Treacherous mountains and vicious waters bred cunning villains. This was an iron law of the Three Realms that nothing could overturn.
The Demon King in charge of Skyreach Mountain was a Black Bear Spirit who had occupied the deep mountains for years. Not only was his cultivation formidable, but, more remarkably, he understood the culture of the Heavenly Court. He had deliberately given himself a rather refined name: Righteous Guardian Daoist.
Righteous Guardian?
What righteousness was he guarding?
The gates of his own treasury, naturally. He committed outrageous crimes forging Imperial Decrees, yet insisted on draping himself in the skin of a guardian of righteousness. The old black bear publicly claimed to disdain fame and wealth and patrol on Heaven's behalf. In truth, he had scraped Skyreach Mountain so clean that its ground stood three inches lower.
Righteous Guardian Daoist had taken four capable godsons under his wing, and the blue they produced surpassed the indigo from which it came.
His eldest godson, a Weasel Spirit, called himself Most Just Gentleman.
His second godson, a Wild Boar Spirit, styled himself Upright Venerable.
His third godson, a Venomous Snake Spirit, went by King Who Exhorts Goodness.
His fourth godson, a Vulture Spirit, shamelessly called himself Great Immortal of Universal Aid.
Their titles grew grander and more steeped in righteous virtue with each one. All were ruthless operators with drive and ability, keeping the foul, smoke-choked Skyreach Mountain running in perfect order. Above them, they submitted a few scraps of Merit on schedule; below them, they divided the spoils fairly, ensuring every demon cave had bloody meat broth to drink.
At first glance, governance ran smoothly, the demons lived in harmony, and the winds and rains arrived on time.
But a closer inspection revealed pitifully little income entering the Heavenly Treasury. All