Volume Eleven: Serpent Spirits Chapter One: Twin Dragons Encircle the Pillar

Early in the morning, Yaoguang sat in her office sipping tea, laughing at her phone. The screen was filled with myriad beauty shots sent by the King of the Underworld, who was busy trying on all the clothes she'd bought for him. Most amusing of all, he had taken it to a whole new level: a man's face, adorned in women's clothing, striking all manner of seductive poses—Yaoguang nearly laughed herself breathless. To relieve the King of the Underworld's boredom, Yaoguang had gathered all sorts of things: laptops, tablets, game consoles, fitness equipment, plush dolls, little toys, and had Yitian deliver them, along with her Phoenix Token, to the Underworld as a distraction against the tedium of timeless existence. She had even sent household appliances, instructing the King of the Underworld to put unfinished food in the refrigerator, and dispatched a chef from Phoenix Mountain to prepare delicacies for him. Yaoguang informed the King that she was searching for materials to craft the Heavenly Feather Robe, which could be reused, unlike the Shadow Feather Robe that lasted only seven days and was too extravagant. The King of the Underworld responded with a barrage of affectionate emojis—no doubt, Yaoguang shivered at the goosebumps.

“What are you laughing at so early?” Xuanchen entered.

“Phoenix, let me ask you—your elder cousin isn’t angry about the joke I played on her, is she?” Chu Tianyou burst in, cutting Xuanchen off, looking terrified.

“Haha! I wonder if you'll dare next time. To joke with her—do you like her? Shall I arrange to send you to her? She’s troubled by loneliness, you know,” Yaoguang laughed so hard she could hardly speak.

“No, no, I wouldn’t dare! Please tell me she isn’t angry. I was so frightened I didn’t sleep all night… Save me!” Tianyou nearly tried to cling to her.

“All right, all right. The King of the Underworld isn’t so petty as to hold a grudge against you. She was quite pleased when you called her beautiful, and besides, she’s busy unboxing packages right now—she has no time for you.” Yaoguang waved her hand, amused.

“Really?” Tianyou was still apprehensive.

“Yes, indeed. Let me be clear: in the eyes of the King of the Underworld, anyone of mine is considered her own. Relax, I’m here. But, serious warning—don’t let it happen again, unless you want to marry into the Underworld Palace.” Yaoguang suppressed a smile.

“Oh, that’s good. She’s not angry. Wait! Unboxing packages? There’s delivery in the Underworld?” Chu Tianyou was shocked.

“The King’s exclusive courier service, Phoenix Mountain. Deliveryman: Yitian. Hahaha!” Yaoguang laughed.

“Oh, you’re so good to the King of the Underworld,” Tianyou patted his chest.

“Naturally—she considers me her closest friend. And being friends with the King of the Underworld is a blessing you can’t earn in tens of thousands of years. Besides, she has been incredibly kind to me; I must spoil her. We can enjoy the mortal world, but if you could last a month in her domain, you’d be remarkable. If I didn’t send her things, imagine her boredom. Her status—one cough and the Three Realms tremble. She’s been here since ancient times. I’m just a late-ascending deity—what right do I have to be her confidante?” Yaoguang rolled her eyes at him.

“Haha, Brother Chu, let’s see if you dare next time. We all treat her with utmost respect, but you truly have courage. I admire you,” Jiang Yun teased.

“Ah, such tragedy!” Chu Tianyou wailed.

“Hahahaha,” everyone burst out laughing.

“What’s everyone so cheerful about this early?” Director Jia walked in with his hands behind his back.

“Hello, Director Jia!” The group stood to greet him.

“Director Jia, why did you come in person? If you needed something, you could just call, we’d come. Why bother yourself?” Xuanchen smiled.

“I wanted to check on you all. I spoke with Chief Zheng; we’re not issuing an official explanation about the crossroads incident. That Weibo post is gone, so let’s leave it at that—there’s no good way to explain. What do you think, Phoenix?” Director Jia asked.

“Yes, I agree. File it away. People are forgetful; after a while, no one will remember. Humans remember hate, not love; sorrow, not joy; resentment, not gratitude; loss, not gain; what they give, not what others give them. That’s human nature. As long as I remember those who’ve shown me kindness, that’s enough.” Yaoguang took a deep breath.

“You’re right,” Director Jia nodded. “By the way, tomorrow’s a short holiday. I’ve arranged special leave for your Heavenly Sword team. My cousin is building a new house and invited me to the banquet. I thought you’d all enjoy the rural setting, so I’d like you all to come. Tianyou, your favorite pork stew with noodles is made with freshly slaughtered pork; Xuanchen, your beloved blood sausage; Phoenix, your favorite fruits and vegetables—all pesticide-free. Strawberries are ripe and big. Akun, didn’t you say my aunt’s steamed buns are delicious? There’ll be sweet triangular buns as well. You two kids, enjoy what you like and ask my aunt to make it for you. How about it, will you honor us?”

“Absolutely, it’s been ages since we visited Jingyuan Manor. I want to fish by the sea,” Phoenix laughed. “We can’t just eat for free—we’ll bring red envelopes.”

“No need, you’re always hard to invite. If you come, I’m delighted,” Director Jia smiled.

“Agreed, tomorrow at seven, meet downstairs. I’ll have Yitian drive,” Phoenix nodded.

“Not tomorrow morning—three in the afternoon. The main beam is set in the morning for good luck,” Director Jia laughed.

“All right, I’ll let Yitian know,” Phoenix replied.

On the way to Jingyuan Manor, the group was in high spirits. With a rare holiday, they could finally relax. Yaoguang lay in the arms of the celestial man, watching the group play cards and laughing herself breathless. Less than an hour out, Director Jia, Xuanchen, and Tianyou’s faces were covered in sticky notes, while the two young ones had none.

“Phoenix, come save us!” Xuanchen was struggling.

“I’m not involved,” Yaoguang said, popping a date into the celestial man’s mouth. “Is it sweet?”

“Sweet,” he replied with a smile.

“Phoenix, could you two stop being so sweet for a moment? I’ve lost miserably,” Director Jia grumbled.

“I’m not involved,” the celestial man echoed.

“How can you, as an immortal, ignore me?” Director Jia complained.

“I listen to A-Yao. If she doesn’t say move, I won’t move. Director Jia, you’re no longer my responsibility,” the celestial man laughed.

“That’s not fair!” Director Jia wailed.

“Let’s go admire the scenery,” Yaoguang giggled, pulling the celestial man upstairs.

“Wuwuwu…” Director Jia was speechless.

“Director Jia, you’ve lost again,” Jiang Yun laughed as he laid the final card.

“Ahhh… Tragedy… So many times…”

The air at Jingyuan Manor was truly refreshing. Everyone stretched as they stepped out of the car. Director Jia led them to his cousin’s house—Zheng Wenhong—whose courtyard was spacious. Having been notified in advance, Zheng Wenhong stood waiting at the gate. After the customary greetings, the evening meal was a proper country feast, which delighted Yaoguang and her companions. After so much takeout, these pure country dishes were a treat, especially for Yaoguang, who devoured a whole plate of raw greens. The group nicknamed her “Rabbit.”

After dinner, everyone lounged in the courtyard, cooling off. Yaoguang stood gazing at the newly-built main hall, smiling. The house would surely have a special feel. In the courtyard lay a thick beam—presumably the main one—well-chosen and sturdy. Yaoguang nodded approvingly.

Night at the manor was tranquil. Yaoguang and the celestial man climbed onto the roof, gazing at the starry sky. In the distance, insects chirped and a gentle breeze stirred—time flowed peacefully.

The next morning, the courtyard was bustling. Villagers young and old arrived. Long tables were set, tea and snacks arranged. Women busied themselves in the kitchen. Yaoguang and her friends tried to help, but Director Jia pulled them aside for tea. They watched the comings and goings: gift-givers, tea-drinkers, chatterers. A few carpenters worked on the scaffolding, and Zheng’s family served them tea and red envelopes. The main beam was wrapped in red silk, and a scholarly-looking man busied himself before it. Firecrackers were set outside.

At nine o’clock, the carpenters were ready. A crane slowly lifted the beam, raising it above the roof, pausing as the workers made final adjustments.

At nine eighteen, the scholar called out, “The auspicious hour has arrived—bring blessings!” With a thud, the beam settled firmly. He proclaimed, “Blessings upon this house—may descendants flourish, wealth abound, happiness and health prevail!” As he finished, firecrackers crackled outside and drums resounded.

“Well done!” Applause and cheers erupted; the courtyard was alive with celebration. Congratulations poured in. Zheng Wenhong clasped his hands in thanks, his family smiling broadly. Everyone shared their joy.

“Hey, look!” Someone shouted, drawing everyone’s gaze. There, beneath the two supporting pillars of the main beam, coiled two snakes—each as thick as a human forearm and over three meters long, one white and one black. They circled the pillars, mesmerizing everyone into silence.

The snakes left the pillars, glided around the hall, then returned to coil again. As everyone watched, astonished, things took an even stranger turn. The two snakes raised their heads and began to slowly ascend the columns, pausing occasionally to look around before continuing their climb.

Twin dragons coiling the pillars! Yaoguang stood among the crowd, amazed. The Zheng family had encountered rare fortune—on the day of the beam-setting, twin dragons appeared, a supreme omen. Prosperity and peace would surely follow.

“Twin dragons coiling the pillars! Supreme luck—great wealth and fortune ahead!” the scholar exclaimed.

“Wonderful!” Cheers burst forth again. Zheng Wenhong’s family was overjoyed.

But amid the celebration, no one noticed Zheng Wenhong’s odd behavior. His face darkened, and suddenly he lunged forward. “Stop him!” Yaoguang shouted, reacting fastest, but it was too late. With astonishing speed, Zheng Wenhong grabbed a stick and struck at the two ascending snakes. With two dull thuds, he knocked them down. He raised the stick to strike again, but though some tried to restrain him, his strength was overwhelming.

His face was grim, shrouded in dark energy, as he glared at the snakes. “I’ll kill you! Kill you!” he muttered sinisterly.

The crowd erupted in panic, terrified by Zheng Wenhong’s actions. His family burst into tears.

Yaoguang focused her energy and shouted, “Zheng Wenhong!” Her voice stunned everyone into silence, their gaze drawn to her. Zheng Wenhong stopped struggling, holding the stick, muttering as he walked away, “Kill you! Kill you!”

“Wenhong, what’s wrong?” Director Jia had never seen him like this. His family, speechless and tearful, watched in shock.

After a few steps, Zheng Wenhong stumbled and collapsed. The crowd was dumbfounded, unable to react. At that moment, a green snake slithered out from beneath him, weaving through the crowd toward the two snakes in the hall.

“Not good!” Yaoguang rushed over, flipping Zheng Wenhong. His eyes were tightly shut, brows furrowed, blood trickling from nose and mouth. Yaoguang placed her hand on his forehead, channeling spiritual energy.

“Zheng Wenhong, awaken! Zheng Wenhong, awaken! Zheng Wenhong, awaken! Zheng Wenhong, awaken!” Her voice echoed like temple bells.

“Oh no, oh no! Offending the Immortal will bring retribution!” the scholar cried out in terror, sending the courtyard into chaos—shouts, wails, and Zheng’s family’s cries mingled in pandemonium.

Yaoguang, angered by the scholar’s panic, shouted, “Silence! One more word and you’ll pay dearly!”

The scholar, startled, fell silent. The anxious crowd quieted instantly.

“What happened to me?” Zheng Wenhong stirred, bewildered at the faces before him.

“Child, what happened to you? You scared your mother so much,” his mother sobbed, clutching him.

“Director Jia, disperse the crowd. Postpone the banquet,” Yaoguang stood and said.

“Of course,” Director Jia apologized to everyone. Xuanchen and the others helped. The villagers, relieved to see Zheng Wenhong awake, promised to return if needed.

Yaoguang entered the hall, crouching beside the two snakes. The green snake, seeing her, did not flee but retreated slightly, as if giving her space. Yaoguang picked up the two motionless snakes, placing them on her arm, then extended her hand to the green snake, which climbed onto her arm, draping its body around her wrist and laying its head in her palm, listless.

Yaoguang carried them outside. A few villagers refused to leave, insisting Zheng’s family needed support after such an event. The scholar remained, watching her intently.

Yaoguang placed the two snakes on the table. The green snake slid down, coiling on the table and raising its head to look at her.

“Don’t be afraid, I can save them,” Yaoguang said, gently stroking its head. The green snake welcomed her touch.

“A wonder, a wonder! Old Zheng, this woman is an immortal descended—your family is saved!” the scholar declared excitedly. The Zheng family, wiping tears, looked at Yaoguang with hope.

Zheng Wenhong had sat down silently, everyone watching Yaoguang.

She took a porcelain bottle from her breast, poured out two black pills, opened the snakes’ mouths, and fed them the medicine.

Placing her hand on their heads, she began chanting, spiritual energy flowing beneath her palm.

The crowd could not see her spiritual energy, only her murmuring and stroking the snakes’ heads. After ten minutes, the snakes’ tails twitched.

Yaoguang lifted her hand. The two snakes began to stir.

“They’re alive!” someone shouted.

“All is well now, right?” Yaoguang smiled gently at the revived snakes. In the next moment, everyone was stunned—the three snakes lifted their heads and bowed to Yaoguang, as if in reverence.

The green snake slithered to her. She extended her arm, and it climbed to her shoulder, flicking its tongue near her ear for a while before returning to the table.

“I understand. You may go. I’ll come find you,” Yaoguang said, and the three snakes left the table, heading behind the hall.

Yaoguang returned to Xuanchen and the others. “We’re in trouble. There’s an evil spirit here.”

“An evil spirit? Really? What will you do?” Xuanchen asked.

“We’ll figure that out soon,” Yaoguang made a calming gesture.

Director Jia approached, “Phoenix, what’s going on?”

“Clear the area, Director Jia. The Zheng family is in real trouble. I’ll explain soon. Have the villagers go home,” Yaoguang said, sitting at the table and sipping tea.

Director Jia nodded, sending the remaining villagers away, then returned to Yaoguang.