The Legend of Zhong Kui: Chapter Three - The Rescue of the Beauty and the Arrow of Justice

The city they entered was in chaos. In the entertainment district, a beautiful courtesan known as "Sai Xishi" (Rivaling the legendary beauty Xi Shi) was being terrorized by the Slobbering Ghost—a repulsive demon who had possessed a wealthy merchant and was using his money and influence to force himself upon her.

The entertainment district in chaos as the Slobbering Ghost terrorizes the city

Han Yuan, the scholarly lieutenant, observed the situation with disgust. "This demon represents the worst kind of corruption—using wealth and power to destroy innocence. Lord Zhong Kui, allow me to devise a strategy."

"You were a scholar, not a strategist," Fu Qu said skeptically.

"Sometimes," Han Yuan replied with a bitter smile, "a scholar's cunning surpasses a warrior's strength. I spent years navigating the corrupt examination system. I know how these parasites think."

His plan was ingenious. Han Yuan would materialize as a traveling imperial inspector, claiming to investigate reports of supernatural disturbances. The Slobbering Ghost, in his merchant form, would surely try to bribe this official—not knowing he was attempting to corrupt a spirit of justice.

That evening, Han Yuan appeared at the merchant's mansion in magnificent robes (manifested through spiritual power). The Slobbering Ghost, sweating profusely and drooling despite his expensive clothes, immediately tried to ingratiate himself.

Han Yuan's clever disguise as an imperial inspector

"Honorable Inspector! What brings you to my humble home? Perhaps we could discuss matters over dinner? I've just acquired a new beauty for my collection—"

"I've heard," Han Yuan interrupted coldly, "that strange events plague this district. Citizens report seeing a man whose face drips like melting wax, whose touch leaves slime trails. Surely you've noticed such disturbances?"

The demon's eyes darted nervously. He didn't realize Han Yuan was describing him. "N-no, honored sir. But perhaps with a small contribution to your travel expenses—"

"Are you attempting to bribe an imperial inspector?" Han Yuan's voice turned dangerous.

Meanwhile, Fu Qu had positioned himself on a rooftop across from where Sai Xishi was imprisoned. His ghostly arrows could strike both physical and spiritual forms—perfect for what came next.

As the Slobbering Ghost grew more agitated, his human disguise began slipping. Drool ran down his chin in streams; his skin grew waxy and pale. In panic, he lunged at Han Yuan—only to pass through the ghostly form.

"Now!" Han Yuan shouted.

Fu Qu's arrow of liberation strikes true

Fu Qu's arrow flew true, striking the demon between the eyes. But this was no ordinary arrow—it was forged from righteous fury, designed not just to wound but to separate the demon from its host. The merchant collapsed, freed but unconscious, while the Slobbering Ghost's true form was revealed: a grotesque creature of appetite and greed, all mouth and grasping hands.

Zhong Kui materialized, sword blazing with divine fire. "Your victims cry out for justice. The women you've destroyed, the families you've ruined—their pain ends now."

The Slobbering Ghost tried to bargain: "Lord Zhong Kui! I merely took what I could afford! In this world, money buys everything—"

"That thinking," Zhong Kui replied, "is exactly why you must be destroyed. You represent the commodification of human dignity."

With one stroke, he obliterated the demon. Its essence scattered like foul mist, never to reform.

Sai Xishi, freed from her captivity, knelt before her supernatural saviors. "My lords, I owe you my life and honor. But I fear this city breeds such demons daily. The rich prey upon the poor, the strong upon the weak. Will you stay to protect us?"

Sai Xishi expressing gratitude to her supernatural saviors

"We cannot stay," Zhong Kui explained gently. "But we can teach you to protect yourselves. Evil flourishes when good people feel powerless. Remember—every act of courage weakens the demons' hold on this world."

Fu Qu added practical advice: "Form groups for mutual protection. When someone tries to buy what shouldn't be sold—dignity, justice, love—stand together and refuse. Demons fear unity among the righteous."

Han Yuan, ever the educator, left them with written instructions for identifying possessed individuals and basic spiritual protections. "Knowledge is your best defense. The ignorant fall easily to corruption."

As they prepared to leave, the bat guide brought troubling news. "My lords, while you fought here, I sensed something disturbing. The demons are organizing. They know you're hunting them. In the next province, two particularly vicious spirits—the Filthy Ghost and the Nitpicking Ghost—have joined forces."

"Opposites united?" Han Yuan mused. "The slovenly and the obsessively particular? That's an unnatural alliance."

"Desperate times create desperate alliances," Zhong Kui observed. "They fear us. Good. Fear might drive some to redemption, knowing justice finally stalks them."

Fu Qu tested his bowstring. "And those who choose to fight instead?"

"Then we give them the war they're asking for," Zhong Kui replied grimly.

The supernatural team preparing for the escalating war against organized demonic forces

As they left the city, citizens came out to witness their departure. Word had spread of the supernatural justice dispensed that night. Some cheered, others watched in fearful silence—particularly those whose own consciences were not clear.

The merchant, recovered from his possession, gave away half his wealth to his victims and devoted the rest to building temples and schools. Sai Xishi established a sanctuary for women escaping exploitation. The city, touched by divine justice, began to heal.

But ahead lay greater challenges. The demons were no longer isolated predators but an organizing force of corruption. The war between human virtue and demonic vice was escalating.

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Continue the epic journey in Chapter Two: The Alliance of the Wronged and discover the beginning of the legend in Chapter One: The Ugly Scholar's Curse.