Along the way, Damon Macaque led his demon officers in slow flight, occasionally glancing back at Gavin Goathorn.
At first, Gavin would report news from Monkey’s side. But as Damon’s expression grew darker and darker, Gavin was soon reduced to answering only with nods and shakes of the head, not daring to speak a word.
Of course, from beginning to end, it was always a shake of the head.
When they were about a hundred li from where Tripitaka was, Damon finally halted, and the demon officers behind him all stopped in midair as well.
No matter how reckless he was, Damon knew that going any further would mean stepping into a war—and crucially, he had no guarantee of victory.
Baring his teeth, Damon was silent for a long while. Then he beckoned one of the demon officers over and pressed a waist token into his hand.
"Go to Crescent Star Cave and request an audience with Master Sage Subhuti. Tell him that someone over there is no longer fit to bear the burden of the Westward Quest, and I am taking over now. However, there may be some complications in doing so, so I’d like his help. Remember, you must deliver this message in person!"
"Yes, sir!"
The demon officer answered briskly and turned to leave. But Damon’s eyes flickered, and he called him back, reminding, "Everything you see and hear in Crescent Star Cave must be reported to me in full—especially Master Sage Subhuti’s attitude. Not a single detail is to be missed! Understand?"
The demon officer nodded blankly, then finally turned and departed.
Watching the departing figure, Gavin Goathorn asked cautiously, "Great Sage, wouldn’t it be easier to ask Master Sage Subhuti for help using a Jade Tablet?"
"You don’t understand," Damon replied coldly. "Some words still have to be delivered in person."
To win Master Sage Subhuti’s approval, Damon was genuinely glad. But how deep could that approval really go?
Though Master Sage Subhuti had sided with him back at Crescent Star Cave, he hadn’t actually taken direct action against Monkey, had he?
Some things still needed a little pressure.
So, with his demon officers, Damon waited at a spot a hundred li outside Tripitaka’s location. The demons present glanced at each other, confused and uncertain.
......
At that very moment, Birdie, dressed in green, was being led step by step into the Hall of Silent Meditation by Eugene.
The Daoist disciples in the hall had already dispersed; only Master Sage Subhuti remained, seated in quiet composure. He brewed a pot of tea, appearing at ease, but the worry between his brows could not be hidden no matter how he tried.
"Disciple Birdie, greeting Master Sage Subhuti."
"You’ve come?" At Birdie’s words, Master Sage Subhuti glanced up at her, but only for a moment—his gaze soon returned to the teapot. He sighed softly, "Lord Lao only just left, didn’t he? Why has he sent you over again?"
"Perhaps Master thought some things were better not said face to face," Birdie replied with a faint smile. "So he sent me instead."
"Sit."
With a casual wave, Master Sage Subhuti summoned a meditation cushion, setting it behind Birdie.
"Thank you, Master Sage Subhuti, for granting me a seat." Birdie bowed and sat down, her face still wearing a polite smile.
......
From a distance, Marshal Silver glanced at Tripitaka and asked in a low voice, "Have you discussed any of this with Master Tripitaka?"
"No," Monkey replied, pursing his lips. "What’s the point in telling him? What could he possibly do to help? He’s just a mortal."
"Even if he’s a mortal, we’ve all been through thick and thin together. I think, whatever you decide, you should at least let him know. Just leaving him behind isn’t exactly safe, is it?"
Monkey only snorted in disdain, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
Just then, Louis Quickpaw came running from afar, shouting, "Great Sage, bad news! Damon Macaque has left Lionback Kingdom with his men and is heading this way!"
Marshal Silver’s brow furrowed instantly. "What’s he coming for?"
"Isn’t it obvious? He’s here to take over and show off for that old man." Monkey was grinding his teeth in hatred, swinging his Golden Staff with force. Coldly, he said, "Since he wants me gone so badly, I refuse to leave. If he’s got the guts, let him try and take it!"
......
The night wind stirred gently, lifting the bamboo curtains in the Hall of Silent Meditation.
A cup of clear tea was poured and slowly pushed in front of Birdie.
Master Sage Subhuti asked softly, "Whatever he wants to say, just tell me."
Birdie lifted the tea, warming it with her breath as she spoke casually, "Master sent me to escort Clara Heart to Calmforge Palace for a few days’ stay."
At this, Master Sage Subhuti’s brows knit slightly. He sighed, "A stay at Calmforge Palace? Hmph, what’s that supposed to mean? In times like these, Calmforge Palace isn’t necessarily safer than my Crescent Star Cave. Not to mention Clara herself—even I might not agree to this."
"Master didn’t say you’d definitely agree. He just wanted you to have a choice." Birdie took a gentle sip of tea as she spoke.