Very few people knew about Li Ping'an's visit to the Academy.
As for his gift of fish to Chunqiu and Xia Chan,
apart from those involved, only Jing Yu knew.
Judging by that, the snake demon's words were indeed credible.
Seeing that Li Ping'an had lowered his guard, the snake demon smiled amiably.
But that smile looked worse than a crying face and was thoroughly unsettling.
Li Ping'an said, "You should go back. I know nothing about cultivation. Don't waste your efforts."
The snake demon hesitated. "Since I've already come this far, it would be best if I escorted you to Guangling Prefecture, sir.
"For one thing, petty villains might disturb your quiet cultivation.
"Though my abilities are modest, they're more than enough to deal with such chicken-stealing, dog-thieving scoundrels.
"For another, if my teacher asks, I'll have an answer to give him."
That second reason was probably the main one.
Li Ping'an saw through his thoughts but did not expose him.
Since he belonged to the Academy, Li Ping'an had to show him some courtesy.
After all, he owed the Academy such a tremendous favor.
Li Ping'an said, "Then do as you like. But you'll frighten people looking like that."
The snake demon immediately flicked his serpentine body, and in moments, four limbs took shape.
His skin, however, remained deathly pale.
Using some wondrous object Li Ping'an could not identify, the snake demon took out a black cloak and draped it over himself.
Imitating a human, he cupped his hands. "I am Zi Fang of the Academy."
Zi Fang?
Li Ping'an smiled. It was a fine name.
Grasshopper was very resistant to having a demon join them on the road.
Li Ping'an repeatedly assured him that the snake demon would not hurt anyone without cause.
Only then did