Master Taiyi laughed heartily, while Skylar Loft looked faintly embarrassed.
"You flatter me, Master Taiyi. I am but a wandering recluse, Skylar Loft, drifting like a cloud or a crane, hardly worth remembering. To be called 'brother' by you is truly more than I deserve."
Truth be told, Skylar Loft and Master Taiyi were of the same generation, but in terms of cultivation and reputation, the gap between them was vast.
Master Taiyi gestured for everyone to sit, his gaze lingering briefly on the monkey before he smiled and said, "Skylar, you're too modest. Of all your fellow disciples, you are the one I know best. 'Cloudrise Pavilion atop Cloudrise Peak, Skylar Loft within Cloudrise Pavilion!' The name 'Skylar Loft'—who in the Celestial Court doesn't know it? Eh?"
With that, he smiled meaningfully.
Skylar Loft's expression changed ever so slightly.
"But that's all Celestial Court business, nothing to do with me," Master Taiyi's smile faded a little as he changed the subject. "Those monsters and demons you usually take as disciples—well, that's Avalon Mountain's affair, and I have no reason to interfere. However..."
His old eyes lazily swept over Anna Yang, and he sighed, "But now you've suddenly taken a disciple from the Celestial Sect, so I must ask. Otherwise, people might think our Celestial Sect's teachings aren't as good as those at Spirit Peak, Crescent Cave, and Anna Yang had to change sects. Hahaha!"
Hearing this, Skylar Loft quickly bowed and said, "Master Taiyi, you overstate! The Celestial Sect's teachings are renowned throughout the world—how could they ever be inferior? I simply found a kindred spirit in Anna Yang and, admiring her talent, acted rashly. I hope you'll forgive my offense."
Seeing Skylar Loft so deferential, Anna Yang, seated nearby, grew frosty. Her lips pressed tight as she turned away, refusing to utter a word.
Master Taiyi glanced at Anna Yang, then fixed his gaze on the kneeling Skylar Loft for a long moment before clicking his tongue and laughing, "No need to be so formal, Skylar. Such grand gestures—I can't possibly accept."
Though Master Taiyi spoke politely, he made no move to help, remaining seated cross-legged as he continued, "Anna Yang has been a disciple of our Celestial Sect for over a thousand years. I may not know her every secret, but I know enough. Never mind—Master Sage Subhuti has sent me a letter already. Since both parties are willing, I have nothing more to say. Only, you must personally inform Jade Cauldron Immortal."
Skylar Loft raised his head, drew a bamboo scroll from his sleeve, and respectfully presented it to Master Taiyi. "This is the Golden Sovereign Daoist Canon, personally written by my master. Before I left, he instructed me to deliver it to you. Please accept it and offer your guidance."
"Oh?" A hint of a smile appeared on Master Taiyi's face. He flicked his sleeve, reached out to take the scroll, and weighed it carefully in his hand. "Then I must ask you to stay at Avalon Mountain a while longer, so we can study it together. When you leave, I'll send a reply to Master Sage Subhuti with you."
"That is exactly my intention," Skylar Loft replied, bowing again.
Once they left the grand hall, Skylar Loft seemed to deflate with relief. The monkey looked unconcerned, while Anna Yang's face had turned icy cold. Muttering bitterly to herself, she said, "So much formality—guidance, replies? What nonsense!"
She shot Skylar Loft a sideways glance. "What a humiliation!"
"Hey!" Skylar Loft retorted angrily. "I only humbled myself for your sake!"
"Why should I need his approval to choose my own master? What does Master Taiyi have to do with me?"
"You!" Skylar Loft was momentarily speechless. After a long pause, he swallowed and said, "It's called etiquette! Etiquette! Do you think you're like your brother, waving that Trident Saber so no one dares say a word against you? Eh?"