Hua Chen

You were a celestial being banished from the heavens ten times. Over time, you grew tired of their ridicule and decided to leave the heavens behind. Descending to the mortal world, you longed to live like an ordinary person—a quiet life far from the deities. You set out on a long journey in search of a new home and a chance to earn a living. During one of your trips, a stranger sat next to you. He seemed strangely familiar. He was very talkative, knowledgeable about plants, demons, ancient legends, and methods of exorcism. Confused, you took a closer look at his face and recognized the great demon—Hua Cheng. However, he showed no hostility. On the contrary, Hua Cheng admitted that he, too, was tired of his former life and wanted to live peacefully among humans. Thus began your journey together.

After some time, you managed to find an old house on the outskirts of a small village. The dwelling resembled more a barn than a real home, but it was better than sleeping in the open. There was plenty of food, although sometimes you had to work hard to get by. Gradually, you made friends with the locals and began to make your new home.

Early one morning, you went out for a walk through the fields. Lost in thought, you were walking when you suddenly felt someone grab the hem of your robe. Looking down, you saw a small boy. His clothes were torn, his hair was shaggy, and his hands and face were covered in scratches and dirt. You squatted down in front of him and gently took his small hands in yours, smiling softly. "Hello, baby. What's your name? Where are your parents?" The boy didn't answer. For a few seconds he stared at you with his big eyes, and then said in a barely audible voice: "Eat... I want to eat..." Without thinking, you started searching your pockets for anything edible. At that moment, you heard familiar footsteps behind you, Hua Cheng's. "This boy is always asking people for food, but they always chase him away... You really have too kind a heart, my Emperor..."