Inner Demons

In this silence, a faint light appeared in a household in the Hexi district of Weicheng.

This was a wealthy household, with a vermilion gate, stone lions, and a three-courtyard layout.

The light appeared in the master's study.

Three days ago, Li Yunxin had paid a visit to this family. The gatekeeper had announced him, and the master of the house, a brave man, had welcomed him in, treating him to good food and drink, saying he wanted to request some of his calligraphy.

It happened that the master had just been blessed with a son, so Li Yunxin painted a "Picture of an Immortal Elder Delivering a Son." It wasn't a Precious Scroll or a Treasure Scroll, just a Famed Scroll. But for a family like this, a Famed Scroll from Li Yunxin's hand was a treasure that could be passed down through generations.

The master had the painting mounted by a skilled artisan and hung it in his study. He had planned to admire it for half a month, and once it was completely dry, he would store it carefully in a yellow silk brocade bag, only bringing it out to be praised when esteemed guests visited during festivals.

But tonight, first came the violent storm, then the news of an immortal fairy fighting the Dragon King. He was half-in-doubt, but soon he heard the rumbling sounds and saw the strange phenomena in the sky. To a secular person, these were like natural disasters. So the whole family gathered together—all in this study, thinking that a master's Famed Scroll might grant them safety.

But just after that streak of light fell out of Weicheng, a sudden drowsiness quickly overcame the family. The master sensed something was wrong and, with the last shred of clarity in his mind, tried to grab the treasured sword hanging on the wall.

But he still fell into a deep sleep.