Late at night, the upper floor was warmed with a charcoal brazier. The Daoist lay stiffly on the bed, covered with a quilt, while the cat curled up next to the brazier for warmth.2

“Lady Calico, are you heading out to banish evil and exorcize demons? Should I accompany you?”0

“Hm?” The cat, curled into a ball near the fire, turned her head to look at him.“You’re coming too?”0

“To keep you company, of course.”0

“But you’ve been quite lazy recently,” the cat pointed out, recalling his earlier words.0

“True,” Song You admitted after a brief pause, “but on second thought, since you’ve accompanied me on my travels across the world, how can I not go with you when you’re heading out to drive away evil?”0

“Are you worried about me?” The cat turned her head again, staring straight at him with an expression of contemplation.0

“Obviously not. You possess vast divine powers and immense magical strength. You’re also smart, vigilant, and independent—why would you ever need my concern?”1

“Exactly. Back when I was the Cat God and helped people catch mice, I always went alone.”0

“Exactly. I thought so too.” The Daoist remained lying flat on the bed, his eyes open. 0

Darkness surrounded him, but with a slight turn of his head, he could see the faint crimson glow emanating from the brazier. He could...0