After speaking thus, the Vetāla humbly addressed the king, recognizing his nature to help others, a quality established by destiny itself. By the power of a devoted wife and the life-saving gift granted by the king, Śaṃkhacūḍa, now fearless, went forth to confront his enemy. To the south of the city ruled by King Candraśekhara, there lived a merchant named Ratnadatta, renowned for his righteousness and abundant in wealth and grain. One day, upon beholding an excellent form, the merchant approached King Candraśekhara and said, “Take her, O ocean of compassion; she is suitable for you, created by fate.” He then instructed his wise minister, Vidura, to accompany him as well. Having said this, King Candraśekhara returned home. His wife, Śyāmalā, knowing of the king’s arrival, worshipped him with incense, lamps, flowers, and other appropriate offerings. Yet, out of great fear, she wailed aloud with a cry of “haṃbhā.” At that time, the king had swiftly slain a tiger and rejoiced in his victory. With a humble heart, someone addressed King Candraśekhara, who was known for his adherence to righteousness, explaining that the tiger had been cursed by Prahlada and thus obtained such a body. The king, filled with joy, returned home and slept soundly. As instructed, the minister went to the place where the woman of desire was staying. It was said that by the power of her form, any king would fall into delusion. Thinking thus, the king refrained from performing the marriage. Instead, she, of excellent complexion, became the wife of Balabhadra. Struck by the arrow of desire and bewildered, another man fainted and fell to the ground. A palanquin was arranged and brought into the assembly. There, the question arose: “Whose beautiful wife is this? From where has this most excellent woman come?” The answer was given: “This beautiful woman is mine; she is the daughter of Ratnadatta. The wife of my servant is always suitable for you, O king.” Hearing this, the king, his eyes red with anger, replied, “If I take that lady, the servants of Yama will drag me to hell.” Having spoken thus, the king, tormented by the fire of separation, acted quickly. At this point, the Vetāla addressed the king once more: “Listen, O king.” Then, in that very place, the commander of the army was reduced to ashes in an instant. All those involved went to heaven. Whose merit, then, is considered greater? Is it proper for the servant alone to die for the sake of the king? A beautiful woman was given by a servant for the king’s sake. Yet, conquering desire and protecting dharma are superior, even to the king. The Vetāla continued, “Hear, O greatly fortunate king, the delightful story meant for you. In Ujjayinī, there was a king named Mahāsena. His son, Guṇākara, became devoted to wine and meat. Abandoned by his relatives, he wandered the earth. A yogi named Kapardī worshipped him with offerings made from skulls. For the sake of that hospitality, he summoned a yakṣiṇī.