"Peach of Immortality...?" Clerk Zeng Yun's eyes narrowed slightly.
He had imagined Blossom Mountain might ask for cultivation techniques, for elixirs, for a promise not to attack, or even for gold essence or weapons. Yet this demand took everyone by surprise. But judging by the Monkey King's attitude, he clearly wasn't joking.
After pondering for a moment, Clerk Zeng Yun gave a dry laugh, straightened up slightly, and said loudly, "The Monkey King is certainly direct and forthright. But King Broadgaze, as one of the Four Heavenly Kings of South Heaven Gate, is hardly equivalent to a mere Peach of Immortality or two. However..."
He paused, looked at the Monkey King, and said solemnly, "Perhaps you do not know, Your Majesty—the Immortal Peach Orchard is under the authority of the Queen Mother of the West. Peaches can only be harvested during the Grand Peach Banquet. Every immortal and guest receives a fixed allotment according to rank; they cannot be casually obtained."
"Is that so?" The Monkey King lounged crookedly on his throne, crossed one leg over the other, and dug at his ear. "That's your problem, not mine. All I know is, trading King Broadgaze for peaches is already a bargain sale. If I have to lose even more, I'd rather let him rot in the dungeon."
The Monkey King looked utterly unconcerned. Clerk Zeng Yun, however, responded with a smile.
"Your Majesty, I must remind you: I am here only because General Lee, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, remembers King Broadgaze's past service and sent me on his behalf. If it becomes public that King Broadgaze has been captured... Forget Heaven—even among mortals, a war general dying on the battlefield is fate; there is absolutely no precedent for ransoming someone with goods. If this is allowed, wouldn't every demon in the mortal world start kidnapping Heavenly generals for leverage? So, if you truly wish to reach an agreement and gain some benefit, I ask you to choose another request."
With that, he swept his sleeve and watched the Monkey King closely out of the corner of his eye.
So this is their bottom line?
The Monkey King stroked his chin, pondering for a while before asking, "So General Lee intends to trade what for King Broadgaze's return? Surely he's not hoping to catch a wolf with bare hands?"
General Lee's offer is to grant Blossom Mountain six months of peace. Any longer, and even a promise would be meaningless.
'Six months?' The Monkey King snorted, gently stroking his Cloudwalker Staff, and cast a meaningful glance at Clerk Evan Zane. 'Six months of peace—do I need his permission for that? How is this any different from catching a wolf with bare hands?'
Clerk Evan Zane slowly turned his face away and sighed. 'Let me offer a word of advice, Your Majesty: know when to quit while you're ahead, and don't be overconfident. You wiped out ten thousand of my South Heaven Gate troops—a grave crime. If not for General Lee's regard for King Broadgaze, the Heavenly army would have already crushed Blossom Mountain. Allowing me to stand here and negotiate is a mercy. Don't miss your chance, or you'll regret it.'
'Clashing armies serve their own masters—where's the crime in that? Envoy, you're joking.' The Monkey King slowly stood, gripping his Cloudwalker Staff, and stepped down from the throne, circling the envoy as he spoke. 'Here's my reply to General Lee: I want peaches of immortality—not just one, but a hundred, all fully aged. If you refuse, tell King Broadgaze not to hope anymore.'
Clerk Evan Zane froze for a moment, then sneered, 'A hundred? Your Majesty, that's quite a demand.'
'This isn't an outrageous demand—it's a fixed price, and I don't intend to bargain. If General Lee disagrees, there's no point in continuing these talks.'
Clerk Evan Zane listened expressionlessly, saying nothing, as if weighing something in his mind.
'As for—!' The Monkey King finished circling Clerk Evan Zane and stopped. 'Whether Blossom Mountain is safe doesn't depend on General Lee's promises, but on the staff in my hand. If he wants war, let him come.'
With that, the Monkey King smirked at Clerk Evan Zane, whose face turned green and purple. He enunciated each word: 'Do you agree?'
Clerk Evan Zane's lips twitched, and doubt crept into his heart.