  "No wonder." The Rain God nodded slightly, thinking that it was this young man who created these extraordinary lanterns. Now it seems that perhaps his father had some strange encounters and he himself hadn't descended to the mortal world for a long time, so he was more cautious about things. With this thought, the Rain God dismissed these strange events from his mind.

  "However, I've never seen such beautiful lanterns before. Sister, why don't we buy a few back?"

  The Rain God looked at the Snow God and said, "These mundane things will only make the gods laugh if we bring them back. Besides, what can a grown-up do with these children's toys?" "Sister, it's getting late, why not head back early?"

  "What time is it? So early to go back and do what? Let's take a look, but, sister, this lantern is really good, I actually want to buy some! Younger brother, I'll buy all of these lanterns!" Xue Shen said excitedly, pointing at several lanterns.

  "These lanterns are all mine!" Before the words had even faded, a silver ingot landed on the lantern stall, causing the expressions of several people present to change subtly.

  The little brother selling lanterns smiled apologetically and said, "This young master, these few lanterns have already been chosen by this young lady."

  "It doesn't matter, since the young lady likes it, I'll pay for it and have the lantern sent to both of you." The newcomer had an imposing presence, with a pair of eagle-like eyes that seemed to gleam with a cold light, making people tremble with fear.

  "Who are you? This lantern is not to my liking!" The straightforward words of the Snow God caused the visitor's face to stiffen, and after a heavy glance at the Snow God, he suddenly smiled and said, "There's no need for this, young lady. My humble abode has some more exquisite lanterns. Why don't you take a look? I guarantee you'll be satisfied."

  The Rain God had long sensed that the mortal's Lantern Festival was a mixed bag, with not only humans but also many demons. Fortunately, they had put on their hidden spiritual power talismans before descending to the mortal world, but unexpectedly, the demons still detected something amiss. Judging from the newcomer's attitude, if they didn't follow them, it would likely lead to trouble. However, this was in a mortal city, and if a disturbance broke out immediately, humans would inevitably be affected. It might even lead to more serious consequences later on. It was better to just go along with them for now and wait for an opportunity to act.

  "Sister, since this young master has spoken, let's just follow him." Yuxin said with a hint of suggestion in his eyes to Xuejin.

  The Snow Goddess was a high-ranking deity in the realm of gods, and she had never suffered such humiliation before. However, looking at the Rain God's eyes, it seemed like he had other plans. She could only swallow her anger and unwillingly said, "Fine, go then! This goddess isn't afraid of anything!" Turning around, the Snow Goddess instructed again, "Young man, take good care of these lanterns for me, I'll give you silver, and I'll come back to retrieve them later!"