This blow struck directly at the Azurewave Dragon King's deepest vulnerability.
After years of carrying this burden, the old dragon finally saw an ending—if not perfect, at least closure. Overwhelmed, he wept uncontrollably, choking out, “This old dragon thanks the Handsome Monkey King for his kindness.” Kneeling on his sickbed, he kowtowed again and again; neither the Nine-Headed Wyrm nor Princess Marina Azurewave could hold him back.
Even Princess Marina Azurewave, watching this scene, couldn’t help but shed tears, her heart aching for her long-suffering father.
Thinking back, she felt deeply unfilial—having received so many years of care, yet never once truly asked after or worried over the father who had always shielded her from every storm.
Had she known her father’s lifespan was running out, she never would have steeled her heart to insist on marrying the Nine-Headed Wyrm.
Fortunately, things have reached a good ending after all.
Her chosen husband, though not as illustrious or wealthy as the Third Prince of the Western Sea, still had the ability to secure a Peach of Immortality—ensuring she would not regret her decision for the rest of her life.
With these thoughts, she couldn’t help but glance tenderly at the Nine-Headed Wyrm.
That look made the Nine-Headed Wyrm’s heart skip a beat, filling him with a sense of foreboding.
Just then, Monkey stepped forward, supporting the Azurewave Dragon King with both hands. “Old Dragon King, Wukong did nothing—this was all your son-in-law’s idea. If you truly wish to give thanks, it should be to him.”
"Thank him?" The old Dragon King, eyes blurred with tears, looked at the Nine-Headed Wyrm.
Under that gaze, the Nine-Headed Wyrm gave an awkward laugh. "It’s nothing, really. Isn’t this all about the bride-price? I, the Nine-Headed Wyrm, have little to my name, so let those two Peaches of Immortality count as my bride-price. Yes, that’s it. If the Western Sea Dragon Palace could offer one peach, then I must give two. How could I let Rina be shortchanged? No— for the next thousand or ten thousand years, Father-in-law, all your peaches are on me! Hahaha!"
But that last laugh sounded a little hollow.
At this moment, only Monkey seemed to notice.
Princess Marina Azurewave’s gaze toward the Nine-Headed Wyrm grew even softer, while the Azurewave Dragon King grasped the Wyrm’s hand and sighed, “My virtuous son-in-law, I always thought you were heartless and wouldn’t make a good husband, but I never realized how thoughtful you truly are… Ah, with such care, and remembering how I treated you before, I was truly blind! Forgive me!”
With that, the old Dragon King—now so moved that his words tumbled over themselves—started to kneel and bow again. The Nine-Headed Wyrm, alarmed, quickly reached out to support him. “Father-in-law, you raised such a wonderful daughter and let me marry her—this is what any son-in-law should do. If you bow to me, I truly cannot bear it; don’t shorten my lifespan on account of me.”
Princess Marina stood to the side, smiling sweetly.
The old Dragon King wiped his tears with his sleeve and said, “From now on, you must never forget the Handsome Monkey King’s kindness!”
"Never, never! Whatever the Handsome Monkey King asks of me in the future—if it’s braving fire or climbing blades, I, the Nine-Headed Wyrm, will go!" the Wyrm thumped his chest, promising loudly.
"Damn, this isn’t quite how it was supposed to go…" thought the Nine-Headed Wyrm.
So, have these two Peaches of Immortality really bought me out?
He squinted, sneaking a glance at Monkey, who remained utterly composed. The Wyrm’s brows furrowed into a deep frown.
This Monkey is truly cunning.
It was supposed to be a straightforward deal, but somehow he managed to turn it into a favor—he even hoodwinked my father-in-law this thoroughly…
But the way he said it was masterful—calling it a ‘bride-price,’ settling my father-in-law’s worries, turning one peach into two, and giving me all the credit. He really did give me plenty of face.
Watching the old Dragon King so moved, and remembering how cold and dismissive he’d been back when I was holed up in Azurewave Sea King’s Palace, I don’t know why, but being outmaneuvered by Monkey like this left me feeling a twisted sort of satisfaction.
"Damn, I really am hopeless," the Nine-Headed Wyrm silently cursed his own lack of backbone.
With things like this, I doubt I’ll ever be able to break away from Blossom Mountain.
After comforting the emotional Azurewave Dragon King, the Nine-Headed Wyrm escorted Monkey out of the little wooden house. They walked in silence all the way to the foot of the mountain, where the Wyrm quietly tugged at Monkey but only opened his mouth, unsure what to say.
“What is it? If you’ve nothing to say, I’ll head back. You all tidy up and remember your promise—come to Blossom Mountain.” Monkey glanced at the Wyrm, his tone calm.
After holding back for a long moment, the Nine-Headed Wyrm sighed, “You really know how to talk pretty.”
“Isn’t it better to say it like that?”
“It’s not bad, I guess,” the Nine-Headed Wyrm replied, frowning. “I clearly sold myself cheap, but after your spin, it seems like I owe you a huge favor. If I ever waver, the old man will probably skin me alive. Damn, you’re frighteningly good at winning people over.”
“So, have I won you over?” Monkey looked at the Wyrm and asked in return.
The Nine-Headed Wyrm paused, then smiled helplessly. “You have.”
“Good. That’s all I needed.” With that, Monkey turned to leave, but the Wyrm caught him again.
“Walk with me a bit longer, let’s talk.” Glancing back at the little wooden house, the Nine-Headed Wyrm said, “The old man’s sudden warmth is a bit much—I’d rather wait until he calms down before going back.”
“Alright. What do you want to talk about?”
“I want to know where you came from. Of all the great demons in this world, I’ve at least heard of most, but I’d never heard your name before. You’re still so young—having such cultivation at your age, it can’t just be talent; you must have had a renowned teacher. Who is your master?”
The two walked on together, side by side.
“My master?” Monkey thought for a moment, then replied casually, “Subhuti.”
“Subhuti!? You’re a direct disciple of Patriarch Subhuti from the Cave of the Three Stars on Slanting Moon, atop Spirit Mountain?” The Nine-Headed Wyrm cried out in surprise.
“Yes. I’m ranked tenth—after the nine sons of Spirit Mountain comes me.”
“How come he never announced it to the world?”
“Is it really worth making a fuss about taking a demon as a disciple?” Monkey replied offhandedly.
“Damn, you’re Subhuti’s direct disciple, and you’re hanging around with a bunch of demons? With all this trouble you’re making, does Patriarch Subhuti even know? You’re fighting the Heavenly Army—are you out of your mind?”
“I have my reasons.” Monkey shot him a cold glance. “That’s not your concern.”
“Fine, fine, I believe you. Anyway, with your knack for scheming, you’re clearly not crazy.”
“Didn’t you say before you really didn’t like me? You said it twice.”
“I still don’t. You’re exhausting to be around—dealing with you is tiring, and if I’m not careful, I’ll get outmaneuvered. But honestly, sticking with someone like you isn’t all bad. At least I trust that as long as you’re at Blossom Mountain, Heaven won’t be able to wipe us out so easily. By the way, how did you know the Western Sea Dragon Palace sent a Peach of Immortality to Azurewave Dragon Palace? I only just found out myself.”
“Don’t ask. When the time comes, you’ll know.”