NOVEL NEXT Chapter 648: 357
"I want you to keep an eye on that little one until he grows up," the Demon whispered softly.
This order left the two of them somewhat puzzled; after all, as Demons known for harming and devouring humans, protecting a little one's safe growth was unheard of.
Little did they know the agony of the Demon, whose Precious Lotus Lantern was merged inside Xiao Chenxiang. If threatened, it would naturally activate its guardian function. The more often it was triggered, the closer the bond between Xiao Chenxiang and the Precious Lotus Lantern, which might eventually lead to complete control. By then, seizing it would be impossible—it would be better to let him grow up unharmed and then find a way to trick him into handing over the Precious Lotus Lantern.
"Just do what you're told, and don't ask why," the Demon said coldly, looking at their puzzled faces. The power in his voice caused them to sweat profusely, daring not to think further.
After issuing these orders, the Demon conjured up a black wind and vanished in front of the two little Demons, leaving them envious of such a skill, wondering when they would be able to master it themselves.
However, neither the Demon nor the two little Demons noticed that during their conversation, two figures in the sky were quietly observing them—it was Monkey and Lu Yu who had arrived.
"Scholar, your Divine Skills are really useful. That Demon didn't notice at all," Monkey said enviously. Such Divine Skills were perfect for thievery; if he could learn it and combine it with his seventy-two transformations, who knew what tricks he could pull off.
"So, you want to learn?" Lu Yu asked with a smile.
Monkey shook his head and said, "Never mind, your Divine Skills are too complicated for me. Just looking at all that stuff gives me a headache, I can't learn it, I just can't."
How could he not be envious of Divine Skills like Illusory Flowers Reflective Moon? Unfortunately, this Divine Skill was a new one built by Lu Yu using modern thinking, full of details Monkey simply couldn't grasp, let alone learn, so after several attempts, he had no choice but to give up.
"You have exceptional talent. If you could settle down and ponder carefully, you would definitely be able to learn it," Lu Yu scoffed playfully. Monkey was naturally a gifted genius—given time, he could certainly master it; it was just a matter of how long it would take.
"Your Divine Skills don't suit me; let's not force it," Monkey admitted. Divine Skills deeply colored by personal nuances often led others astray when trying to learn them.
While they were talking, they saw the Demon conjure a Demon Wind to sweep away. Monkey instantly reached for his Golden Hoop and leaped to action, but Lu Yu stopped him.
"Scholar, what are you doing? Let Lao Shun deal with this Demon," Monkey asked, puzzled.
Lu Yu, however, smiled and shook his head, "No rush. That Demon has just completed a possession and is greatly weakened in Primordial Qi; he wouldn't dare cause any trouble for a while. Let's keep him as a whetstone for my apprentice; splitting Mountain Hua to save his mother won't be easy and requires great perseverance."
Monkey then held back; since this matter arose because of him, he was naturally very concerned, and Lu Yu, being a renowned master in all three realms, was certainly trustworthy to listen to.
"However, just in case, go to Mountain Hua and reveal your aura. Scare him a bit so he dares not act rashly," Lu Yu said softly.
So, he and Monkey flew to Mountain Hua. When Monkey released his formidable aura, it instantly swept across the area, causing all the Demons of Mountain Hua to humbly bow their heads. Not long ago, Yang Jian had also arrived in anger, his aura equally terrifying. Today another terrifying aura visited.
And compared to Yang Jian's more robust aura, Monkey's contained an even more ferocious edge, making the Demons even more terrified, with the most cowardly already planning to flee the area to avoid any repercussions from these powerful beings.
The practicing Demon in his cave also sensed this tyrannical and terrifying aura and couldn't help but spew fresh blood; having just completed a possession, his body was riddled with vulnerabilities, and the shock from Monkey's aura made his old injuries recur.
"Damn, that's the aura of the Great Sage Equalling Heaven; what is this catastrophe doing on Mountain Hua."
Among the Demons, Monkey's reputation far exceeded Yang Jian's, primarily because this True Monarch rarely acted since his Divine Enthronement. As time passed, those Demons who had cultivated after the Divine Enthronement rarely witnessed his might.
Meanwhile, Monkey's reputation had surged in the last few centuries, with glorious deeds of causing havoc in the heavens; initially, he had even raised his banner in revolt on Huaguo Mountain, gathering countless Demons and thus spreading his name across every corner of the three realms.
For such an entity, the Demon was extremely fearful; this was a real calamity. Journey to the West saw many renowned Demon Kings fall at his hands; even if he were at full strength, he would avoid Monkey, let alone now, with only a fraction of his power remaining.
"It seems the Precious Lotus Lantern incident has alarmed him; I need to stay well-hidden to avoid an unwarranted death," the Demon muttered to himself.
Having handled this matter, Lu Yu left Mountain Hua with Monkey. After all, Xiao Chenxiang needed time to grow, and they didn't have enough time to attend to his upbringing. Fortunately, Liu Yanchang was still there, and it was believed that he would take on the responsibilities of a father.
Meanwhile, in the shadows, the Six Brothers of Meishan were hiding near Mountain Hua. Although Yang Jian was stern verbally, he was deeply tender-hearted towards his sister, unable to bear letting Xiao Chenxiang live too harshly.