Xu Xun had never expected that this case would actually involve the tomb of a god from ancient legend—and a household name at that: Zhong Kui!
When he first heard it, his instinct was to assume that the historical account had been embellished over the centuries, perhaps due to a need for self-glorification or to ensure the orthodoxy and sense of belonging for the sect. This was not uncommon; many similar sects had such traditions. However, when Old Man Cao produced the ancient, hand-copied book cherished by his sect, the contents made Xu Xun waver between belief and doubt.
The opening chapters provided a detailed record of an incident in a certain year of the Tang Dynasty when ghosts and demons terrorized the people. Official historical records were vague about this, perhaps finding the truth unseemly, and instead categorized it as a seismic event or "earth dragon turning over." They did, however, heap praise on the local governor for his fairness and wisdom. This man, previously known for a poor reputation, had suddenly—whether due to a change of heart or a sudden pang of conscience—opened the granaries to provide relief to the starving populace. That was the extent of the historical record.
Chapter 441