A Heart True as a Zither, Still in Tune

The snakes of Sangzhou are a clan of fearsome serpents. Their leader is the lord of Lanfeng City and the supreme ruler of the fierce snake clan. Xiao Ran, the second disciple of Snake Venerable Jiu Yu, has a mild, easygoing nature. With an outstanding, formidable senior brother above him, Xiao Ran is content to shelter beneath a great tree. People call him “Xiao the Carefree Immortal,” while his master, when displeased, calls him “Dream Bug.” In an unprecedented battle between good and evil, Jiu Yu gives his life for justice. By chance, Xiao the Carefree Immortal inherits his master's divine weapon and, following his final instructions, ascends to become the new Snake Venerable. He leads his people to the Chaos Lands, where the realms of gods, demons, and fiends meet, to guard the newly formed Soul-Refining Prison. The responsibility is immense. With an exceptional senior brother above him and a clan that holds Xiao Ran in contempt below him, Xiao Ran is uneasy in his undeserved position of power. In private, he confides his worries to the green mulberry tree on the cliff. But the tree has a spirit. A few lighthearted words from it ease the sorrow in Xiao Ran's heart. From that moment, love takes root in his heart, and he longs for the tree to become human so they can guard Ximang together. One day, the tree becomes human, but at the same time, nightmares arise in the Soul Prison. Though they are mutually in love, Qing Sang bears a heavy burden, the Nightmare Fiend escapes, and the snake clan splits apart... The cruelty of reality makes their path to love a difficult one. Qing Sang leaves without a word, his senior brother departs in resentment, and Xiao the Carefree Immortal is forced to shoulder his burdens and press on. He is no longer a Dream Bug... [A fleeting life, years like a furnace] Persist for the people and things worth holding on to, through both pain and joy. [The years stretch on, enjoy the story]