At that shout, Liu Da instantly wilted.
Seeing this, Monkey couldn't help but furrow his brows.
Even with his own badge in hand, Liu Da still let the other act so arrogantly. Truly...
In the end, he’s just a lowly celestial servant—even if handed an imperial edict, he wouldn’t have the vision or confidence to match.
Tina Tixin and Belle, the two young girls, blinked in confusion, not knowing what to say. Hannah Hanwei, however, remained calm. Almost instinctively, she stepped in front of Tina Tixin, bowed, and said, "Greetings, Red Official. I am Hannah Hanwei from Guanghan Palace."
"Guanghan Palace? Hmph, since when does Guanghan Palace keep Pegasi?" the Red Official snorted.
"These are all Imperial Horse Bureau Pegasi."
"Imperial Horse Bureau?" At this, the Red Official’s eyes twitched. He lowered his voice and asked, "The Imperial Horse Bureau run by that demon king, Chief of the Imperial Horse Bureau?"
"Precisely." Hanwei smiled faintly. "The Imperial Horse Bureau is here to graze Pegasi. As for us, we’re simply taking advantage of some leisure time to admire the flowers. If we’ve caused any offense, I ask for your forgiveness, Red Official."
The Red Official’s hand trembled. He glanced around as if searching for something, then finally steadied himself and declared, "Even if you’re from the Imperial Horse Bureau, it’s not allowed. Beneath the Moon Tree, you can’t do as you please!"
His voice now carried a hint of unease.
Hannah Hanwei thought for a moment, then turned to Belle and Tina Tixin. "Since Red Official won’t allow it, perhaps the Pegasi should be grazed elsewhere while we stay to admire the flowers. What do you think?"
Belle nodded quietly, but Tina Tixin pouted in displeasure.
Seeing them yield, the Red Official’s spirits lifted. He barked, "You’re not allowed to stay here either! The Moon Tree is a precious treasure of Heaven, not for your enjoyment!"
At this, Tina Tixin’s beautiful eyes widened like copper bells. Her small mouth opened to protest, but Hannah Hanwei quickly grabbed her hand.
Belle didn’t want to cause trouble for Monkey, so she remained silent.
The three women quietly discussed their options and finally decided to leave. But as they looked up, they saw "Li Ping" swaggering straight toward the Red Official.
"You’re... an official, right?" "Li Ping" drawled, reaching out as if to hook an arm around the Red Official’s neck.
"What do you think you’re doing?"
The Red Official raised his hand to push the other away, but in that instant, he suddenly realized that compared to his opponent, his strength was like an ant facing an elephant—he had no power to resist.
Before he could react, his neck was already hooked.
"Li Ping" yanked him around and marched him step by step toward the Moon Tree. As he turned his face, his human features suddenly transformed into a furry visage.
Just one look, and the Red Official instantly went limp.
Monkey quickly grabbed the Red Official, preventing him from collapsing.
"Stand up straight."
"Uh..."
"You recognize me."
"Y-yes, I do." The Red Official nodded repeatedly, his teeth chattering in fear.
Breaking into the Palace of Blessed Unions and injuring the Matchmaker at night—others might not know, but how could the Red Officials inside the palace not? He even hung General Titan right in front of them.
"Good. That makes things easier." Monkey’s face shifted, reverting to Li Ping's appearance. "I want to graze my Pegasi here. Any objections?"
"N-no objections."
"I’m bringing a few moon maidens here to admire the flowers. Any objections?"
"N-not at all."
"Then how about handing me all the red threads of the Seven Fairies?"
"No problem. Huh? Ah!" The Red Official’s mouth dropped open in shock. "Th-this..."
"Just kidding, don’t be so nervous. I’m not interested in those seven little girls." Monkey wrapped both arms around the Red Official, lifting him like a child, setting him upright, and tidied his disheveled clothes. He whispered, "Relax, I’m not here to cause trouble today—really, I promise. Since you agree to let me graze the Pegasi, that’s all. Go on, and help me send regards to your Matchmaker—tell him to drop by the Imperial Horse Bureau for tea when he has time."
Pausing slightly, Monkey grinned and lowered his voice at the Red Official’s ear: "I promise, I won’t break his fingers again."
The Red Official’s face turned ghostly pale.
With that, Monkey patted his shoulder and turned back.
As soon as Monkey turned, the Red Official collapsed, clutching his chest and gasping for breath.