Black Snake was staring blankly at the signboard.
A little weasel wearing a short jacket came out the door. At the sight of Great Black Snake, it shuddered all over, turned, and scurried back into the courtyard, squealing as it ran. Before long, a confused uproar arose inside.
Then a whole crowd of demon spirits poured out, eyes large and small turning toward him in unison, startled, wary, and curious.
An old fox with gray-white fur emerged with a wooden staff, wearing a long robe beneath his fox head. He carefully studied Black Snake a short distance away. After looking them over, Black Snake discovered that most were the yin spirits of demons; very few had physical bodies.
This time, he did not turn and leave.
He had spotted several familiar figures among the demon spirits.
During the years of war in the mortal world, they had come up the mountain seeking shelter. He had never expected to encounter them here. They were hardly close acquaintances, but there was at least a little goodwill between them. Perhaps he could ask about the Spirit Realm.
Several demon spirits chattered among themselves. The old fox nodded now and then, his expression gradually softening.
A moment later, he raised a paw and waved, and the demons behind him dispersed into the courtyard to resume their work.
The old fox briefly straightened his clothes, then approached Black Snake with his wooden staff and those few demon spirits.
"So you are Fellow Daoist Black Snake of the Azure Cloud Monastery."
He politely clasped his paws and bowed.
"This humble old fellow is Hu Changqing, unworthily serving as master of the Cloud Immortal Hall. I have long admired your good name, fellow Daoist. A pleasure to meet you."
The name Cloud Immortal Hall sounded quite ordinary,