As a father, I just want to quietly watch you live a long life Chapter 1756 - 457: A Monkey Who Defies Heaven Dwells in the Heart, Gathering the Last Qitian Mask Piece
Previously on As a father, I just want to quietly watch you live a long life...
"Only if a person emerges who can harmonize with the four aspects of the Qitian Temple..."
"Does such an individual exist?"
Fang Hanshu shook his head; the sects stood in opposition by nature, so how could any cultivator emerge that matches every single one?
Combining demons and Buddhas, tied to the Prison Lotus, and linked to the Dark Heavenly Court...
What sort of freakish existence would that represent?
In any case, Fang Hanshu found it impossible to picture.
Yet, a faint chill crept into his heart.
Fang Hanshu's eyes shifted to Li Che, masked with the Divine Monkey Mask.
He murmured under his breath.
"Not even the Underworld... could pull that off, could they?"
His voice carried a hint of uncertainty, differing from his earlier confidence.
The key reason was... the Underworld's influence on him had been overwhelmingly profound.
That power appeared utterly unbreakable.
"Could that be... demon energy?!"
All of a sudden.
Lv Taibai cried out, gesturing toward the Divine Monkey's position; he was shocked to see the Divine Monkey...
Abruptly surging with incredibly thick demon energy!
...
...
Rumble——
Demon energy exploded from the body, the Ten Thousand Demon Emperor Tao Fruit trembled, squeezing every bit of demon energy, making the surroundings seem darkened.
The Monkey King, perched on his throne, halted briefly, then brought his hands together in front, resembling the dance of fluttering butterflies.
"So you're part of my demon kin! Delighted to meet you, delighted to meet you!"
The Monkey King abruptly jumped off the throne, hauling Li Che—who was unleashing demon energy and seeming to evolve into a supreme Great Demon—up onto the throne beside him.
The fearsome presence of the surrounding Demon Saints appeared to ease quite a bit.
The waterfall cascaded down, thundering in mighty surges.
Huaguo Mountain brimmed with soaring demon energy; myriad demon monkeys dashed gleefully across the peaks, gathering fruits and offering them in stone basins.
Campfire blazes leaped high; a wild boar was butchered, skewered on sticks, placed over the fire, grilling until golden, with juices falling to create crackling sparks.
Monkeys with flushed faces served exquisite wine to every Demon Saint.
The lush aroma of the wine drifted everywhere.
Pulled by the Monkey King, Li Che settled into a seat, sipped the fine brew, munched on fruits and veggies, and felt quite at ease.
The demon folk here were straightforward, reveling in a raw, genuine joy typical of their kind.
At first, Li Che held no particular affection for demons, yet now his feelings toward them warmed a little.
Naturally, the demons Li Che encountered were these merry ones from the Temple God Resonance, not those from the current Deceit Demon Cave.
The Deceit Demon Cave's demons aimed at his daughter, sought to seize her—that was unforgivable; Li Che would strike without mercy or hesitation.
If killing was necessary, then he would kill.
In the past, with insufficient cultivation, when foes lusting after his daughter threatened her, Li Che had to hold back and bide his time before striking.
But these days, Li Che possessed the power and assurance to strike back and settle scores right away.
The festivity with the demons lasted for who knows how long.
Li Che lost track of the Monkey Wine he consumed, ending up surprisingly intoxicated, his head spinning and senses muddled.
Upon waking, he discovered he was soaring on clouds, with the Monkey King by his side.
Though it might not be fitting to call him the Monkey King any longer, as he sported an official hat cocked to one side, clad in vibrant robes that looked rather amusing.
"Do you reckon this king has a lofty role in the Heavenly Court?"
The Monkey King grinned, baring his fangs.
Then he bounced about playfully, narrowing his eyes: "Having a top spot in the Heavenly Court is fantastic; my monkey folk on Huaguo Mountain can live in peace since their ruler is a big shot official!"
"They've got protection and clout; even battling beasts from neighboring hills, just name-dropping their king gives them prestige, letting them roam free and joyful!"
The Monkey King chuckled heartily.
Snatching a peach, the Monkey King chomped down a few times before tossing it away, casting a sly look at Li Che: "Are you some kind of official?"
Li Che felt somewhat stunned.
Was he an official?
Meeting the Monkey King's gaze, he gave a gentle smile and shook his head.
"No."
He remained unbound by titles, roaming freely without constraints.
The Monkey King's eyes showed little regret, but rather a touch of ease.
"Staying clear of officialdom is wise; what's appealing about it... stuck wearing that hat daily, forced to act all formal, no freedom whatsoever."
The Monkey King shook his head.
"This king somewhat envies you."
Buzz buzz buzz——
As soon as the words escaped, Li Che's sight swam once more; he sensed his resonance had grown substantially.
Li Che had wavered over the matter of officialdom.
Unsure of what to say.
Truth be told, Li Che might have claimed he was an official, holding as he did the role of Special Class Guest Elder at Qintian Observatory, akin to a semi-official post.
Yet Li Che ultimately opted to deny it.
And clearly, his choice proved right.
Within Qitian, he had no desire for official status.
Visions kept shifting; the Monkey King maintained his post in the Heavenly Court, shielding his Huaguo Mountain monkeys via his rank.
Next, with the Peach Festival underway and uninvited, he slipped into the Immortal Peach Garden, gobbled up the flat peaches, and even scolded a fairy.
Biting into a flat peach, the Monkey King discarded it on the ground, let out a satisfied belch, and shot Li Che a sideways glance.