"Little Nine, your smile is too restrained."
Ye Qinghe's voice rang out clearly.
She strode over, planted her hands on her hips, and drew her qi down into her Dantian. Then she laughed loudly, her laughter rolling across the mountain like thunder, startling birds into chaotic flight.
"See? Laugh like this from now on. Your enemies will fear you by at least three points!"
Ning Qi fell silent.
If he laughed like that, people would think he had already achieved Dao enlightenment.
Seeing his helpless expression, Ye Qinghe laughed even harder, her earlier irritation completely swept away.
"In terms of comprehension, I can't compare with you," she said smugly, "but in other aspects, Little Nine, you're still too young."
She did not ask what stance Ning Qi had comprehended.
She was curious—of course she was—but she also knew better than to ask. Some truths were better left unknown, lest they wound one's Dao heart.
The two lingered on the stone platform for a long while.
Drinking monkey wine, watching the sunset, the mountain breeze brushing past—it was rare leisure. Ye Qinghe felt as if the gloom she had carried for days had been completely washed away.
"Little Nine, you really are a lucky star," she said cheerfully. "Next time you sneak out to play, you must bring Senior Sister along."
Then she stopped the Little White Ape, which was about to pour more wine, and stood up, brushing the dust from her robes.
"It's time to head back."
Ning Qi nodded with a smile.
He looked at the Little White Ape and said lightly,
"Meeting is fate. Hopefully next time we meet, you won't be chased by Long-Armed Apes again."
Ye Qinghe laughed along.
"Yes, yes. That was far too embarrassing, little monkey."
Still, she could tell this White Ape was not ordinary. After eating the strange red fruits, its aura had subtly changed. Perhaps its potential simply had not yet awakened.
The White Ape scratched its head, looking embarrassed.
Two people and one ape passed back through the water curtain, through the cave, and into the mountain forest. The last traces of sunset faded, and shadows stretched long among the trees.
The White Ape looked at them unwillingly.
It waved its arms, clearly wanting them to stay.
Ning Qi shook his head gently.
"We must return to the sect. It's late, and the mountain forest is dangerous. You should go back as well."
With that, the two waved and walked away.
The White Ape stood there, watching their retreating figures. A struggle flickered in its eyes.
It was intelligent.
It could tell good from evil.
In this short time, these two had helped it drive away the Long-Armed Apes that often bullied it. They had not stolen its fruits, nor harmed it. If they were like the humans it had met before, it would have already lost its life.
As their figures neared the edge of the forest, something stirred deep in its mind.
The scene of Ning Qi practicing earlier resurfaced—the golden ape seeking the Dao, fists questioning heaven.
The White Ape's eyes slowly became resolute.
With a sudden burst of courage, it let out two sharp cries and rushed forward.
Ning Qi and Ye Qinghe were chatting when they both stopped abruptly.
They turned back in surprise.
The White Ape was panting heavily, having scrambled to their side.
Ye Qinghe laughed.
"So? Now you want to cling to us?"
The White Ape took a moment to steady its breath.
Then—
It knelt.
Kowtowing respectfully before Ning Qi, no different from a human disciple.
Both Ning Qi and Ye Qinghe were stunned.
Ye Qinghe exclaimed in amazement,
"It's not clinging to us—it's clinging to you, Little Nine."
Ning Qi asked calmly,
"You want to come back with us?"
The White Ape's eyes lit up. It nodded frantically, gesturing over and over, then hesitated, as if worried about something.
Ning Qi understood.
Earlier, the White Ape had tried to imitate his stance. What it sensed was the echo of the Ten Thousand Manifestations Source Pillar.
Ye Qinghe took a sip of wine and laughed.
"This little monkey was secretly learning earlier. Now it wants to follow you back to practice your stance."
Ning Qi smiled wryly.
The Ten Thousand Manifestations Source Pillar was no ordinary technique. Even geniuses like Qin Yun might not comprehend it, let alone a strange beast.
At most, the White Ape had sensed something suitable for itself.
Ye Qinghe snorted.
"This little monkey really lacks discernment! I'm clearly stronger than you, yet it chose you instead!"
The White Ape immediately broke into a flattering grin and even raised a thumb toward her.
Ye Qinghe burst out laughing, her mood bright.
She then looked at Ning Qi and said seriously,
"Little Nine, why don't we take it back? The True Martial Sect can afford to raise one more little monkey."
That was not her only reason.
She felt Ning Qi was too lonely.
A child who spent his days cultivating and reading alone—such isolation could harden a heart. This lively White Ape might serve as good companionship.
Ning Qi considered briefly, then nodded.
The White Ape might not learn his stance, but perhaps he could create a simplified version suited for beasts.
What would happen if a strange beast practiced Human Race martial arts?
The thought intrigued him.
He looked at the White Ape.
It immediately stiffened.
Ning Qi smiled faintly.
"Alright. You can come with us."
The White Ape's eyes widened, then it erupted in joy—rolling, jumping, and swinging through the forest wildly.
Ning Qi and Ye Qinghe exchanged smiles.
Night had already fallen by the time they returned to the True Martial Sect. Otherwise, two people and a white ape would have drawn far too much attention.
Ye Qinghe first hid away the monkey wine, then circulated her inner strength to dispel the alcohol.
"Let's go," she said. "We should inform Master."
After all, they had brought back a strange beast to stay beside Ning Qi.
Ning Qi nodded.
The White Ape, however, grew nervous.
From the moment it stepped into the sect, it felt uneasy.
Ning Qi reassured it softly,
"Don't worry. Master is kind."
The White Ape relaxed slightly and followed closely.
"Disciple greets Master."
The two bowed. The White Ape hesitated, then copied them.
Dragon Mountain Daoist looked at Ning Qi kindly. Ning Qi rarely came unless he faced difficulties.
Then he glanced at Ye Qinghe, shaking his head faintly. Even without the smell of wine, how could he not notice?
Ye Qinghe blushed and shifted awkwardly.
His gaze then moved behind them.
The White Ape tried to hide behind Ning Qi—but Ning Qi was only four years old, while the ape was taller than him. The sight was unintentionally amusing.
Dragon Mountain Daoist's eyes narrowed slightly.
Ye Qinghe hurriedly spoke,
"Master, I was just about to report!"
She recounted everything in detail—from the Iron Arm Ape, to the Secret Manual, to the strange scenery, and finally the White Ape following them back.
"This is the manual it gave us."
Ning Qi took out Ice Silkworm Strength.
Dragon Mountain Daoist listened quietly, gradually sinking into contemplation.