The rural bus jostled along the winding mountain road for nearly an hour before finally stopping in Jiushui Town.
Li Xu got off the bus with his backpack and looked around.
Jiushui Town was built into the mountainside. A main street ran through its center, lined on both sides by low, brick-and-tile houses, with a few small shops and restaurants scattered about.
In the distance, Niuti Mountain towered majestically, shrouded in clouds and mist, like an ink-wash painting.
The town was quiet, with few people on the street. A couple of old men sat by their doors, soaking up the sun, and sized up the unfamiliar face with curiosity.
Li Xu walked up to a general store, bought a bottle of water, and took the opportunity to ask the owner, "Hello, could you tell me how to get to Mopan Mountain?"
The shop owner was a tan man in his fifties. Hearing the question, he looked up at Li Xu. "Mopan Mountain? That's a tough trail. You going alone?"
"That's right. I'm here to gather herbs."
