A peasant man pities and rescues an injured black snake, and is driven out by his elder brother to wander the wilderness. The black snake is actually a snake deity, and feeling grateful for his rewardless kindness, helps him settle down and build a livelihood. However, rumors of gaining blessings by saving snakes stir up human greed, and many deliberately harm snakes while feigning goodness in hopes of attaining wealth, all meeting with evil consequences. The snake deity finally returns to the mountains and forests. The story warns people that kindness is not a transaction, and true blessings stem from a pure heart and diligent labor.