In the Lingxiao Hall, the Jade Emperor said to Emperor Tianfu:
"I wish to establish a calendar for the human world. Twelve animals shall correspond to the Twelve Earthly Branches, forming the Twelve Zodiac Signs, to mark years and record time. Pass down this imperial decree."
Emperor Tianfu bowed and replied, "Yes."
At the same time, animals all around the world received this message.
After learning of the news, the Cat ran home and found the Rat, saying, "Our chance has come."
The Rat asked, "What chance?"
The Cat said excitedly, "The Jade Emperor is selecting the Twelve Zodiac Signs."
The Rat asked in confusion, "What's that?"
The Cat explained, "The Jade Emperor wants to choose twelve animals to represent the calendar and timekeeping. We have one month to prepare. When the time comes, we'll go to the Heavenly Court for the selection."
The Rat nodded blankly. "Oh~."
At this moment, a Jiao Dragon emerged from the water. It laughed happily and said,
"I finally have a chance to compete for the Twelve Zodiac Signs! Hahahahaha!"
By accident, it saw its reflection in the water and said,
"Doesn't my bald head look a bit unattractive?"
After saying this, it thought to itself,
"Maybe I should go borrow some horns from another animal."
The scene shifted. A Lion stood atop the highest mountain and shouted down at all the animals below:
"If none of you can defeat me, then don't even think about going to the Heavenly Court. That way, I'll have fewer competitors. Anyone who objects, come over here and duel me."
None of the animals below dared to make a sound.
A Meerkat asked the Warthog beside it,
"Should we go up? I really don't like him."
The Warthog stepped back and said,
"If you want to go die, go ahead. Don't drag me with you."
The Meerkat said indignantly,
"Why are you such a coward?"
The Warthog replied,
"Who says I'm a coward? Can't I just let one of my distant relatives compete instead?"
Elsewhere, a Pig walked past a Rabbit that was sleeping.
Suddenly, a Turtle woke the Rabbit.
The Rabbit jumped up and asked,
"What are you doing?"
The Turtle said slowly,
"You… know… recently, this… Twelve… Zodiac… competition… many animals… are participating. So I plan to race… race against you. If…"
Just as the Turtle was about to continue, the Rabbit interrupted,
"Stop, stop, stop. Do you think this is a cartoon? Do you think I'd lose to you just because I fall asleep midway? Leave. My reputation has already been ruined by you—every animal says I'm lazy. If I don't make it in the Zodiac selection, you'll be the first one I blame, got it?"
After hearing this, the Turtle retreated into its shell.
Seeing this, the Rabbit lay down and went straight back to sleep.
At this time, a Rooster walked alongside a Phoenix and asked,
"In this Twelve Zodiac selection, you should be firmly in first place, right?"
The Phoenix said confidently,
"Of course. If I'm not first, are you saying the Rat should be?"
The Rooster laughed softly.
The Phoenix continued,
"Alright, I'm going back to take care of my feathers, just in case I don't look good during the selection."
The Rooster said,
"Alright then, see you at the Zodiac competition."
The Phoenix replied,
"Okay, goodbye."
The Phoenix spread its beautiful wings and flew into the sky.
After watching it leave, a Duck came out from the side.
The Duck asked,
"Are you planning to compete?"
The Rooster replied,
"Of course. What about you?"
The Duck said,
"I have to go. I'm one of the few animals that can adapt to land, water, and air. I should be able to advance."
At this moment, a Swan swam over and said,
"A duckling will always be a duckling."
The Duck flew at it and started fighting. The Rooster glanced at them, then turned around and left.
After walking only a few steps, the Jiao Dragon flew down and landed in front of the Rooster.
The Rooster asked,
"What do you want?"
The Jiao Dragon hesitated and said,
"Well… could you lend me the horns on your head?"
The Rooster replied speechlessly,
"This is a comb, not horns."
The Jiao Dragon said,
"I know, I know. But could you lend it to me anyway? I'll return it after the Zodiac selection. Please?"
The Rooster said while walking away,
"No. Go away. Don't bother me."
With that, the Rooster walked on.
The Jiao Dragon followed behind and said,
"My head looks too empty—it doesn't look good. Your head is small, so being a bit empty doesn't matter. And your tail is already so colorful. Later in the competition, just stick a few Phoenix feathers on, and you'll definitely advance."
The Rooster ignored it and continued walking.
The Jiao Dragon kept pleading behind it,
"Don't leave yet. Let's talk a bit more…"