Jingle bells! Jingle bells!
The delightful, high-pitched ringing cut through the oppressive silence of the mountainside. Lord Pig, the golden sovereign of the skies, slowly ascended from the dark maw of Kongsang Mountain. He was a walking (or rather, flying) contradiction of power and absurdity.
He waved the magnificent Mountain and River Fan in one tiny, golden paw, which was utterly unnecessary for cooling but mandatory for dramatic flair. The exquisite Hehuan Bell—now his personal, custom-made accessory—dangled from a slender gold chain around his thick, regal neck, emitting its enchanting, hypnotic chime with every flutter. Strapped to his back, held securely by the newly acquired Binding Immortal Rope, was the half-foot embodiment of ultimate destruction: the Zhu Xian Sword.
His eight Wind-Thunder Sky Wings, a symphony of golden light and electric blue arcs, beat gently, propelling him into the clear twilight air.
Suddenly, a voice, crisp and sharp as a newly sharpened jade pendant, broke his internal monologue of self-appreciation.
"Aunt You, look! What in the name of the great King is that? Is that… a pig? A golden pig is flying in the sky!" The voice was brimming with a blend of pure astonishment and childlike curiosity.
Lord Pig paused his aerial swagger and looked down. Below him stood two figures. The speaker was a striking woman in brilliant green robes, her face a vision of fine eyebrows, luminous eyes, and skin as translucent and flawless as the finest jade. Her figure was graceful, her expression entirely captivated. This, Lord Pig instantly recognized, was Bi Yao, the beloved daughter of the Ghost King.
Next to her was a figure shrouded in an aura of cold command. Tall and entirely enveloped in deep black clothing, she wore a veil that obscured her features. However, the elegant curve of her neck and the poised, graceful tension in her posture suggested a stunning woman beneath the disguise—a mature and formidable presence. This was, of course, the Suzaku Holy Envoy of the Ghost King Sect, You Ji.
Hearing Bi Yao's exclamation, You Ji lifted her head, her veiled face tilting upward, and her beautiful eyes narrowed in professional assessment.
She saw a small, impossibly fluffy creature, no larger than a newborn bear cub, moving with unnatural speed. The creature was golden, and its eight spectral wings were clearly formed not of flesh, but of an incredibly potent, swirling divine essence infused with the crackling power of wind and thunder. Despite its apparently leisurely pace, it closed the distance between them in the blink of an eye.
You Ji's pupils immediately constricted. Her spiritual energy instinctively coiled, ready for instantaneous defense, yet her curiosity was too great. She carefully studied the creature's absurd accessories.
A delicate folding fan waved jauntily in one paw. Two golden bells chimed around its neck. A short, ancient dagger was tied to its back with a length of braided rope.
"The Mountain and River Fan… and the Binding Immortal Rope?!" You Ji's composure fractured, and she cried out in undisguised shock. The Mountain and River Fan was the legendary heirloom of the Feng Yue Patriarch, and the Binding Immortal Rope was a prized capturing tool of a long-dead Demon Sect master. But the golden bell around the creature's neck… that was what truly demanded attention.
"Ah, gorgeous sister, why the fierce staring? Even though Lord Pig is undeniably handsome, your intense gaze makes me quite… embarrassed!" Lord Pig announced, waving the fan coyly and speaking in a high, deliberately saccharine voice that belied his true power.
"You… you can speak?" Bi Yao questioned, recovering slightly. Most highly cultivated spirit beasts could assume human forms or at least project thoughts, but this creature looked ridiculously young and untouched by the usual arduous years of cultivation.
"What foolishness is that? Is it truly so shocking that Lord Pig can articulate his genius? Such ignorance! Clearly, you've been sheltered, little sister," Lord Pig retorted with a tiny, dismissive sniff.
"Tell us, little monster, where exactly did you procure these formidable magic weapons?" You Ji demanded, stepping forward, her hidden expression now intense.
"You are eager to know, are you not?" Lord Pig asked rhetorically, a sly glint in his eye. Both women leaned forward, their faces a perfect blend of intrigue and anticipation.
"Ah, but alas. Lord Pig is utterly exhausted from all this exertion and exposition. He requires immediate rest and comfort!"
With a swift, comical flourish, he retracted his Wind-Thunder Sky Wings and dropped like a golden, fluffy bowling ball directly into You Ji's chest.
You Ji's entire body went rigid. Her coiled spiritual energy surged, and her hand automatically raised, ready to deliver a crushing palm strike to the impudent beast. But the attack stalled. The small creature showed zero malice; it was simply… comfortable.
He actually landed on me! He's not attacking! Is he completely mad? Or is he so terrifyingly powerful that he fears no consequence? The sheer novelty of the situation was the only thing that saved Lord Pig's life.
"Mmm, this is wonderfully plush. Lord Pig hasn't had a decent nap all day—too busy slaying ancient snakes and collecting legendary artifacts!" Lord Pig sighed, kneading his paws against the silk of her robes, adjusting his head until he found a perfect resting spot, and letting out a loud, contented stretch.
"You arrogant little thing! Whose spirit beast are you? Are you not terrified that we might decide to put you in a pot and make a stew of you right here?" Bi Yao approached, her disbelief overcome by amusement. She gently poked Lord Pig's round belly with a delicate finger and lightly pinched his chubby cheek.
"I repeat myself, simple girl! I am not anyone's spirit beast! I am a singularity! A self-made firework! I am Lord Pig! I belong only to the Dao!" Lord Pig's fat face puffed up with offended pride. The notion of servitude was utterly repulsive.
"Tell me, little rogue, is that tiny bell around your neck also a rare treasure? It's truly exquisite." Bi Yao reached out and gently fingered the small, gold Hehuan Bell. Its delicate craftsmanship captivated her.
"Of course it's amazing! That, my dear, is the Hehuan Bell. Surely you've heard the legends?" Lord Pig said proudly.
"The Hehuan Bell?!" Bi Yao and You Ji exclaimed in perfect unison, their eyes widening further.
"Is that truly the ancient treasure made famous by Madam Jin Ling eight centuries ago?!" You Ji pressed, her hand now trembling slightly as it rested on the bell.
"Yes indeed! Are you sufficiently impressed by Lord Pig's loot haul?"
You Ji touched the bell again, her eyes glazed over with a complex mix of terror and avarice. A sudden realization struck her. "Then… then you must have been to the Dead Soul Abyss! You found the Black-Hearted Old Man's Bleeding Cave!" Her voice dropped to a barely audible whisper.
"What if I did? Are you now thinking of murder and grand theft against Lord Pig, just like those tiresome thugs I just dealt with?" Lord Pig asked, his big eyes twinkling mischievously.
Without waiting for a response, he quickly stretched a tiny paw upward and, with surprising speed, flicked You Ji's veil away. It fluttered to the ground, revealing a truly delicate and captivating face—a vision of matured, formidable beauty, currently contorted in utter outrage.
You Ji's beautiful eyes flashed with undisguised murderous intent. She was on the verge of striking. He dares to… to remove my veil?! It was an intimate violation of her personal dignity. Yet, the same caution froze her hand. The creature's casual confidence, combined with the power of the artifacts he carried, suggested an origin that could instantly annihilate the entire Ghost King Sect. She could not risk Bi Yao's safety until she knew his true nature.
"Ah, sister, you are incredibly beautiful! It was a genuine crime to keep that face hidden! You look a thousand times better like this!" Lord Pig smiled warmly, ignoring the palpable fury radiating from her.
"Is this creature truly a spirit beast? Or some ancient demon playing a deeply disrespectful trick?" You Ji and Bi Yao exchanged a stunned glance. The entire situation felt surreal; they were being propositioned and openly teased by a tiny, golden bear-pig nestled in the bosom of a holy envoy.
"Lord Pig is sleepy now," Zhu Hao announced, dismissing their concerns. He snuggled deeper into the soft confines of her clothing, falling into a seemingly deep, instantaneous sleep.
Just as planned, he thought. Now for the Heavenly Book, Volume Two, to be delivered right into my lap.
"Aunt You, are we still continuing our search for the Wanfu Cave now?" Bi Yao asked, gently stroking Lord Pig's furry head, her initial fear already replaced by protective fondness.
You Ji's lips curved into a subtle, sweet smile that was utterly chilling. "There is no need. This little fellow is quite enough for us. We shall return to the sect immediately." She looked down at the soundly sleeping Lord Pig. If he had found the Bleeding Cave, the greatest prize—the first volume of the Heavenly Book—was undoubtedly on him. All she needed to do was bring him back to the Ghost King.
"Ah, Aunt You, let me carry him! He's so soft!" Bi Yao reached out.
"Nonsense. I have him," You Ji replied, clutching him tighter. She needed to retain control. This creature is too powerful and too strange. I must keep him close. Until his identity and strength are ascertained, he is my responsibility.
With their prize secured, the two women turned and headed back toward the Ghost King Sect.
Upon their return, the main hall of the Ghost King Sect was alight with activity. The first person to spot them was the towering figure of the Azure Dragon Envoy, Qinglong.
"Oh, our perpetually frigid Suzaku Envoy, You Ji! When did you find time to develop such a heartwarming, maternal side? Raising pets now, are we?" Qinglong teased, his eyes hard and mocking as he focused on the tiny, golden bundle in You Ji's arms.
Snap!
Lord Pig's eyes snapped open. He lifted his head, peering over You Ji's shoulder at the sneering figure.
"What exactly are you gawking at, you oversized lizard? And who are you calling a 'pet'?" Lord Pig snapped, his voice ringing with a sudden, imperious authority that instantly sobered the entire hall.
How dare this crude meatbag call him a pet? Doesn't he realize he's addressing a future God of the Heavens?
"You insolent little monster! Such arrogance! Do you truly believe I wouldn't skin you and slow-roast you over a spiritual fire right here, right now?" Qinglong's eyes turned glacial. He was a Holy Envoy of the Demon Cult, one of the four greatest powers, and to be spoken to this way by a pet was intolerable.
"Lord Pig is utterly paralyzed with fear!" Lord Pig squealed, dramatically twisting his neck and shrinking further into You Ji's arms. His tone, however, was clearly drenched in the thickest possible sarcasm.
"You are begging for death!" Qinglong roared, lunging forward, his hand outstretched to seize the pig.
You Ji's face tightened. She wanted to observe the creature's true capabilities, so she remained motionless, allowing Qinglong to approach.
You cold-hearted hussy! I've been resting comfortably in your valley for nearly an hour, and you still harbor such murderous, ungrateful thoughts! Lord Pig internally fumed.
He knew she was testing him. He had a plan. Using his size manipulation technique, his body instantly shrank further, becoming a miniature gold and black ball of fluff. He tumbled deeper into You Ji's robes.
Qinglong's pupils shrank in surprise. He realized that to grab the now-tiny Lord Pig, his hand would have to pass directly into You Ji's chest. Perfect.
A malicious smirk crossed Qinglong's face. Instead of halting or apologizing, he sped up his descending grip. "Forgive me, Suzaku Envoy," he murmured, his voice laced with mock-sincerity, "but this creature is fast!"
"Presumptuous!" You Ji shrieked, her own fury reaching a fever pitch. Qinglong was openly attempting to violate her dignity, using the pig as an excuse! It was too late to fully stop his grip.
THWACK!
Just as Qinglong's palm was about to make contact, a tiny, impossibly dense furry claw shot out from You Ji's collar and blocked his palm with a deceptively soft sound.
"You disgusting pervert! You thought you could take advantage of a beautiful, defenseless sister under the protection of Lord Pig? Prepare to meet your maker!" Lord Pig roared, his voice now booming with the terrifying sound of a thousand spiritual beasts.
His little arm suddenly expanded to the size of a grown man's forearm, and he delivered a righteous, blindingly fast punch directly to the bridge of Qinglong's nose.
CRUNCH! AHHHHHH!
Qinglong screamed a high-pitched, miserable cry. Blood exploded from his nose, and the force of the blow lifted his massive body completely off the ground. He flew across the hall like a rag doll, smashing into a solid stone wall with a sickening thud, before collapsing to the ground in a heap, utterly motionless—a dead dog of a man.
"He is… he is stronger than any of us!" You Ji whispered, her heart pounding against her ribs. Qinglong was an elite master of the Shangqing Realm. He had been utterly crippled by a single, casual punch from the golden pig.
"Do not be afraid, beautiful sister! Lord Pig will protect you! With Lord Pig here, no rough beast shall ever bully you again!" Lord Pig declared, hopping onto her shoulder, patting his chest with his tiny paw, and speaking with the self-important confidence of a knight sworn to eternal chivalry.
You Ji's eyes softened slightly as she looked at him, completely thrown by the mix of unbelievable power and genuine, if arrogant, protection.
Qinglong, his face a mask of crushed bone and crimson gore, somehow staggered back to his feet, fueled by pure, desperate rage. "I… I will kill you!" he wheezed, pulling his ultimate magic weapon, the Qiankun Qingguang Ring, from his robes and charging toward Lord Pig.
"A simple punch wasn't enough? You force Lord Pig to display his full majesty!"
Lord Pig snatched the Zhu Xian Sword from his back. In that instant, the hall was plunged into darkness, only to be overwhelmed by a blinding seven-colored light. The ancient terror of the weapon was unleashed, causing every magic artifact held by the disciples in the hall to shake and tremble in sheer, existential terror.
BOOM!
A pillar of pure, rainbow-hued sword energy, easily forty meters long, materialized above the hall. It descended with the speed of light.
The Qiankun Qingguang Ring didn't stand a chance. It dissolved instantly, and the sword energy passed through Qinglong's body. In the time it takes a single droplet of water to fall, Qinglong—Holy Envoy, master of the Demon Cult, and fool—was vaporized, leaving behind nothing but a scattering of fine ash.
Gulp. Gulp.
You Ji, Bi Yao, and every surrounding disciple stood frozen, their eyes dull, swallowing their saliva in slow motion. In that single, overwhelming moment, they had not seen a pig or a sword, but the spectral vision of the God of Death itself, waving a magnificent, forty-meter blade directly at their souls.
The terror in the room was absolute. They now understood: this creature was not a pet, not a spirit beast, and certainly not a joke. He was an incomprehensible force of nature who had just casually executed one of the most powerful men in the Demon Sect. And he was currently sitting on their Suzaku Envoy's shoulder.