The Demon Reveals Itself

The old man sat beside a tree stump, puffing on his pipe, bare-chested, looking like nothing more than an ordinary old farmer.

Indeed, he had originally been nothing more than an ordinary old farmer.

Li Qi walked up to him and called again, "Chen Jilang."

Since he had called Chen Jilang's name before and the man seemed not to have heard, Li Qi had noticed that his hearing was poor and raised his voice.

This time, he heard. He lifted his head with a puzzled expression and looked at Li Qi. "Young man, what?!"

He spoke loudly, clearly because he was hard of hearing.

"Chen Jilang, what do you think of your life?" Li Qi asked.

The question left Chen Jilang utterly confused. Why was this young man, who had appeared out of nowhere, asking something so inexplicable? Suspicion rose in him. Instead of answering, he asked, "Young man, who are you? Why are you asking such things?"

Li Qi smiled, waved his hand, and concealed the surroundings with an illusion so outsiders could not see what lay within. Then he flicked a finger lightly. Strange phenomena sprang up all around them. A great wind surged, scattering sand and stones. Amidst dark clouds and white mist, the scenery abruptly changed.

Pavilions rose with a tremor, waterfalls and springs dividing the paths. The space around them expanded, and as the towers rose, a beautiful pool appeared beside them. Beneath their feet, a painted pleasure boat suddenly emerged. Mist wreathed its phoenix canopy, waves lapped at the lovely vessel, silver screens and golden chambers gleamed, and countless flowers bloomed in the pool beyond the boat. Floral fragrance filled the air. From time to time, great fish leaped through the waves, while roosting birds flew and cried along the banks. Terraces, halls, pavilions,