The marketplace grew much quieter, every gaze turning toward the two yellow-and-black figures.
The two fierce tigers swept their cold gazes around. At first, they carried a touch of lofty arrogance, but then they noticed several powerful Great Demons in the marketplace. Their eyes grew wary, and their steps slowed. Wherever they went, the demon spirits parted to make way.
When their gazes fell on Black Snake, both tigers stopped.
Over five zhang long, he resembled a flood dragon without quite being one. His head was ferocious, and the fine bone spines along his back and tail stood out distinctly. He was venomous, and no ordinary venom at that. They studied him from afar, weighing him up.
After a moment, they looked away. Not out of fear, but because there was no need to rashly provoke a clash.
Black Snake did not move either, tacitly agreeing that neither side would interfere with the other.
Hu Changqing quietly drew close to Black Snake and lowered his voice.
"There's something I need your help with, fellow Daoist. Please stay here a little longer. With you here, everyone feels more at ease. As a token of gratitude, several spirit halls are willing to pool together a small gift. It's nothing worthy of you, but please don't refuse."
Black Snake considered briefly, then nodded.
He knew Hu Changqing and the other hall masters wanted to keep the marketplace stable. Every beginning was difficult. As long as they made the first gathering a success, those that followed would become a regular custom, like markets in the mortal world.
From then on, whenever the appointed day came, demon spirits, rogue cultivators, and wandering souls from every direction would gather here to barter and exchange what they had for what they lacked. But this first step was