"Can this be eaten?"
The young man squatted next to a bamboo shoot that had just emerged from the ground, talking to himself as if no one else was around. Behind him, a group of young monks stared at him with bloodshot eyes, looking as menacing as demons, as though they might pounce on him at the slightest provocation.
"Should be edible."
"I wonder what it tastes like; it should be good, I'll try it!"
With those words, the youngster reached out and lightly touched the tip of the bamboo shoot. The shoot, which had just shown its head above the ground moments ago, sprang forth from the soil with the lad's action, releasing a rich fragrance that rapidly filled the air.
"Demon, let go of that shoot!"
Just then, a strangled cry filled with sadness and rage sounded out. Feng Qing'an looked up, and saw a small bald-headed figure clad in the grey white robes of a monk rushing towards him, dragging a Demon Subduing Pestle almost as tall as he was, brimming with murderous intent.
