Southern Jambudvipa, Mistcloud Mountain.
The Demon King's lair, usually wreathed in demonic energy that soared to the heavens, was undergoing an unprecedented spring cleaning.
"Quick, quick, quick!
"Take down every skull at the cave entrance! If the exalted immortals see them, I'll have your hides!"
Standing halfway up the mountain, the Silkworm Spirit shouted himself hoarse as he directed the hundreds of lesser demons and monsters under his command. Today, he had deliberately shed his usual beast-hide coat for a moon-white Daoist robe, even making a great show of tying his hair into a topknot and securing it with a jade hairpin.
Unfortunately, his inverted-triangle face looked anything but ethereal and sagely.
To welcome Lord Chen of the Heavenly Court's Discipline Inspection Court, the Nine Heavens Demon-Suppressing Grand Commander, on his inspection visit, the Silkworm Spirit had spared no expense.
The facade had to be flawless, and every demonic habit had to be reined in. The lesser demons had even scrubbed the lair three times with brushes. The aim was spotless windows, gleaming floors, and impeccable manners.
"My king!" The Bèi Military Advisor trotted over with a thick roll of documents clutched in his hand and approached the Silkworm Spirit. "The gifts for all the Heavenly Court's immortals are ready!"
"Oh? Give me a detailed report." The Silkworm Spirit clasped his hands behind his back, putting on every ounce of pomp he could muster.
The Bèi Military Advisor unrolled the documents and lowered his voice. "As soon as the Flying Boat lands, we'll have the lads carry them aboard. They're all packed in boxes made of superior spirit jade, labeled 'Local Specialties of Mistcloud Mountain.' There's a share for everyone, without exception. The Grand Commander's portion is doubled."
That was a job well done.
When giving gifts to exalted immortals,