“I don’t understand… I don’t understand… Waaah…” Large teardrops rolled down her cheeks. Of all the strange tales, hers was the only one of being born from heaven and earth. Since she could remember, she was alone, without parents or company.
When she was still young and naive, a venomous snake bit her. She didn’t fear it, but instead, hunger made her instinctively grab the snake and pull it apart. She swallowed her first mouthful of flesh.
She lived like this alone for a very long time. During that time, she encountered countless beast packs. She suddenly realized that even food had families and clans. She felt lonely until a little girl appeared before her, filling her with joy. The girl was the only creature who looked somewhat like her. Even if they weren’t from the same race, they must have some kind of connection.
She secretly followed the little girl to a gathering place of human tribes. The tribesmen discovered her and were wary of her. Seeing their pale and emaciated faces, she decided to hunt a large number of cows and sheep to give them. But…later she regretted it…
At that time, Bachi only possessed the basic abilities of strength, speed, self-healing, and immortality. But this was enough for humans to revere her as a god. When they saw the large amounts of meat she brought, and when they witnessed her immense power, they began to follow her to the stone cave where she lived. There they knelt and prayed, hoping that Bachi would bring them more food.
She understood their meaning. From then on, whenever humans knelt before her, Bachi would hunt beasts for them. Until the great snowfall arrived…
The long-lasting snowstorm and freezing temperatures killed most of the beasts nearby. The amount of food that Bachi brought back became less and less, until there were no more beasts left in the area. The humans thought that their simple acts of worship had angered the god. They discussed among themselves. The little girl from before was now old, and she recalled the scene of being followed. Thinking that Bachi liked children, they began their ancient and foolish ritual. They brought two children, quietly approaching Bachi who had fallen asleep due to long-term starvation.
In her daze, the instinct to eat took over Bachi once again. The Pandora’s Box was opened. Upon awakening, she realized what she had done and, out of guilt, diligently searched for two hibernating bears to replace the children. After this happened twice, she tried to control her urge to eat humans. She ran away. But the humans found her again, and again, and again, until Bachi completely became addicted to that taste.
From initial sympathy, to guilt, to accepting it calmly, it was as if the humans and she were engaged in an equal exchange – an exchange for food!
After a long time, humans began to cultivate land, no longer needing Bachi’s help to hunt. But after thousands of years, she was already used to it. She could no longer stomach ordinary beasts. Unable to bear it, she decided to quietly steal children. But the truth always comes to light, and she was branded as a demon.
She hated it! She thought it wasn’t her fault! So Bachi began to wreak havoc and kill. The humans at that time could only brace themselves for death. Until some humans gained new power. This power could hurt her, causing her pain. She began to hide, only sneaking out when her hunger became unbearable.
She cried out the story, “Tell me! Tell me! What did I do wrong?”
Lin Ze lowered his head and remained silent. Human foolishness and indolence had harmed both themselves and Bachi.
Seeing that Lin Ze wasn’t responding, Bachi’s demeanor became even more crazed.
“…Have you ever thought about letting humans worship you again? Maybe you’ll be able to break free from your desire to eat people and become a true god for humanity?”
“Hahaha, you’re saying the same thing as that woman outside. But I’ll give you the same answer. Why should I break free from my desires and protect humanity? Humanity led me to corruption, then demonized me. Now they expect me to protect them again? Dream on!” Bachi’s words angered Kayako. Her hair tightly wrapped around and cut Bachi’s flesh. But even with the pain, her tone remained resolute.
“Be polite to Lin Ze!” Kayako glared at Bachi, ready to give her another lesson, but Lin Ze grabbed her hand.
“I’ll go and verify whether what you said is true. If it’s not, I’ll let Kayako kill you! But if it is true… you can’t deny the crimes you’ve committed. When that time comes, we’ll have a good talk about the punishment you deserve.” He didn’t know about the events that happened millions of years ago. He only knew that the information stated she was an ancient god who had existed since ancient times. He needed to go to Qinzi for verification and discuss what to do with Bachi.
Leaving Kayako to watch Bachi, Lin Ze slowly opened his eyes in the car. “Awake?” Qinzi on the passenger seat threw him a new set of clothes. “Change first. I’ll wait outside.”
When Lin Ze got out of the car after changing clothes, he saw strange talismans drawn on the ground, with dozens of mediums standing in various positions around the perimeter. Qinzi was standing in front of Bachi’s body, watching her.
“Is Bachi dealt with?” Lin Ze asked as he approached.
“No.”
“Hm? Even Kayako can’t kill her?” Qinzi was a little incredulous.
“That’s not the case. It’s just that I asked Kayako to watch her for now. I need to ask you about some things.” After telling Qinzi what Bachi had said, Lin Ze asked curiously, “I’m not sure if what she said is true or not. Do you know?”
“Ah… According to some murals and investigations of folk history, it should be true. That’s why I tried to persuade her before, but it didn’t work.” Qinzi sighed deeply. “Lin Ze, Bachi possesses the power of a god. It can weaken the power of Heavenly Thunder to some extent, but the fact that she was unharmed proves that Heaven is on her side. I’ve always had suspicions that Bachi was a divine being born from heaven and earth. Moreover, she was originally a victim. Now she can communicate with Heaven and change the environment. Naturally, Heaven doesn’t want to harm her anymore.”
“However,” Qinzi’s eyes turned sharp. “We are human. We stand on the side of humanity! She was wronged by humanity, and it would be fine if she only targeted the real culprits and didn’t involve innocent people. But how many families has she destroyed over millions of years? How many innocent children has she killed? There are even victims overseas. Now, humanity lives peacefully and happily. They don’t know anything. They shouldn’t have to go through this again!”
“Go and talk to Bachi. I can’t change her mind. Her hatred for humanity is too deep-rooted. You can try if you can succeed. Otherwise, she will either be killed by Kayako or receive the worship of the shrine, sign a contract, and become a god to atone for her sins!”
Yes, after confirming that Kayako could suppress Bachi, Qinzi no longer planned to seal her. Even if they sought other ways to seal her, she would eventually break free. As Bachi said, she was ultimately a human. When she died a hundred years later, Bachi would continue to wreak havoc on the world.
Lin Ze stood silent for a long time, then nodded and took the sleeping potion Qinzi handed him, drinking it in one gulp.
Bachi was still tied up, her head lowered, not saying a word. Kayako didn’t attack her anymore. She simply watched Bachi intently until she heard Lin Ze’s call again. Her face lit up with joy as she pulled Lin Ze over.
Lin Ze appeared before Bachi again. His eyes held an emotion that Bachi couldn’t comprehend. He exhaled and asked softly, “What should I do with you…”