In the shadowy depths of the cave-manor, Erik Yang paced back and forth, seething with anger.
"He's nothing but a bloodthirsty monster with empty cultivation! He even devours his own subordinates—there's not a soul under Heaven he wouldn't eat! And yet you say you'll go with whoever reaches you first? Aren't you afraid he'll one day eat you too?"
"Before, I opposed you leaving with that monkey. Now you—" At the height of his emotion, Erik choked, clutching his chest as he struggled to breathe, visibly overwhelmed by fury.
After a long moment, he regained his composure and continued, "What did you promise me? You swore you'd stay here, out of the struggles between the great powers, and out of anything to do with that monkey. If the day ever comes when he truly settles his affairs and comes for you, I'll let you go. Have you forgotten all that you promised me?"
Erik Yang roared in near hysteria, his voice echoing through the entire cave-manor.
Throughout it all, Anna Yang simply sat there, staring blankly at the cold Jade Tablet on the stone table before her, unmoving and silent.
After a long time, Erik finally stopped, glaring at Anna.
"If it's the monkey, that's one thing. But if it's Six-Ears Damon... If he wants to take you from here, he'll have to kill me first!"
With that, he slammed the Trident Saber to the floor; the dull boom nearly shook the whole cave-manor.
Yet Anna remained quietly seated, a faint smile at her lips, unshed tears glimmering in her eyes.
No one could guess what she was thinking. But under the purple ward-light, the scene took on an indescribable sorrow—like a dagger plunged into Erik Yang's heart.
His grip on the Trident Saber was so tight it creaked audibly.
His parents' killers were avenged; by rights, he should have been at peace with the world. Yet his only sister—this monkey's existence had become a thorn in his heart. He even regretted not killing the one who ruined her life the first time he met him in Slanting Moon Three Stars Cave. What did it matter if revenge went unfulfilled?
At least she wouldn't have ended up in such peril.
......
At this moment, on the border of the Dharma-Quest Kingdom.
Monkey King gripped the demon general's collar, trembling with rage.
His eyes flickered as he spoke: "Lionback Kingdom—he's in Lionback..."
His mouth parted, revealing fangs. His eyes were shot with blood, muscles taut all over, and veins stood out on his forehead.
With such a menacing expression... The demon general was utterly terrified, struggling weakly to get away from Monkey, yet not daring to resist, fearful that a single misstep would bring disaster.