In the Dream Realm.
Outside the Earthen House, Yin Qi gathered until it was almost tangible. The scene, which had been clear before, was now veiled in darkness.
The ground and roof were both coated in a layer of gray-black frost, several inches thick.
The open space was crowded with people.
There were saber-wielding warriors, scholars holding fans, a pregnant woman in labor clutching a young child, an old man leaning on a cane and coughing, a graceful young woman carrying a lantern, a kind-faced old woman with a basket slung over her arm, a human-skin drum, embroidered silk shoes, a withered tree, shadows with human heads and serpent bodies...
One strange, hate-filled Ghostly Being after another had gathered there, and the sound of chewing grew louder.
The strings of chili peppers, eggplants, garlic, and other produce that had hung beneath the thatched eaves had all been divided up and devoured.
Seeing the Ghostly Beings begin to eye the gourds still growing on the roof, the tall Fu Xuanxu said in a hoarse, gloomy voice, "There's no food left. I'll go back inside and get some more."
As he spoke, he turned and walked toward the house.
At his words, the Ghostly Beings finally looked away. They casually wiped the blood dripping from their mouths and waited where they stood.
"Creak."
The crude wooden door opened. Fu Xuanxu stepped into the Earthen House, and the moment he disappeared inside, the door slammed shut by itself.
Before long, it opened again, and another Fu Xuanxu emerged. His hands were empty; he hadn't brought anything.
This Fu Xuanxu said to the many Ghostly Beings, "You'll have to wait a little longer."
The Ghostly Beings gave no response, but waited patiently.
Inside the Earthen House.
As soon as the Fu Xuanxu transformed from