All of Avalon Mountain knew that Anna Yang had defected to Crescent Star Cave. If only she could do the same...
When Shirley Shi spoke those words, she stared blankly at the Monkey King, her eyes brimming with hope.
This, perhaps, was her only hope.
Upon hearing those words, the Monkey King fell silent.
"I only ask to leave Avalon Mountain. Please, Grandmaster, take me in. For the rest of my life, I am willing to serve you, no matter what!" Shirley Shi bowed her head, her fair forehead striking the gravel hard. Though she did not bleed, the sound was enough to make one's heart ache.
In the world of immortals, beauty offers no advantage over others. More often than not, it simply brings more trouble.
Take Heather Yu, for example—wronged and killed.
Shirley Shi kept her head bowed, as if awaiting a verdict on her fate.
The Monkey King stood there for a long moment, unsure of what to say.
If the Monkey King only nodded, she would be accepted into Crescent Star Cave, and then it would be perfectly reasonable for her to leave with them and return to Crescent Star Cave.
"Eugene Yuno? Whose disciple is that?"
"Quentin Xu's disciple."
Skylar Loft was clearly a bit confused. He scratched his head and clicked his tongue, sighing, "There sure are a lot of people in the Chan Sect. How many generations of disciples is this now? Ah... As long as they're not from Master Taiyi's line, it's fine. His price is too steep for me."
"It's not Master Taiyi's lineage, it's Julius Sun's," Shirley Shi said, counting her masters one by one on her fingers, making the Monkey King dizzy just watching.
Cultivation sects are different from mortal Daoist sects—especially those who have attained the Great Dao. Every master and grandmaster is still around, forming a long, long line. Explaining your lineage is no easy task.
"Julius Sun..." Skylar Loft squinted, pondering for a while before asking, "Didn't he become a Buddha?"
"Yes. But he still has disciples in the Chan Sect."
"Oh. Then this lineage is easy to handle. Your cultivation is only at the Nascent Soul stage, not as renowned as Anna Yang. Besides, I sold Anna Yang for a high price, so tossing in a bonus for myself is reasonable. This matter can be settled by talking to your master."
"Huh? Sold Anna Yang? Bonus?" Shirley Shi was completely baffled.
"Ah, you'll understand in time."
Skylar Loft really had a knack for collecting disciples. Moments ago, he looked forced and helpless, but now he was all smiles as he led Shirley Shi to meet Jade Cauldron and Anna Yang.
Jade Cauldron praised her endlessly, while Anna Yang, as the senior sister, barely acknowledged her, leaving Skylar Loft a bit embarrassed.
But he was used to awkward moments anyway.
The Monkey King watched from afar, leaning on his staff. Seeing Shirley Shi laughing like a blooming flower, he felt much more at ease.
By afternoon, Skylar Loft took Shirley Shi to Rainflower Monastery, with Jade Cauldron tagging along, worried that Sister May might be difficult to talk to.
Before leaving, Skylar Loft pulled the Monkey King aside and whispered, "Want me to take care of that eyesore Louis Wang for you?"
"Can you really do that?" The Monkey King eyed him suspiciously.
"Of course I can. Killing him? Anytime, anywhere—he wouldn't have a chance to run. But, killing someone on Kunlun Mountain could stir up some trouble. You know how Master Taiyi is. Still, if you agree to stay in Golden Mist Cave for a year, I won't mind the hassle!"
"Then forget it."
Skylar Loft furrowed his thick brows, staring meaningfully at the Monkey King's icy expression. "Forget it, huh? If you say so, I'll really let it go. But if any trouble comes up later, don't blame me for not helping."
"I won't blame you."
Hearing the Monkey King's firm reply, Skylar Loft said nothing more. He shook his head and led Shirley Shi and Jade Cauldron toward Rainflower Monastery.
It was sunset by the time they returned, chatting and laughing as they walked along the mountain path.
Shirley Shi carried a bundle on her back, a faint smile on her face, with traces of tears at the corners of her eyes.
The Monkey King stood at the entrance, leaning on his staff, and gave Skylar Loft a look. "What's wrong?" he asked.
Skylar Loft grinned and glanced back at Shirley Shi. "Girls always shed a few tears at parting. After all, her master raised her for years."
"Her master didn't say anything?"
"No, just asked for her own opinion, then agreed. Even thanked us profusely. Our Nine Immortal Disciples of Slanting Moon Three-Star Cave are just a notch below the Twelve Golden Immortals. Compared to these third- or fifth-generation disciples, we're leagues ahead. Besides, their lineage on Kunlun Mountain has no roots or backing. Hmm, wait—soon it'll be the Ten Immortal Disciples. By the way, Brother Wukong, have you thought about your Daoist name? 'Wukongzi'... that sounds weird."
The Monkey King rolled his eyes. "How about 'Daoist Wukong'?"
Skylar Loft frowned. "No way, it doesn't rhyme with ours, not the same style. How about I pick an auspicious day and host a ceremony, invite some mortal scholars to come up with a name that's both elegant and poetic?"
"Who says I have to match you guys?" The Monkey King shot him a look and turned to walk into the cave.