The Nine-Headed Wyrm's eyes bulged, round as bronze bells.
That one sentence made Monkey hesitate.
From the look of it, the Nine-Headed Wyrm was determined to get what he wanted. Monkey even noticed the Nine-Headed Wyrm's clenched fists trembling uncontrollably—it didn't seem like an act.
If he refused, the Nine-Headed Wyrm likely wouldn't let it go so easily.
Rubbing his chin, Monkey folded his arms and began to think carefully.
Meanwhile, the Nine-Headed Wyrm waited anxiously.
Time trickled by, moment after moment. The bowstrings atop the city wall remained taut—no one dared let their guard down.
After a long while, Monkey spoke: "May I ask you a question first?"
"Ask away," the Nine-Headed Wyrm replied urgently.
"The Six Demon Kings..."
"I've already parted ways with the Six Demon Kings," he said.
"Alright. Then give me until tomorrow morning to consider. Come back here at this time, and I'll give you my answer," Monkey said.
"No. I'll wait right here for you," the Nine-Headed Wyrm replied, shaking his head.
"You'll wait here for me?" Monkey glanced at the Nine-Headed Wyrm, his voice indifferent. "Suit yourself."
With that, he turned and walked back into the city.
True to his word, the Nine-Headed Wyrm did not leave. He sat cross-legged on the empty ground outside the city gate, closed his eyes, and tried to calm his mind. When dawn broke, Monkey stood atop the city wall and saw him still sitting there, utterly alone.
"Are we really going to give him a Peach of Immortality?" Shortbeak asked, standing behind Monkey.
"I'm still considering it," Monkey replied.
Monkey turned away, resting his arm on Shortbeak's shoulder as the two of them descended from the city tower together.
"Considering?" Shortbeak echoed.