The Merciful Path to Pacify the Cat Demon

During the Tang Dynasty when Empress Wu Zetian reigned, an otherworldly omen struck the Chang’an Palace: a black cat transformed into a demon, its claws like hooks and eyes blood-red, haunting the palace at night. Courtiers trembled in fear, and eunuchs could not sleep. Furious, Wu Zetian summoned Ye Fashan and his disciple to subdue the fiend.

Ye Zongsheng followed his master to the palace, where the black cat materialized in the moonlight—its fur as deep as night, eyes glowing with eerie red light. Ye Fashan calculated with his fingers, his face grave: “This cat demon is turned from a wronged soul, its resentment profound.” Ye Zongsheng took out a talisman, which turned into golden light to cage the demon, while Ye Fashan summoned a spiritual hound. The snow-white hound tangled with the black cat. The Cat Demon transformed into a mist to try to escape, but was bound by Ye Zongsheng’s spiritual power.

Ye Zongsheng halted his attack and soothed softly: “You bear a grievance. Let me ease your pain.” The demon seemed moved, its eyes flickering with confusion. As Ye Zongsheng chanted the pacification incantation, warm spiritual energy poured into the demon, dissolving its resentment until it vanished as a white light into the night.

Peace restored, Wu Zetian marveled: “You are divine beings, treasures of the realm! Zongsheng, so young yet so accomplished—truly remarkable.” She bestowed imperial wine, saying: “Your magic is peerless, but more so your compassion. To quell resentment without harming life—this is the mark of a true cultivator.” Ye Zongsheng bowed humbly: “Thanks to my master’s guidance; I dare not take credit.”

Wu Zetian turned to Ye Fashan with respect: “Master Ye, your sect’s way of mercy and the Psychic Embrace and Enhancement Ritual protects not only the royal family but all living things. Today’s deed proves your virtue; I shall remember it.” She ordered an attendant to bring a jade tablet, placing it in Ye Zongsheng’s hand: “This grants you free access to the palace. Come whenever I need your aid.”

Holding the tablet, Ye Zongsheng knew it symbolized not just personal approval but trust in the Xuanling Sect. He smiled and bowed: “We of the Xuanling Sect shall live up to your trust, praying for all beings.”

The master and disciple departed, continuing their path of cultivation. Their fame spread across the country, earning the trust and reverence of royals and commoners alike.