It was common knowledge that Yong Province teemed with demons.
To the south lay a silent expanse of ice and snow, unsuitable for habitation.
The north was just the opposite, with many volcanoes.
For more than half the year, a blazing sun hung overhead.
There were also many Yaomo.
The lesser ones claimed mountains as their domains, gathering in groups of three or five.
The greater ones sought to steal cities and kingdoms.
Five hundred li from Duhui Prefecture stood a mountain called Walin Mountain.
Walin Mountain was tall and densely forested, with more than a dozen ravines crisscrossing within it, creating complex terrain.
But even with its beautiful scenery, the nearby common folk likely would not dare venture up the mountain.
Walin Mountain had been occupied by a great demon that had taken form and wrought havoc in every direction.
The surrounding county and prefectural authorities could do nothing about it.
Cultivators of lesser cultivation had the will but not the strength; they often went like meat buns thrown to a dog, never to return.
There were also Sect Elders and accomplished disciples of various Sects who ventured out into the world, intending to slay demons and vanquish evil.
But with the aid of Walin Mountain's feng shui configuration, that great demon had become no trivial foe.
Ordinary figures truly could not subdue it in short order.
Whenever it could not win, the great demon used Walin Mountain's terrain to escape.
Thus, the surrounding county and prefectural authorities had no recourse.
They set a date to pay regular tribute to the great demon and offer incense, hoping it would not slaughter them to the last.
Today was one such important day.
Gongs and drums thundered, and firecrackers crackled in unison.
Amid the lively festivities, a procession left the city.