ENG
Fiery spirit, life he stakes, Madness flaunts the wind he makes.
Nostrils flare with smoky breath, Mouth exclaims with flames of death.
Smoke ascends, the wind does chase, Fire spreads with wind's embrace.
Loyalty worth a thousand gold, Together strong, their bond unfolds.
In bygone days, there were two ruffians wandering the city, always spending their nights beneath the same section of the city wall, thus forming a close bond.
With no attachments or concerns, they acted recklessly and without restraint. One time, during their robbery of a wealthy young master, they accidentally killed him, leading to their joint sentencing to death by beheading, their execution scheduled in the autumn.
While imprisoned, one ruffian said to the other, "We've had a carefree life, and if we must die, so be it. It's a pity we won't be able to enjoy ourselves together anymore."
The other ruffian replied, "If you wish to continue our fun together, it's not impossible. I am a descendant of the 'Falling Head Clan' and possess some tricks." He then whispered a set of skills into his companion's ear.
Come autumn, the two were beheaded in the public square. As the executioner sprayed wine and swung his blade, their heads fell to the ground but suddenly flew up into the air, much to the astonishment and cheers of the onlookers.
Afterwards, the two heads flew into the mountains and became yaoguais, one named "Quick as Fire" and the other "Fast as Wind".
This story begins with two ruffians who drifted around the same part of the city and spent their nights together under the city wall. They had no ties or responsibilities, lived recklessly, and formed a close bond from sharing the same rough life.
One night they tried to rob a wealthy young master and accidentally killed him. For that crime they were sentenced to death by beheading, with the execution set to happen in the autumn.
While jailed, one of them said it was a shame they would no longer be able to enjoy life together. The other answered that if they wanted to keep their fun, it might be possible: he claimed descent from the "Falling Head Clan" and said he knew tricks. He then whispered a set of skills into his companion’s ear.
In the public square at their execution, the executioner ritually sprayed wine and swung his blade. Their heads fell to the ground as expected, but then both heads rose up into the air. The crowd watching was astonished and cheered at this unexpected sight.
After rising, the two heads flew into the mountains and became yaoguais, supernatural beings. They took the names "Quick as Fire" and "Fast as Wind." The opening verses of the source connect to this outcome: one spirit is tied to fire, the other to wind, and their loyalty and partnership make them powerful together.