The Unruly Immortals

In the fields beneath Niuxin Mountain, the half-green wheat swayed with the breeze. The wheat was growing well, the ears had fully emerged, the grains were full, and it seemed it wouldn't take long for a bountiful harvest.

A group of children crouched at the edge of the field, their excitement mixed with nervousness, picking the green wheat with their hands. Leading them was a little girl with white hair and pink pupils, who stood out among the children.

However, it seemed the other children were already accustomed to her appearance and didn't treat her particularly differently. Instead, because she seemed older, they regarded her as the leader, following her lead.

"Everybody, pick faster!" Bai Lingmiao crouched on the ground, reaching out strongly to pluck the green wheat in the field.

The children seemed very tense, occasionally glancing towards Liang Qu, as if they were wary of something.

Under Bai Lingmiao's leadership, the children moved quickly, and before long, everyone had at least a handful.

At that moment, an old man carrying a hoe was shouting while running towards them from afar. "Hey~!"

"Everyone run! Third Uncle's catching up!!" As soon as she gave the order, all the children scattered in a flurry.

Thanks to the early warning, all the children escaped without being caught and regrouped at the foot of Niuxin Mountain.

Holding two handfuls of loot, Bai Lingmiao, whose face was flushed from the heat, revealed a missing tooth and laughed heartily with the other cousin's children.

"Sis, fire." A little kid next to her, stood on tiptoe, stretching the fire sickle from home towards Bai Lingmiao.

Seeing this, the other children didn't need to be told and spontaneously looked for dry leaves and twigs around.

Before long, wisps of smoke rose at the foot of Niuxin Mountain, all caused by roasting the green wheat ears, as the children gathered around the fire, swallowing their saliva in anticipation.

When all the children's spoils had been roasted over the small fire for a while, a rich aroma of wheat began to permeate the air, causing them to inhale deeply.

Once the wheat awns were charred and the ears turned black, the experienced Bai Lingmiao knew it was time to extinguish the fire.

She reached out her delicate little hand, picked out three or five ears and placed them in her palm, rubbing them forcefully with her hands. The wheat grains and chaff separated.

Next, her cheeks puffed up, she blew into her palm a few times, the chaff was blown away, leaving only the slightly black green wheat grains.

She gathered these roasted green grains in her palm, tipped them into her mouth, chewed a few times, and the sweet and fragrant taste of wheat instantly filled her mouth. Fragrant, so fragrant, delicious.

Such a delightful taste was a rare snack for the children in remote areas, and green roasted wheat could only be roasted for such a short period each year. Once the wheat ripened, they wouldn't have it to eat.

Therefore, all the children ate very carefully and seriously, either crouching or standing to enjoy this precious treat.

After finishing the roasted green wheat, everyone's hands and mouths were stained black by the charred wheat ears, and they all pointed at each other's faces, laughing wildly.

But after the laughter, everyone felt somewhat unsatisfied.

"Ah, it's just that Third Uncle came too quickly, it wasn't enough to eat. Just got a taste."

"Exactly, let's pick from my house. My parents went to visit relatives, so there's no one in my field."

"Your field won't do, your field's next to mine. There's no one in your field, but there is in mine."

"Green wheat is so delicious, I really don't understand why adults insist on letting it turn yellow before harvesting."

"Stop arguing." Bai Lingmiao waved her hand, "Let's go! Let's see if Second Uncle's dates are ripe! There's no one home right now."

After putting out the fire with urine, under Bai Lingmiao's leadership, a group of children noisily headed towards the village.

Although Second Uncle's dates were ultimately not ripe, it didn't stop them from chasing chickens and dogs around the village, just as energetic, annoying children do, sparking continuous shouting and scolding from the adults.

But to the children, this was their happiest, most carefree time. To them, the whole world was full of wonder, and every day was joyful.

However, things change as they grow older, as the boys will have to work in the fields, and the girls will have to get married.

Just as this group was planning to head to the village pond for a swim, the peddler's call lured them away.

Under the village tree, the peddler's shoulder-high goods basket, filled with novelties, captured all the children's attention.

With dog skin plaster on his chin, the peddler fanned himself with a straw hat while speaking to the children: "Children, go, go call your family adults, I have needles, threads, wooden combs, ink combs, nail clippers, fruit candies, everything here."

"If your mothers are pleased with their shopping, maybe they'll buy you a few candies too."

Just the mention of candy made all the children's eyes light up, and they scattered into the village to find people.

The peddler looked at Bai Lingmiao in front of him, holding her younger brother's hand, and couldn't help but feel curious about how this little girl looked. But being a worldly man, he wasn't overly surprised.

Instead of being concerned about appearances, he was more interested in whether his business could earn him a bit more profit.

Glancing at the silver chain on Bai Lingmiao's brother's neck, knowing it led to a Longevity Lock, and observing the condition of their clothes, he quickly made an assessment.