The mystery of why the mountain god is fading is intriguing. Only 6 believers? That implies either the god has been neglected for a long time, or something suppressed worship. The Demon-Suppressing Bureau might have outlawed certain cults? Or there's a stronger deity nearby poaching followers. Could be a political angle. I hope the author expands on the religious landscape. Are there multiple gods? Can a cat replace a mountain god? That's a weird loophole.
The dogs’ reaction to Bai Yi after he wakes up from fainting is heartwarming. Da Huang and Da Hei stay by his side and bark when he’s in danger. The way they wag their tails and follow him everywhere makes them feel like real pets, not just plot devices. I hope they continue to have an active role.
I’m torn on the father. On one hand, his grief is palpable and his early emotional collapse felt very real. You can understand why he can't look at her without seeing the wife he lost. But man, is he frustrating. Blaming a baby for a mother dying in childbirth is peak emotional cowardice. The fact that he can assign her a number and name but can’t bring himself to show basic affection for half a year? It made me root for the protagonist to prove him wrong, or just escape him.