Shi Hou sprawled in the Grand Marshal's Chair, holding half a cucumber.
He bit into it with a crisp crunch.
Kang lay on his thighs, tiny bean-sized eyes shut tight, his pig belly rising and falling.
His snores shook the heavens.
The battered courtyard gate was pushed open.
Shi Hao shuffled into the courtyard, clutching his backside.
Fresh grass clippings and yellow mud covered his little beast-hide shorts.
"Skinny Monkey!"
His little hand slapped the Stone Table, making the Clay Pot jump.
"Did you piss off the Willow Deity and get me beaten up too?!"
Shi Hou tossed the rest of the cucumber into his mouth and dusted off his hands.
"Don't pin this on me. The Willow Deity has such a good temper. You must've done something that outraged gods and men, and the will of the Void God Realm came to tattle on you."
Shi Hao planted both hands on his hips and loudly protested.
"Why don't you think about how you got kicked out?!"
Shi Hou leaned back and laced his hands behind his head.
"I was doing honest business, selling nutritious meals for the benefit of fellow cultivators."
Several heads popped up beyond the courtyard wall.
Dazhuang planted both hands on the low wall and vaulted straight over.
Ermeng followed close behind.
Snot Boy and Qingfeng obediently squeezed through the main gate.
The boys swarmed around the Stone Table.
Ermeng scratched his tangled hair, his eyes shining.
"Little One, what exactly have you been doing in the Void God Realm these past few days?"
Shi Hao patted his chest.
"Nothing much. Broke a few records, then robbed a few people from some big clans while I was at it."
Snot Boy's mouth fell open.
"People from big clans? Don't they have loads of experts? Could you