On a moonless night with the wind howling, it was a night for murder and arson—and a night for ghosts and demons to come out.
To exorcise demons and vanquish evil, to break through their realms and survive tribulations—those were Ximen Tinghua and Meng Xiaolou's wishes. It seemed they might come true tonight.
Beneath the abyss, outside a dilapidated old temple, a burst of chattering laughter rang out in the night and eventually reached the ears of the two men.
Meng Xiaolou glanced at Ximen Tinghua and teased, "How about you go first? I'm too rough. If those who show up are Succubi or other female demons, I'm afraid I'll scare them. They'll turn tail and run without a word, and then we'll be in trouble."
Ximen Tinghua flicked a finger against his sword, and a clear ring sounded through the night sky.
He smiled faintly. "Then I'll go first. Don't regret it later."
Meng Xiaolou hurriedly shoved him forward, shouting, "Books say Succubi and female demons are especially fond of scholars. You go! If you can't beat them, call me in!"
Then he retreated in a flash, all the way to the entrance of the ruined temple, where he stood like a door god.
Suddenly, a fierce gale sprang up, buffeting Ximen Tinghua until he could barely keep his eyes open.
He caught a waft of fragrant wind. Clear bell chimes rang within it, along with alluring, tender voices.
The night breeze brushed Meng Xiaolou's cheek, like a wisp of silk drifting across his face, smooth and soft, leaving him a little entranced.
He hurriedly recited, "Amitabha," hoping to drive the Succubi from the wind.
Ximen Tinghua focused his gaze. Good heavens—three stunning women had appeared in the wind, and two of them came running toward him with coquettish