"The sect's treasures have been stolen. This disciple wishes to carry out another cleansing. If the founding ancestor thinks the course improper, I beg him to bestow a decree and set me right."

It waited quietly for the three sticks of incense to burn down. The tall stone statue gave no response at all.

The old dog respectfully raised a forepaw. "Since the founding ancestor consents, this disciple accepts the charge."

Amid the rising threads of blue smoke, a pale face showed.

The figure was hung upon the statue of the founding ancestor.

He had the look of a young boy, no different from any ordinary person — except for two eyes that seemed outlined in red lacquer, long and upswept like a phoenix's.

He was naked, his whole body driven through with nail-like wooden spikes covered over in talismans. It was as though even his blood had run dry; nothing was left at the wounds but shrivelled skin and flesh.

His skin was a sickly white, as though it had not seen sunlight in a great many years.

"……"

The Divine Wind Demon Emperor could not help a shiver. Who would ever have imagined that the famed demon emperor of the First Den had been hanging here the whole time?

"This disciple must still guard the main hall, and so today has no choice but to release this demon. I beg the founding ancestor's pardon."

Watching the old dog's earnest performance—

The boy finally opened his phoenix eyes and said hoarsely, "I'm feeling a bit sick. Could you keep it down?"

A sneer came to his lips. "You're a watchdog stacked up out of nothing but medicine. That you should fear This Emperor's supreme endowment is only natural."

"Wretched beast. Take your reward."

The old dog might not have heard. As it spoke, the wooden spikes came free of the boy's body all at once.

It watched impassively as he dropped to the ground.

It put out a paw, and a suit of silver armour with a snow-white cape came drifting out of the rear hall and settled over…