C12 Unbecoming Neighbor

As the Black Snake Spirit hastily gathered her belongings, she made a beeline for Devil Hall. Back at Devil Hall, the underlings had already reported back to the Devil Lord.

One minion knelt at the Devil Lord's feet and reported, "My Lord, I have delivered your message to Fairy Black Snake. However, she did not confirm her attendance. The guards at her door informed me that Fairy Black Snake is currently preoccupied and cannot be disturbed."

Upon hearing this, the Devil Lord, in a fit of rage, kicked a nearby stone to smithereens. "Damn it, has she grown too bold? I summon her, and she dares to defy me? Just wait and see how I'll deal with her."

No sooner had the Devil Lord spoken than a swirling black wind appeared at the entrance, and Black Snake gracefully descended before him. "Master, please don't believe his wild tales. I came here as quickly as I could upon receiving the news. The little snake at my door is just a naive child; I beg your forgiveness and assure you such an oversight won't happen again."

Seeing Black Snake's earnest apology, the Devil Lord decided not to hold her accountable any further. He dismissed the matter with a wave of his hand, "Fairy Black Snake, I have raised you for many years, and now it's time for you to take action. The Heavenly Emperor has re-established order, and nothing is set in stone. If we, the denizens of the Devil World, lose to their Divine World in this contest, our future will be bleak. We have laid out an immense strategy in the mortal realm, and should we fail, you will no longer enjoy the leisure you have now."

The Black Snake nodded vigorously and bowed to her master, "Master, rest assured, I am at your beck and call. I am ready to face any challenge or danger for you."

"That's the spirit I expect," the Devil Lord said approvingly. "There's a young man named Lin Xiaoqiang in the Dead Shallows, chosen by the Abyssal Lord to lead the Ice World. I do not wish for him to remain in this world. I command you to become his neighbor and find ways to sabotage his affairs, ensuring he never claims the title of Ice Lord."

The black snake knelt on the ground, bowing repeatedly as he spoke, "Master, just watch—I'll handle this task flawlessly. Once I've taken care of that kid, I'll return to report to you."

The Demon Lord suddenly remembered another matter and cautioned the black snake fairy, "Mind your methods. Everything must appear natural. We can't have him die directly by your hand; the heavens would hold us accountable. A divine punishment could bring a calamity upon our entire Demon World. Do you understand?"

"Of course, rest assured, Master. I've got it all under control," the black snake fairy assured.

With her orders received, the Fairy Black Snake transformed into a dark cloud and drifted down to the human realm.

The news that Lin Xiaoqiang had acquired the Kylin spread like wildfire through the village, drawing many curious onlookers eager to witness the Kylin's true form.

Before long, Lin Xiaoqiang's newfound prosperity was the talk of every corner of the village. That day, as he stepped out of his house, his neighbor Lee Erhei approached him with a grin.

"What's keeping you busy these days, big brother?" Lee Erhei struck up a conversation with a beaming smile.

Lin Xiaoqiang was momentarily taken aback. This neighbor of his had never exchanged words with him since they'd known each other, their families at odds over a property dispute for generations. Yet here was Lee Erhei, suddenly engaging him in conversation—it felt suspiciously like a weasel greeting a chicken for the New Year.

Nevertheless, Lin Xiaoqiang politely responded, "Not much, really. The times have changed; I can't just work at the factory anymore. I've been picking up odd jobs here and there to earn enough to feed my family."

"Oh, big brother, you're being too humble! You've become quite the local celebrity. It's more than just scraping by for food, isn't it? I noticed you have a fine white horse in your yard—it's quite impressive."

Lin Xiaoqiang, having grown accustomed to the constant inquiries about the Kylin, didn't give it much thought and simply nodded, "It's all due to a stroke of luck, really."

After a brief pause, Lee Erhei spoke up again, "There's something I'd like to ask of you. Would you be willing to help me?"

Lin Xiaoqiang could tell this fellow was up to no good. And now, here he was, seeking Lin Xiaoqiang out.

Lin Xiaoqiang spoke plainly, "It all depends on the situation. If it's within my power, I'll certainly agree. But if it's too much to handle, I'll have to apologize and decline."

"You can handle it, no sweat," Lee Erhei said with a sly grin.

Then, Lee Erhei confessed, "Look, brother, to be honest, I'm a bit strapped for cash lately. Could you spot me some food? I'll pay you back as soon as I can."

Hearing this, Lin Xiaoqiang felt a surge of irritation. His food didn't just blow in with the wind; he couldn't just lend it out willy-nilly.

"Come on, Lee Erhei, you're a grown man. Shouldn't you be able to fend for yourself rather than borrowing food? I didn't get my supplies for free, you know," Lin Xiaoqiang retorted.

At that, Lee Erhei's face flushed with embarrassment. "I've been under the weather lately and haven't been able to go out. Just lend me a bit, will you? Look at that horse in your yard—how much could you sell that for? Do you really need to pinch pennies with me over some food?"

Lin Xiaoqiang bristled at his words and flatly refused.

"Sorry, Lee Erhei, I can't lend you the food. You can't just sit around at home and expect to borrow from me whenever you run out. I won't be a part of that," he stated firmly.

Lee Erhei's expression soured at the refusal, his tone laced with bitterness.

"So, Lin Xiaoqiang, now that you've got a little money, you're putting on airs? I remember when your family had nothing, and you weren't so high and mighty. What's the big deal? I'm asking for a bit of food, and you can't spare it? Today, I'm going to borrow it, whether you like it or not."

With that, Lee Erhei strode toward Lin Xiaoqiang's courtyard.

Fearing Lee Erhei might cause trouble, Lin Xiaoqiang quickly grabbed him from behind.

"Don't try anything foolish, Lee Erhei. Watch it, or I won't be so polite," Lin Xiaoqiang warned, his patience wearing thin. He knew all too well that showing too much leniency to someone like Lee Erhei only invited more audacity.

However, Lin Xiaoqiang never anticipated that Lee Erhei would seem so deliberate this time. With a hard stare, he taunted, "Oh, you're still itching for a fight, huh? After picking the pockets of everyone outside, you're setting your sights on your own neighbors now? Come on then, have at it. Hit me all you want—beat me to death if that's what you want."