Goose-feather snow once again drifted down over the Smoke Continent.
Though it was snowing, there was little wind.
Snowflakes fluttered down.
The year's end was approaching, yet for the people of Yanzhou City, it seemed this year would not end as smoothly as those before it.
A plague had broken out in the city, and all manner of strange incidents kept happening.
Strange things happened every year, but there were especially many today.
To escape the plague, more people had begun worshipping at the Maiden Temple.
An unending stream of worshippers came to offer incense.
Meanwhile, in Li Ping'an's courtyard.
Li Ping'an and Old Ox poked their heads out and saw that outside the courtyard, on the rooftops, on the branches, on the water vats...
Cats of every size and color stood everywhere.
Cat Immortal stood before the courtyard, surveying them.
Every cat wore a solemn expression, like a soldier about to head onto the battlefield.
And Cat Immortal was undoubtedly the commander of this army.
Cat Immortal cleared her throat, her little face utterly serious.
"Tonight, we will launch a surprise attack on the Maiden Temple and root out Yanzhou City's rat infestation once and for all..."
The cat fell silent for a moment, unsure what to say next.
"Long live meow-meow!!"
"Meow-meow!"
The cats' cries rang out in unison through the courtyard.
Li Ping'an and Old Ox watched the scene curiously.
Cat Immortal turned and walked over to Li Ping'an.
"This Fairy has finished giving the instructions."
"Sorry for the trouble, Fairy." Li Ping'an then addressed the many cats. "And sorry for troubling all of you, too."
"Meow~"
A black cat spoke.
"This is our business to begin with. Those rats have been growing more and more brazen lately."
"Exactly, exactly. They've even dared to attack us cats.