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

"Unless a person emerges who can resonate with the four elements of Qitian Temple..."

"Does such an individual exist?"

Fang Hanshu shook his head; the factions stood in direct opposition, so how could any cultivator possibly align with every one of the four?

Combining demons and Buddhas, linked to the Prison Lotus, and tied to the Dark Heavenly Court...

What sort of freakish being would that represent?

In any event, Fang Hanshu simply couldn’t picture it.

Still, a subtle chill stirred within his heart.

Fang Hanshu’s eyes shifted to Li Che, who donned the Divine Monkey Mask.

He murmured in a low voice.

"Even the Underworld... likely couldn’t achieve it, could it?"

His voice carried a hint of uncertainty, unlike the firm conviction from before.

The primary reason was... the Underworld’s influence on him had been overwhelmingly profound.

That power appeared utterly inscrutable.

"Is that... demon energy?!"

All of a sudden.

Lv Taibai cried out in shock, his finger aimed at the Divine Monkey’s location, where he spotted on the Divine Monkey...

An abrupt surge of incredibly thick demon energy!

...

...

Rumble——

Demon energy exploded from the body, the Ten Thousand Demon Emperor Tao Fruit trembled intensely, squeezing every strand of demon energy, as though the entire world grew shadowed.

The Monkey King, perched upon the throne, halted briefly, then pressed his palms together in a gesture resembling fluttering butterfly wings.

"So you’re one of my demon kin! Delighted to meet you, delighted indeed!"

The Monkey King abruptly bounded from the throne, hauling Li Che—who was unleashing demon energy and seemingly evolving into a supreme Great Demon—up to share the seat.

Surrounding them, the fearsome presence of the Demon Saints appeared to ease notably.

The waterfall cascaded down, thundering in mighty surges.

Huaguo Mountain brimmed with soaring demon energy, with innumerable demon monkeys dashing excitedly across the peaks, gathering fruits and offering them in stone basins.

Bonfires blazed high, a wild boar slaughtered and skewered on sticks, positioned over the flames to roast until golden, with juices sizzling into the fire, sending sparks scattering.

Red-faced monkeys bustled about, serving exquisite wine to each Demon Saint.

The lush aroma of the wine permeated the atmosphere.

Pulled by the Monkey King to take a seat, Li Che savored the fine wine, munched on fruits and veggies, and felt utterly relaxed.

These members of the demon race proved remarkably straightforward, reveling in a raw, unadulterated joy unique to their kind.

Though Li Che hadn’t particularly favored the demon race before, his attitude toward them softened a touch now.

Naturally, what Li Che encountered here was the jubilant demon race within the Temple God Resonance, not the ones from the Deceit Demon Cave he dealt with in reality.

The demons of the Deceit Demon Cave aimed at his daughter, seeking to claim her—this he could never forgive, and Li Che would strike without mercy or hesitation.

If elimination was required, then he would eliminate them.

In the past, when his cultivation fell short, against foes who threatened his daughter by coveting her, Li Che had no choice but to hold back and bide his time.

But now, Li Che possessed the assurance and strength to counter and settle such disputes right away.

The festivities with the demon race stretched on for an indefinite period.

Li Che lost track of how much Monkey Wine he consumed, ending up unexpectedly intoxicated, his head spinning and senses muddled.

Upon awakening, he discovered himself soaring on clouds, with the Monkey King at his side.

Yet, it might not qualify as the Monkey King any longer, since he sported an official’s hat cocked to one side, draped in vibrant robes that lent him a somewhat ridiculous air.

"Do you reckon this king occupies a lofty post in the Heavenly Court?"

The Monkey King grinned, baring his teeth.

Then he hopped about playfully, narrowing his eyes: "Serving in a top role at the Heavenly Court is fantastic—my monkey folk on Huaguo Mountain can live in peace because their ruler holds such prestige!"

"They’ve got powerful allies, solid backing; even battling beasts from neighboring peaks, just mentioning their king gives them prestige, allowing a life of ease and delight!"

The Monkey King chuckled heartily.

The Monkey King snatched a peach, chomped down a couple of times, and tossed it away carelessly, casting a sideways look at Li Che: "Are you in office?"

Li Che felt somewhat stupefied.

Was he an official?

Meeting the Monkey King’s gaze, he offered a gentle smile and shook his head.

"No."

He remained unbound by titles, roaming freely without constraints.

No trace of letdown appeared in the Monkey King’s expression; rather, a spark of ease flickered there.

"Staying clear of office is wise—what’s appealing about it... donning a hat daily, forced to act solemn, no freedom whatsoever."

The Monkey King shook his head.

"This king rather envies your way."

Buzz buzz buzz——

As soon as the words escaped, Li Che’s sight wavered once more, and he sensed his resonance had advanced substantially.

Li Che had wavered on the matter of officialdom.

Unsure of how to reply.

Truth be told, Li Che could have claimed official status, given his role as a Special Class Guest Elder at Qintian Observatory, which counted as a semi-official rank.

Yet Li Che opted to deny it in the end.

And clearly, his choice rang true.

In the realm of Qitian, he had no desire for official ties.

Visions kept shifting; the Monkey King secured a stable position in the Heavenly Court, shielding his monkey subjects on Huaguo Mountain via his rank.

Later, at the Peach Festival’s start, uninvited, he slipped into the Immortal Peach Garden, gobbled down the flat peaches, and even scolded a fairy.

The Monkey King bit into a flat peach, discarded it on the ground, let out a satisfied belch, and shot Li Che a sidelong glance.