The Incense-Bearing Holy Envoy of the Plain Maiden Way made a clean departure. She flew straight onto the Star Raft, and Su Che watched from afar as it climbed into the sky, broke through the Ninefold Heavenly Firmament, and blazed with dazzling light. Like a meteor, it tore a hole in the surrounding darkness.
No wonder she could not take him all the way to Wushi City. A spectacle like that would invite no end of trouble.
Su Che was still sighing when a timid voice sounded beside him.
"Immortal, was that your wife just now?"
He turned. At some point, a little head had popped up from a clump of grass nearby.
It belonged to a boy in a sheepskin-padded jacket. The sun had burned his face bright red, and he was staring at Su Che with open curiosity.
Su Che looked him up and down.
The boy was a mortal.
"What's your name, little one?"
"I'm Huang Laier."
The boy had a sturdy, round-headed look and a lively, easygoing air.
"Do you want to learn immortal arts from me?"
"Nope. My ma says if I learn immortal arts, I won't be able to marry a wife."
"Then you'd better not learn them."
Su Che looked at Huang Laier in the grass.
"What are you doing out here, boy?"
"Catching rabbits."
Huang Laier shook his little head. "Immortal, are you going to Wushi City?"
"I don't know."
Su Che gazed toward Wushi City in the distance. He had no idea where to find the Yin-Yang Dharma King or the Beimang Ghost Ancestor.
This whole trip had begun without a head or tail to it.
"Then come home with me first. My ma makes really good porridge."
Huang Laier's invitation was full of warmth.
"Aren't you catching rabbits anymore?"
Su