The Scarface Serpent Demon had five thousand years of cultivation and counted as a Great Demon with some impressive abilities in the mortal world. Yet against Soaring Serpent, he had no power to resist, nor did he dare try. Soaring Serpent simply clapped a palm over his head, and his innate Dao body rapidly transformed. Within a few breaths, he had become a python, which Soaring Serpent sent flying with a sweep of his sleeve.
Bang!
Hearing the sound and knowing that Soaring Serpent had punished the Serpent Demon, the tiger, deer, and goat demons kneeling on the ground all began trembling, terrified that he would turn on them next.
"You three may rise. From now on, you will take Scarface's place and manage the palace affairs for me." What they feared did not happen. After reverting the Serpent Demon to his original form and casting him out, Soaring Serpent turned his gaze toward them and spoke casually.
The three demons froze for a moment, then were overjoyed. They kowtowed repeatedly and answered, "Yes! Thank you, Divine Lord! Thank you, Divine Lord! Your subordinates will spare no effort in serving you."
"Mm." Soaring Serpent acknowledged them offhandedly, then turned and entered the palace with the snakeskin sack in hand.
Far away, the Serpent Demon lay where he had fallen, looking toward the Heavenly Serpent Palace with regret flickering in his eyes. Only after a long while did he turn and slither into the depths of the forest.
He knew he could never enter the Heavenly Serpent Palace again. He... had been abandoned by Soaring Serpent, whom he had followed for thousands of years. Alas...
In a corridor inside the Heavenly Serpent Palace.
As Soaring Serpent walked along, Sun Wukong's shouts came from the snakeskin sack in his hand. "Hey,