New Year's Eve.
A sudden blizzard had struck Datian Village the previous night, burying the village beneath a thick blanket of snow.
It was still snowing today, though the wind had stopped. As dusk approached, the village suddenly came alive.
The crackling pops of firecracker tubes rang out without end, mingled with the innocent, joyful laughter of children.
Wild bean pods growing in the mountains or along field ridges were gathered, dried, and sifted for their beans. Stuffed into bamboo tubes or wooden rods and lit with fire, the dried beans burst into clusters of bean blossoms.
The explosions were crisp and loud, and were said to drive away Evil Spirits.
That claim was unlikely to be true, but the popped bean blossoms were genuinely sweet and delicious, making them the best snack for the village children during the new year.
If they could be dipped in a little honey, they were even more delectable!
Inside the Village Chief's residence, Xiao He carried over a large bowl of freshly popped bean blossoms and set it on the dining table.
The young girl's pretty face was flushed, and she looked thoroughly excited.
The table was already laden with exquisite dishes.
This New Year's Eve dinner had been prepared by the village's most skilled cook. Every ingredient was spirit food, jointly contributed by the three elders.
After Wang Chen had brought back the Exorcism Drum, his prestige in the village had soared to its peak, and they had become even more eager to curry favor with him.
Picking up a pair of ivory chopsticks from the table, Wang Chen smiled at Xiao He. "Sit down and eat with me."
The moment his words fell, his expression abruptly changed, and he immediately rose to his feet.
Xiao He, having no idea what was