In a quiet, remote village in ancient China, there lived a kind-hearted farmer. His name was Li, a man who respected all forms of life.

Li was known throughout the village for his compassion. He believed every creature had its role in the balance of nature, and he lived by that principle every day.

One day, while Li was working in his fields, he found a snake on the brink of death. It was weak, barely moving, and clearly in distress.

Despite the villagers' superstitions about snakes, Li decided to save it. He gently picked it up and took it to his home.

Li cared for the snake, nursing it back to health. He fed it, kept it warm, and even spoke to it in hushed tones.

As days passed, the snake started to regain its strength. It began to move around, its eyes shining with a renewed vigor.

Li was pleased. He believed he had done a good deed by saving a life. He thought the snake would be grateful for his help.

However, one day, the snake's behavior changed. It started to act aggressively, hissing, and coiling as if ready to strike.

Li was taken aback but remained calm. He thought that perhaps the snake was just scared and needed more time to adjust.

But the snake's hostility only grew with each passing day. It began to show signs of a violent nature, a side Li hadn't seen before.

One fateful night, the snake attacked. With no warning, it lunged at Li, sinking its fangs into his arm.

Li howled in pain and surprise. He managed to shake the snake off, but the damage was already done.

Li felt a cold chill spread through his veins. He recognized this feeling - it was snake venom. The creature he had saved had betrayed him.

The snake slithered around him, baring its fangs, ready to strike again. It was clear that it had no gratitude for Li's kindness.

Li, realizing the danger he was in, made a difficult decision. He grabbed a nearby hoe and, with a heavy heart, killed the snake.

Despite the betrayal, Li felt a deep sadness. He had hoped to save a life, not take one. But he had no other choice.

The villagers were shocked when they heard the story. They couldn't believe that the snake Li had saved would turn on him.

Some blamed Li, saying he had brought this upon himself by meddling with nature. Others sympathized with his plight.

Li, however, held no anger towards the snake. He believed it was just acting on its nature, even if it meant his harm.

He spent days suffering from the venom. His arm swelled, and he was wracked with fever. But he was determined to survive.

With his strong will and the help of village healers, Li gradually recovered. His life was saved, but the incident had left a deep impact on him.

Li learned a bitter lesson. Not all creatures reciprocate kindness. Some, like the snake, may respond with betrayal instead.

Still, Li did not change his compassionate nature. He continued to respect all forms of life, but he became more cautious.

He shared his story with others, as a reminder that kindness should be tempered with wisdom. Not all creatures are capable of gratitude.

The tale of Li and the vengeful snake spread far and wide. It became a cautionary tale, a lesson about the unpredictability of nature.

But also, it served as a testament to Li's resilience and his unyielding belief in the inherent value of all life.

Even after all he went through, Li remained a kind-hearted farmer. His spirit was unbroken, and his faith in life was unwavering.

It is said that until his last days, Li would tell his story to anyone who would listen. A story of kindness, betrayal, and survival.

And so, the legend of the farmer and the vengeful snake lived on. A haunting yet inspiring tale from the heart of ancient China.

The story serves as a reminder that even in the face of betrayal, one should not lose their compassion. But also, to tread carefully in the unpredictable world of nature.

In the end, Li's tale is a timeless lesson. A lesson about kindness, wisdom, and the sometimes harsh realities of the natural world.

Despite its chilling end, the story of the farmer and the vengeful snake continues to inspire. A testament to the enduring spirit of humanity.

In the heart of every listener, Li's tale lives on, a haunting echo from the past. A story of horror, yes, but also of resilience and enduring kindness.

And so, the legend of Li and the vengeful snake continues to be passed down from generation to generation. A tale of an ancient time, but with lessons that remain relevant to this day.

It is a reminder that while kindness is a virtue, it is equally important to be wise. And that even in the face of darkness, the human spirit can prevail.