In the quiet village of Lijian, nestled in the heart of ancient China, life flowed as peacefully as the river that meandered through the town. The villagers went about their daily routines, tending to their farms and going about their business, blissfully unaware of the impending calamity.
One warm summer morning, as the sun cast a golden glow upon the rice paddies, a strange and unsettling feeling settled upon the village. It began with whispers, subtle as a gentle breeze rustling through the bamboo groves. Word spread that a mysterious disease had crept into their midst, afflicting those who were unfortunate enough to contract it.