Chapter 1: Mao:

Shen Du's POV:

"New Years approaches," I said, "and I am still trapped in this netherworld. That is where I have decided I have had enough, if I can't take over China, then I shall rule Tiān and you shall help me!"

"And what would be in it for me," asks my friend, who is hiding in the shadows.

"Do this and I shall make sure you are the first in the Zodiac as you should have been so long ago!"

He then comes out of the shadows. "This cat would be glad to help you than, old friend, what do I have to do?"

"You must find the army of the Dragon Emperor," I said, "and what remains of the Dragon Emperor's body! If I could possess it, then my power could be combined with his!"

"And we shall use that army to invade the Jade Emperor's home," says Mao.

"Precisely," I said.

Jackie's POV:

We were getting ready for Chinese New Year.

"Chinese New Year rocks," says Jade, "especially the sweets!"

"Jade," I said, "two more days to new years."

"Awe," says Jade.

"And we must get everything ready," says Uncle, "this will be the year of the ox. Once more thing, do we have the food?"

"Yes, Sensei," says Tohru, "and I made sure to call your relatives."

"Good work," says Uncle.

Then this vase randomly breaks. "What was that," I asked.

"It is a dark omen," says Uncle, "something evil is coming and whatever that evil is... if it breaks it, it buys it!"

. . .

When I was taking the trash out, this strange man approached me. "Finally, I have found you!"

"Who are you," I asked.

"Someone who is upset that you've been stealing my thunder! I've been vanquishing the forces of evil since dynasties became a trend! I am the King of Ghosts! I commanded 80,000 demons, but does anyone care these days? Nope, now when they think vanquisher of evil, they think some archaeologist who doesn't even like the job!"

"I have to go back inside now," I said.

"Look, Show-Off, I could do this myself, but the Jade Emperor insists on getting you just because you were lucky enough to take down Shen Du before!"

"Wait, how do you know Shen Du," I asked.

"Because I'm not just some crazy guy you ran into, I'm Zhong Kui! You know, the Demon Queller with Five Bats? There they are, now."

I saw his bats. "But... it's morning," I said.

"You're kidding," Zhong Kui said sarcastically, "I was wondering where the night clubs are! Look, I still think I can handle it, but the Jade Emperor thinks we need your help!"

"I think you need to come inside," I said.

To Be Continued

Tiān (天) is one of the oldest Chinese terms for heaven and a key concept in Chinese mythology, philosophy, and religion at least that's what Wikipedia says. It takes place after An All Grown Up Adventures First Republic Day. In the next chapter, Zhong Kui explains the story.