Colorful years

Seeing the situation was dire, the imperial court immediately dispatched a large army to suppress the rebellion. However, due to the vast disparity in strength between the two sides, the rebels were repeatedly defeated under the enemy's encirclement and suppression, and eventually had to retreat to the Tianzi Mountain area.

Upon seeing this situation, the enemy immediately implemented a mountain ban policy, trapping the remnants of the uprising army in the mountains, forbidding anyone from entering the area, and also preventing those inside from leaving.

Thus, the rebel army ultimately failed due to running out of food and the lack of reinforcements.

Seeing that the situation was already decided and there was no way to salvage it, Xiang Dakun resolutely jumped into the abyss of Shentang Bay and disappeared without a trace.

To commemorate this national hero, the local people respectfully called him King Xiang, and built a temple called "Tianzi Temple" on the main peak of Tianzi Mountain for people to burn incense and worship.

As the place where King Xiang fell, Shentang Bay is shrouded in mystery. The mountains and waters here seem to be filled with an awe-inspiring atmosphere, as if one can still feel the bravery and heroism of King Xiang in this place.

After hearing his grandfather tell the story, Congcong's respect for Xiang Dakun did not diminish in the slightest.

He felt that although this hero had passed away, his spirit would forever remain on this land.

He couldn't help but want to know more about Xiang Dakun's deeds and how he became a hero in the hearts of the Tujia people.

They continued on their journey and finally arrived at Shentang Bay.

According to those brave enough to explore, the mysterious Temple Bay is divided into three levels.

The deeper you go from top to bottom, the more dangerous it becomes. Generally speaking, most people only stay on the first level, which is right next to the foot of Tianzi Mountain. After all, the terrain on this level is relatively gentle, the forest is not too dense, and you can look up at the sky, so there is naturally no danger.

However, once you step into the second level, the mountain suddenly becomes steep and precipitous. The trees are tall and dense, and their branches and leaves intertwine to form a thick canopy that blocks out the sunlight, creating a gloomy and terrifying atmosphere.

Worse still, this forest is frequented by ferocious wild animals and highly venomous snakes, posing a constant threat to one's life.

If you continue deeper and reach the boundary between the second and third levels, the mountain becomes even steeper and more terrifying.

From time to time, eerie howls echoed through the valley, sometimes as powerful as a stampede of horses, and at other times like the mournful cries of ghosts, sending chills down one's spine. Because of this, everyone who reaches this place is filled with fear and hesitates to venture down, and to this day, no one has dared to risk going down to explore.

Standing on the viewing platform at Shentang Bay, Congcong looked at the deep valley and cliffs before him and felt a chill run down his spine. He said, "Grandpa, this place is so scary! If I fall, it'll be the end of me."

Grandpa patted Congcong on the shoulder and said, "Don't be afraid, child. Although it's dangerous here, we'll be fine as long as we're careful. Besides, the scenery here is beautiful! Look at the trees on the cliff, how tenaciously they grow."

Congcong nodded and said, "Grandpa, I understand. I will be like these trees in the future, and I will grow strong no matter what difficulties I encounter."

The grandfather and grandson walked down a steep and winding path to the junction of the first and second levels.

My father, Zhang Zhong, frequented this area. Only here could we find suitable timber for digging gourds.

Despite the numerous dangers, it was a matter of survival, and there was no other way.

Fortunately, Zhang Zhong had practiced martial arts in his early years, worked as a policeman, and served in the People's Liberation Army for three years. He was highly skilled, daring, and unafraid of risks.

Finally, after a difficult climb, the grandfather and grandson reached the boundary between the first and second floors.

The forests here are so dense that they block out the sky, making it quite eerie. Looking up, you can only see dappled, fragmented light and shadow.

Congcong, with his sharp eyes, quickly spotted his father's busy figure and excitedly called out, "Daddy! Daddy! Grandpa and I have come to see you!"

The father looked up and saw Congcong and his grandfather, a delighted smile spreading across his face. He said, "Congcong, what brings you here? An old man and a young child, walking so far together, aren't you tired?"

Congcong rushed into her father's arms, "Grandpa will tell me stories, Daddy will wait for me, and there are so many beautiful sights to see, I'm not tired at all!"

The father patted Congcong's head with satisfaction and said, "Good boy! You are amazing! It is truly remarkable that you were able to travel such a long way with your grandfather and see so many beautiful sights."

Congcong said, "Daddy, I also want to learn how to dig gourds. Can you teach me?"

My father smiled and nodded, looking at me with loving eyes. He said softly, "Alright, child. But not now. You're too young. When you're a few years older, I'll teach you myself. Digging gourds is hard work, but if you work hard, you can earn some money for oil, salt, clothes, and shoes. It's much better than going out to do collective labor and earn work points. Besides, it's a common side job in our countryside, which will allow you to better understand the hardships and difficulties of farmers' lives."