The Serpent's Lament: Xu Xian's Dilemma

In the misty mountains of ancient China, where the world of mortals and immortals intertwined, there existed a tale of enduring love and the eternal dance of fate. The story of the White Snake and Xu Xian had been whispered for generations, a cautionary tale of the curse that binds a mortal to an immortal.

Xu Xian, a virtuous and scholarly young man, had once been an immortal, a White Snake in human form, who had sought the path of enlightenment. His journey was fraught with trials, yet it was his love for a mortal woman, a beautiful herbalist named Bai Suzhen, that truly tested the limits of his resolve.

The White Snake's Curse, a dark force, had bound Xu Xian to his snake form whenever he forgot his true identity. It was a reminder of his past, a past he had tried to leave behind. But love, it seemed, had other plans.

One fateful day, as Xu Xian wandered through the mountains, he came across a young woman in distress. She was being chased by a bandit, and in his heart, the White Snake's spirit surged forth. With a roar of anger, Xu Xian, now in his snake form, vanquished the bandit and saved the woman, whose name was Jing'er.

Jing'er was intrigued by the handsome man who had saved her, and in return, he was captivated by her bravery and compassion. They became fast friends, and soon, a deep affection blossomed between them. Xu Xian, in his mortal form, was torn between his duty to the immortal world and the growing bond with Jing'er. The White Snake's Curse threatened to unravel the fragile connection between them.

The tale of the White Snake and Xu Xian had been foretold by the ancient gods, a prophecy that spoke of a great sacrifice. Xu Xian had been destined to transform into a mortal and walk the path of enlightenment, but his love for Jing'er had clouded his judgment.

As the days passed, the curse grew stronger, and the bond between Xu Xian and Jing'er grew weaker. The gods, recognizing the purity of their love, granted Xu Xian a choice: he could either sacrifice his own life to end the curse and save the world, or he could defy the gods and remain with Jing'er, but at the cost of her life and the continuation of the curse.

Xu Xian, in his human form, sat by Jing'er's bedside, her face pale and her body weakening. The gods had given him a single night to make his decision. The air was thick with tension, the silence of the mountains a stark contrast to the turmoil in Xu Xian's heart.

"Xu Xian," Jing'er whispered, her voice weak but filled with determination, "if you must leave me, then leave me knowing that I love you more than life itself. But if there is any way to end this curse, please find it."

Xu Xian's eyes brimmed with tears as he gazed upon her. "Jing'er, I have to do what is right, not just for you, but for all of us. I cannot defy the gods, not when so many lives depend on my decision."

As dawn approached, Xu Xian took a deep breath and prepared himself for the inevitable. He knew that his sacrifice would not be in vain. The gods, moved by his love and his courage, granted him one last wish.

"Xu Xian," Jing'er's voice grew faint, "before you go, promise me one thing."

"I will always remember you," he said, his voice trembling.

"And I will never forget you," she replied, her eyes closing as she drifted away.

With a heavy heart, Xu Xian walked into the mountains, where the gods awaited him. As he took his final breath, the White Snake's Curse was lifted, and he was transformed into a mortal, his soul free to wander the mortal realm.

In the days that followed, Xu Xian's legend grew, and the tale of his love and sacrifice became a beacon of hope for those who believed in the power of love to overcome even the most insurmountable obstacles. The gods, in their wisdom, had allowed him to fulfill his destiny while ensuring that his love for Jing'er would never fade.

And so, the story of the White Snake and Xu Xian lived on, a testament to the resilience of love and the enduring power of sacrifice.