Chaos came with dawn. A large crowd gathered outside the 'Lotus Seed' to see the unfolding drama. The bawling owner of the prestigious hotel had been dragged outside and pushed down the entrance stairs. He stumbled and fell to the ground sobbing and begging for mercy while his furious patrons shouted curses and threw rocks at him. His bleeding son hunched over his body trying to protect the older man from being stoned. Two crying women, his wife and daughter-in-law went around pleading for them to stop. They tried to pacify the angry victims but everyone was too angry to listen.

"Give us back our money!"

"Thief! Where is my wife's gold bracelet?"

"And my money pouch?"

"No, no! Please!" cried the son. "We are not at fault. We are not thieves! We were robbed too! All our earnings have also disappeared overnight!"

"Please stop! We'll find the thief. Please just stop!" cried his wife.

"Someone call the authorities! They should be locked up and this place closed down!"

The commotion was a like a magnet. The crowd grew bigger by the second as more and more curious onlookers stopped by to see what was happening.

A young handsome man studied the throng from a safe distance. Demon hunter Kai was satisfied to observe the scene before deciding whether he should involve himself in it. If no demons were involved, he would walk away quietly and look elsewhere.

Since leaving the Sect a week ago, he had already captured several troublesome demons. Then he had stumbled upon a string of unexplained robberies. Kai followed the clues and the trail of victims until he arrived here. It was the closest town to the last case and probably the next target of the bold thief.

Kai shook his head. He had just arrived in town this morning and already there was a ruckus. The world outside the peaceful Sect was lively indeed.

-----

Shang woke up early and dressed quickly. He was still sleepy but thought he should assess the situation. He always did after a big job. If there were problems, it may be time to leave town again. Quickly he checked to confirm the demon's door was red before rolling up the scroll and tucking it away with his belongings. He packed everything before stepping out in case he needed a quick getaway.

Ready for the day, Shang left his room.

Snatches of heated arguments and accusations reached his ears. Keeping his head down and his eyes averted, he inserted himself into the crowd. By now the poor owner was whimpering and his almost unconscious son on top of him. His wife and daughter-in law were also in the protective hug and crying piteously to anyone who would listen.

Shang felt elated. This was part of the excitement of stealing. No one had a clue it was him! Ha, ha, ha. He would never get caught. Stealing was so easy with the demon. Since he won her painting, life had been good. There was no need to work anymore. Everything he wanted he could buy with the spoils that the demon stole for him. Whenever he ran low on money, he could always make her steal more.

He did not pity the victims. If they were careless with their belongings, someone else would steal it sooner or later. Better it be him than someone else. In fact, he was doing them a favour by letting them know how easily it was for their possessions to be stolen. That way, they would increase their vigilance and security.

Suddenly a well dressed man walked up. He was tall, attractive and had his long black hair tied up in a simple warrior's knot. The sword in his hand and the way he carried himself confidently confirmed he was a martial artist.

"Everyone, please stay calm."

Several angry victims turned to him. He may be a warrior from the martial world but he still had no business butting into other peoples' problems.

"Who do you think you are to tell us what to do? You were not robbed so you don't know how we feel!"

"Yeah! Go away!"

"Mind your own business!"

Undaunted, the man dug into his robes to reveal a token. The solid wooden badge was the size of his palm with a white pearl and cyan tassel attached to it. He held it up high so that all could clearly see his Sect's famous insignia on it.

The Demon Hunter Sect!

At once all the noise and protests died down. People stared at him in awe and sudden respect. The Sects reputation and all its disciples were awesome indeed, so much so that even a novice would command respect.

"I'm sorry demon hunter for being rude to you just now. I didn't recognize you," apologized one man bowing awkwardly.

"Me too ... but is there a demon here? Are you hunting one right now?"

A real Taoist demon hunter was in front of them! What was he doing here? Was he here to catch a demon? The sudden realization made them fearful and anxious. They drew closer together among their fellow humans and looked around furtively trying to spot the demon.

Kai spoke up.

"I only came forward because I sensed a faint demon aura."

Gasps followed his statement. So it was true! A demon was in their midst!

"Please leave them alone," Kai said extending his hand to help the family onto their feet. "I don't think its their fault. It's probably a demon up to mischief."

He inclined his head respectfully to the owner. "If you can give me permission to investigate, I will try my best to catch the demon. Then we can get back all the items it stole and return them to their rightful owners."

The once angry mob calmed down at his words. Many were nodding their heads in agreement. Then they turned to beseech the owner.

"We are sorry, Master Li!"

"Please allow the demon hunter into your place and let him investigate!

"Yes, then there will be a chance we will get our money and belongings back!"

The owner was taken aback at the sudden turn of events but glad that the misunderstanding had been resolved. Now they would not force him to shut down his beloved hotel.

"Yes, yes, of course. Anything to get back our money and things. My safe was also robbed. Perhaps you could help me too?" asked Master Li hopefully.

"I will do what I can," said Kai as he was led into the hotel.

-----

Kai followed Master Li in. The spacious foyer and front counter was a mess. Kai turned to look pointedly at the regretful customers who had all stopped at the threshold. One stern glance from him and they all started mumbling apologies to Master Li.

"Violence is never the answer. I understand everyone was upset but Master Li is also a victim," Kai admonished them. He really despised violence but could met out punishment when needed. After all, the ability to fight and defend oneself was crucial in catching wily and dangerous demons.

"We understand. We apologize demon hunter."

"Do not apologize to me. It's Master Li that you should apologize to. He did nothing wrong. All of you did not even give him a chance to explain or defend himself before dragging him out and beating him up," Kai admonished them. "Your impulsive and emotional actions may have even given the thief time to escape."

"No! How can that be?"

"The thief got away because of us?"

"We apologize Master Li! Please forgive us."

"We are truly sorry! Please help us Master Li!"

The elderly man held up his hands.

"Calm down, calm down! I will take this demon hunter and show him around to facilitate his investigation. In the mean time, please stay outside so that he can check everything without anybody getting in the way."

"This may take some time," Kai addressed the crowd. "I suggest all of you find other lodgings in the meantime or go about your business first. In three days time, come back here to claim your money and other lost belongings. I will catch the demon thief by then," he said confidently.

Unbeknownst to the throng, Kai could smell a strange woodsy fragrance and see a faint glow on the walls and stairs. Demon dust. All demons had them. It was just a matter of colour, texture and smell. Although he could only see the trace of a single demon, he must remain vigilant. There might be more lurking around. Some demons were violent, malicious or even poisonous but all were dangerous.

Kai paused looking at the crowd. There will be those who will try to take advantage of the situation and claim more than what they had lost. He whispered briefly to Master Li who nodded and pointed to the front counter.

"When you come in three days from now to claim your belongings, please give Master Li your name and what you have lost. He will gladly return your belongings if it is proven that you were indeed here yesterday. As you know, all customers here are listed in his guest registers (dining and rooms). Describe your money pouch and valuables. You will get them back if your description matches the items retrieved."

"Do you agree?" Kai eyed them.

At the silence, the demon hunter added, "Or I could walk away now and leave you all the poorer for the demon's theft."

"Are you sure you can catch him?"

"Of course," replied the handsome hunter confidently. "And it's a her, a female demon. I've found traces of only one and she is alone. I'm sure of it."

"Ooooo ..."

"Yes, yes we agree! At least we will have a chance of getting our money back."

"Good. Now please go on your way. I will start my investigation now."

Kai turned to follow Master Li. Meanwhile the owner's wife, son and daughter-in law ushered everyone away and proceeded to close the door. They would attend to their wounds and clean up the place while awaiting the demon hunter's investigation results.

No one else was allowed in. The 'Lotus Seed' will be closed for business for the next three days.