The Snake Monster of Ailao Mountain

In the far southwestern reaches of the country stood the majestic Ailao Mountain. Its slopes were steep and its forests dense, with clouds and mist swirling around it year-round like a mysterious veil concealing countless secrets. At its foot lay a peaceful little village. For generations, the villagers had made their living through farming and hunting. They revered Ailao Mountain as a mother who nurtured life and prosperity, and many mysterious legends about it had been passed down. The most chilling of them all was the tale of the serpent monster. Legend had it that deep within Ailao Mountain lurked an enormous serpent monster. Its body was as huge as a giant