But Xiang Xian’s refusal to draw the sword wasn’t the main reason for Xiao Kun’s anger days ago. The true cause was that Xiang Xian had agreed to become the Exorcism Division Deputy Envoy, pledging loyalty and duty to him.
Yet soon after, Xiao Kun discovered that Xiang Xian still saw himself as part of the Great Song Exorcism Division in Bianjing. After the Chengdu battle, his first instinct was to report back to Guo Jing in Kaifeng, still viewing him as his direct superior.
This proved that Xiang Xian’s earlier promise was just a temporary placation.
Xiao Kun valued loyalty above his own life. To him, reneging on a promise was intolerable, which had made him furious at the time. Considering their recent acquaintance and Xiang Xian’s constant care, Xiao Kun didn’t want to lose this friend. He convinced himself it was just Xiang Xian’s nature—not taking promises seriously.
Xiao Kun had done his utmost to suppress his anger, opting instead for parting ways.
After the fall of Shangjing, he had lost so much: a home that barely qualified as one, the Liao Kingdom, even Sa Luan whom he protected. Xiang Xian had brought rare light to those dark days. Better to part on good terms.
“What’s wrong?” Xiang Xian was explaining their deeds in Guanjiangkou and Chengdu to Wu Yingzong when he noticed Xiao Kun had stopped, standing lost in thought on the mountain trail.
“The Dragon Soaring Jade fell into the river,” Xiao Kun said, remembering the magic treasure.
Xiang Xian was shocked. “Where? When did it drop?”
Xiao Kun paused silently, then said, “You go ahead. I’ll go back and find it.”
“You’re joking! No way,” Xiang Xian said. “The river water is too cold. I’ll go. I don’t mind the cold.”
Xiang Xian undid his outer robe, tying it around his waist with only his undergarment on top, and said, “You point out the spot for me. I’ll dive in after resting a bit.”
Wu Yingzong signaled to wait and asked, “What does it look like?”
Xiao Kun gestured with his hands. “A magic treasure passed down from my father, sealed with a dragon’s soul inside. It’s fine. I’ll find it. After I recover a little, it will glow from the riverbed. With some time, I can spot it.”
Wu Yingzong stood in the center of the trail, pursed his fingers to his lips, and blew a loud, resonant whistle toward the mountains. The whistle echoed far and long, wave after wave rippling out. The mountains erupted in massive clamor, as if beasts were responding. Before the time it took for one incense stick to burn, apes appeared across the riverbanks and gorges on both sides, covering the hills and wilderness, all gazing at Wu Yingzong.
Wu Yingzong emitted a series of strange syllables—varied in length, all guttural roars from his throat. He then circled his left thumb and forefinger to indicate the size. The apes scattered in a rush, heading to the riverbank.
Wu Yingzong said politely, “Lord Xiao, please don’t worry. Once they find it, they’ll bring it over.”
“Thanks.” Xiao Kun breathed a sigh of relief.
A young man came running down from higher up the trail, flustered. “Are you all okay? You scared me to death!”
Chaosheng had arrived. He had been left on the riverbank and had used the Mountains and Rivers Sheji Map to help at first, but the Ba She quickly escaped its influence. Unable to fly, he anxiously pursued on foot, only for the beast to vanish.
From above, he heard Wu Yingzong’s howl and intuited it related to Xiang Xian and the others. Rushing over, he finally saw the two good brothers—exhausted but at least intact.
“Where’s that big monster? Why did it suddenly appear… Huh?” Chaosheng came face-to-face with Wu Yingzong.
“This is Little Brother Chaosheng,” Xiang Xian said to Wu Yingzong.
Chaosheng: “Ah…”
Xiao Kun’s heart skipped a beat.
Wu Yingzong was ever graceful and said to Chaosheng, “Hello.”
Chaosheng said, “You look… so majestic! Big Brother! You’re… you’re…”
Xiang Xian now understood Xiao Kun hadn’t exaggerated, while Xiao Kun was reminded once more of Yuzhou’s warning.
“See now?” Xiao Kun whispered.
Xiang Xian covered his face with one hand, witnessing Chaosheng’s pattern of falling for everyone he met.
Chaosheng hurried right up to Wu Yingzong.
“You’re an Ape Immortal!” Chaosheng exclaimed, looking up in surprise. “Wow, it’s my first time seeing an Ape Immortal! You must have at least two hundred years of cultivation!”
Wu Yingzong: “…………”
This was the first time Wu Yingzong had his origins called out upon meeting, instantly undermining his confidence in his lifelong cultivation. He subconsciously touched his cheek and said, “Don’t I look human? Is it that obvious?”
“No, your cultivation is excellent! You’re almost indistinguishable from a human!” Chaosheng eyed him as if wanting to climb up and cling to his back.
“He’s the Big Brother housekeeper who takes care of my daily needs,” Xiang Xian said. “Chaosheng, my left hand is a bit sprained. Could you take a look?”
Chaosheng had already latched onto Wu Yingzong’s arm, utterly enamored—like a small animal spotting a gentle large beast it wanted to play with. His eyes were fixed only on Wu Yingzong now.
“Your hand will be fine on its own in a bit. Big Brother, you have no beastly traits at all! Ah! I like you so much! I love you the most! I love you apes the most! You’re so smart, handsome, and spirited! Do you want to go to Kunlun Mountain? Come with me. I’ll introduce you to Pi Changge!”
Chaosheng preferred animals over people and always wanted to get close to them—especially a great demon like Wu Yingzong, who had cultivated a human form and could speak!
Though Wu Yingzong’s looks didn’t match Xiang Xian or Xiao Kun’s handsomeness, he was still a rare majestic man.
The scene puzzled Xiang Xian. What were Chaosheng’s standards for liking someone? At first, he thought it might be looks, but Wu Yingzong clearly didn’t have their skinship appeal, yet Chaosheng pursued him fervently—not just admiration, but outright courtship.
Chaosheng gazed at Wu Yingzong with shining eyes and continued clinging, even trying to climb onto him at their first meeting.
