“Sir,” the swordsman, now back in his original gray cloth robe, led his black horse along the main road. The path stretched almost perfectly straight ahead, disappearing into the lingering morning mist. Despite his usual brisk pace, today he walked slowly, the morning calm settling over him.0

The Daoist, the swordsman, a calico cat, and two horses—one red, one black—made up the early morning scene.0

“I asked the shopkeeper in town while buying a saddle bag,” the swordsman said, “and he mentioned that the next county, Lanmo County, is being troubled by a fierce demon. When he heard we were heading north, he insisted we avoid Lanmo County and take another route.”0

“Lanmo County...” murmured Song You.0

“Yes, sir.”0

“Did he say what kind of demon it was?”0

“They said it’s a rat demon.”0

At these words, the calico cat immediately turned her head, staring intently at the swordsman.1

Noticing her gaze, Song You chuckled and said, “Well, then, let’s go and see this rat demon for ourselves.”0

“Let's go and see this rat demon!”0

A county wasn’t far, and by early afternoon, they'd crossed from Zhijiang County into Lanmo County's...0