The deal was sealed, and Hou Niao, with a smirk that wasn't quite a smile, said, "Daoist Huang, you're not being very sincere, hiding half the good stuff you have on you and showing only the rest. Who knows how many more you have hidden? Could it be that every time I bring out a treasure, you'd come up with a Soul Bead?"
Daoist Huang gave an awkward smile, "No more, no more, really no more. I swear, if I tell a lie, may the Five Thunders strike me down."
Hou Niao uttered an "Oh," "So that's it. I haven't even taken out my real treasure yet! But since you have no more, let's just call it done, and may we meet again."
The real treasure? Daoist Huang's curiosity was successfully piqued, even though he constantly reminded himself to stop while he was ahead and not to fall into the abyss of greed; but the trap Hou Niao had set was skillfully hidden and not too deep, filled with his favorite bait prepared inside.
