Chapter 4: A Talisman Seals the Serpent Demon

Since ancient times, scholars have always been entranced by romance. As for the sayings that within books one finds houses of gold and beauties as fair as jade, those are mostly the words of impoverished scholars. Who does not long for a beauty by their side, adding fragrance to moonlit nights?

My cousin, with his bulging, fish-like eyes, is brimming with talent; the title of provincial graduate is almost within his grasp. Countless young ladies admire him, but unfortunately, he has encountered a malignant demon.

No wonder my cousin is reluctant to speak of it; if word got out, it would surely tarnish his reputation and invite ridicule among scholars. The rivalry among men of letters is no laughing matter.

When the moon hung high in the sky, a sudden warmth in Yi Fan’s embrace jolted his foggy mind awake. He kicked the cousin, who was slumped against a tree, half-dozing.

“Don’t make a sound. The demon is here.”

His cousin’s eyes snapped open. Just as he was about to move, Yi Fan pressed him down. Only fear flickered in his cousin’s gaze. “You go subdue it. I’ll stay here and wait for you.”

I never expected you to go anyway.

Yi Fan’s lips twitched, but he said nothing more. He undid the bundle on his back and drew out the Sword of Demon Banishment, its blade gleaming with a faint purple light. This sword, carved from a hundred-year-old peach tree, was handed down from the founder of their Taoist temple. Over generations, priests had imbued it with talismans and incantations, making it a potent weapon against evil spirits.

He had brought it down the mountain for his own safety.

…

Chen Yi sat by the window, illuminated by the blue glow of the lamp and the clear moonlight, deeply engrossed in his books. He was so absorbed that when a knock sounded at the door, joy filled his heart; he tossed aside his scroll and hurried out.

“You’re here, Youluo.”

As Chen Yi opened the door, sure enough, a young woman stood outside holding a lantern. Bathed in moonlight, she was breathtaking. The hint of charm at the corner of her eyes unsettled his soul.

“Chen, forgive me for being late,” she murmured shyly, bowing her head.

“Not at all, you’re right on time. See how bright the moon is tonight and how gentle the breeze. With some wine and food prepared, it’s the perfect night to admire the moon.” Chen Yi strove to maintain his composure as he invited her in.

A month ago, while reading under the moon, he had been interrupted by a knock at the door. Opening it, he found two women—a mistress and her maid—who claimed to have lost track of time while sightseeing. With night falling in the countryside, they requested shelter. Chen Yi, good-natured and hospitable, had naturally agreed—especially with such a beauty at his door.

At dawn, the women took their leave. Just as he was lamenting not having learned more about them, the young lady returned alone that very night.

What he had not expected was that she would confess her feelings so boldly. She claimed to have fallen for him at first sight and wished to always remain by his side, but her parents objected, so they could only meet in secret each night.

Thus, for a month, the two of them often indulged in various amusements, which only deepened Chen Yi’s infatuation. It was as if a new world had opened before him, and he became ever more enraptured.

Tonight was another of their agreed trysts, and he had prepared everything in advance. Before her arrival, he had already set the table in the courtyard with a lavish spread—chicken, duck, fish, and meat—all her favorites.

Seated together, Chen Yi raised his cup. “We meet so often in secret. Surely your parents must know by now. Since they haven’t stopped you from coming, they must tacitly approve. Soon I will send someone to formally propose, so I may marry you properly.”

Tears welled in the lady’s eyes as she fell into his arms. “You are so good to me, Chen.”

“What are you saying? If I’m not good to you, who else deserves it? Isn’t that so, my dear?”

Laughing, Chen Yi swept her up and kissed her, his hands wandering, making her body weak with pleasure. After a soft moan, she propped herself up again.

“Chen, I fear that meeting you every night for this past month has distracted you from your studies. I feel guilty—I think you should return to your books.”

Resting in his arms, her cheeks flushed as she spoke, her breath fragrant, making Chen Yi adore her all the more. “I’ve read since I was a child—my home holds ten thousand books, and I’ve long since mastered their contents. Passing the provincial exams is nothing to me. Is there any pleasure greater than sharing these nights of joy with you?”

With that, he lifted her robe, and their bodies entwined. Soon, waves of passion surged through the courtyard; their cries rose and fell, echoing under the strange, bewitching moonlight.

Bang, bang, bang…

A knocking sounded at the door. At first, they paid it no mind, but as it grew louder, the woman suddenly lifted her head, gazing at the door in alarm.

“Chen, I think there’s someone outside.”

“Nonsense, it’s just the wind.”

Suddenly, the door was kicked open with a crash. A young Taoist priest stepped in, his face grim in the moonlight, a black sword in hand, striding straight towards them.

“Who are you?” Chen Yi cried out in terror, raising his head from his lover’s embrace.

“I’m here to save you.”

With a swift kick, the Taoist knocked Chen Yi aside and thrust the sword straight at the woman, his resolve unwavering. Chen Yi shrieked, “Stop! Are you trying to kill someone?”

The moment the Taoist entered, the woman had already become wary. Realizing he was here to kill her, she rolled away from his attack, barely dodging the blade but ending up sprawled in the dirt, looking disheveled.

“Kill someone? No, I’m here to slay a demon.”

The Taoist’s eyes were cold as he struck again. The woman rose, moving lightly, and slapped the flat of the sword. Lightning seemed to jolt through her; her body shuddered and she staggered back several steps.

“Where did this little Taoist brat come from, daring to ruin my plans?” Her face twisted with malice as she eyed the sword warily. The hand that had struck the blade was now scorched and smoking, pain making her tremble.

“Enough talk. Take another taste of my sword.”

Seeing the sword’s effectiveness, the Taoist’s face lit with triumph. He lunged forward, sword flashing like lightning, chopping straight for her.

Her eyes glowed green as she dodged with a spring of her legs, then spun behind Yi Fan, seizing him by the throat and lifting him with a vicious grin.

“Little Taoist, you dare meddle in my affairs? Clearly, you do not know the meaning of death. As it happens, I have a craving—let me have your heart to satisfy it.”

“Wait! I have something to say. If you don’t hear me out, you’ll regret it.”

The woman paused, slowly lowering the Taoist, but remained on guard. Her lips brushed his ear, while one leg curled around his back like a serpent.

“Oh? Still mouthing off at death’s door? Or perhaps you wish to enjoy one last moment with me before you die?”

The Taoist was unmoved by her temptations. He struggled to free himself, but found he could not move. Yet his hand had already reached into his robes. Suddenly he shouted, “Senior brother outside, come in and save me!”

Startled, the woman snapped her head up, staring outside. Suddenly, a sense of dread flooded her—she realized she’d been tricked.

But it was too late. Just as she tightened her grip, she saw that, at some point, the Taoist had slapped a faintly glowing red talisman onto her. Heat surged through her body, a torrent of pain paralyzing her.

“Damn brat, you tricked me! I’ll kill you!”

With a hiss and a sizzle, as if water had been poured into boiling oil, the Taoist used the moment to wrench himself free. But just as he turned, a huge force struck him, sending him flying three or four yards away.

Ignoring the pain, he scrambled to his feet and looked back. Where the woman had stood, there now lay a massive yellowish snake, motionless on the ground—four or five meters long and as thick as a rice bowl. It was a terrifying sight.

Thankfully, the snake was pinned by the talisman, its body convulsing as if electrified, the air thick with the stench of burning flesh. In no time, it lay still—dead at last.