Half a Bowl of Meng Po's Soup

Blurb: All lonely women have drunk only half a bowl of Granny Meng's soup. They vaguely remember the shadow of a love from a past life, but can never quite grasp it. They search endlessly in their solitude, as their beauty drifts half away with the water and half into the dust. “I’m tired of all this,” I said listlessly. “Lord of the Underworld, I don’t want to be human anymore.” “Is that so? Have you finally made up your mind?” Perhaps it was my imagination, but there seemed to be a hint of delight in the Lord of the Underworld’s eyes. “Have you finally decided to give up that futile search and happily live your own life?” I shook my head. “No, I’m not giving up. I just think being human is too fragile. No matter how noble your status, there are always things beyond your power.” “So...?” The Lord of the Underworld frowned. I took a deep breath. “So I want to become a demon!” The Lord of the Underworld drew in a sharp breath. Silence filled the great hall. I stood still, holding my breath. I knew I was asking for too much. I might incur the wrath of Heaven and have my soul scattered in an instant, but I was willing to take the chance. After what felt like an eternity, the Lord of the Underworld finally spoke coldly. “Do you know that becoming a demon is no easy matter?” I nodded. “Becoming a demon goes against the natural order. It means revealing the secrets of Heaven and stealing the work of creation, so you will draw the envy of ghosts and gods alike. You must endure great calamities of wind, fire, thunder, and lightning. One careless mistake, and both body and soul will be destroyed. Are you willing?” I shivered. Becoming a demon was so difficult, too. But if I had to watch helplessly as the person I loved left me again, I would rather have my body and soul destroyed and be done with it. I nodded resolutely. Purpose: