Fellow Student, Please Slay the Demons
At the very beginning, a yellow-skinned spirit blocked the road and asked, “Do I look more like a human or an immortal to you?” Fang Xiao, who had just crossed over on a train, was utterly bewildered.
Beneath a vast blue sky and drifting white clouds, between towering mountains and steep ridges, a forward-type steam locomotive belched thick smoke, pulling a string of green carriages as it thundered along the tracks.
“A mighty river, its waves wide, the wind carries the scent of rice blossoms on both banks, my home lies just beyond the shore…”
In Carriage No. 9, it was unclear who began, but soon a solo had become a chorus, youth and passion rising together in a powerful anthem unique to this era.
Faces young and bright radiated excited smiles, transforming the cramped, humble carriage into a sea of joy.
Huddled in a corner with a faded military satchel, Fang Xiao listened to his companions’ spirited singing, his mind still lost in memories.
He was profoundly grateful that he’d listened to his classmate’s suggestion, setting out on foot and by hitchhiking to the capital.
And then, he experienced a journey like a dream!
Even now, only days later, this sixteen-year-old could not suppress the excitement within him when he recalled those moments.
“Fang Xiao…”
Just then, a crisp, melodious voice rang out beside him.
It was as pleasant as the call of an oriole.
Fang Xiao turned instinctively.
But before he could make out the person calling his name, darkness fell abruptly before his eyes.
The train had just entered a tunnel!
Fang Xiao’s awareness faltered.
He could see nothing. The sounds around him seemed stretched and distorted.
It was like listening to a malfunctioning gramopho