Shang County.
Early in the morning, a ray of warm sunlight shone upon the ancient road.
At the end of the ancient road leading to Shang County stood a middle-aged man in a long gown and two servants in short tunics. They seemed to be waiting for someone.
Seeing four figures in the distance, he could not help smiling.
He hurried forward to greet them. "Might you be disciples of Chaolong Temple?"
Xuan Ruo, the woman in blue, gave a modest smile. "We are."
When had anyone in this rural backwater ever seen such a beautiful woman?
The middle-aged man managed well enough, but the two servants in short tunics froze on the spot.
"I am the village head of Wantou Village in Shang County."
A village head was equivalent to the chief of a village.
"Three immortals, we've been waiting so eagerly for you! These past days have put us through the wringer."
The village chief had evidently mistaken Li Ping'an, who was traveling with them, for a disciple of Chaolong Temple as well.
"You misunderstand, sir. I am not a disciple of Chaolong Temple. I merely happened to be traveling with these two." Li Ping'an cupped his hands.
"Oh."
The village chief nodded and said no more.
The urgent matter at hand was getting rid of the demon.
Xuan Ruo said, "What sort of demon is it? Please tell us all the details."
At the mention of the demon, the village chief's face filled with worry and fear.
The village was remote, and while it could hardly be called prosperous, it had at least been peaceful and tranquil. Nothing much happened on ordinary days beyond the usual household affairs.
Who could have known that, for some unknown reason, a demon would suddenly appear two months ago?
The first